I've got an'00 Monster 900, and I absolutely love it. Tons of torque, agile handling, fantastic brakes, and incomparable style. It dosen't grab the attention of Johnny Law as much as the rice rockets do, either. I've found that most people that dump on Ducs have no basis for their opinions, just ignorance of the bike.
The new 620ie monsters make as much HP as the old carbureted 750s, and you can pick one up for about $5800.
I will admit that you really can't beat jap bikes "bang for the buck", but they just don't have as much soul.....
If you want to have V-twin fun for cheap, check out the Suzuki SV650, I've heard nothing but praise for those.
Here is a pic of me doing a track day on my scooter......
Goes like the proverbial violated primate....