I'm in the midst of a week-long loan of a new Monster 1100 and I thought I'd share some initial impressions. So far, I've put about 200 km on the bike, but all at relative slow pace and much of it in the rain. I had the opportunity today to switch to a s2r1000 right after lunch, which allowed for a good comparison between the bikes. For additional comparisons, my daily ride is the M1000SS, a highly modified '03 m1000. I can't upload pics from here in Spain, so you'll have to wait a week or so until I'm back in SF for pics. This is not intended as a comprehensive or a professional review, just some post-ride thoughts from a monster rider. I just put the bike away about 20 minutes before starting to type. I plan on adding to this thread as I spend more time with the bike and maybe changing some of my opinions. (EDIT: Please this HERE (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=13509.msg246694#msg246694) for pictures and final summary of my impressions.) If there's something you want to know about the bike, post up and I'll see if I can give you some feedback.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3184/2987768772_bf32eb65a5.jpg?v=0)
Styling. The 1100 looks just like those spy photos we saw. Grey with red frame. So you know where I'm coming from, I was originally excited about the 696 because it was new and different. Then I quickly became grossed-out by it. But now I'm getting used to it. I still like the "classic" monsters.
The 1100 looks a lot better than the 696. The single sided swingarm works with the upswept tail and it looks like a fun bike (albeit kinda like a Brutale). There are some quirky styling bits, like the absence of frame plugs at the base of the trellis frame. I'm sure this is deliberate, but I just don't know why. I also don't know why the rearsets use the swingarm pivot point. Maybe the big nut on the rearset is just a cover, and there's a nut inside to get to the swingarm pivot. I'll investigate, but it seems pretty stupid. By the end of the week, the 1100 looks may have grown on me some more, but I'll take my m1000SS any day of the week.
Ergonomics. The 1100 feels very different than the s2r1000. (For reference, I'm 5'7†on a tall day). You sit in the 1100 rather than on it, like with the s2r. The seat shape is totally different. The s2r feels flat and hard, and meets the tank without forming a V. You can easily slide back on the s2r100 seat. The 1100 is completely different. The seat and the tank form a valley. You sit with your nuts on the tank. It puts your weight farther forward, which helps with the handling. That said, datv found it very uncomfortable, likely because his man bits are mas fuerte than mine. While the 1100 seat isn't as hard and 2x4-like (hey, look! New word!) as the s2r seat, I don't like the seat material on the 1100. It's very grippy--too grippy--and makes it difficult to pivot around the tank during spirited riding. I was wearing textile and I thought it might be different with leather. I asked around and others said they were having the same experience. In fact, it was so grippy that a coupla times, when I slid my leg back from the tank, the seat managed to grab the pant and pinch my inner thigh between the seat and the tank. Not comfortable. That said, once you get in position, your leg stays. A lot of that has to do with the tank and seat design. It's not as easy to lock off your leg on the s2r1000 as it is with the 1100. That's a valuable improvement. Me? I'd change out the seat and put on either clip-ons or risers, depending on what I wanted it to feel like.
I'm *told* the 1100 is longer than the s2r, but it feels a LOT shorter. The bars feel wider (they may be exactly the same bars), and a bit farther forward. The pegs on the 1100 feel a bit higher, though the s2r feels narrower between your ankles. Overall, the 1100 feels like a sportier body position. That said, it didn't feel right for my 5'7†frame. I felt like I was leaning just a little too far forward, but not enough that I got the sporty feeling that you get with clipons. My back started to hurt fairly quickly, which is a sign that the position wasn't working for me. Maybe I'll figure it out as a week went on, but the s2r fit better. I'm not sure how tall the 1100 is, but it originally felt lower than my M1000SS. But I don't think it was any lower than the s2r. I don't know. It just felt lower. Maybe it had to do with seat shape.
