I'm thinking of getting another bike. I like the Ducati Monster S4 but really don't want to spend the $..... definitely used. Sport bike but not full crotch rocket.... best value/performance.... fun at the Dragon etc..... any ideas?

 

1/2 your budget on protective gear and training.

Then if you like the monster, pickup a used older generation monster and spend a few $$$'s on the suspension. Racetech internals and setup for your weight and style.

Then show the clowns on their hyper-bikes what it is like to be able to ride around corners.

I have an Monster 900 with a lot of money in the suspension and a few engine mods and seriously enjoy out-carving high-dollar 1000cc squids.......

 

Protective gear is a must.....

 

Ditto on the protective gear. As for the bike itself, I don't think any Ducati will ever satisfy your criteria for "best value/performance", though. And I say that with love - my current ride is a Ducati ST2, and my bike before that was a Ducati Monster 900.

If you like the looks of the Monster, the Suzuki SV650 is similar, they're a lot cheaper to buy and maintain (depending on whether you have the dealer maintain the Duc or if you do it yourself), and the SV650 is a wildly-popular track bike for a reason. Bodywork is cheap and plentiful, and there are scads of high-quality suspension upgrades available for it.

But if you like the Duc, go for it. I don't think I'll ever be without at least one in the garage.

 

Here's a good board for you if you have specific model questions,etc:

http://www.ducatimonster.org/index.html

Between them and Craigslist you should be able to find a great used Duc

Monsters are great - like the Mini they stand out with style & handling*



*Handling varies by bike and set-up of course

 

Go with any of the Super Motard style bikes. Closest thing to a Mini in the hills .

 

My 2001 Triumph speed triple is for sale. $3500.00 plus kick butt custom paint is included. check it out on my website www.lambspeed.com under motorcycles section

 

.

 

I suggest that you try the Buell Firebolt XB12R. Lots of TQ at low rpm= perfect for twisties at the Dragon. The handling is amazing on those bikes and you can always go for the XB9R if you are on a budget


I say go for a test

 

You might consider a Honda VFR 800. Refined, as usual for Honda, does everything well including sport riding and sport touring and is bullet proof. Hard to find an all around bike to beat it.

 

I've never heard of this bike before, its a thumper I gather cause the twin would have to be :

 

I have owned Ducati's since sometime in the mid 80's.

I have owned other motorcycles at times, usually machines bought as 'daily riders' due to the rather temperamental nature of the Duc's.

I have a million horror stories about them, ranging from flaking paint that blocked a fuel pipe, that lead to scored cylinder walls to having to pee on a 916 to put out the fire when the power regulator combusted, not to mention flat batteries, blowing headlamp bulbs at just the wrong moment clutches that are made out of lasagne sheets and many other character building issues.

However, absolutely none of that has ever put me off getting another one

Servicing is on the horrific side of crazy, my 916 costs me at least $1500 every time it need attention, my Monster is cheaper at $800 or so, but my old GSXR never, ever topped $300.

Again, this has not put me off, but an SV650 - suggested earlier is much cheaper to maintain and faster (650 vs 600 or 750) too.

However, get out on a twisty road and you will suddenly realize why the expensive servicing, horrific part costs, spaghetti electricals, rusty welds and pieces that drop off and/or catch fire do not matter.

They are full of soul.......

 

You know, some Ducs may be problematic (and as always, like cars it can be luck of the draw) but from what I've seen from the Monster owners they are more often then not solid, and many do use them as the daily commuter and even do the work on them. That board I linked to has some good info and nice people. (My husband had a 916 years ago, that was a whole different story, he had some fun issues with it from what I've heard..). They do all have soul though, and having one makes it fun to root for the talented Mr. Stoner :D

Motards can be interesting bikes if you are tall enough for them, it all depends what characteristics you prefer - http://advrider.com/ or ktmtalk might be a good resource if that is what you are looking for.

