still relatively new to all things Ducati,had a 999 for 12 months now and loving it. Looking at getting a naked bike for commuting etc Was considering a bandit or hornet and then thought of a Monster Some models look to be quite cheap,budget is 1k - 1.5k only Any particular model to look for or avoid-all genuine advice greatly appreciated-the more the better
Any M600, M750 or M900 is available within your budget but best stick to the bigger two (IMO) the 750 often being overlooked. A few gremlins which I'm sure others will add else I will post again. You have posted same on UKMOC I'm guessing?
If it's simply a tool I'd go for a bandit or hornet over a monster. Easier to maintain, cheaper to insure, better reliability and finish (on the Honda at least). And less likely to get knicked I expect too!
I got a 1995 m900 with 46000 m on the clock. Had a belt service and safety check 250£. So far so good. This after my mutley was stolen in may. Paid 1900£. It's a bit rough low Down but I'm starting to suspect that's a ducati thing. She does sound awesome though with rattling dry clutch and deep exhaust note. Oh mine is still carburettor fed. Suggest you consider injected models.
In short they are reliable and stand well to commute mechanically wise. Look wise paint will come off eventually. If it is 6 months of joy 2 years of looking at it..... For commute I would go with injected 695/750/800 as they have wet clutch and ie models are smoother (also ie frame has better turn circle). If you want cheap get a carb 600, maintain at home and job a good one. Also on carb model keep your battery top notch.
The older 600's suffered from carb icing during the winter, the bigger bikes had oil pipes running from the oil cooler to prevent it
No those oil pipes were aftermarket accessory. From experience not worth it, silkolene pro fst works.
I personally think your pissing in the wind for something around the £1k-£1.5k mark especially if you want a monster I've just done a quick eBay search and even though there are some bikes available near the top end of this budget you're still going to have to pay more., probably 2k I reckon or 3k plus gets you a nice s2r I'd go bandit for that money, eBay is full of them, get a 1200,reliable, cheap.... Or a scooter
we have a 98 monster 600 full service history 14k miles in excellent condition and mechanically perfect, if it was for sale we would be lucky to get £1300 in todays market, they are out there if you look 750 go for a little more money
20k, slightly tired 600 carb went for 600GBP on Gumtree few days ago and now there is another one. If you get the price down to 800-900 mark it is worth it. Especially if he has stock head light. Reason why to lower the price well current one is for a 600 in good nick. This one has dent in tank that will be 200-300 to repair and repaint. Service needs to be done as well I guess. Ducati Monster 600cc Streetfighter | Uxbridge | Gumtree
Loads available at £1500 and can say from own experience that with patience, a good Monster can be had for this amount.
A couple of years ago I purchased a M750 off ebay for £1400 and it was the best buy in bikes in my 55 year bikeing career. Of all my Ducati's it is my favourite. Go for it.
thanks for everyone taking the time to post,when I said I wanted a commuter I think I was trying to convince myself and the other half,just want a more relaxed alternative to the 999 Will check in with the monster site too Bit stuck geography wise any potential purchase would have to tie in with a trip across the water unless there were exceptional circumstances Coincidently just seen a rather fetching red and white chequered model in passing,guessing this is something out of the ordinary
I believe that is a Corse tank? Looks great through I agree. head over to UKMOC for more advice. If you really want a commute a tatty 600 monster can be found for less than £1500. It this is an excuse for a new bike (don't worry, the wife won't read this), I would take my time, up the budget a little and consider a nicer M900 (£1500-2000), or maybe even an S2R/S4 or M1000 (£2000-3000) if you really stretch. Be warned though, monsters get under your skin!