M 900 monster

[ScottRNelson]

This is the one for sale in Mountain View, right?

The price doesn't seem too far out of line for one in that good of condition. If I still wanted another Monster, I would be seriously interested in that one. It's rare to find one as close to stock that is.

I've owned a 1996 and a 1997 M900 and quite enjoyed both of them. Besides it needing new tires, I would have the forks serviced, or at least get the oil changed in them, if it's been very long. Also, check how old the battery is. My battery made it six years without problems, but you're unlikely to get much more than that.

Your daughter should buy it. And I hope she enjoys riding it.

 

[ob1ventura]

Damn BARF really came through again. Thank you!

She is keeping up on this thread at home and just talked to her on the phone.

She wants to go check it out Tue or Wed after work. Actually she wants to see it today but Dad's got to work.

Probably too late to talk her out of this. Still think I should pick her up some knitting needles on the way home.

 

[TheFarmer]

Probably too late to talk her out of this. Still think I should pick her up some knitting needles on the way home.

They grow up so fast don't they? Hope you guys find the bike she's looking for.

 

[ob1ventura]

They grow up so fast don't they? Hope you guys find the bike she's looking for.

Yes darn it! Looking forward to some father / daughter and making some more memories before she heads out for school

Thank you beerDrinker .

 

[ScottRNelson]

As for the ones that think it's uncomfortable to ride (in the posted links and stuff), I ride mine two-three times a month on a 300+ mile round trip to Chico, Ca. plus my usual riding route is 45 min-1 hr every other day. No complaints other than sometimes I wish I didn't get lost so much in SF.

It's more comfortable to ride for longer periods if you're shorter.

The biggest reason I stopped looking for another Monster was that I realized that the extra few inches of legroom on the ST2 made a big difference in how I felt after riding a few hundred miles. There is even more legroom on my KTM, which makes a significant difference for me on long trips.

[/End Side Discussion]

 

[TheFarmer]

It's more comfortable to ride for longer periods if you're shorter.

The biggest reason I stopped looking for another Monster was that I realized that the extra few inches of legroom on the ST2 made a big difference in how I felt after riding a few hundred miles. There is even more legroom on my KTM, which makes a significant difference for me on long trips.

[/End Side Discussion]

Haha. Respected v I'm 5'11, doctor wouldn't measure me with my riding boots on.

 

[ob1ventura]

It's more comfortable to ride for longer periods if you're shorter.

The biggest reason I stopped looking for another Monster was that I realized that the extra few inches of legroom on the ST2 made a big difference in how I felt after riding a few hundred miles. There is even more legroom on my KTM, which makes a significant difference for me on long trips.

[/End Side Discussion]

I assume that's you Scott in your Avatar. You are flat footing the KTM so my guess is you are significantly taller than my kid (even though she is tall for a lady) in fact tall period. right?

 

[ScottRNelson]

I assume that's you, Scott, in your Avatar. You are flat footing the KTM so my guess is you are significantly taller than my kid (even though she is tall for a lady) in fact tall period. right?

I'm not one of those who plays an imaginary alternate personality on the internet, so any person in my avatar would be me, and any bike would be mine. (True for all forums that I belong to.)

The various KTM 950/990 models are not really recommended for shorter people. But most Monsters are pretty good for those of average height and a bit shorter.

 

[Kornholio]

Given any thought to my suggestion? C'mon, we're from the same town!

Seriously though, for a starting price (I'm sure they'll haggle) of only $300 more than you're gonna pay for the dented 900, you could have a much newer, fuel-injected 620. Much easier clutch to deal with too...not that I don't love my old 900's.

At 60HP, it's quite reasonable in terms of power.

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/mcy/3937635510.html

 

[ScottRNelson]

Seriously though, for a starting price (I'm sure they'll haggle) of only $300 more than you're gonna pay for the dented 900, you could have a much newer, fuel-injected 620. Much easier clutch to deal with too...not that I don't love my old 900's.

The 97 and older Monsters look better. Especially the one they're considering.

 

[TheFarmer]

The 97 and older Monsters look better. Especially the one they're considering.

lol Scott they all look the same from 92-00 (or 93-94 in US). In 00 they went to IE and in 01 it was a slight frame change. You can tell because the 01+ no longer has the shock hoop in the rear.

But you're right, the earlier ones do look better

 

[larry kahn]

Out of curiousity, what has she ridden up til now? And has she ridden an air-cooled Ducati? I like them a lot myself, but they are not for everyones taste. As you've suggested an SV, I'd say see if she can get a ride on both bikes and then decide for herself. But you already know that.

 

[Gabe]

Is this the same daughter that wanted a scooter? Has she learned how to ride yet?

 

[ob1ventura]

Given any thought to my suggestion? C'mon, we're from the same town!

Seriously though, for a starting price (I'm sure they'll haggle) of only $300 more than you're gonna pay for the dented 900, you could have a much newer, fuel-injected 620. Much easier clutch to deal with too...not that I don't love my old 900's.

At 60HP, it's quite reasonable in terms of power.

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/mcy/3937635510.html

Hey Jason......

Sounds good to me. I'll run it by her. IMO 60 HP is plenty but then what do I know? Exhibit A: 2 black dyna's in the garage. Was going to give her the '01 but she turns up her nose at the dynas now.

