2017 Ducati Monster 797 v 2002 Ducati Monster 620

My sister and I borrow a 2017 Ducati Monster 797 from Ducati Winchester to test and compare it with her 2002 Ducati Monster 620 Dark. Both have fuel-injected, air-cooled, L-twin engines and that classic Monster style.
If you'd like to test ride the Ducati Monster 797, please see the contact information for Ducati Winchester below.
Ducati Winchester
663 N Loudon St
Winchester, VA 22601
540-667-3498
www.ducpond.com
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[@billkabb]

for me the 620 dark is propably one of the most beautiful bike ever made .. this bike has so much character and any comparison to mondern monsters is unfair .. ok moderns are better bikes of course but in 20 years from now the 620 will look even more beautiful and authentic while you propably not even remember the 797 ..

[@EL34FILIP]

Over here in Belgium my 620i Dark has 6 speed gear and dual brake disks in front. Totally agree with Bill here, the looks and character of this bike are amazing.

[@simoneliuzzi1918]

Alright

[@XxHeavenX]

EL6350 from what year is your 620? I have a 620ie dark from 2003. 5 gears and single disk. And from belgium to. Sadly in the garage with that beautiful weather now :(

[@SalvaGian47]

Bill Kabb I totally agree!! Whoever says the contrary, he doesn’t know anything about the monster

[@matthewg.8698]

@@XxHeavenX it's a Ducati 620i.e. Dark 2004 , I have the same bike. Dual disc brakes and 6 shifts

[@stormtrooper9404]

Wonderful review...I could'nt ask for more.You guys just saved me a lot of money deciding between 620ie and 696. Keep up the good work and ride safe ;) Cheers

[@solino2002andrea]

Hi guys, Obviously 797 is a little bit better than std. 620 because the second one is 15 years older... But I did some mods that absolutely improve that old lady: _ torque & power -> I mounted on my 6 gear engine "Roads Italia" slip on mufflers and " Ducati open muffler ecu map" (originally developed by Magneti Marelli for Termignoni optional mufflers". It gains 10 HP at least and improve drivability a lot; _ struggling with gas tube out of corner-> I mounted G2 throttle tamer that in first degrees winds the cable on a smaller diameter. Perfect ! _ cornering-> I'm pretty tall but the riding position is a little strange, not sporty, not touring, so I mounted rearsets: my corners are getting better and better and my shoes nose aren't hitting ground nomore. Comfort is decreased a little; _ braking->I have 2 disks (black series instead gold series due to a Ducati cost reduction, I think) so I replaced the original tangential pump with Hypermotard one which is semiradial type. Beautiful bike anyway as her blonde owner.

[@leonvandenbogaert9604]

Just bought a 620 from year 2002, it has only 13k km, like brand new, perfect ride 🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🥊🥊

[@2WR]

Good choice!

[@juancampos8874]

About how much cost maintenance on one 2002 or 2003

[@Lavaman3682]

Great video for those of us who own the older Ducs and wonder what we are missing...well filmed, with articulate commentary. Bravo!

[@2WR]

Thanks man!

[@Lavaman3682]

@@2WR Lavaman3682 2 minutes ago Great video. As the proud owner of a 03 720, I have to say: full trellis frame, or it's not a Monster. (I could say the same for metal tank and dual clocks). Oh well, I would like to have the ABS, but the plastic tank, side shock, and LCD display that looks like it came off a riding lawn tractor? Thank you no.

[@timking92]

You guys... your comparison of these bikes is excellent! Truly GREAT presentation all the way around. :)

[@2WR]

Thanks Tim

[@simonelomax7465]

Excellent review/comparison of two beautiful bikes by two awesome people. 10/10. Thank you 🙏!

[@2WR]

Thank you!

[@charlieryan1736]

Thanks for that informative video 👍🏻 glad I found your channel

[@2WR]

Welcome man!

[@Daren_PNW]

I have an amazing memory with the '02 Dark. My dad took me to the dealer for a test ride in high school for the new model demo. The only bike I'd ridden prior to this was his old 70's Honda XL125 with kick start. The dealer guy was hesitant and wanted me to ride around the garage first. Checks out and we headed out for a cruise. That was SO much fun.

[@Fmontes]

Nice review. Came here because 20 years ago I was REALLY jonesing for a Monster 620 in yellow. That didn't work out and never got one. 20 years later, I just bought a Hypermotard and loving it. Always wondered about the 620 though...

[@Fulacine]

Thank you for doing the comparison. I have a 620 and love it, but I’ve been Ogling the new Ducati’s and was wondering how big a difference there was. You answered my questions. I want the 1200 s.

