View Full Version : Newbie to Monsters - a bit of advice please
Hello All
I've just sold my first bike (CBR600 - beautiful but I couldn't get on with the riding position) and am seriously looking for my first Monster.
I am considering a 600 or 620. I am a woman, 5'6", so seat height is not an issue, but weight - of the bike - is. I'm not into break-neck speed, but I want something that'll pull when I need it to (overtaking etc).
I have heard that Monster clutches can be heavy, which would be an issue for me, is this true? And are servicing costs any different to sports bikes?
Any starting advice will be gratefully received.
Thanks
Jill
Chappers
18-07-2005, 11:18 AM
Glad to hear you are considering a Monster - lovely bike.
I just had mine serviced at Dave Woods in Aylesbury at a very good price.
My 600 Monster is my first bike and I've enjoyed every minute of it, infact I took it to Isle of Man but it's going up for sale next month as I plan to upgrade to either a 900 or S4 as I feel I would like more umpfh for overtaking; so not sure the 600/620 Monster is gonna be much different from the bike you've just sold - maybe look at a bigger Monster?
Someone else will pop up soon and give you some more technical advice, friendly lot on here :)
Happy bike hunting :bunny:
Thanks Chappers - that's a quick reply!
Yes, I saw that everyone was very friendly, it makes it much more fun/interesting/useful when there is an active owners forum. (I also belong to MR2 Owners Club, which has been great for helping with problems, so it's important to me to have the 'support'.)
I know a 600/620 might/will feel slower than the CBR600, but then again, that's part of the reason I'm going for one. I want to improve my riding style - I was OK going fast, but had lousy slow control, which was hindered further by the riding position. Hence my question about the clutch being heavy.
Thanks
Jill
dlloyduk
18-07-2005, 11:27 AM
I bougt mine as a first bike and find it fine. Most of the write ups pointed my to a Suzuki SV650 as a sensible choice-but as usual I am not sensible and took no notice. Must say I am more than pleased with my choice.
620 Dark 02/03 at the right price. Its more than fast enough for me or was untill I was out with some mates on 600 sports bikes and they left me for dead! Others will advise on servicing costs because I will most likely do mine myself. I think there are a few independant specialists about who are a lot cheaper than the main dealers.
Hope this helps a little.
If you do buy one then Welcome and have fun!
;)
Injected 620 has about 20% more power than a carbed 600 and no 'icing' issues.
I find mine quite adequate one-up but could do with a little more oomph when carrying a pillion, clutch is fine for a 14 mile each way daily commute in the London rush-hour. Servicing costs can be 'a bit of a shock' compared to other bikes if you go to an official dealer, but there are plenty of independants around.
My advice would be to get down to a dealer and have a go on a demo bike, as it will give you more accurate information than we ever can, then go out and find a second-hand bargain(once you've ridden one you will want it) with most of the depreciation already done.
nik_the_brief
18-07-2005, 11:34 AM
Yes the clutch is heavy on the older 'uns - especially around town.
But looky here - http://www.ukmonster.co.uk/monster/showthread.php?t=11809 - the newer ones are 'light as a feather' - get yourself a 620ie then!
Go on get one, ya know ya wanna!
(Edited coz I actually got round to reading the thread I attached and was completely off the mark!) :D
Chappers
18-07-2005, 11:37 AM
Thanks Chappers - that's a quick reply!
Yes, I saw that everyone was very friendly, it makes it much more fun/interesting/useful when there is an active owners forum. (I also belong to MR2 Owners Club, which has been great for helping with problems, so it's important to me to have the 'support'.)
I know a 600/620 might/will feel slower than the CBR600, but then again, that's part of the reason I'm going for one. I want to improve my riding style - I was OK going fast, but had lousy slow control, which was hindered further by the riding position. Hence my question about the clutch being heavy.
Thanks
Jill
Clutch is fine, mind you I've only ever ridden a 125cc for a day and then the Suzuki GS500 I learnt on.
Only thing I had to get used to was the autobraking when shutting off the throttle and getting used to the sound of a v-twin beneath me but I love it!!!
....Only thing I had to get used to was the autobraking when shutting off the throttle...
The new ones have a clever clutch, lighter pull and no engine-braking
andros
18-07-2005, 11:44 AM
If I were you I would also try and test ride an 800 or S2r, Just as easy to ride with a bit more power but still about the same cost to run. Only the insurance is a bit more expensive.
OK, so to precis, I need a 98 or newer, with the slave on the left (I don't know what 'icing' is Rob?) or a 620, 'cause it'll already have the lighter clutch anyway. And if it's not light enough, there's a 'simple' mod to improve it. Bonza.
