First big bike - ZX6R or Ducati Monster?

[Yarri]

Well, yeah, got until Thursday to decide as my test is on thursday and i hope for a pass even that i know that i should not be overconfident.

Got to decide what bike i want next, there are a 1998 ZX6R for sale in excelent condition as well as a bit older 1994 Ducati Monster which is also without a mark on it. Both bikes are listed pretty much for same money.

More keen on ZX6R but having a Ducati as first big bike is just wow.

Any tips?
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Theory Passed: 23/10/2008 49/74 Bike Test Passed: 05/01/2009 1 minor
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Few minutes of life of the biker could be more interesting then the whole lifes of many people

[stevo as b4]

Very different bike's obviously, and while you could commute, tour, go out for a sunday ride out, or track day with either bike, they are both suited to different roles.

I can see the Kudos of having a Ducati as your first bike, but a 94 Monster is quite old, and id expect to have some problems with a Ducati of that age TBH. If i wanted a Monster, then i'd go for one of the later fuel injected one's like the 620ie or the larger engined versions ideally.

How is the insurance quotes for both bikes? You should bear in mind that there are alot of low mileage looked after ZX6R's around, and you will have a far better chance of finding one locally than a Monster IMO. I don't think that any Monster less than 900cc would be anywhere near the performance of the ZX6R engine wise, and really an S4 would be the best comparison. You don't see many S4's for sale generally, being a fairly expensive bike that does not sell in huge numbers.

If your serious about wanting a Monster, then i suggest you have a look around a few Ducati forums, and try to speak to a few owners, and get some sort of buyers guide and information about what to look out for, and which bikes are the best versions to buy, from people who know them well and have had experience of Ducati's and their Dealers and parts supply availability and prices.

Good luck with your test mate!

[rotax81]

i can pretty much guarantee the zx6 will be a much more reliable bike. the 1998 6r is a comfy bike as well as a sporty bike.

2 completely different bikes though. get a newer duke later on if you really want one
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[Spit-Fire]

simply... ninja!
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[nasty]

I bought a 1997 ZX6R F3 for when I passed my test, as I failed the last attempt I can't ride it yet but I've sat on it, revved the engine, havn't taken it out for any sort of test ride and I'm fairly confident that I made the right choice. It's big, powerful, handles great, looks awesome and is one of the original must have sportbikes IMO.

As said previously there are a few ZX6R's around with low mileage for good prices, I don't really have any experience with them but many people have said they're a great bike, not too difficult to look after and maintain and parts are readily available. Depending on your age the insurance shouldn't be too bad either (I'm 32, got a quote for both my NSR125 and the ZX6R on one policy and got £276 TPFT for both with no nasty excess either).

Don't know anything about the Ducati but have heard parts can be pricey and in some cases difficult to source.

Just go with what you feel comfortable with and you'll be ok, but try them out before you buy.
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ZX6R F3

[Rowey]

ZX6R

Monster is overrated IMO
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ZX6R C6F.
Never argue with an idiot. They'll only bring you down to their level, and beat you with experience.

[swiftb]

get the zx6r, pay a bit more get the J1

[The Tot]

ZX6R - pay for a G/J - F models are getting on a bit and will need lots of bits replacing - suspension overhaulling, corroded fastners etc. G's had better suspension and were lighter and more powerful, but the camchain tensioners weren't as strong as the F's. Needless to say, if you want a workhorse, kawasaki's are there for you. Expect to see some pretty high milers - 40-50k miles aren't uncommon. They're easy bikes to work on, but beware of these things

Brake calipers - 6 pottesr on the G/J's will need attention and constant cleaning. Failure to do so will probably warp disks
Rear shocks can go after 20-25k miles - suggestion is to get a replacement - I've got a hagon on mine and it does the job. Consider refreshing the fork oil too.

Having said that, if you're lucky enough to pick an F1-3 for a grand, then you're on a winner. Most have probably been down the road because it's a good and economical big bike. Ladies seem to like them too (previous seller of my ZXR250 was a lady, upgraded to an F3) and i've seen quite a few women at meets on old ZX6Rs. That said, long distance comfort is good and you can possibly eek out 50mpg down the motorway if you stay at 80. They're ok in town and have sufficient drive and midrange. I guess a G/J will be more of the same but with better refinement - £1400 would be a bargain price for those bikes in this weather. They'll be good in town and insurance shouldn't be too much for the ninja - DIY servicing and budget about £200 for valve checks (major service for me was £320 inc valves and carb synch and brake strip).
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The Tot 2019 Z1000SX - 2007 R1
Never argue with autism

[chris-red]

A monster of that age will be pap? Is it the 600 one? if so they put out about 51bhp IIRC. My flat mate had one and there are always something wrong with it.
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[garth]

I'd rather have the monster, but meh, I think IL4 600 sportsbikes are utter pap on the road.

Which monster is it? 600, 750 or 900? And what is it for sale for?

Worlds apart either way. The 2 valve Dukes are easy to maintain, make sure the belts are changed and valves checked and it'll be ok. Slave cylinders are a weak spot, but you can replace them for a Evoluzione one for just over £100.

Not anywhere near as fast even if it is a 900, but make more sense for road riding. I have a 600 monster (5 speed) as a track bike that I have ridden on the road, and it's good. The 900 (I have a ssie - bit closer to the ZX6R in regards to clip ons and a full fairing - cheap too) is much, much gruntier, but either way both come as standard with good spec. And handle well
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[glory glory]

i bought a 1998 zx-6r ninja bad boy about a month ago its an animal and i love it !! first big bike i,ve put about 1500 miles on it allready in this weather ! you will not be disapointed by the power and response of this thing
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glory glory