Triumph Speed Four or Ducati Monster

[andy4200]

Anybody got either of these or any opinions on them?

I'm stuck between the monster 600/620 or the speed four and can't decide.

I know the trumpet has more horses but I don't think I'm that fussed about the extra. Question is though will I grow out of the 60 bhp on the Ducati too soon or will that be enough to keep me satisfied for a year or two. The thing that makes me think that is because when I done my DAS I used a 2000 Bandit 600 and although it seemed fast, for a learner, when I finished my test I was left thinking that I would get bored of that sort of power quite quickly.

And, what is the better bike? They both have good reviews, both look great and I want both but have to choose one.

I'll try and test ride a couple of each next time I'm home so that I can try and make up my mind.

P.S. I don't want to go above a 600 as the insurance starts to get a fair bit steeper.

Cheers
Andy

[beano500]

For character - go italian every time!


(Still miss my 750SS which I parted with about five years ago!)

[andy4200]

beano500 said:

For character - go italian every time!

Yeah but having a tvr, character is usually a byword for reliability... is this what you mean??

I should have said that I need one that will be reasonably happy being left for a month at a time while I'm away working.

[beano500]

It wasn't a euphemism in this case!

Ducati's are bikes you can get really involved with. Jap and German bikes do what they say on the tin. Triumphs that I've ridden have been a half way house.

I think I covered about 15-16000 miles in five years on mine. I don't recall any serious issues (apart from the fact that the cut away air box would fill up with water in the rain - ahem!) from not using it every day. Bit of TLC with the chain regularly and make sure it warms up fully before every time you go to pull away!

[neilsie]

am slightly biased, but the triumph really is a good bike. had no problems on the daytona's i have owned.. and less common than some Italian stuff, with notable reliabilty history...

[andy4200]

Cheers for the replies guys, any more, keep them coming.

I have to admit I'm tending towards the triumph, keep the garage british (already got an italian in the house).
However, if I could find cheaper insurance on a monster 800 then that might just sway me back.

Andy

[veetwin]

Ducati, buy right and you will not have any problems. Look for the obvious in a second hand purchase i.e. FDSH, signs of abuse, weather, lack of servicing. These will be apparent on a Duke as they require TLC. IMO That is part of the fun of Duke ownership. Get some Termignoni's fitted and you will know that you have made the right decision!!!

[BliarOut]

I hope you like the decor in your garage if you buy a Duke... I love them, but my 888 spent more time off the road than on.

Owning a Duke is like having an illicit affair with a beautiful woman, you know you shouldn't, but you do it anyway.

[/SwissTony}

[gixxer1000]

andy4200 said:

I'm stuck between the monster 600/620 or the speed four and can't decide.

Andy, have you ever sat on a Ducati Monster? How tall are you?

I thought about buying one once and went to my local dealer to check one out. I asked to sit on it and he said, "go ahead mate, but you'll be back in a second". Not sure what he meant I went out to the lot and sat on the bike and pissed myself laughing. IT'S TINY. Not sure what the seat height is, but it felt like a monkey bike underneath me.

I'm 6'2" by the way.

Cheers,
gixxer.

[andy4200]

hahaha

Haven't sat on one yet but it looks to be about the same height as the bandit I was using.

I'm only 5'9", not quite a midget but still a little guy.

Andy

[craigw]

I've been riding an M600 for about 18months since passing das, I'm 5'10, no probs with height, havent got bored with power although I dont ride it that hard. The gent above is correct though, make sure you buy right. Have a look at the uk monster owners club forum, they're a friendly bunch & v helpful. Also some good stuff in the for sale section.

www.ukmonster.co.uk

[Davel]

If you can buy new or new'ish then you shouldn't have a problem with Ducati.

My Multistrada is now 6 months old and have not had one problem with it after 2,750 miles.

Weren't the reputed problems mainly electrical and I believe that the electrics are now sourced somewhere else.

I am tempted by Triumph but I've always thought of a Ducati in the same way as a Ferrari car - although this may be bollox of course!

I'm tempted by the Sprint ST and I just don't like the looks of the Tiger, great bike though it is.

And yes the Multistrada is ugly but it grows on you.....