No longer riding distances..

[EV11Jack]

Well, I think that I've come to the conclusion that distance rides aren't for me any longer. With that said, I'll be offering a '98 EV11 California in the most desirable color combination...hot dog and mustard! Over $5000 spent in the past two years in parts and hourly mechanic bills (invoices available. I don't have the capacity or tools to do most of the work myself). Everything, and I mean everything has been done or replaced. I'm on Long Island if anyone is interested in coming to see it or have me provide pictures. One pic is in my signature. About 52,000 miles. Just put 100 on yesterday without breathing hard. This guy is ready for another 100K.
Anyhow, that's not the reason that I'm writing. I want to get something lighter and more suited to scooting around town. After a lot of looking I think that I'm leaning toward a Ducati Monster. I own an MG so you can tell that I'm not a Honda/Yamaha type of person.  I'm not considering the 1200 or anything that powerful. I think that anything from the 620 and on up will probably meet my needs.
Does anyone have any experience with them? Are there years and models that I should stay away from? Is there anything specific that I should investigate when I'm looking at one to buy? Any and all guidance and suggestions are appreciated.
cheers,
Jack

[bmp72]

Looks like you need a V7 

[davedel44]

Looks like you need a V7 

+1

Dave
Galveston

[Lannis]

That's a beautiful EV, and as you say, in the right color combination!

As a Guzzi rider, I've ridden Ducati Monsters, and I must say they are light, good-handling, powerful bikes, that go down curvy roads just by you thinking about it.

But they are high-performance motorcycles, and MADE to be maintenance-intensive.   If you already have a mechanic dude who will do the necessary work for you, and don't mind paying for it, then one of them may be for you.   The air-cooled 2-valves are by far the simplest, the 4-valve water-cooled not so much.

If I were heading in your direction (and I will be, not so long from now, God willing and the creeks don't rise), I would get a V7 in your favorite configuration instead of going all-the-way exotic ....

Lannis

[Travlr]

That's a beautiful EV, and as you say, in the right color combination!

As a Guzzi rider, I've ridden Ducati Monsters, and I must say they are light, good-handling, powerful bikes, that go down curvy roads just by you thinking about it.

But they are high-performance motorcycles, and MADE to be maintenance-intensive.   If you already have a mechanic dude who will do the necessary work for you, and don't mind paying for it, then one of them may be for you.   The air-cooled 2-valves are by far the simplest, the 4-valve water-cooled not so much.

If I were heading in your direction (and I will be, not so long from now, God willing and the creeks don't rise), I would get a V7 in your favorite configuration instead of going all-the-way exotic ....

Lannis

I've owned Monsters and many other Ducs.  I concur with most of Lannis thoughts.  My Ducs have been reliable, but maintenance intensive.  The 2 valve, air cooled motor is the one to have if you don't crave hp.  I'll be facing the "smaller bike" issue in a couple of years.  Not sure how I'll go.  I had a 690 Duke for awhile.  But like a Duc, it really bends the curve toward the sporty side.

Mike 

[SemperVee]

 Hmmm. That's a beaut.
  I was thinking of when I get off my 1000 lb road sofa Victory Cross Country tour I would downsize to a 500lb California model like yours.. That is a light bike to me..

 

[guzzi4me]

A V7II/III would really spin your prop. I "downsized" from a Cali 1100 due to health reasons and could not be happier. Plenty of get up and go. My riding partner has a hard time keeping up with me...of course he rides a lowly BMW R1100!!

Maintenance is Guzzi simple.

Whatever you choose the most important thing is that you can still ride!! Be blessed with that.

I am!!

Jeff

[Lcarlson]

Heresy, I know. But since you’re already looking outside the Guzzi fold:

8

[fotoguzzi]

I'm on the same track, light is right.. but not into the Monster, I like the Hyperstrada specs and missed a really good CL deal ($6k w/only6k miles) because I had a tooth pulled the day the add came up, thought I could wait till the next morning... gone..

[Kev m]

Hey Jack, we spent a number of years looking at and considering Monsters before buying one new in 11, and added a V7 to the fleet in 13.

Here's what little I know about the Monsters.

The 620, 695, and eventually 696 were the babies for the last decade or two. IIRC the older 620s would have a metal tank, while the last of them and the 695 would have plastic (possibly troublesome). The 696 has a plastic tank, but located under a cover with room for possible expansion and ours has been no trouble.

