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Should I buy a Ducati monster or a Yamaha FZ1? What are the benefits or detractors of owning each machine?

I am currently saving for my first bike which will likely be a 250cc or 500cc Suzuki or Kawasaki to learn on. My question about the above bikes is for refernce to a future bike once I have a couple riding seasons under my belt. Any help from someone with experience with one or both of these bikes, or recommendations along similar lines, is greatly appreciated. I am 25y/o, 6'1", 195lbs, and married. I am not interested in cruisers or race replica ss bikes.

Public Comments

1. Yamaha FZ1 would be the one I'd pick; any parts, work done on it, etc, will likely be considerably less expensive. Depending on WHICH particular Duc you're looking to buy, the bike itself may be more or less expensive as well... I personally (24, 5'5") learned on a Suzuki GS500e, great beginner bike. Right now I've got a Honda VFR800i, love it to death, got a 650-mile trip planned 2 weekens from now! =)
2. The Yam is a great all-round bike, easy to ride and comfy too. Lots of gofrom the de-tuned R1 engine and lots of whoa! from the R1 front end / brakes. At 6'1" you may need to fit some bar risers to get best riding position. If buying used, look for useful and practical after-market additions and don't buy anything that's been on track days. Full Yam service history a must and choose a 'classic' colour that will not date. Servicing and parts cheaper and easier than Ducati I would guess. New model just released so maybe look for an used bike from a mature rider who's 'trading up' to the new bike. You are unlikely to be dissapointed if you buy with care. The Monster is also a great bike, if a little more specialised. More of a looker to some people too, but striking looks can date. Not so comfy but a competent machine and 'different'; maybe not as reliable as a Yam and parts / service likely to be more expensive too. Also try a late model fuel-injected Honda Blackbird, been around a while so can look familiar (so holds down prices) but is a highly developed all-rounder and produces nuclear power especially if you fit some nice cans and a Power Commander! Better quality finish than both Yam and Ducati too. The gunmetal grey paint finish is beautiful! But black is cool too. Ride safe but RIDE!
3. I'd go for the Yamaha, but after you are riding awhile, you may find your tastes change. Here's a thought. Start out with a Suzuki XSV650, and you may not want to trade it for a bigger bike. It's a great balance between sport bike, and comfortable all-around first bike.
4. Its two different games - i hated riding my mates monster, until i got it right, then its sooooooo satifying. smiles after every courner the FZ1 is easier but not as fun, only ridden one and it just didn't feel right. As a new biker you need to realise that picking bikes is like pulling women. Every body sees and feels the different points in a bike they like and don't. its all about the feeling, and you may see them in a different light to others. Get your first bike - maybe a CRB 400, or an old RG500 - bikes from the late 80's - late 90's give you a much better lesson in riding over the first few years, then make the monster-FZ1 decision when you know what you like. kinda like a dating service. I'm 24, been ridding for 7 years, and owned 15 bikes and ridden many others. I still don't know what i want to end up with, guess thats just the passion. Good luck and safe ridding.
5. I only have a little time on the FZ1 but compared notes with others that played with one. The most recent Rider magazine has a nice write-up on it too. In summary: no one could fault it. It accelerates quickly, it tracks turns, it flicks over nicely, it brakes well, all without much effort from the rider. To top it off the ergos are very good. I normally ride a sport-tourer w/ only 800cc (VFR) so comparable acceleration requires more effort from me. Another guy's bike doesn't track turns (ZRX1200). One guy rode a CBR600 so the ergos weren't optimal for longer distances. I wish I knew somebody with an FZ6 to try out since that should be a little easier on insurance, but the FZ1 is a great bike.
6. The Ducati 602 will always start and is matience free. And it'd fast I mean very fast. It hugs the road like no others.
7. THE YAMAHA UNLESS YOU LIKE TO SPEND MEGABUCK ADJUSTING THE DESMODROMIC VALVES ON THE DUCK. THE FZI WILL TORCH THE DUCK IN EVERY CATAGORY. CHEAPER TOO
8. You could start with a smaller 250 or 500cc bike, or you could just get the Ducati 620 now. That's exactly what I did and I don't regret it at all. (I bought the Multistrada 620, not the Monster 620). I was somewhat intimidated by the power of the bike for the first little bit, but in a few weeks I was very comfortable on it. I've been riding for about 8 months and my commute never gets tiring on the Multistrada. Go take the MSF course and learn from a class, then get a bike that will last for longer than just 2 seasons. (Seriously, I don't know what your plans are, but you don't want to learn by yourself. You'll feel much more confident having taken the class.) I almost bought a Suzuki SV650 to start on, but then I sat on a Ducati 620 and was surprised that the price was actually a few hundred bucks cheaper. And sure the FZ1 has some impressive stats, but it doesn't have the soul of the Ducati. Ask any experienced rider and they'll tell you the real joy is not in the sheer speed on straightaways or in the 0 to 60 time, but in wringing its neck out on the twisty backroads. It's there that the Duc will outpace a Japanese bike any day.