The electronic display is pretty good. Ducati finally figured out that the toggle switch should be located on the left side of the bar rather than the gauges. I also like that the display shows RPM as the main display. I ride using RPM more than speed, so it works for me. It appears that there is a screen for traction control or lap times or something. That seemed kinda silly and gimmicky on a monster.
Heat. My right leg feels like it caught on fire. Ok, I'm just a whiner. it's not that bad and certainly not like the SBKs. But it was not comfortable. Even on a cold, rainy day, the right side of the bike got hot.
Brakes. At first, I wasn't that impressed by the brakes. I'm used to the 999 master and 4 pad calipers on my M1000SS. But when I switched from the 1100 to the s2r, it all came into perspective. The s2r brakes felt wooden and binary. The 1100 had great feel and a gentle application. The stopping power was still there, but it was easy to control. I was much less jerky with the 1100 brakes than with the s2r. Nice. That said, they're not overkill for the street (as some have said about the 1098 brakes). I haven't had a chance to test them at speed, but I expect that they'll be a lot easy to trail into turns and will work well for accurately setting entry speed.
Clutch. I don't like the 1100 clutch master. The clutch pull is a lot less effort than the hand-cramping s2r, but it lets out right at the end of the lever travel. I found it hard to be smooth. Maybe I'll get better with time, but my immediate impression was negative. That said, it's a dry clutch. I was worried that Ducati would make monsters wet-clutch only. Cuz then I'd get arrested for making terrorist threats. We're safe for now. [thumbsup]
Engine & Gearing. The 1100 rocks. I just rocks. It kicks the hell out of the 1000. The 1000 on my M1000SS is pretty hopped up, so originally I wasn't that impressed with the 1100 in stock form. That is, until I compared it to the s2r1000. Did I mention the 1100 kicks the shit out of the 1000? In stock form, it is VERY, VERY smooth and spins up really quickly. Curiously, for a 2V, it got a bit hit of power around 6k. Not what you'd expect. This might have something to do with the exhaust or the fueling, but the grunt was impressive. There is power everywhere, and it doesn't feel like it runs out of air at the top end as much as most 2 valves engines. That said, it still felt corked up. An exhaust is a necessary upgrade, I think. It got me to 170 kph pretty fast. Woot! I haven't checked redline yet (and shouldn't considering it only has 1100k on the odometer).
As much as I like the engine, I'm really struggled with this bike below 4k. It absolutely sucks. I'm trying to figure out the culpritâ€"fueling, gearing, loose throttle. It might be all of the above. Below 4k, it lurches horrible and the on/off throttle transitions are neck-snapping. It also surges with a constant throttle application, but that might just be from lugging. I got really annoyed trying to ride this bike slowly.
It's pretty useless below 20mph, as you're required to slip the clutch constantly. As is usual with Ducs, this one NEEDS a tooth down in front sprocket (or up a couple in the rear).
Suspension. I didn't really get to test it out yet, but it feels good. The front end feels faster than the s2r1000, and the 1100 is a bit easier to ride. Maybe it's the bars (I still think they're wider). The front end really wants you to get on the throttle in the turn. From what I can tell so far, it turns in well and then will hold it's line If you just stay on the throttle. It's more sensitive to inputs than the s2r and likes a smooth roll on through a turn. Like I said, this is just preliminary. If I get to open her up, I'll see if my initial impressions change.
Overall initial impression: Easy to ride. Kick ass motor. Smooth with gobs of 2V power. Absolutely sucks below 4k. Needs sprocket and exhaust. Hot right side. Great brake feel. So-so clutch lever. Styling will be a constant debate. Ergos don't work for me.
More to follow in the next coupla days.
Great write up. Can't wait to hear how it goes on dry roads.
Thank You for taking the time to do this.
Thanks for the heads up [thumbsup]
I still haven't ridden anything I like better than my S2R1k....
And by the by, the review was great. I would rather here from a monster rider than some pro who gets paid to write favorable reviews... Good job!
That is the first honest and fair new-Monster review I read so far.
I am sick of all that high class polish stuff you normally read in all the established papers and online.
