2001 DUCATI MONSTER 750
Owner's nickname: Zag
Here I will introduce the 2001 MONSTER 750 that Mr. Zag currently riding, he was selected from MY bike posted on the Webike community.
The MONSTER is a long-selling model representing the Italian "DUCATI", It is the answers to the question of many Italian motorcycle enthusiast, "What is a standard motorcycle?" The MONSTER has always maintained its unique standing position since it has been introduced in DUCATI, which did not have a motorcycle called the naked bike for a long time.
Mr. Zag, just like many DUCATI fans, he also fascinated by the unique sound of it. At first, MONSTER 400 (M400 = 400cc model) is considered that can be ridden with a regular motorcycle license, but in any case, I'm thinking that I want to ride a big motorcycle, among the other MONSTER series I decided to choose MONSTER 750 since from the beginning.
The MONSTER series has a long history and many models. “Zag” chose the 2001 MONSTER 750 because of its simple structure and high maintainability. Since MONSTER has a simple chassis structure and little electronic control, there are many areas where daily maintenance can be performed by yourself.
It seems that the combination of "air cooling and carburetor", which is originally durable, can be maintained sufficiently with a little knowledge and enthusiasm for motorcycle maintenance (In taking care of engine oil you must have to use an OEM designated brands.) Depending on the type of maintenance, such as the acquisition of parts and overhaul of the suspensions, which is the process are difficult, to achieve good condition it is better to maintain with the help of professional mechanics.
Mr. Zag says he sometimes goes on a long touring trip of 10 nights with his motorcycle. If it is an OEM, there is a difficulty in the loading capacity of the motorcycle, and the sufficient loading capacity is achieved by using a retrofittable "seat undertray" and saddlebags. It depends on the saddlebags you use, but for your information, "Zag" has a total loading capacity of 77L using both saddle bag and the panniers on both sides! With this gear, it is possible to ride in a long touring without worrying about the sorting luggage!
■ Purchase motive
Previously, when I didn't have a big bike driver's license yet, I had been riding a 2 stroke off-road moped, and this is my first real motorcycle. I can use it for commuting, day trips and long touring.
■ Advantages
I was captivated by the unique DUCATI sound. I thought of the only medium-sized M400, but I decided that I wanted to ride a big motorcycle, so I changed my mind so, I bought DUCATI MONSTER 750. The MONSTER 750 is simple and very easy to maintain. I tried doing DIY by myself through the internet, and I haven't tried taken care to the shop mechanic so far.
Since I have many other hobbies, I want to ride DUCATI as cheap as possible! From that thought, the option of "something you can do by yourself = no sudden death = little electronic control = air cooling and carburetor" has become an option.
Long touring is also possible depending on your back-up bag. I went to Nagoya - Shikoku - Hiroshima - Kyoto - and back to Nagoya, long touring for 11 days and 10 nights at the end of the year 2019 - 2020. It was a private stay and a business trip without camping, but both side panniers (Henry Begins DH-705) 16L x 2 = 32L and a total of 77L of Amazon's completely waterproof duffel bag 45L (about 45.00 USD) were enough.
In both side panniers, it is just good enough to put rain gears, heavy maintenance tools, spare levers, spare oil, spare electronic parts such as regulators, electrical equipment such as electric pliers, plastic bottled drinks, emergency food, shuffle, and mat. In the duffel bag, there is a big space to put all the daily necessities such as change clothes, maps, and souvenirs. In addition, I failed my first stand on new year's day, but thanks to the panniers, only the clutch lever was broken, the tank, mirror and other parts were completely intact.
■ Disadvantages
・High oil cost: about 31.50 USD/L x 3.5L = 108 for every 3,000km. I also use OEM SHELL Advance Ultra with the meaning of insurance. In addition, I also use Superzoil, so it is even more expensive.
・Expensive OEM parts: This is quite a lot. I am using compatible products on Amazon and Mercari, and there is no problem so far. Only electronic parts are OEM. Regarding OEM parts, the delivery time is long due to the order from the home country in Italy! I hear that there are few small parts stocked at Himeji DUCATI Japan, so you can purchase it like normal mail order. However, since the shipping cost is expensive, I recommend to order all together
・Poor load-ability: If it is OEM, it is done with motorcycle verification and simple tool insertion under the integrated seat. No ETC mounting space. I attach the seat under tray and insert additional tools. The Henry Begins DH-708 seat bag is installed to the rear, but this is the limit if you ride without disturbing the appearance. There may be no other way but to install something like hip bags and holster bags.
・The rising condition of the temperature is strange because it is not in midsummer yet. That's air-cooled fate.
■ Advice
The air cooling and the carburetor has a very simple structure and is really recommended to check periodically. Japanese, American and also large-sized motorcycles, a rich scheme would be like that if you bought an injection, but the air-cooled carburetor can be used within the budget of your pocket. However, maintenance knowledge and enthusiasm are required. "Since the maintenance was done by myself, the wage has also risen into dollar!" but gradually it changes into pleasure (lol!) By all means, if you find an air-cooled and carburetor motorcycle, please purchase it! It's surprisingly durable and doesn't cost a lot of money!
■ Future custom plans
・Under cowl painting and installation
・ETC installation
・Wheel rim sticker pasting
・Chain exchange
・Rear suspension OH
See DUCATI Moto Index Page
See Accessories for DUCATI MONSTER750
See Accessories for DUCATI MONSTER400