woohoo

Well I'm about to do what I never thought I would do. Buy a bike! Everyone at work rides, and I just got a new job, so I'm gonna treat myself to a little weekender. Plus I'm selling the bmw :frown: to make way for the truck, so I gotta have something fun to drive around. Just signed up for the MSF course and I'm pumped!

Ok, so I want some feedback concerning the bike I want to get. I'm pretty sold on getting a used 1998-2004 Ducati Monster 600ie. What do you all think? I like that it's not too powerful (50hp), looks awesome IMHO, isn't a race-prone-position rice rocket, is affordable, and i can say I drive a ducati. What do you think I should pay for one? I didn't want to get one new cause I'd fell bad about dropping it, but I don't want a bike that feels or looks old.

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

Reading some of the "read me first" threads I see that the other two options are to get a Suzuki SV650 or a Honda VTR250. I was surprised at how similar the VTR250 and Ducati look, almost identical save the engine. Not really a big fan of the SV650's looks, and I still like the idea of riding an italian bike :)
Anyone else like the duc monster? Are they a pain to maintain? Do you like the ride?
Sorry for all the questions guys, I'm just really excited!

im not a big fan of ducati motorcycle. there's other bikes that can run just as well or even better for a lower purchase price. ducati is more of a status symbol, but hey, if u like italian, then get italian. good luck on your course and quest for a bike. :smile:

I do not own one, but my opinion of Ducati is much like tran's... it's mostly a status symbol, but if that's what you like and want, then get it!

a cheaper alternative for you may be a Cagiva River 600. 44hp and similar style to the monster once you remove the panniers. its italian and shares parts with the ducati range i.e front brake is one side of the 916

We don't get much Cagiva or Bimota in the States, there's only a few selected European shops that service these bikes. So when you're stuck for parts, online or ebay would be the best bet.

Thanks for the info on the cagiva. Looks like a very similar bike, and it definately would be unique. Think I'm gonna stick with the ducati just cause something about that bike hooked me. I'll be sure to post some pics when I get it in the next few weeks.
I saw two this weekend. They make such a cool sound! Just plain mean.