2000 Monster 900 Dark questions

[db1911]

I am currently splitting time between North Carolina and Arizona, and in NC my daily driver is my 1999 ST4. I am looking to pick up something to ride in Arizona as well, and I'm considering something along the lines of a 2000 Monster 900. I like that it is 2V and fuel injected. I have a few questions about the Monster:

1) Are there any chronic mechanical issues that I should look out for? Is this model generally reliable?

2) Other than the obvious sport tourer vs. naked bike differences, will I see a big difference in performance? gas mileage? The Monster has less power but is lighter. I suspect it may be a wash. Any of you have experience with this? The ST has a better suspension, I believe, but the Monster should be fine for commuting and weekend trips.

3) Is there another model in this price range that is significantly better that I should be considering?

4) Will the air-cooled engine handle the AZ heat OK?


Thanks,
Daniel

[chris900ssie]

Hi,

are you sure its injected? Most the "Darks" were carbed in 2000, only the "S" being injected.

(I have a 2000 Dark)

But dont let that put you off. Servicing is even easy than injected, no sensors to worry about and other than that a great bike.

If you are lucky it may even have fully adjustable forks.

Chris

[999s]

I am currently splitting time between North Carolina and Arizona, and in NC my daily driver is my 1999 ST4. I am looking to pick up something to ride in Arizona as well, and I'm considering something along the lines of a 2000 Monster 900. I like that it is 2V and fuel injected. I have a few questions about the Monster:

1) Are there any chronic mechanical issues that I should look out for? Is this model generally reliable?

The 2 valve motor, like any Ducati, if properly maintained is pretty much bullet proof. My old 900 that has sat for about 5 years now had (has) about 35,000 miles with no problems. My S2R1K just hit 30,000 miles and again no real worries.

2) Other than the obvious sport tourer vs. naked bike differences, will I see a big difference in performance? gas mileage? The Monster has less power but is lighter. I suspect it may be a wash. Any of you have experience with this? The ST has a better suspension, I believe, but the Monster should be fine for commuting and weekend trips.

For commuting and such the Monster is freakin awesome. It will not have as much power as your ST4 as it is the little ol 2 valver. As far as suspension goes, it all depends on the riding style and all that stuff. Both of my Monsters have the original forks but the 900 got Race Tech, and the S2R has a 999 rear shock. I have toured quite a bit on both bikes and can say it might not be as comfortable as your ST but it is also not a problem either.

3) Is there another model in this price range that is significantly better that I should be considering?

4) Will the air-cooled engine handle the AZ heat OK?

I have lived in the Pizza Oven for just about 6 years and I can safely that I have NEVER had a problem with AZ heat. Yes it does get warmer but IIRC the hottest oil temp I have ever seen is 304. Bike didn't miss a beat. Me on the other hand....


I am a Monster guy. I have a 999s but really prefer my S2R. Hell, I traded a 749s to get it after only owning it for about a year. Not baggin on the bikes just saying what I prefer. Plus it's fun to piss off superbike guys in the twisties when they can't get away from you in the turns.


Hope this helps!!!!!!!!

[db1911]

But dont let that put you off. Servicing is even easy than injected, no sensors to worry about and other than that a great bike.

Chris, it's funny how one of their most popular bikes can be a real grab bag when it comes to parts and specs, even within the same year model. I guess that worried me to begin with because you never know what you'll have, but I'm warming to the idea.

For commuting and such the Monster is freakin awesome.

999s, this is exactly what I wanted to know. I have a blast every day on my ST4 just commuting. The fun factor is pretty high on my priority list.

I have lived in the Pizza Oven for just about 6 years and I can safely that I have NEVER had a problem with AZ heat. Yes it does get warmer but IIRC the hottest oil temp I have ever seen is 304. Bike didn't miss a beat. Me on the other hand....

Now that I know the bike can handle more heat than I can, guess I can join you in causing angst to the superbike riders. I missed out on the 900 Dark, but I've got my eye on an S4R. I know that negates the whole air-cooled thing but, I'm not too picky at this point as long as it has the proper power to price ratio