Monster 620 to 749 - Ducati.ms

positivecarry · Sep 6th, 2011, 8:38 am

Hey guys, just curious what the group's concensus is on getting a 749 as a second bike. I've ridden a Monster 620 for about two years now. I always wanted something sportier, but thought it prudent to start with something more standard and slower.

There's an '04 749 for sale in my area and I've always had an eye for them (especially given my short inseam and the 749's 30.7" seat height, which is far easier for me than most of the newer sportbikes). Honestly, I'll probably let it pass and come back to my 620 (b/c that's what always happens when I look at new bikes), but I thought I'd ask you guys for opinions.

Namely, how would the transition be from a Monster to a 749? How bad will it be riding it in and out of NYC (I don't ride around town, only ride through NYC to get out or to get back home)? Anything specific to look out for in this bike?

**Chuckracer** · Sep 6th, 2011, 6:20 pm

749's are great bikes, and will only go as fast as you turn the loud handle. Gonna suck in town, though, as you know.

Nothing to be afraid of, though. If it trips your trigger, get one!

jtm8bd · Sep 6th, 2011, 7:14 pm

The 749 is a great choice. You will have roughly twice the horsepower, but don't let that scare you, it won't feel like it. The little air-cooled Ducs like your 620 are pretty torquey, but you will really appreciate the 749 if you do any track days. Mine isn't terrible in town either, I've had worse.

Keeping them both I hope?

El_Gladiator · Sep 10th, 2011, 4:49 pm

Don't worry. If you can, go for a 749.

You own a Ducati for 2 years, so the desmo is your homeland. On a 749, you'll be at home.

Ignatius_Riley · Sep 10th, 2011, 7:12 pm

Like a fellow member told me when I was faced with a similar dilemma, "Is this even a real question or do you just need a little push?" Hah. I STILL have my 620 and probably always will. It's got to be the most confi and unsophisticated Duc out there (this is a good thing)! I, like you checked out the 749, and ended up getting one; a lovely Breil replica with termi's that sounded AMAZING and was super fun to take out on more "spirited" rides. I ended up selling it because I found myself going back to the 620 about 60% of the time. Well...that was a mistake. I missed the heck out of the remaining 40%. So....about a year later looking for another 749. I found a shiny 999R that filled that void. Horse power discrepancy? Hell yea. I find tho, that thinking you have to have a similarly powered second bike is the the wrong approach. I love my 620 for what it is and for what it IS NOT. I love the 999R for the same reasons. Think "loving wife that you'd never want to leave vs. Hot Girlfriend that you'd never marry". With a pair of bikes like the ones you are entertaining...you get to have both. :-)

Get it...you know you want to. If you dread going through NYC on it....just go faster.

positivecarry · Sep 26th, 2011, 10:17 pm

jtm: unfortunately I won't be keeping them both, so I need a swiss-army-knife bike, of sorts.

I actually saw the bike in question and it is quite beautiful...gloss black, new tires, new belts (I think). And I just came back from California Superbike School, so I've got the desire for a more aggressive bike. But...I got stuck in 1.5hrs of traffic on the way back into the city and I hear that these bikes get very hot and uncomfortable on the wrists in traffic. Decisions, decisions...

Ignatius_Riley · Sep 26th, 2011, 10:39 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by positivecarry

jtm: unfortunately I won't be keeping them both, so I need a swiss-army-knife bike, of sorts.

I actually saw the bike in question and it is quite beautiful...gloss black, new tires, new belts (I think). And I just came back from California Superbike School, so I've got the desire for a more aggressive bike. But...I got stuck in 1.5hrs of traffic on the way back into the city and I hear that these bikes get very hot and uncomfortable on the wrists in traffic. Decisions, decisions...

Yes...they do get very hot when standing still. They will roast your thighs, and there is absolutely NO comparison to the confi Monster. Turning radius kind of sucks so moving around in traffic is not ideal. Riding position is aggressive (cool on spirited drives not in traffic) .The 749 is by no means an army knife. If that is the criteria, (perfectly valid) and can't keep both, Monster is what you want to keep.

galaxy · Sep 27th, 2011, 9:44 am

You have a PM

Spitfire · Sep 27th, 2011, 10:25 am

Look into Supersports.

I have a 95 900SS/SP that I ride in the city from time to time. It's super comfy, and just as easy as the monster 620 that I used to have, but with more power, better brakes and suspension, and a lot louder!

Ignatius_Riley · Sep 28th, 2011, 2:15 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spitfire

Look into Supersports.

I have a 95 900SS/SP that I ride in the city from time to time. It's super comfy, and just as easy as the monster 620 that I used to have, but with more power, better brakes and suspension, and a lot louder!

hmmm hadn't thought of the SS. It'd be a good compromise.