Rob, I don't think I'll EVER take a pillion, so that shouldn't be a problem. I know what you mean about trying an 800 andros but I almost feel like I'm learning to ride again. I haven't ridden for about a year, after trying to kill myself by changing down on a roundabout (dopey cow!). It seems like Monsters have good residuals, so, if it's not fast enough after a while, I should be able to 'trade up' quite quickly and painlessly.
Thanks for your comments. Going to check insurance on 620 tonight.
nik_the_brief
18-07-2005, 01:10 PM
OK, so to precis, I need a 98 or newer, with the slave on the left (I don't know what 'icing' is Rob?) or a 620, 'cause it'll already have the lighter clutch anyway. And if it's not light enough, there's a 'simple' mod to improve it. Bonza.
Rob, I don't think I'll EVER take a pillion, so that shouldn't be a problem. I know what you mean about trying an 800 andros but I almost feel like I'm learning to ride again. I haven't ridden for about a year, after trying to kill myself by changing down on a roundabout (dopey cow!). It seems like Monsters have good residuals, so, if it's not fast enough after a while, I should be able to 'trade up' quite quickly and painlessly.
Thanks for your comments. Going to check insurance on 620 tonight.
Icing is when your carbs bugger you about in the cold weather (caused by the water in the fuel icing in the carbs which act like mini-freezers). Not a problem if you only ride in nice warm weather but a pain in the arris come wintertime especially when it's cold 'n foggy.
The 620ie has a slipper clutch (which means that your back wheel won't lock up if you change down too many gears in one go - on a roundabout perhaps!) so it may be the perfect bike for you. Coz it hasn't got carbs to ice up you don't need to worry about the dreaded carb freezing either!
Thanks nik_the_brief.
Aha, we are narrowing it down aren't we?! It sounds like the 620 is a good bet to start with then. Yes indeed, a slipper clutch might be just the thing for me. Good also that paulh is selling his, and he's in glorious Essex too.
To be honest, I can't see me riding in icy weather (thanks for the explanation nik) for a while yet. And it will be garaged with a nice radiator in the winter - I take good care of my bikes!
I have just found out about S2Rs too after reading Mrs Soup's post. But no, I must stick with a 600 ish.
PaulS
18-07-2005, 01:37 PM
You should be aware that the slipper type clutch has only been fitted to the 620 starting with the 2004 model year. Also, it doesn't need to be cold enough for ice on the roads to suffer from carb icing. It's as much to do with the dampness in the air as low temperatures. My current bike has carb heaters that come on below 10c. There are solutions to this issue, but if you're looking at a 620 with FI it won't be a problem anyway.
PaulS
Thanks, I thought it was too good to be true! I can only afford about a 2000-2002. Still, it sounds like that's still the bike for me, all things considered.
Wow, carb icing sounds like a pain in the bum. Still, it'll be garaged and, as you say, if I get an 620ie, then it won't bother me...jack. :)
Chappers
18-07-2005, 02:41 PM
The new ones have a clever clutch, lighter pull and no engine-braking
Cool - can't wait to get a newer one then
paul620sie
18-07-2005, 03:31 PM
I have a 2003 620ie, fitting an adjustable clutch lever (from spareshack, about £15 i think) made the clutch easier to operate/control.
My 620ie has a 5 speed box with out the slipper clutch. i go on a few ride outs with my sports bike riding mates; yeah they leave me standing at illegal speeds cos i have no fairing to hid behind, but on 80% of the ride out I keep up with them just fine. You also get the coolness of riding a Ducati and not a "me too" sports bike.
Welcome to UKMOC Jill, we're a friendly bunch.
SAMMYE
18-07-2005, 03:35 PM
Hello All
I've just sold my first bike (CBR600 - beautiful but I couldn't get on with the riding position) and am seriously looking for my first Monster.
I am considering a 600 or 620. I am a woman, 5'6", so seat height is not an issue, but weight - of the bike - is. I'm not into break-neck speed, but I want something that'll pull when I need it to (overtaking etc).
I have heard that Monster clutches can be heavy, which would be an issue for me, is this true? And are servicing costs any different to sports bikes?
Any starting advice will be gratefully received.
Thanks
Jill
If you've had a 600 why not try a 800/900 Monster now!?
Chappers
18-07-2005, 03:55 PM
I also belong to MR2 Owners Club, which has been great for helping with problems, so it's important to me to have the 'support'.
Mum's got an MR2 twin cam turbo (Tbar) and is starting to feel a tad left out as I'm a member on many bike/car forums and Dad is a member of the Mitsubishi Legnum VR4's forum - what's the web address so she can join?
