Even though I haven't ever paid that much attention to motorcycles, and the only experience I have had with them is riding beater 70s dirt bikes around gravel roads a few times, it still looks like fun though lol. They aren't even that expensive either, plenty of them from $2800-$4500 on craigslist in my area.
Situation normal, proceed with enthusiasm.
The Ducati Monster (albeit the late 90's version) is the motorcycle that got me interested in motorcycles.
It is desired because it is one sexy piece of machinery.
Have you heard one run? That's why you want it.
having owned three Monsters (current one is a S4Rs) I understand the lust. I was just looking at my bike and I can not think of any one bike that I would want to replace it. Maintenance is not low and cheap for a bike, so if you are looking at two and one needs the belt and valve service, factor that into your decision making.
Because it's goddamn gorgeous, that's why.
If it didn't rain ten months out of the year here or if my mother wouldn't murder me on principle alone for buying a motorcycle, I'd be thinking about it too.
Rusnak_322 wrote: Maintenance is not low and cheap for a bike, so if you are looking at two and one needs the belt and valve service, factor that into your decision making.
That somehow doesn't surprise me lol. If they were extremely reliable and cheap to maintain I doubt I would have ever made this post about them 
. Like how expensive/difficult is the work they need? If I ever do get one it probably won't be for at least a couple years and I doubt I would ride it all that much.
I have not done it myself, but it isn't supposed to be hard on the air cooled two valve bikes, just a little different then what most are used to with a Japanese bike. You WILL need a manual and some special tools. Also a shim kit would be handy so you won't have to go to the dealer mid way through the job, but again they are expensive (like close to $300).
Belts are easy to change, but tricky to tension without the special tool. there are TONS of online resources and I remember seeing places that will rent you the tools - you give a big deposit that returned when the special tools are sent back.
I spent just about $900 for a full service on my bike. This is a water cooled 4 valve w/ belts, valves, oil & filters and adjusting throttle body. They priced the bike up and dropped to off at my house in an enclosed trailer.
This is the only the second dealer service I have ever paid for not including swapping tires (off the bike). and I have had bikes for 30+ years.
Eventually I am going to have to learn to do this myself as both my wife and I have a Ducati and we put enough miles on them that we will have to have them serviced every other year.
People make a bigger deal out of maintenance on a duc than is really necessary
With todays smart phone getting the belt tention is easy theres an app for it! Realy not jokeing, me i still use a gutair tuner as my phone is just that a phone...no pictures ...no internet...just a phone... Shimming on that bikes easyer then say my 99ST4 as its vert tight work space with 4 valve water coolded head but doable if you have the "can do" attatude and read up before you start.
Because they are stunning. I would love to have one but would get murderlated by my wife and the traffic out here. I just want one to put in my living room and stare at.
Sit on it and see if you still love it. I found it to be darn awkward myself.
Says a guy on a Harley.
skierd wrote: Situation normal, proceed with enthusiasm. The Ducati Monster (albeit the late 90's version) is the motorcycle that got me interested in motorcycles.
Ditto: I never liked cruisers or crotch rockets, the first time I saw/heard a Monster (also a '90's-era example) was something special.
the answer is SV650. Build from there.
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