Ducati Monster 800 - Suitable for a First Bike?

**sweetpea** · 24 Jul 07, 06:44 PM

I went to buy a Monster 620 and it had been sold earlier so I got looking at a brand new 695 and a 04 800.

Cut a (not very) long story short I have brought the 800and I collect it on Monday yippee!!

BUT now I am starting to worry is this a good bike to start on? To add I am also only 5'2 but I am comfortable with the feel and height of the bike.

**Rudolph Hart** · 24 Jul 07, 07:04 PM

IMHO it's always hard to advise someone else because their biking experience, preferences and attitude may well be different to mine.

I hope you managed a reasonable test ride before buying. I find that test rides are the best way of judging my choice of bike. This then brings into play the feelings in my head, heart and those that I get through the seat of my pants (not to be confused with the sensations the day after a chicken tikka phall

).

**Paivi** · 24 Jul 07, 07:15 PM

I bought the 695 for my first bike in April 2006, after a few years on an automatic 125cc scoot and 8h on a geared 125cc bike. I'm about the same height as you and find it just a tiny bit too high (d'oh, edited), but have got used to it now.

**legs748** · 24 Jul 07, 07:39 PM

Hi Sweetpea, is it the S2R800 you have bought or the old style basic Monster? I had an S2r800 for a couple of days a while ago and thought it was ace, a really nice easy going bike to ride and reasonably comfy (even if i'm a foot taller than you!) My first bike was a Monster900 and i loved it, more than fast enough to scare the wits out of you but gentle enough to let you do your own thing, take it easy and fall in love.
Don't forget to include some bins when you post some pics of him!

**sweetpea** · 24 Jul 07, 07:57 PM

The bike is a Monster 800 SIE and is three years old. It has done 2700 miles and I feel in love.

My other half does not ride so I do not have anyone to give me advice - so I am soooo glad to have found this forum!

The bike felt forgiving and I did not feel I have to race to move up or down the gears.

I am so excited about collecting him (are monsters always male?) but I have to admitt I am scared in equal measures.

**harriebird** · 24 Jul 07, 07:58 PM

my bikes have always been boys but that's coz i'm a girlie :wink:

my monster (race bike wooo hoooooo) is called Rico 8) long story!

**legs748** · 24 Jul 07, 08:22 PM

Mine was defininately a She and didn't have a name, although my nephew called her Cattie cos he was just learning to talk and couldn't get his lips around Ducati.

**zimbo** · 24 Jul 07, 08:33 PM

Mine are both boys even though the race one is called Monica (previous owner!)

Should make a great first bike, not too intimidating but also quick enough not to be boring once you're confident, welcome to Ducati ownership

**Paivi** · 24 Jul 07, 09:26 PM

Mine's a girl, well a lady, answers to the name of Her Grace, the Duchess of Borgo Panigale. HG for short.

Where's Langley?

**Stu2K7** · 24 Jul 07, 09:39 PM

Hi Sweatpea and welcome. As has been said it is difficult to say what is and what isn't a "Good First Bike," I asked the question and it is a debate that will run until the end of time as there is no certain correct answer.

I did listen to what people had to say - to a degree.

Initially I wanted a 749 and that is what I set about looking for. As time went on I still hadn't found "The One" and a mate of mine told me about a Monster S4 one of his mate's had for sale.

I went to see it, HEARD IT

and that was it, I wanted it, right bike at the right price and I forgot it was a 916 engine underneath.

So I then passed my test about 3 weeks after buying it (and have only been riding since April 07) and geared up to take her out for her first time.

I was SO nervous before hand, I didn't know what to expect I was bricking it. But I pulled off and realised that all my thoughts about it being a brute and too fast, too heavy to handle etc went away!

It is a dream to ride, the comfort (being 6'5" this is an important factor) the handling, the SOUND

everything I liked.

I think you'll be fine as long as your sensible, that was the main factor for me, if I knew I couldn't have trusted myself I'd have never had a bike to begin with.

I'm just taking it easy, getting to know the bike, still a little hesitant to lean over too far as really don't know how low I can go but I'm enjoying it, taking is easy and the attention the bike gets is always nice as well...would be nice if the rider got some attention now and again lol.

Stu

**NedLudd** · 24 Jul 07, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paivi

Where's Langley?

Berkshire methinks.

**Paivi** · 24 Jul 07, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NedLudd

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paivi

Where's Langley?

Berkshire methinks.

Oh, cool, local to me, then! I see a girly Monster ride out ahead!

**955SP** · 24 Jul 07, 10:04 PM

I have heard of quite a few people getting the S2R 800 or 1000 as first bikes and not heard any of people being scared and selling them as per the some sports bikes? Lots of people recommend not to get the 800 and go for the 1000 as its a superior bike.

What the S4RS like compared to the smaller ones. I have heard the S4RS isnt great in town, why is that? I know the front brake is a little eager and it could do with a steering damper but otherwise?

Also question for you given the choice of the 2 what would you take a hypermotord S or a Monster S4RS?

**legs748** · 24 Jul 07, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paivi

Where's Langley?

Just had a look on Auto route and there are at least nine places with langley in the title.

**Mini Mo** · 25 Jul 07, 08:09 AM

Several points. The 620 and 695 will be found wanting power wise very quickly. Once your confidence has grown you'll want to be able to gun it to make safe overtakes etc.

Furthermore the fueling on the 620 (can't speak of the 695) is horrible, hence why they added a slipper clutch.

Personally I'd go for a S2R 1000 and just take it easy. I used to be of the school of thought that said start small and get bigger. But I have changed my stance having just been touring with a new rider who needed a more capable bike from the word go.

Whilst the small bikes are more forgiving, the biker capacity ones will get you out of trouble when you need it. Also they are built to a price. Although my 620 was bomb proof there a few build quality issues.

The 620 is seriously pushed to pass anything that is sitting at 65-70 mph. Sure it has a claimed 53bhp, but it really makes for slow overtaking, and some aborted brown trouser moments.

Furthermore you'll loose a lot of money when coming to upgrade so why take that hit? Buy the bike that you'll want in a year's time and take it easy.