Thread: Small world we live in! - and first bike thoughts - Ducati

LOVED my monster for a first bike. Had a 2009 696. But I am selling because I want more power after only 3 months.

Remember to use common sense and get a bike that will apply to how you plan on riding. If you see race track usage as a priority with occasional street usage, then consider the run of the mill supersports & liter bikes (CBR, R, GSX-R, ZX-R).

The naked sports bike segment of SV 650, Monsters, and Shivers will be your best bet bang for buck. I've had my fare share of ownership experience with the exotics (and currently working in a dealer for one of the brands). With the used ducs I cannot stress enough to check the previous owners service history. Don't hold me to the figures but I'm pretty sure except for newer 2010+ models, older ducs need a valve check and re-calibration at around the 6,000 mile marker. These can be cost intensive depending on dealer hourly rate, etc. They are great bikes and stand the test of time, however you absolutely get what you put in. The suzuki SV-650 is one of the most popular combinations of "beginner-bike-becoming-track day-addicted" motorcycles.

The 620 i.e. was known for being underpowered, so you can afford to find a used 750, or an older 900. There are also the S2R models that I believed housed the older 916 testastretta engines. Some other choices that mechanically might be a bit less burdensome would be the street triple (triumph) and for me, the one that makes the most sense bang-per-buck while keeping a unique identity is the Aprilia Shiver. Unfortunately the shiver was only introduced in '08, so the prices might not be existent in the sub-4k range. Keep is informed as to what you decide on!