MR2 forum is www.mr2oc.co.uk. There is an 'old fart's' version the MR2 Drivers Club - but they're not as friendly. The OC is for standard tatty versions (like mine) to bling-ed up Fast&Furious types. All very friendly indeed.
...Nearly as friendly as you lot!
Sammye - I drove my CBR600 like a granny. I want to take it slow (ish) for a while and get my confidence back...then I might go for an 800 or more.
Chappers
18-07-2005, 04:06 PM
MR2 forum is www.mr2oc.co.uk. There is an 'old fart's' version the MR2 Drivers Club - but they're not as friendly. The OC is for standard tatty versions (like mine) to bling-ed up Fast&Furious types. All very friendly indeed.
LMAO - you've made her day, she's going on there in a min :lol: What's your username on there so she can say hi and thanks?
SAMMYE
18-07-2005, 04:06 PM
MR2 forum is www.mr2oc.co.uk. There is an 'old fart's' version the MR2 Drivers Club - but they're not as friendly. The OC is for standard tatty versions (like mine) to bling-ed up Fast&Furious types. All very friendly indeed.
...Nearly as friendly as you lot!
Sammye - I drove my CBR600 like a granny. I want to take it slow (ish) for a while and get my confidence back...then I might go for an 800 or more.
Fair enough, I started off riding on a 800 it just has that bit extra but its not like it suddenly takes off or anything in comparison - just a thought
I like MR2's saw one the other day which had been done up like a ferrari looked very nice actually, but I knew it wasnt one as I had see a kit version on top gear! Enough to trick the ladies though hee hee
spacemonkey
18-07-2005, 05:46 PM
Try and blag a ride on a 620 and possibly a 800/900 if you can. The engine of a twin is much different to a 16v four like on the ole CBR. My 900 blows my mates sports 600 into the weeds. His engine has no torque whatsoever and is a nightmare to overtake anything-it's like riding a 125 again! The bigger monsters aren't as much as a handful as you'd think. They weigh about the same and are the same size, but have oodles more torque. Plodding along in a high gear and want to overtake that dosy twonk in the 50 mph Matiz? Just open the throttle and go. As you pass pull in and shut the throttle down to slow to normal speed in an instant. No fuss, no drama, no stress. The 620 will need more revs but is, I imagine, much more torquey than a 600 four. 900 are just as slow as a 620 though- all you have to do is be gentle with the throttle. It's just when you outgrow the speed of a tiddler, then you don't have to sell the bike, you can just open the throttle a little harder.
Oh and the clutch? You just get used to it...
Chappers, my 'name' on MR2OC is JCB - no I don't operate heavy machinery, my Father thought it was a jolly wheeze to give me those initials. Also, it's useful to have a non-gendered name on there as they assume you're a fella and don't try and explain the offside rule to you...although I'm into rugby, but I digress.
Spacemonkey - yes, that's an interesting point. Although I'm guessing that 800s are more money? I don't know because I haven't bothered looking at them yet - I'll get onto it. Your description about overtaking a Matiz is good, I can almost hear that twin roar already! I've heard that the 620 is noticably more nippy than the 600 but I'm open to owners telling me 'that's pants'.
Thank you all, I'm really getting excited about getting back on the road.
DesmoDog
18-07-2005, 08:43 PM
Helo Jill and welcome, I think someone might have said that already. Don't worry about the clutch. Go for the adjustable levers. If they're 15 notes from spareshack I'm in - last price I was quoted was 65 from the hill where I live. Injected is deffo less hassle, but hey - you pays your money. Nik, I would've let it lie!
Thanks DesmoDog - all hellos also gratefully received. Good news about the cheapy clutch levers, should make my life easier.
Just gotta get my bottom on one now...any one...why the hell does Ducati make so many variants of one bike? If there was just one, it would be easy.
Right, that's it, discussion over about engine size. :rolleyes: Checked the prices and availability of 750s and 800s.
Computer says noooo.
nik_the_brief
18-07-2005, 10:13 PM
Helo Jill and welcome, I think someone might have said that already. Don't worry about the clutch. Go for the adjustable levers. If they're 15 notes from spareshack I'm in - last price I was quoted was 65 from the hill where I live. Injected is deffo less hassle, but hey - you pays your money. Nik, I would've let it lie!
Yooouuu would not!
DesmoDog
19-07-2005, 08:45 AM
oooooh this is sooo tempting. But I'll resist!
DesmoDog
19-07-2005, 08:47 AM
bollocks - Oh but I WOULD have let it lie!
paul620sie
19-07-2005, 09:31 AM
Jill, try an 800ie if you can, I have the 620ie and two years on I wish i had bought an 800 cos i'm looking to trade up.
