Reviews for the monster 620 say that it is no worse a beginner bike than the SV650 or Ninja 650.
(The 695 is more powerful, and the 696 has a whole host of handling and power upgrades that work great for experienced riders, but work against learning without stress).
It makes less power than most 600cc street bikes (Honda 599, SV 650, etc) and handles fairly well without being uber twitchy.
Is it an ideal starter? No.
Despite making similar power to other quasi-starter bikes, it makes (a lot?) more than 250s or 500s.
From a purely practical point of view, the monster is a very expensive bike, even used. Ducatis are notorious for requiring a great deal fo mechanical attention (“Ducati, making mechanics out of riders since 1941”), and there is simply nothing inexepensive on or about any Ducati. Replacement parts and labour will not be cheap.
The Monster was designed as an intro to Ducati, not as an intro to motorcycles (despite what the salesmen will tell you). In many respects it is like a BMW 3 series. Can you learn to drive on a 3? Yes. Should you? No. The vehciles are driving machines, they expect you to already have all the muscle-memory and skills required.
If you really want a Duck (and I can’t say I blame you, I love the Monster 620 Dark) then buy a used Ninja 250. Ride it for one year to develop proper counter steering and weight/boy positioning skills. Once you are comfortable flipping that bike about, sell it off for what you paid for it and buy your dream Monster. Any money lost on the sale of the Ninja will be more than made up for by the depreciation of the Ducati. And the Duck will be doubly special when you are used to the acceleration of a 250.
Ben, I know you’ve already got a list of bikes to add, but you might want to consider reviewing some of these bikes that are being advertised as beginner friendly bikes. Show why they aren’t as good as others, and what better alternatives might be…
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