[@1240enzo]

The thing is though that, imho the 620ie is a far better looking bike. Nice proper analogue instruments and exhausts that sit asides the side not up high and with weird extractors etc etc. I will keep my ‘06 Monster 620ie, it’s a great bike. It has the twin discs up front with twin Brembos, and with the bark from the twin Termis it’s awesome.

[@onhawaii]

The FRAME!!! The FRAME! that was jumped my eye the first... you did not mention it.

[@gustwowheeling7337]

I'm sure their is a reason for the rear shock being side mounted, but I like it mounted in the middle, like on Angela's 2002 Monster. Great video with a man and a woman's thoughts on the bikes. Be safe, Angela, and Mario.

[@redboatandrew]

Really nice review - I appreciate the combination of technical details and driving impressions. I'm considering purchasing a Monster 797, and would love to see it compared to current bikes from other brands, such as the Suzuki SV650, Yamaha MT-07, perhaps Triumph Street Twin, especially in terms of brakes and handling.

[@2WR]

Currently, I don't have the access to all the brands mentioned nor the time to take on such a project but I can provide you with a little insight. I've owned the 1st 2 generations of the SV650 as well as ridden the latest. The 797 comes with a better stock suspension than the Suzuki with far better braking components. On my previous SVs, one of which was my race bike, I had to go with heavier springs (did in the street bike as well) and gold valve emulators in the forks. For the shock, it needed a heavier spring as well but I ended up replacing the entire unit with a Penske double clicker. On the one I had only for the street, I had to put a heavier spring on the shock. The SV brakes would start to fade under sportier riding so I upgraded the front brake lines to stainless steel (which the Ducati comes with stock). I'm not bashing the SV. There's a reason I've owned 2 of them and thinking of getting another for the track because they are very good bikes but in stock form they need some upgrades to compete with the higher priced Ducati. I haven't ridden the updated the MT-07 but did ride one the first year they came out...the suspension definitely needed stiffened. I understand they may have corrected that on the latest version. Can't help ya at all on the Triumph as I've never ridden one.

[@redboatandrew]

@@2WR Thanks for this; very helpful.

[@potatokaiyote]

I'd rather have the 620, it just has a more traditional look.

[@MrDanila2006]

Хорошее видео. Тоже имею древний дукати (MS4). Но старичок радует)

[@BigBadWolfMoto]

Awesome comparison! Impressive vs refined! But...Can't beat evolution! You both ride safe, and Rock ON!!!

[@bc67]

Cool comparison showing the tech advances Ducati has made over the years. One thing that jumped out at me was what Angela noted about having to do the work vs. the bike doing it for you. I guess it comes down to personal preference. I know riders and drivers who do not like all the tech. Style-wise; with dual disks up front and the analog gauges, I like the 620. Love the dual exhaust too. Bump that 620 up to a 696 or 796 and it's almost no contest. I still prefer the older style and exhaust notes.

[@2WR]

Appreciate it!

[@adamh603]

Nice review

[@luisantolafrancis519]

Y have a 620 dark ie with 6 speeds and dual disc brake at front and y love it with its termignoni cans soud .

[@lancelance9224]

Great review keep up the good work

[@2WR]

thx buddy

[@dry509]

I read that the Scrambler Cafe racer, etc are more maneuverable and more fun? Is the throttle too sensitive? Please demo the scrambler models.

[@2WR]

I already have. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3LShIuGmNJ3ptU and kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHfIdWCwj56rj7c

[@984francis]

I'm 5'10" with short legs and the seat height of the 797 is wonderful. But, I had to make risers for the mirrors. I don't have many miles on mine yet but the engine is lumpy at low rpm and the throttle is snatchy also at low rpm, fine when moving. Parking lot exercises are a little challenging because of the low rpm roughness and very limited lock. Otherwise it's superb. I can manage the parking lot stuff and I think that learning to cope with the low rpm/steering lock well will make me a better rider overall.

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

Should compare it to the S2r 800.

[@jonchaochao4567]

I used to own a 05 620 dark equipped with carbon Arrow exhausts and tuned with power commander and it rips, it looks sick and it can keep up with the Ducati weekly group ride just fine, but it came to an end with I t-boned a car that pulled up in front of me going high speed, both me and the bike flew over the trunk of the car, luckily my Aria helmet saved my life with only minor injuries, well, I got an irrupted testicle from hitting the tank so hard and the front end of the 620 dismantled, RIP my 620...

[@keishagibbs3195]

Great video. I've actually been thinking about getting rid of my 620 for the new 797.

[@2WR]

Nothing wrong with the 620 but the 797 is a big step forward.

[@greensamurai5805]

hey nice video ,i have question am 184cm will i look weird on a 620 ? thnks

[@2WR]

Legs may be a little cramped but you’re not going to look weird.

[@jessicafryer4258]

Sounds like a lot of the differences you pointed out-single disk brake, no sixth gear-were addressed by Ducati in the 695.