Keep telling her that buying a bike isn't an impulse thing and to take her time but she's all about the Duc.

 

[CurveSurfer]

Keep telling her that buying a bike isn't an impulse thing and to take her time but she's all about the Duc.

What? I missed the memo.

I've owned 6 Italian bikes, including 4 Ducs (still have 2 and an MV), and all but one was an impulse buy...

 

[ob1ventura]

Same here. I didn't think I would find a motorcycle I would want to keep forever. Many others will come and go in the future, but my M900 just has too much character and so much beauty. So pretty to look at and crazy fun to ride

As for the ones that think it's uncomfortable to ride (in the posted links and stuff), I ride mine two-three times a month on a 300+ mile round trip to Chico, Ca. plus my usual riding route is 45 min-1 hr every other day. No complaints other than sometimes I wish I didn't get lost so much in SF.

Very pretty to look at

The pics didn't come through at work. Damn that's a good looking bike

Out of curiousity, what has she ridden up til now? And has she ridden an air-cooled Ducati? I like them a lot myself, but they are not for everyones taste. As you've suggested an SV, I'd say see if she can get a ride on both bikes and then decide for herself. But you already know that.

Is this the same daughter that wanted a scooter? Has she learned how to ride yet?

Legitimate questions Larry and Gabe.

She took MSF and got the highest score they have had for some time. She switched to the DL w/in an hour of starting the class and then I talked to her instructor. He said n/p w/ something like the SV. She's ridden the '01 dyna w/o any problem at all except she didn't like how stiff the clutch was on that one. The '07's is quite a bit lighter. Let her take the 10r up the street and her only bitch was that it felt tall. Of course she's also been on the back of my bike for up to 600 mile days for a week and on rides down to Venura, Reno etc. She's been on every bike I've owned but of course that isn't riding them. She helps wrenching them and has been a part of my riding group since before she knew what a bike was.


She will only be riding w/ me for a couple of months then she hopes to take Connie up on her offer to tow her around.

Met up w/ riding friends from So Cal and as far east as Kansas last Saturday in Livermore. They know her well and we were talking 1st bikes. I would like to see her on something w/ more power than the 250s or older 500s on the fwy. She's also knows that a real sport bike is not for her at this time.

Hoping to get her w/ Gabe soon but her work schedule will not accomodate the weekend commitment right now. Yup, she wanted anything w/ 2 wheels and a motor Gabe but also wants the versatility. Of course part of the problem is that she thinks the Monster is a great looking bike. Can't blame her. She understands the advantages and limitations.

Hard at her age to rent a Monster and SV. Even though that would be ideal I just don't see how that would be possible. otoh, I never rode any bike I bought, except the harleys, before it was mine. The duc, will not be her last bike and if it's not for her what can she lose.........1k? Hell, I'll buy it

Thanks again for all the input............ ob

 

[ob1ventura]

What? I missed the memo.

I've owned 6 Italian bikes, including 4 Ducs (still have 2 and an MV), and all but one was an impulse buy...

Oh damn that made me spit.

going to go wake her up and read this one.

 

[machete]

that '95 is a good bike, and will last a long time. Offer them $2500 and start the haggling there. If they're adjustable forks, I can understand the higher price, but if not, then start low.
Mine has 95k and DH's has...well, less.
Not hard to work on at all, and plenty of local places in the bay to either learn to work on it, or have someone work on it.

Oh, and I tour on it, SF to Austin, to Mazatlan and back. Comfortable, quick, nimble, just enough.

...and impulse...yeah, saw it on craigslist, drooled over it for 3 days, then flat out bought it, flew to San Diego, and rode it back.

 

[ScottRNelson]

lol Scott they all look the same from 92-00 (or 93-94 in US).

Look at the lettering on the gas tank. They used the Cagiva font up to 1997, then switched to the more plain font in 1998. It had the word "monster" under "Ducati" through 1997 as well. The swingarm was the beautiful aluminum version from the 888 through 1997, then they switched to the more plain steel one, except on the S model. The side panels were carbon fiber through 1997, then they went to plastic. There are differences in wheel and frame color over the years as well.

You're not looking close enough if you think they all look the same.

 

[augustiron]

Older carby monsters have some maintenance items that need to be addressed for better running and reliability. Some thoughts...
- emulsion tubes and jet needles in carbs get worn fairly quickly leading to rough running, CA cycleworks has the parts to use including a factory jet kit. (or put on 41FCRs)
- I had the heim joins on the rear suspension hoop get very worn, hard to find replacements.
- as with purchasing any old bike check all bearings and bushings for binding, notching or looseness, both my M900s needed steering bearings.
- stock suspension is kind of crap, non adjustable forks also
- finding some replacement parts for an 18 year old Ducati is not as easy as for a Japanese bike.

Overall I really like my M900s, I am not as adventerous as Machete and prefered a slightly bigger and wind protected bike for extended riding, also something with a longer fuel range.
But as a first bike I would agree with most that it is a big bike and a little quirky for a new rider but it does hit the emotional strings just right, if she has the finances or resources to take care of it and the skill to ride it, why the hell not?