The tuning and peak hp increase across those models over the years more than the difference in the cubic capacities would suggest.

The 696 sits a hair lower than the next model up (796 or 797). I forget if that's also true about the 620 and 695.

I believe the 620 came in single or dual disc models depending on the year/model. Not sure about the 695. The 696 is dual.

Ours has been literally 100% trouble free, but miles are still pretty low (I think she said she turned 9k the other day). Still build quality seems EXCELLENT. And other than Desmo valves and timing belts (and arguably chain) they are pretty damn low maintenance.

As you go up in CC's you get better suspension, dry clutches, single-sided swingarms and other sundry.

I find the 696 riding position a little cramped and forward leaning (smash your boys on the tank when you grab a hold of those powerful dual Brembos).

It's faster than I need, very stable on the highway for its size/weight, yet still pretty nimble. Holds rails in the corners.

The tank is on the small side with only 3.8g, but Jenn gets amazing mileage (helps that she's almost half my size) and once got 193 miles to the tank, but the light may come on anywhere from 140-170 miles (at 2.8g used). Lower when I'm in the saddle cause of weight or throttle or both.

Now all that said, I'd still take the V7.

In contrast the V7 feels more primitive. It's possibly more nimble, but also more twitchy and less stable. The thinner bias ply tires vs the thicker radials on the Duc plus the conventional forks and more standard steering geometry probably account for most of it.

Still the V7 can dance, and generally feels a little more relaxed.

DIY maintenance is easier on the V7.

The 5.5g tank means a cool 200 miles before the light comes on and an easy 250-275 before I fuel. This is important to me even on mostly local rides just because I can not bother to fuel up more often.

I also just prefer the more upright riding position of the V7.

At the end of the day I could argue that the Duc feels like a "better" bike, but the V7 feels like a "better bike for me".

Good luck with your endeavors.

[Kev m]

PS forgot to say the new Duc Scramblers might be a fit if you prefer slightly more upright position and don't mind a few more budget choices (like single disc).

[oldbike54]

 Jen looks faster than Kev 

 Dusty

[chuck peterson]

 How about a 2/3rds EV? I made the conversion like your talking...

400 lbs, 50 horsies....low seat, upright, overlooked and cheap, just saying....Nevada

[Vagrant]

the V7III eliminates the twitchy feeling with the changed geometry and Conti radials cure the rest.

[EV11Jack]

Thanks to everyone for your input(s). Gives me a lot to think about. I thought that I had a taker for mine, but it fell through this morning, so it looks like I have more time to consider everyones feedback.
p.s. Anyone interested in buying mine, feel free to get in touch with me...
cheers,
Jack

[Chuck in Indiana]

FWIW, the Monster ergos don't get it for me for whatever reason. The Kid's sweetie Nora has a 620. It's a nice bike. I can't ride it for long. <shrug> I can ride the Mighty Scura or AeroLario all day. I'm pretty sure I could ride any of the modern small blocks, too.
Try before you buy.. 

[Kev m]

FWIW, the Monster ergos don't get it for me for whatever reason. The Kid's sweetie Nora has a 620. It's a nice bike. I can't ride it for long. <shrug> I can ride the Mighty Scura or AeroLario all day. I'm pretty sure I could ride any of the modern small blocks, too.
Try before you buy.. 

Yeah that's the Achilles Heel of the Monster in my view. That's why a Scrambler or V7 might be better.

[mjptexas]

FWIW, the Monster ergos don't get it for me for whatever reason. The Kid's sweetie Nora has a 620. It's a nice bike. I can't ride it for long. <shrug> I can ride the Mighty Scura or AeroLario all day. I'm pretty sure I could ride any of the modern small blocks, too.
Try before you buy.. 

Different bar risers and handlebar solved that problem on my Monster.

[Kev m]

Different bar risers and handlebar solved that problem on my Monster.

Only a different seat is gonna stop the "ball crushing" effect of that seat angle though.... Sweet Jebuz! [emoji6]

[EV11Jack]

Heresy, I know. But since you�re already looking outside the Guzzi fold:

8

I quite agree on a BMW. Have started to look at the F800R's. Very tempting. And I don't expect that they are as demanding as the Ducati's.
Cheers, Jack