Ducati Monster 620

The bike looks, feels, sounds and (most importantly) rides amazing! I have an 03 620 dark. It runs very consistently, IDK why Ducatis have a reputation of being unreliable. Of course, it looks and sounds better than any other motorcycle on the market (in my opinion) but it also rides really well! I was pleasantly surprised at how much pull it had, probably dues to the great torque and light weight. Ive rodent a few different bikes and I'd say that this one has the best acceleration, even better than the BMW R1200RT I rode. The suspension is a lot stiffer than I'm used to, but still soft enough to be comfortable most of the time. Plus the seat is very good. I'm a short guy (about 5' 5") and I can get enough foot on the ground to manage this bike fine, but I still can't flat foot it. I was thinking about getting an SV650, but after sitting on this with its 1 inch shorter seat, I realized there was no way I could be comfortable on the SV650. Overall, this bike is plenty powerful enough to have a blast on, handles extremely well at both slow and fast speeds, and is just the bomb. Its true what they say, you can't help but smile when riding this bike, it just has that unidentifiable fun-factor! If you've never ridden a monster, then you're missing out.

Like the other reviewers, Ducati Monster 620 is my first real bike (after a 125 Suzuki) and I love it! I'm an average sized male and the size isn't too small, as I had heard previously. I went out and tried 3 different monsters. An 08 695, an 03 620 and the one I bought, the 07 620. After trying the 695, I wasn't impressed with it, as the clutch was sticky and the fuel tank felt bulky around my legs. The 02 felt much better but was a mess so tested the 07 and loved it. I usually ride around London, but live in Harefield, which has plenty of windy country roads. The Ducati does them both with a grin on its face and it sounds a beauty for a 620cc engine.I recently rode from London, around France and then Spain, and the bike didn't let me down until I got back, and the oil light broke. The oil light stayed on and had to be replaced. After sniffing around on the web i found many people with light problems on Ducatis. Replaced free under the guarantee though, so can't complain

I have owned two 620ie. Now, the first having a full Remus exhaust with DP mapping, the second (and current) with Staintunes, not sure about the mapping.

These bikes are the most beautiful naked bikes out there, a sense of classic cafe racer, yet modern naked sports, but it's real drawcard is the unique Ducati trellis and curved tank combo. High mount/low mount etc. etc., the bike remains aesthetically pleasing. Have heard and would agree that this model would suit the ladies.

Powerwise, it's underpowered by just that little bit and it's no more evident than on a stretch of highway where the engine is revvy at 110/120 km/h. You want to overtake? Think twice before knocking it back a gear at these speeds.

Where this bike comes into it's element is in the twisties. It's very light and agile and the "just upright" seating position allows you to lean over and distribute the overall weight nicely into corners. It accelerates well off the line and if you live in the city, it's awesome. The sound coming from the back is genuine Ducati, I found the Remus high mounts give a very loud bark (enough to set off car alarms) but the steintunes are not as throaty, though still loud. Opening up the airbox gives different tunes and rider experience, but will require remapping/tuning.

The downside to this bike is the seat. It is hard and uncomfortable and after owning a CBR1100XX Blackbird, I am living in a love/hate relationship with this pile of rubbish. It is too firm, wrong shape and necessitates a break after only 40min to 1 hour. I could sit on the blackbird for hours no problems. The other notable issue can be handlebar vibrations, but this can be sorted with better grips and proper exhaust/tuning combination.

In reality, I think the 800ie or the 695 would have just that little bit extra power and a quick $100 would have the seat re-shaped with better memory foam. This is my next "necessary" mod.

Hope this helps...

A vastly superior sport ride than a full-on sports bike for anyone who rides in a city, is lucky enough to have passengers, or uses the bike for anything other than track days or decidedly illegal empty road riding. It is easy to maintain, has light and quick handling, good power and great Brembo brakes. I've put in seven hour days, both on country roads and entirely at highspeed on the highway, and it is surprisingly accommodating (the seat allows one to shift around quite a bit). The old Monster look is positively retro now, but it is still drop dead gorgeous; I get more smiles and more people (ie women) coming over to talk to me with this bike that with any other. And if they get to go for a ride they don't mind staying on for a while. Heads turn as it goes by, with stock pipes.

The Ducati Monster 620 is my first "real" motorcycle. After spending many months researching Ducati-looking motorcycles, I found out about the entry-level Ducati Monster 620 Dark. It was everything I wanted in a beginner bike. It was low to the ground, which means that I can have my feet planted. Many bikes were too tall for my 5'7" frame and I wanted to be able to balance the bike easily on hills and around parking lots. It's a very light weight bike, something also vital for me. I figured that it wouldn't be too powerful, and it isn't, but this bike is SUPER-FAST and SUPER-TORQUEY and can instantly shoot ahead of any car at any speed. The riding position was very important as well. I really didn't want a cruiser-style bike and I didn't want to have all of my weight on my wrists like most sport bikes. The Monster has a relatively aggressive riding position that's a LOT more comfy than sportbikes and a lot cooler and better handling than cruisers. I live near the winding canyon roads of Malibu, CA and I can say this bike is super-easy to ride, has excellent handling, and is easily flickable on a winding road. Once you put on some carbon-fiber mufflers (illegal, but a must for almost all motorcyclists) this bike makes some beautiful, unmistakeable growling noises that are a Ducati trademark. So it looks great, feels great, sounds great and rides great but there are a couple of cons: Ducati maintenance is exorbitant and you need to do it often. Many Ducati riders strongly suggest you change the oil every 1500 miles. At the dealer, this'll cost you $100. Every 6000 miles you need a major service that'll cost you around $300-600. There are lots of little quirks individual to every Ducati, something a beginning rider might not want to deal with. Mine for example idles kinda low, something I'll be dealing with once the bike's in the shop for the 6000 mile service. Also there's some kind of minor leak in the engine that I believe will be a warrantee replacement. These problems do not in any way detract from my riding enjoyment, and I use this bike for commuting and for fun canyon rides daily. The biggest pro/con about a Ducati is that it's not simply a motorcycle, it's a consuming passion. Next thing you know you'll be listing off the thousands of dollars of modifications you'd like to do, from performance to appearance. I am in love with my sweet new Ducati!

The only issue I am having with the Ducati Monster 620 is with the low fuel sensor. Seems to be defective as I have learned not to rely on the warning. In fact, I replaced the sensor and now need assistance priming the fuel pump. If there are any helpful bike mechanics your input is greatly appreciated.

This Monster 620 is my first Ducati motorcycle and I'm in love with it. The accelaration and torque on this bike are great and its only a 620. The best thing about a monster though is when that beautiful girl can't stop looking at you when you're at a stop sign.

This Ducati Monster 620 is my first big Motorcycle and I am delighted with it. I have wanted a monster for some years and the reality does not dissapoint.

The bike is easy to handle, once you have mastered the characteristic heavy clutch and slightly quirky gearbox.

It steams up hills like they weren't there and is king of the street round town.

It may not have the high top end speed of its stable mates, but personally 115 mph is more than enough for me.

These bikes do not suit everyone. Some people hate the riding position and if your not going to be on the ball with maintenance, forget it!

Otherwise, they ride as good as they look and sound even better.