Go for the adjustable levers. If they're 15 notes from spareshack I'm in - last price I was quoted was 65 from the hill where I live. Injected is deffo less hassle, but hey - you pays your money.
Desmo, I def paid about £15 for the adjustable lever, purchased at the track day 2004 with matching adjustabel brake lever and I'd swear I got got change form £30 notes.
DesmoDog
19-07-2005, 09:57 AM
Desmo, I def paid about £15 for the adjustable lever, purchased at the track day 2004 with matching adjustabel brake lever and I'd swear I got got change form £30 notes.
Paul, I'm not calling you mate - if I can get them at that price I'm going for it! The ones I saw were very bling billet, on my bike I'd rather function over form at the moment. Customising comes way down the line.
Boys - listen the the lady - she doesn't have the budget for an 800/900...
Sure if you were looking to buy new and had the finance, then I'd be the first to say the S2R is well worth the extra £1000 over a new 620, and to just be gentle with it for a while (although it's not that much faster except at 80mph plus).
However, if you're looking for a s/h small capacity Monster, I'd certainly go for a 620 rather than a 600 - as has been said, the EFi makes things painless, but more importantly perhaps the 620 (2002 onwards) has the later frame/suspension which handles better (not that the earlier bikes are bad), and 20% more power... also, anyone who can't ride a 620 fast wants to check out the Desmo Due'rs - it ain't the bike that's slow...
xxx
The ATPC 'slipper' clutch fitted to new 620's and the S2R doesn't totally eliminate engine braking (that would be bad), rather makes it less severe on the down change... but if you are riding along and back the throttle off, the bike will still slow down in a similar manner to the earlier versions...
xxx
DesmoDog
19-07-2005, 11:01 AM
I was wondering about that - so the slipper clutch doen't eliminate engine braking then? I try to use the engine as much as possible for slowing down. Although Scotty might disagree with that having almost ended upon my pillion on one or two occaisions. Now if only I could get the girls to do that.
SAMMYE
19-07-2005, 11:05 AM
Boys - listen the the lady - she doesn't have the budget for an 800/900...
opps! You know men never listen to what women say unless it relates to food or sex!
anyway back to the thread......... so you want a 800 then Jill
JMo - Thanks. I thought having NO engine braking at all would be a bad idea. I may be seeing a 52 reg bike very soon (so hopefully that will be a 2002 chassis/suspension, ie, having worked in the car world, when it's registered doesn't always correlate with the build date).
Checking out the insurance this lunchtime - shouldn't be an issue...hopefully.
Sammye...yes, an 800 it is, brand new, with gold-plated wheels. :rolleyes:
SAMMYE
19-07-2005, 11:13 AM
JMo - Thanks. I thought having NO engine braking at all would be a bad idea. I may be seeing a 52 reg bike very soon (so hopefully that will be a 2002 chassis/suspension, ie, having worked in the car world, when it's registered doesn't always correlate with the build date).
Checking out the insurance this lunchtime - shouldn't be an issue...hopefully.
Sammye...yes, an 800 it is, brand new, with gold-plated wheels. :rolleyes:
did someone say something?? ;)
DesmoDog
19-07-2005, 11:15 AM
Gold plated wheels? You'll have to get the frame to match - look out JMo, she's after your title.
JMo - Thanks. I thought having NO engine braking at all would be a bad idea. I may be seeing a 52 reg bike very soon (so hopefully that will be a 2002 chassis/suspension, ie, having worked in the car world, when it's registered doesn't always correlate with the build date).
If it's a 620, they will all be 2002 onwards (that was the first year of the 620, and all will have the 'ST4' style (later) frame... but if it is a 600, then as you surmise it might be an older model that had been in stock for a while...
Basically, all 620's are EFi with the new frame, and all 600's are carburettor with the older frame... should help clarify if you are looking around that age... 2002 was the cross over.
xxx
JMo
As ever, thank you for your excellent, knowledgable advice. 620 looking an easier solution all the time.
Insurance quote update: from £189-£252, so that's pretty acceptable (3rd Party F&T, Fully Comp is ridiculous).
MilesB
19-07-2005, 12:18 PM
Thanks DesmoDog - all hellos also gratefully received. Good news about the cheapy clutch levers, should make my life easier.
Just gotta get my bottom on one now...any one...why the hell does Ducati make so many variants of one bike? If there was just one, it would be easy.
Hi Jill
You're lucky in all that choice :rolleyes:
In a book I have on Ducati 2 valve twins, it states that there were 42 different variants of the Monster available (World-wide) in 1998 - and that was before we got fuel injection and new engine sizes :eek:
Miles
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