Sig change advice

Here goes. I wasn't thinking of changing the Bandit (at least, not this
side of next Spring) but today I have seen a bike for sale that might just
tempt me. Ducati Monster 620ie from 2004, white and red. No idea on miles,
history or anything sensible yet - I just thought I would ask for some
thoughts before I let myself get into "want" mode. The B12 is still newish
and in good order, and if I got the right price for it I could do the deal
with a little left over for Christmas.

I know it's slower, but outright speed isn't really an issue for me these
days. As long as it has enough to pass other traffic and cruise at 80-90,
that will do me. Thing is, I've always wanted a Ducati, and quite fancied a
Monstro when they first came out. I'd rather have a bike that sounds and
looks good, and handles well, than one with a top speed that is way above
anything I would use more than once in a blue moon. I only have one bike
(at least until I get more money together) and it is used for all-weather
commuting, weekend rides and general life-enhancing bikeownershipness. It
doesn't look as if it would be great 2-up, which might be an issue. A quick
search of the bog library suggests the little Duke is good fun, despite
modest performance.

To put it in perspective, I really *like* the Bandit, despite its lowly
status, cos it does everything I want it to and it does it all fairly well -
but this Ducati might fill the bike-shaped slot in my life even better. Or
not. Did I say I like V-twins?

Help me, for I know naaaathing about Ducatis and I know a lot of folk here
do. Talk me out of it, or talk me into it.

 

i have a couple of friends who owned the older monster 600 (1 boy 1 girl).
they both loved it. apparently the 620ie is very similar.

no, it's very uncomfortable for the pillion as the seat slopes backwards.

absolutely. also much less likely to go bang than one of the bigger ones.

avoid the dark version as it only has (or had, at one point) 1 front brake
disc which was a bit pants.

you might also consider the cagiva raptor 650 which has a slightly more
powerful (and more reliable) engine, although parts acquisition can be
painful.

 

Or just buy an SV. If you find the suspension holding you back,
spend a few quatloos on upgrades. Of course it doesn't have
the Ducati or Cagiva name on it, but there's not a sweeter 650
twin in existence.

 

Sucking his keyboard for inspiration, dog typed:

That matches what I've heard. Same but with usefully more power.

SWMBO may need some persuading, then. Best to get the basic will I/won't I
out of the way before I disturb her peace with it, then.

No big reliability issues, then?

Ahbutahbutahbut - there isn't a Cagiva calling out to me from the
dealership, is there? And I've never actually *desired* a Cagiva, TBH, so
the draw isn't there. I'e had a major hard-on for Ducatis since birth, but
never thought I could afford one - purchase or upkeep.

Thanks for the thoughts.

 

Mark Olson says...

The Cagiva Raptor 650 uses an SV650 engine.

--
Lozzo
Triumph Daytona 955i SE
Suzuki SV650 K3
Honda CBR600 F-W
Suzuki GSX-R750L
Yamaha SR250 SpazzTrakka

 

Rich B says...

SV650K3/4/5/6, they're great. Upgrade the suspension with a Gixer Thou
K1 rear shock and Racetech emulators/springs in the forks and you'll
have a bike that really handles as well.

--
Lozzo
Triumph Daytona 955i SE
Suzuki SV650 K3
Honda CBR600 F-W
Suzuki GSX-R750L
Yamaha SR250 SpazzTrakka

 

Yes, I did know that.

 

Sucking his keyboard for inspiration, Lozzo typed:

Thanks for all the help, guys, but it's missing the point a little. The
choice is between a Ducati on offer at a price I may be able to afford, and
keeping the B12 for the time being. Cagivas, SVs and the like are not in
the frame. They may be superb bikes, but I've never really *wanted* one,
still less considered chopping the B12 against one. As I've never ridden,
let alone owned, a Ducati, I have no frame of reference to decide whether
this would be a disastrous move or the best thing I could have done with my
time this week.

If no-one has any horror stories about the 620ie, then that's a help in
itself.

 

not that i heard of.

cut down version with cheaper components:

http://tinyurl.com/bb4p2

this newer one appears to have 2 front discs, but i've seen earlier models
that only had 1.

 

Sucking his keyboard for inspiration, Mark Olson typed:

Hmm. SWMBO does like the Bandit. It's the only bike she has been able to
do more than 50 miles on at a stretch (serious back probs). If I sold it,
she might take it personally. The ultimate solution is a finely-chiselled
jewel of exotica for everyday, and a World-Of-Leather-sofa-effect Pan or GW
for two-up trips and touring. But I can't afford that just yet.

Ouch. That's would be a hell of a put-down for someone less secure in his
sexual identity.

 

Sucking his keyboard for inspiration, dog typed:

So I remembered 2 nanoseconds after hitting "send". Thanks.

 

Sucking his keyboard for inspiration, Rich B typed:

Shocking bad form, I know, but -

Had a better look. It's been modified for a lady owner, lowered front and
back with a red/white SP4 paintjob and streetfighter twin lights. Very
pretty, but far too cramped for a six-footer with a barrel of Tetley's
finest strapped to his midriff. So another bright idea bites the dust.

*However:*

Next to it was a GT1000, year old, 1k miles, and I've just come back from a
decent longish test ride on that. Fabulous handling, fast enough, very
comfy, lovely spadefuls of torque. Two grand to swap. Fuckbuggerbollocks
and arses. What to do next, bearing in mind that I don't *really* have two
grand to throw at it [1]? Supplementary question for an extra 5 points: if
I go for it, what arguments will win the day with the long-suffering SO?

[1] I'll have plenty when I sell the boat, but that could take months.

 

None.

HTH

 

"Forgiveness is easier to seek than permission"[1].

Phil.

[1] Eventually.

 

You won't contest the divorce.

 

Sucking his keyboard for inspiration, Phil Launchbury typed:

Funny, that's the technique I have successfully used so far. I just
wondered if there was a way that didn't involve those puppy-dog eyes and the
unspoken "you've let us down again" vibe when looking at the family
finances.

 

I did when I bought my Fireblade. And timed it for when my parents were
staying with us so she couldn't even have a good shout at me. But it
*was* a bargain! Much cheepness!

Nope. Nor the "I'm not going on the back of *that* bike" thing. Or the
icy silence whenever the subject of bikes crops up while said bike is
in your posession..

Phil.

 

Heheheh, that sounds like a damn good technique. Might have to try
that in the near future ...

 

Ducati. One of the "replica" ones, I think...

<googles>

Indeed. Fucking ugly bastard.
http://www.ducati.com/bikes/my2006/ducatiModel.jhtml?family=sportclassic&modelName=GT1000-06

--
_______
..'_/_|_\_'. Ace (bdotrogers a.t compaqnet.fr)
\`\ | /`/ DS#8 BOTAFOT#3 SbS#2 UKRMMA#13 DFV#8 SKA#2 IBB#10
`\\ | //'
`\|/`
`

 

Be prepared for at least a month of hurt silence..

Phil