[@dry509]

What is the difference in maintenance between the two? The 797 is close to 10 grand where I live.

[@2WR]

620 v 797 is 6,000 v 7,500 miles for valve check/oil change. I think cam belt changes are 12,000 v 15,000 miles or at the 2 year mark.

[@dry509]

2 Wheeled Rider Thanks. Is it worth close to 10 grand? Would your sister or you spend your own money on a new 797 or something else new or used for that money? Asking cause I am looking. For me no touring or off road, just running around for fun.

[@2WR]

I bought the 620 new in 2002 (she bought it off me a year later), when factoring in inflation it's within a $1,000 of the superior 797. While I have no room in my garage for another bike and she'll likely get a touring bike next, I would still say yes, it's worth the money. I recently review the new Monster 821 and I would still likely consider the 797 over it just because I like the simple air-cooled 2V design. Makes enough power, looks cool (in my eyes) and performs well enough to be a great all-rounder.

[@dry509]

2 Wheeled Rider Ok...thanks.

[@luisantolafrancis519]

Y have a 620 ie dark of 2006 and it has 6 gears and double front discs y love it . Y would only change it if some new ducati had its looks ..

[@EL34FILIP]

My idea also :-)

[@MaverickM1]

I think a good s4r is the best ever stuff. (I don not own it, tried it only. I am happy owner of a S2R 800 which also a great bike in my opinion)

[@taffyboy07]

Nice 1 Mario !!, the new monster is a good looking bike, & let's face it, not that far advanced after 15 yrs in comparison, yeah the odd thing or 2, but nothing to sing & dance about by the sounds of it, keep up the good work & I'm looking forward to the trip 👍

[@2WR]

My thoughts exactly on the bikes. A nice unmolested, older M800 would likely hold it's own. We're currently 1,200+ miles into the trip and headed through the Badlands and Back Hills later today.

[@Yzftube1]

I know that you didn't have the 797 long enough to do a fuel mileage comparison, but I would be curious to know how they compared. My 2002 620 has the best mileage of all the bikes that I own. It's a great daily driver/ commuter.

[@2WR]

Ian, unfortunately I didn't get a chance to do a fuel consumption test.

[@aashutoshbhagat2677]

But the 797 didn't have a gear position indicator and fuel gauge even in 2017. And what's with the 2valve air cooling even in 2017?

[@2WR]

I've had bikes with and without gear indicators and while they are "nice to haves" I find them totally unnecessary (my opinion). As for 2V air cooling, that's a simple answer...they are cheaper and easier to work on than their 4V water-cooled brethren.

[@aashutoshbhagat2677]

2 Wheeled Rider well it should get air cooling + oil cooling atleast coz the Ducati monster does heat up in traffic a lot and there is a high chance of getting your legs roasted in peak traffic as it's a Naked sports bike . Air + oil cooling is easy to maintain and it is durable too But ofcourse the bike has gotta have a EFI unit instead of carb which I think Ducati monster 797 has . But most importantly it's gotta have a radiator fan fitted inside coz even air + oil cooling can't save it from overheating in bad traffic bcoz conventional air cooling only works if the bike gathers speed .

[@aashutoshbhagat2677]

And about the gear indicator yea we can live without it but a fuel gauge is a must coz people don't like to shake the tank in order to assume how much fuel is left in tank 😂

[@2WR]

The 797 is EFI with a 50mm throttle body to ensure it is Euro-4 compliant (btw the entire Scrambler 800 line up has the same engine). The bike does have an oil cooler mounted to the front, but that still makes it an air cooled engine. Personally I've never seen an air-cooled bike with a fan mounted on the oil cooler but I'm not saying one doesn't exist.

[@Touringmidwest]

This was an awesome video. Tell your sister hello. I'm about to go find her on Instagram. 😉

[@user-cr6sh3if5t]

I love 620

[@orlandoducati]

I wonder why Ducati decided to make the riding position so aggressive on the 620...

[@CapitanTavish]

You missed the fact the 620 has gold series Brembo brakes... which they cost alone over 700bucks ... There is a version with 2 disk too

[@al54321x]

i have that version and it brake very well

[@CapitanTavish]

@@al54321x it brakes too much sometimes

[@al54321x]

@@CapitanTavish yes when brake is new i have to use just one finger to brake or i would give to much power

[@Aissa0007]

Mario how tall is Angela? Trying to see if the bike its too tall for me?

[@2WR]

5’8”

[@Aissa0007]

Thank you

[@dry509]

What is your sister riding now?

[@2WR]

Still on the 620

[@theriderdtm8650]

620 please ❗

[@Daniel-dh5ep]

I´m 6"1 is the monster to small for me?

