Which Ducati

[North Coast Cab]

Been toying with the idea for a while and now it may become reality. I always liked the Monsters, but for the first time I need to seriously consider one.
I like the earlier bikes, mid to late 90's, and don't want to spend a fortune.

Comments from enthusiasts?

[nostatic]

if you know that's what you like, have at it. Carbs, desmo fun, just get one that is well sorted. There are tons of low mile tricked out Monsters here in SoCal...and some that have been ridden hard and put away wet with deferred maintenance. Ones that old often have been through multiple owners so the history might be sketchy. They are too cramped for my body, but ymmv. For older ones make sure the cam belts have been replaced as I understand they go with time regardless of mileage.

[VincentVega]

Find a clean mid 90's SS from SoCal. Then, sell it to me.

[johndglynn]

Mine is a 2000 Monster 750. Twin discs up front and running on carbs. Torque is great, weight is low, riding position is very comfortable even with stock bars. Sound is good and I am running factory cans. DIY maintenance is not a problem either. I absolutely love it.

[Jeff Higgins]

I've been curious about "which Duc" as well. My tastes run to the much older, like a bevel drive 900SS. Like a Hailwood replica (I think they came out in '78?).

I don't mind cantankerous, crotchety old bikes (easy there Todd; I know I teed that one up for you...). So if I were willing to put up with a level of maintenance somewhere between my old Ironhead Sportster and my old 911, what would be a good one to consider? Where would I even find one? I surf Craigslist and Bike Trader almost daily, and the older Ducs just don't come up.

[Britwrench]

I had a bevel drive SD900 Darmah, great fun, needed maintenance and repair more often than a Japanese bike. It had an annoying habit of if it didn't start the first time, you could kill the battery trying to get it to start. Also, the charging system is not what one would call capable of keeping the battery charged.

Currently have a 900SP, basically trouble free and a great ride. I bought it from one of the Pelican posters, Kie at Red Label Moto, give him a call if you want info on what's available at the moment.

[ERH]

http://www.cowin-tech.com/ducati/

Good ones from time to time...

No affiliation, etc.

Ed

[Noah930]

I'm starting to look for a Monster as well. I've been a fan ever since they came out in 1993. One good source of info (and they have a classified, as well) is the Ducati Monster List. Kinda like the Pelican of the Monster world.

I suppose you have to decide on your budget, and if you have a particular model in mind. 2-valve or 4? Displacement (600/620/695/750/803/900/1000/1000DS)? Carbs or FI?

Plenty of beautifully-maintained bikes out there. Plenty of abused ones, as well.

[Danny_Ocean]

I have two '90 750 Sports for sale. One is almost perfect, 4k mi., the other needs some polishing. Both run excellent. Package deal = $9k for both bikes together. Only 430 of these bikes were imported into the US and they have (slightly) more HP than the 750 Super Sport. PM for pics...



P.S. - The "Monster" is aptly named...ugly like Frankenstein!

[Noah930]

Hmmm. Beautiful bikes, Danny.

[JV911SYDNEY]

1098R - there is no substitute

(late 90s monsters are great too)

[Ducman]

My '93 900ss with lots of mods


My 2001 748R


Although the 748R was an incredible machine it was the 900 that I kept - it's now back to a street bike and I ride it a few times per year.

[HardDrive]

900ss.

[Noah930]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

900ss.

Possibly one of the most beautiful sportbikes ever made. Ever. (We're talking about the ones from the mid-90s. The aesthetic abomination that came out in '99 has got to be one of the ugliest.)

[North Coast Cab]

The 900SS is a sweet ride too. I love the tube frame visibility on that and the monster. I guess I need to spend some serious time mapping them out and figuring out which one I want.

[Ray B]

Very happy with the Monster for the short haul/twisty stuff. It's small potatoes on the Ducati scale but it makes me smile. Sounds great with the full Arrows. Make sure service is up to date-major services are $$$.

This is the proper tool for longer rides.

Have you considered a ZRX? Retro looks, relaible, good ergos and hauls a$$.

[javadog]

I ride a '98 916SPS. It's fun on a twisty road, but it's a pain in town. If I were to suggest a first Ducati, I'd pick the 900SS from the '90's. I'd buy one of the yellow 900SS Superlight bikes, from 1992 or so. See the pic below.

JR

[Ray B]

Just make sure you get the right bike!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AueJtPKfnJQ

[Zef]

A friend of mine got one....no reliabilty at all....always on repair..!

[JavaBrewer]

I'm not a Duc enthusiast but agree with Todd's choice - the Multistrada. Great seating position, wind protection, fun in mountains or highways, great sound. I can't decide if I like it more in red or black. The key is to ride a couple bikes before you buy.