Withdrawal Symptoms!

Domenico

Domenico

Active member
Now that the 916 has been gone for a few months I'm starting to experience withdrawal symptoms. The CBR 600F is a good bike but I can't say I am especially passionate about owning it like I was with the 916. Consequently, I have been scouring the web for something red which might fit the bill. Heart says Monster S4R but head, number of birthdays and spending limit imposed by my lovely wife says it's more likely to be a Monster 620S from 2001-2003 - the "normal" 620 won't do as it has a low seat height and doesn't have the ally swing arm and a few other bits and pieces. I have never ridden or sat on a Monster, so that dear readers is why I am asking those among you who have owned or ridden one to give me the benefit of your knowledge and experience. My main questions are:
Is it reasonably comfortable or does it make your arse, neck, knee and any other parts ache?
I'm not expecting a 620 to try to rip my arms out their sockets, but is there enough power to have a bit of fun on the A roads?
I assume that it handles and brakes ok, does it?
Yes, I know it's a Ducati but is it reliable? If not what are the problems?
And finally, if you sold yours, do you look back at it with affection or relief?
Anything else you have to say or observe, on the subject, will be appreciated.
Thanks for reading this to the end, I hope to hear from you:lol2:
 
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Thanks for the heads up, but I have a kit car build as a project so just want something which I could more or less just get on and ride;)
 
I bought my ST3 last year and based on what you say (years etc.) I would think that that would be even better than a Monster 620s.

Lots of the ST4 versions about and that has a 916 engine...

<Walks away whistling> :D
 
Hi Tim, Thanks for your reply. I had a look at the ST models but really, I think a Monster, on paper at least, is the one which best suits what I want. As I said in the original post my heart says S4R but everything else says 620S. I also had a look at the Multistrada but don't think I could ever love one - if you know what I mean. No offence intended to you Multistrada owners, it's just not for me. If only my wife would loosen the purse strings, I would have an S2R but she's not budging at all!
 
Only problem I had with my 620 Monster was the speedo/rev counter refusing to work.Expensive to replace as it's all one unit-but a cracking wee bike,yes you get left with the larger bikes zooming away on the straights,but you can give them a fright in the corners.Comfort wise I'd say not too bad,braking excellent,and before I sold mine to a Russian student up in Dundee,I took the aftermarket exhausts off,so if you do get one I've a cheapish set.The misses enjoyed the ride on the back but not on long journeys.Never really had any sore neck/arse /knees etc.Do I regret selling it-not really but enjoyed owning it for 5 years,and it's a cracking wee bike for A roads,and even the B roads.Mine had the double front brakes,plenty of confidence in panic conditions.Hope you are lucky to find a "good" one.Graham.
 
Hi Graham, Thanks very much for your reply and the fact you kept it for 5 years speaks volumes. I'll keep the exhausts in mind too.
Cheers, Paul
 
I have had both an S4 and the 696. The S4 went to Spain and back but the 696 has not ventured abroad yet. Both are pretty comfy considering there not touring bikes and can be used for all sorts of riding, have to admit the seat gets a bit un comfy after an hours or so but apart from that no aches and pains, a re fuel every 120-150 miles sorts that though. I'm guessing the 696 is faster than the model your looking at, I find it more than fast enough for all but long trips on the Motorway.
good luck.
 
Hi Wheelybin, Thanks very much for your reply to my thread. The information about the two bikes is exactly the sort of stuff I'm looking for. The main reasons I'm looking at the 620 Monster are cost and weight. I will be 66 next month so I want a bike which is as light as possible but at the same time is, relatively, light and comfortable. My CBR600F more or less fits the bill but, to me, it has always been something I would use instead of the 916 if there was a chance of rain. Maybe if my wife loosens the purse strings I can have a look at a 696 or an S2R but for now that isn't an option. Hopefully someone will reply with some info about the 620 Monster.
Thanks once again,
Paul:thumbs:
 
That's what I keep on telling the guy I see in the mirror every morning - but he's taken some convincing recently!:lol2: You must have serviced a few 620 Monsters Derek, what are they like with regard to common faults and problems? Would I be better off waiting a bit for an S2R?
 
Oddly, I've never done a service on an 620. If you can hold off I think you'd be better with an S2R though.
The S2R power is 77bhp @ 8,250rpm compared with only 63bhp @ 9,500rpm for the 620. More importantly perhaps, the S2R maximum torque is 7.4kgm @ 6,500rpm while the 620 only makes 5.7kgm @ 6,750rpm although it is 5kg lighter at 168kg.
I think the you'd find the 620 a bit revvy requiring more frequent gear changes while the S2R should provide a more relaxed ride.
Why not go for an S4 which is basically a naked version of your 916 :D
 
Hi Derek, Thanks for the advice. I decided against the S4 partly because it's not quite as "neat" with the radiator and pipes etc compared to an air cooled Monster and also a bit heavier at 193Kg. I also want something a bit more relaxed so from what you say, maybe I should hold off a bit and find an S2R - although an 1100S, mmm!:confused: Decisions, decisions.
 
It's finally arrived! My "new to me" December 2011 Ducati Monster 796 with less than 3000 miles on the clock. And it's RED for a change. I've only had a quick 40 mile run on it this afternoon, but so far so good.
 
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