Ducati Monster Manawatu

**manwithav8** · 3rd June 2007, 08:44

Hi there everyone, new to site and just wanted to say hi to everyone....

Now this may seem a little on the nose but I am looking at getting a bike in the next few months and have fallen in love with the Ducati Monster.. I am hoping to get my hands on one for my 30th birthday due the end of september.

Now the cheeky part... Is there anyone in or around the Manawatu are that has one that wouldn't mind me comeing to have a perv at it in the flesh and maybe a sit on ( not ride ) to measure up the looks and feel so I can be sure that my love will suit me.....
It will be my first bike purchase so I need to get this one right... I'm not phased buy the size but I am heading towards the M400 but they all lok the same do they not....

So if anyone could help me out with my quest to drooling over something so hot in the flesh could yo ulet me know.

Thanks in advance......

**Bonez** · 3rd June 2007, 09:06

Have you actually riden a motorcycle before? On the road that is.

M400 would be a nice choice btw. A bit about them- http://www.motoring.co.za/index.php?...ticleId=226491

**NZsarge** · 3rd June 2007, 10:12

Hey there, can't help you with the Duc situation sorry just sayin' Hi and welcome and good luck with the bike.

**manwithav8** · 3rd June 2007, 11:25

zzr400 TL1000 and most exeperience on KLR250's.... Stupid underpowered army bikes.... Tell ya what, riding from Whangarea ( spelling ?) to Palmy North on one of those was a mission and a half....

Yeah would love to see one up close.... As I mentioned the 400 would probably suit but worried that I would get bored of it a little 2 quick becuase I have heard the adreniline factor isn't there compared the the M900....

Pete from emoto can get a 400 darkie landed and at my front door for around 7- 8K for a 2001 which I think is bloody good...Just the delimma of the engine size thats all.... DO the 400 sound as good as the 900?

Thanks for the welcome too buy the way....

**Bonez** · 3rd June 2007, 11:34

You may want to look at this one then for comparison- http://freedomhonda.motorcycletrader...freedomhondanz

It's a 94 for $8500ish with "21,000kms".

Got an ex army driving instructor at work who goes by the nic of Gibbo you may know.

**manwithav8** · 3rd June 2007, 11:54

the name doesn't ring a bell.... If he was at Linton I may know him, I was in transport out there for 6 years so alot came and left in that time...

**manwithav8** · 3rd June 2007, 11:56

Pete did say he could get a 94 for the same price as a newish 400 but I think with my experience the 900 maybe just a little big at this stage... I am reading that write about the 400 and am thinking maybe the 600 would be better but the thought of the 9 is a little scarey for now lol

**JimO** · 3rd June 2007, 14:03

they will be pretty much the same size and you dont have to use all the velocerator i would go the 900

**dogsnbikes** · 3rd June 2007, 14:08

Welcome to KB Hope to see you out and about once you get mobile....plenty of advice to be given here......

And Bonez has alot of good advice .

**manwithav8** · 3rd June 2007, 14:16

have been lerking for the last 3 or 4 days searching all I can about the monsters.. Have been looking at pics and Mrs wants me to get the monster dark, she don't like the red or yellow etc .... SO I guess that sorts the colour scheme.... Now I guess I need to sit on the 600 and the 900 and see if I fit lol..

Thanks for all the welcomes team...

**Bonez** · 3rd June 2007, 14:23

Originally Posted by dogsnbikes

Welcome to KB Hope to see you out and about once you get mobile....plenty of advice to be given here......

And Bonez has alot of good advice .

I call it self-opinionated clap trap thank you

Oh, and every one knows red ducatis are faster

**manwithav8** · 3rd June 2007, 15:28

well guess what.. I spotted a 96 monster M900 on trademe at freedom honda here in Palmy North and went for a window perv.. I was lucky enough that someone was in the shop and let me in....

I am in love... Pics you see on the net do the bike no justice what so ever.. This monster was red and damn hot. Not the injected model but still damn fine...

21000 on the clock so has just had all the appropriate servicin done and for a mere $8450...... Damn not having my full licence for another 3 months...

The guy said they can get them in at anytime so not to worry about it...

He started the beast up and all I can say is OH MY GOD>... My knees started shaking, I think I was scared of it.....

The rattle of the dry clutch set up was a little hard to get around but after having it explained and the note that came from the standard exhaust has me totally hooked.....To describe the sound would be to call it a "mechanical Monster" damn thing sounds evil ......

I was invited to sit on her and was a little slow on the uptake as I thought the weight of a 900 would send my 70kg frame over sideways but it actully felt very very light.. I could shake her side to side with my legs and the body not once wanted to follow it to the floor.....

All that is left to do is get my Full and take a 900 for a ride....I don't think I will play around with the 400 or 600.. Straight to the to pand with some restraint and careful first few months I think I will grow into it with a huge grin for years to come......

Damn I want it NOW!!!!! lol

**Bonez** · 3rd June 2007, 15:37

Good on ya. Hey, if you want to here a real evil V-twin you should listen to my CX500 lol. If that bike has done 20,000kms the cam belts should have been replaced as well as their tensioner roller bearings. Apperently the bearings are specially made for ducati items that can be replaced by two smaller ones from skf and the like.

**manwithav8** · 3rd June 2007, 15:40

New cam belt, the valve shims have been reset and oil change.... That was all that was required I think, the standard 20k service and a polish.. NO repairs needed.

**manwithav8** · 3rd June 2007, 15:52

I didn't spot it on trademe people, bones sent me the link to it. lol SO thank you so much bones and helping me with my choice.. It is all so clear as to what I want now ...