Ducati Monster 620 reviews

I keep telling myself that this is just a phase and eventually the newness of the bike will wear off, but somehow I don't think that is the case. I used to race motocross and I always thought that the street guys were nuts, but I have changed my view. This bike has renewed the kid in me!! I can't stay calm at work and I have found myself in the garage just staring at my new toy. Julie...you were right!! There will be no need to upgrade to the next larger engine. This is all I need. I hope to see all of you out there riding around on your new Ducati just like me. ENJOY! Show less

2000 trouble free miles. I've owned it since new and that's about 3 months. It's barely broken in, so it remains to be seen whether or not any problems arise. Handles/corners well, accelerates well, and has nice torque. Swapped exhaust to Carbon Cans, but other than a few other minor things, pretty stock. It's a great daily bike around town or for longer 2-3 hour rides. Anything 'all day' begins to get uncomfortable, but that's not the purpose of these Monster bikes. Everywhere I go, it's a comment here or there about how nice it looks. I have not ridden the R6 or the Suzuki or other 600cc-800cc competition (more later once I get a chance). I would say that I have felt the need to have a pinch more power at times. For entry to mid level needs and a bike with great style, you can't go wrong. I'll check in after my first track day in a few months. Show less

I only bought a second hand Duc because there are not many main dealers here selling big bikes. So I had no preconceptions about Ducati or Monsters. Since I bought my bike nine months ago, I just love it more and more. Once you get your confidence, the acceleration is blistering. Worst thing is the sore hand with the clutch in heavy traffic. What's this about a clutch recall? Show less

Just breaking it in. Only 500 miles. Good torque. Quick and very nimble/agile. This is it's strength. haven't gotten the chance to really open it up yet. Have kept it under the 6000 rpm range and have reached 90 mph. I would imagine the performance will improve after break in period. Some little things at times but will check with dealer and see how things are after 600 mi checkup. Great around town bike. Show less

I originally purchased this bike for my wife who is 5 ft 2 inches tall. Although she could get both feet on the ground ,the reach to the bars was a bit much for someone who has 13 discs fused. I have been riding for 40 years and have owned over 30 bikes in the last ten years. Have owned litre sport bikes, cruisers, supermotos, naked bikes etc. Imagine my suprise that the little Monster could be so much fun. After raising the bike back up to stock, it handles extremely well and takes all the bumps with ease. Most of my riding is for fun and on the roads north of San Francisco. The 1000cc Monster seems slow handling in comparison. It has more than enough power to handle the twisties and as a matter of fact is easier to drive than the larger engined Monsters. If you are looking for a beginner bike that you will not outgrow look no further. Show less

This is a great bike maybe not the highest horsepower but it puts the power it has to very good use. It is very fast. I haven't had any problems. Fantastic brakes and handling. This bike feels like an extension of the rider. It goes wherever you point it as fast as you want it. If you want something different, this is it. It holds you like an Italian lover and is just as expensive, but worth it. Show less

I did an MSF rider course a few months ago, got my motorcycle license and went bike shopping. I chose my Monster 620 for several reasons. It's lightweight, has excellent handling, and has good creds as a starter bike. To be honest, I thought it might be too much for a starter bike, but after riding for over 500 miles I can say that it's exceeded all my expectations. The handling is superb and very forgiving. The brakes allow you to stop on the proverbial dime. Gear changes can be done incredibly fast with just a flick of the clutch as the action is very light. As a rookie, I found first gear take offs a little tricky at first until I got used to the clutch contact area being so far out. Overall, the bike feels incredibly light and maneuverable. As I'm still breaking it in, I haven't really explored the performance potential, but there's still plenty of power in the 3K to 5K rev range. Riding the bike is a blast and the exhaust note gets serious even with stock pipes. I'd recommended this bike to anyone who wants a safe, secure bike with good performance. As a starter bike, it's unmatched, because of the brakes, handling and the fact that it can be ridden in a very docile manner. Now I'm thinking about moving up to an S2R1000 or a Sport 1000, but not before I fully break in the 620. Show less

Bought my black Monster 620 new at the dealership a few weeks ago, and WOW! The first evening I rode it, riding home from the dealership, I got nothing but stares (and still do). Hitting the throttle impressed me with all the Ducati power I've always heard about. At the end of that first ride I had so much adrenaline going through me I was shaking. It's still incredibly thrilling to just go pick up a carton of orange juice at the grocery store up that twisty road. I never enjoyed the physical act of driving before getting a motorcycle, and the Ducati Experience has been everything I hoped for and then some! The bike has exceptional throttle response. Early on when I got it, I found myself having to really concentrate to not make it go faster, though I'm used to it now. The cornering is amazing and the suspension very stable. What surprised me was how far out you have to let the clutch before it actually engages at all (only in about the last 1/3-1/4 of an inch lies the friction zone). Despite this, it is a very light pull and very maneuverable at low speeds like in parking lots. The riding position is very comfortable and not almost laying down like you find with a lot of race bikes, though you do have to hold yourself up with your legs some (hence the 4-star rating for comfort, as this can get to be taxing). Gas mileage is excellent, especially if you're easy on the throttle (which I have to be since I'm still in the break-in), but this baby can really haul butt if you open it up a little. I don't twist it more than a 1/2 inch really when I'm in traffic because of the power. Great off-the line and mid-range acceleration, ample power for any traffic situation. The bike is also really light, which adds to its maneuverability and is part of the enjoyment of it because you don't have to hold up a hulking machine. If you're on the fence about getting a Ducati, I hope this review shoves you off with a vengeance! That bike is awesome, and I am completely happy with it. Show less

I've had my Dark for about a year now and it's been good fun. On the positives, the bike gets a lot of attention while cruising especially downtown with the renown Ducati rumble (you have to 86 the cat to get it though) or when it's parked. You definitely get a Wow factor from people when owning a Ducati, more so than any other manufacturer. Ducati dealerships often have open houses when new models come out. This is a great opportunity to demo all of their models. How many manufacturers let you demo their entire line at one sitting? There are tons of aftermarket parts to customize. The motor is very un intimidating with good pull, solid shifting. Plenty fast enough for this type of bike. I've had it up to 120 with some room to spare. This is a great bike to start on or transition to. The downers are the suspension has limited to no adjustability, small fuel tank gives you limited range. In town riding the low fuel light comes on around 75 miles. Hwy mileage is better but your range is around 120 miles. Maintenance is going to cost you so be prepared. I was quoted $500-$700 for a 6k service between two different Ducati dealers. Keep in mind Ducati recommends this type of service every 6k miles. Bottom Line: While there are faster and more powerful bikes with less maintenance considerations this Duc makes the right sounds, has the look, has enough torque and hp to get the job done. If you want to stand out from a sea of rice-burners and Harleys you can't go wrong. Show less

Great first 'big bike' due to the friendly nature of the 803cc engine, slipper clutch and the riding position. Pokey enough for all but the mentalist of fast sportsbike riders, it can really handle in the twisties. Add an aftermarket exhaust and you will only then really hear what owning a Duc is all about! The stock system is about 80 decibels, and the Zards I have fitted come in at about 102. There is no shortage of aftermarket parts and accessories, so making it your own isn't a problem. Totally recommended for all those who are bored of 186mph loonatic tools. Show less