[@2WR]

Nope. Should fit you fine. (The newer one, you'd be cramped on the 620)

[@2WR]

😂 definitely fun to ride

[@stoyanstoyanov5911]

Hey, mate, I'm in the same boat at 6'4 about 230-240 lbs thinking about getting a Monster 620. Do you have any advice or maybe a warning? I really like the bike, but I'm worried I'm too big for it.

[@1240enzo]

I am 6’1” and I fit totally fine on my ‘06 620ie. It’s a great bike.

[@Miniorpernik]

Well..620 is far behind ...shocker,eh!:-)

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

Old looks so much better than new.

[@Remeroska]

The 620 dark i.e. model comes both in single and double disc setup.

[@2WR]

+Matteo Rigoni no, the 620 i.e. (standard) came with dual disc, the 620 i.e. Dark only came with single disc as mentioned in the video.

[@Remeroska]

2 Wheeled Rider so why does my 620 dark i.e. has double brembo disc? (Original bike, no modifications). Maybe it is because I live in Europe?

[@Remeroska]

www.bikez.com/motorcycles/ducati_monster_620_dark_ie_2003.php www.bikez.com/motorcycles/ducati_monster_620_ie_dark_single_disc_2004.php

[@2WR]

+Matteo Rigoni exactly. I’m talking specifically about the US spec bikes.

[@Remeroska]

2 Wheeled Rider I see :) I'm sorry to hear that you guys have only the single disc brakes. The double disc brembo gold are great!

[@jackspeed3398]

for me the 797 looks like a supermoto, not like a Monster anymore ( I am very objektiv, I just bought a Monster s2r 800 lol )

[@simoneliuzzi1918]

God horning

[@SalvaGian47]

whoever designed that yellow spring on one side should be arrested. the old monster has still the best desing

[@alexanderconti521]

Really? I think it's a nice touch.

[@tomashermann2994]

620 have six speed tramsmision, only dark dont have it

[@2WR]

Dark NA models. It’s my understanding the EU Darks have a 6 sp

[@landonlockau2214]

Wrong my yellow 620 only got 5

[@tomashermann2994]

@@landonlockau2214 so you have 620 dark repaited to yellow :-D ?

[@mnaith]

05-06 models got the 6 speed.

[@CheateRsz]

@@mnaith yep, 2005 620 ie with 6 speeds and dual front brake discs here

[@redsenna3997]

Is Ducati Monster 600 not Monster 620!

[@2WR]

Nope. The 620 model bumped up the displacement of the engine and added fuel injection.

[@redsenna3997]

2 Wheeled Rider ok.. but the 620 model has 2 front disc brakes

[@2WR]

Not the Dark model in NA.

[@redsenna3997]

2 Wheeled Rider your version is from 2001 .. in 2002 it came out with 2 brakes in front the true 620 model fitted 2 front brakes also the dark model

[@2WR]

www.motorcycledaily.com/2002/02/25february02ducati2002monster620ie/

[@kalanhitchens8782]

My 03 620 has 6 gears...

[@EverythingsStraight]

She kind of look like a blonde beyonce... not a bad thing

[@2WR]

😂😂 I'll be sure she sees this.

[@EverythingsStraight]

Haha!

[@angelaorsini1557]

Smh...mhmm...you should see my dance moves!!! Lol

[@opesonee9559]

is it just me or two different colored eyes

[@2WR]

One eye has two different colors.

[@yomama8833]

I totaled my 620 :( looks like her ..

[@2WR]

Sorry to hear that. Hope you're ok!

[@elithegreat6463]

The main question, is, Who's Tapping your Sister...DAYUOM !!

[@pinosassu8444]

Idiot

[@viezurelepanykt]

OK so i'm going to talk about something that people who think they are doing a review but don;t know how because apparently nobody said nothing here... or maybe i just missed it! PLEASE!!! but PLEASE always use proper microphones to record your voice if you are doing a review on the street! i actually stopped the video and i am not going to watch it just because of that! if you guys think that a review of something can be done in those condition without proper equipment then you need some ears to listen to it and decide by yourselves... at least do some captions or something so people can understand...

[@daytradersacademy]

Get a life and worry about something more important. They did a great job.

[@livsnjutare2705]

Oh it's fine for most of us here. You must be weird or something. Very suprise this kind of disorder actually existed.

[@robertjeffery4664]

That 797 has the ugliest fucking exhaust I've EVER seen on a bike without any doubt

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

The s2r 800 is a better bike than a 620. This comparison doesn’t make sense. 600 vs 800. Bad test.

[@2WR]

The comparison was between the cheapest (air-cooled) Monster available in 2017 v the cheapest (air-cooled) Monster available in 2002, which my sister happens to own.

[@984francis]

I think you missed the point.