Here's a nice one

 

Norton Commando. Get some soul!

 

Ducs! I've got an ST2 now. Love it. Pull bags and center stand off and it's fun at the track. Frame derived from 851. Great suspension. I've ridden mine to several different states (from Central TX a ways). Progressive classifies it as a (cough) touring bike here, so it's 1/5 the insurance of many other Ducs.

Wife has 900SS. Also a great bike. Not as flexible or comfortable, but lighter and faster. Much more expensive insurance and it's not even a hypersport. Still 2 valve heads so it's cheaper to service.

Valves aren't that hard. Just takes some time. Learning to do them saves a BUNCHA BUNCHA moolah!

Also had a Paso. (Triumphs-speed triple, daytona-also an FZR for sport bikes) Would like a 1098 some day, but ST2 is my favorite so far till I hit the lottery.

 

Yes, the ST2 is a great bike. Here's mine:


I know that it keeps getting more and more out-of-date, since the introduction of the ST4, ST4S, ST4SABS, ST3, etcetera, but I don't care - I still get chills when I fire it up, and it's done everything I've ever asked of it.

Now, if I decide to get a stablemate for it, the "tri-colore" 1098S is pretty sweet:

 

How about a screaming deal on a 1997 Bimota SB6-R???? Needs a bit of work, but seriously fast when running properly.

 

This is the hottest bike i have ever seen...i just got my lisence so that kind of bike is far off...but wow. Ducati didnt impress me with their 999 styling but this new one is amazing, especially in the tricolore guise.

I also enjoy almost any triumph...ive been partial to the daytona 675 lately. it looks awesome and is fast. but not for a long time.

Have you considered yamahas? i like the FZ-1 and ive heard good things about it, evn as a track bike.

I hope i dont hijack...but does anyone have a good reccomendation for a starter bike? and how much would someone like me pay for insurance? im 21...clean record.

I hope

 

I would secong the VFR. I've owned both a 91 and a 94 750 version of this and they were outstanding bikes. Large enough that you oan sit up straight if you wish or lean over and tuck for speed and the twisties. Miss mine, but with having to drive kids around 5-6 days a week I really can't come up with a case for owning a bike at the moment.

 

I wonder how hard is it to ride bikes?
I am very interested to take a course to get my license this summer..

I fell in love with monsters long ago.. and today, looking at the monster forums, its on.

 

MSF does a great course. They say it's worth 1yr street riding on your own. It's also a great way to learn to ride and fun. You can start from absolutely zero-no knowledge assumed, so don't let lack of prior riding stop you. It's also worth insurance discounts, and in many cases replaces the riding portion of the riding test. By all means take the course! You'll be glad you did.

 

I will second that!

Edit: Additionally the VFR will be staying at the Microtel the weekend of the MotD so you can talk to some other owners that weekend.

 

Take the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) course!!!!!! I don't ride at the moment, but it was well worth the money. The local DMV test in comparsion (free) is a joke. The MSF course is more than 1 year riding on your own.

Some of the things we did:

• proper braking
• panic stop
• panic stop while whilst turning in at speed
• turning at low speed and high speed

Plus classroom time. They emphasize safety and skill: the rider is responsible for their own safety - do not trust others to know you are there. One of the instructors was a longtime rider before he took the safety course - he wished he had taken it sooner. He soon became an advocate and instructor there after.

It's a good thing for us tin box drivers as well. Ain't the Mini a 4 wheeled 'cycle?

Back on topic. For starters, bikes I would like have:

• The new Bimmer sport bike (looks hot)
• SV650 for the reasons already listed.
• Duc Monster 900

Like I need another interest to spend on money on!

 

What about touring bikes?

I have always loved Ducatis but need a touring bike myself. Will probably end up with a Harley because I've always wanted one. Maybe a BMW, though.

 

The ST2 IS a touring bike!

I've also ridden my wife's SS across the country. Did IronButt on it. 1300mi in 30 hrs.