Monsters v. Scrambler

I'm shopping for my first duc, and I'm torn between 3 options:

1.Used Monster 797
2. New 821
3. New 1200
4. New Scrambler

A used Monster would be practical as far as entry cost. The Scrambler might be fun for the sketchier roads here. New Monster would be fun, period. 1200 would be more powerful.

I'm a 47 year old artist, not looking to do hooligan stuff, just want to ride and have fun, maybe do a few road trips here and there. I can't get into the cruisers, but not a crotch rocket guy either.The look and ergonomics of Monster I find appealing, especially as a small rider.

Any advice on selecting a Duc?

I always suggest a rider to actually sit on a bike. Ergonomics is very important in controlling a motorcycle. And, you'll feel when you are on the right bike!!

airjawed said:

I always suggest a rider to actually sit on a bike. Ergonomics is very important in controlling a motorcycle. And, you'll feel when you are on the right bike!!

Click to expand...

I've sat on the 821. It was pretty comfortable. The only bike more comfy was an Indian Scout Bobber, but that can't ride the twisties like a duc.

The Monster is a fantastic bike period. I found it's good at everything street and really fun on the track. It's not a 7 hour highway bike, though I have done many hours of highway on one. The Scrambler I have not ridden. To me seems like a very beginner, mass market bike. It's a heavy retro-modern design, not intended for being specialized at a lot. That said, I know a guy who dropped €7-8k into one made it lighter desert bike with longer travel suspension, hand-made custom windscreen, etc. He is a very experienced rider and loves it.
Says it's a total blast. If you get a chance to test ride, I think that will tell you pretty fast which you prefer. It may surprise you a lot once you feel them. You may change your mind.
Power if you ask me is a thing you want to grow into. If you're an accomplished rider and want to learn fast, study, practice, a bigger engine will really challenge you. If you're super casual and just want to have fun, smaller engines are a blast. Also depends on your weight and fitness. Bigger engines can be way more of a work-out. A really good fit rider can spank everyone with a smaller engine, no problem. That's not the issue. None of those bikes will be slow on the street. The one you feel best with will be the one you go fastest on or have more fun on.
Used / New - The warranty is a pretty nice thing to have and you can extend it. Looking at used, the question is always, "how used?" That's a tough call. Some are a great deal, some are a going to be a money pit. If you find one used with a year or 2 warranty remaining, that can be a pretty good situation. But you have to have it checked by a shop that can tell you if someone did something crazy to it, or got the warranty cancelled. Some really bad modifications will cancel a warranty. No idea about the 797's.

The Monster and Scrambler lines are just about the same except for the looks and ergonomics. For example, my (Scrambler) cafe racer has the 803cc motor from the monster and shares a ton of other parts as well. I would go with a Scrambler or a Monster for casual riding, but as others said, you should sit on them and ride them to be sure what fits you. The Scrambler line has a ton of following with lots of aftermarket parts. The Monster line has been around forever and also has tons of support. You probably can't go wrong with either one. I would suggest getting one that is water-cooled as the air-cooled models get a bit hot, depending on your riding area/style.

I own six motorcycles, and my cafe racer is the go-to bike for easy, fun riding. The low-end torque of the v-twin is great from stoplight to stoplight without being crazy (my XDiavel is crazy). I also agree that smaller bikes with lower power can be a ton of fun, while top dog high horsepower bikes can be great for bragging rights but not that much fun on the street. Heck, I enjoy my 12 HP 125cc Grom on the street with 100% throttle almost all the time with no need to slow down other than to slide the rear tire, lol.

Put a nice pipe on a Monster or Scrambler to have even more fun feeling and listening to the v-twin sing! There is nothing like a Monster with a nice pipe downshifting from high RPMs while coming up to a stoplight.

-0260