Thanks a lot for sharing with us [thumbsup]
I just wonder what they will ask for it here in Denmark next spring.
And even more I hope for some people trading in their SRs cheap
FWIW.... that was the bourbon talking....wait till he sobers up for the real review.
[laugh]
Thanks for the review Spidey. :)
I didn't think the 1100 would have a chance. But I'm glad it has the SSS, and it might be better in the turns. I'm tempted to make a trade.
That crappy riding experience you speak of below 4K rpm's seems common in most Monsters the past couple of years. I think the entire thing is FI related.
That's what fixed it on mine, anyhow.
Oh, and thanks a ton for putting that write-up together. Like others have said, it is nice to hear a review from someone who is used to Monsters.
Thanks for the review! [thumbsup]
Good honest review, thanks. I plan on selling my 696 and buying an 1100s.
I'm waiting to hear how well it crashes :P
Nice write up, Spidey, thanks.
I agree with the below 4k engine operation synopsis, my 1k is really choppy below and smooth and responsive above the magical 3800 rpm barrier. Makes driving around at 25-35 mph a chore as you either have too low of gearing (makes inadvertent bumps of the throttle much more interesting) or choppy engine running. I don't have any gearing changes on mine but I've been thinking about it lately with the amount of time I now spend below 80mph.
Assuming the rearsets are the same as the other Ducs with them mounted on the swingarm pivot, that's not a nut, but rather a big aluminum bolt.
The bolt holds the rearset on. Once you take the bolt out of each side, the rearsets come off (after taking out a couple more smaller bolts) and the swingarm pivot can then be removed.
Quote from: somebastid on October 20, 2008, 02:19:37 PM
I'm waiting to hear how well it crashes :P
[laugh] [laugh] [laugh]
Quote from: somebastid on October 20, 2008, 02:19:37 PM
I'm waiting to hear how well it crashes :P
Don't Jinx him! :o Though he'll be safe as long as he doesn't get it on a track [laugh]
Quote from: cynic13th on October 20, 2008, 03:17:50 PM
Don't Jinx him! :o Though he'll be safe as long as he doesn't get it on a track [laugh]
Are you kidding?
Let him try to wheelie it. How do you think his bike became the M1000SS?
The 1100 in Spain - sweet but I hope the weather improves.
Its too bad the bike is still in the run in period, but your comparisons to other Monsters makes your review so much more useful.
Thanks [thumbsup]
I wonder if the corked up feeling and lurching below 4k could be attributed to the Euro regulations and the automatic exhaust valve (nobody talks about this in any review I've read so far) . Would be nice if you get a chance to try one out with the full Termignoni & DP ECU to see if they resolve these issues.
Great write up [thumbsup]
The stutter under 4K is due to all the things needed for EURO 3.
Lean running, high geared, electronic castrated engines...Lambda probes, catalysts and all that eco crap.
Same people drive Porsche Cayennes and don't give a damn.
It helps them selling the bikes to "normal" people and also helps selling the upgrades you need to make it run "properly"
I wonder if you in the US will have the same things in the bike at all.
For me that was one of the no-go reasons to re import a US bike to Europe.
Spidey great write up.
I have always been a fan of the new styling.
The only thing that is putting me off at the moment is the headlight and fake (IMO) bikini fairing.
Really liked to read something written by an owner and not just a journo who compares everything how an SBK corners and brakes.
For those that read Italian... here is a fairly good review (yes he is a journo but hey, we all ride motorbikes now dont we!)
For those that DON'T read Italian... the pictures on this review are pretty good... it actually looks half decent!
http://www.moto.it/provemoto/prova6279.asp (http://www.moto.it/provemoto/prova6279.asp)
Nice job on your collection of thoughts and experiences with the new 1100. I have been thinking that will be my new, new bike when I am ready to upgrade. Its too bad they couldnt have changed the ergos a little bit so the seat is more comfortable but I suppose that is the sacrifice for the "streetfighter stance".
Looking forward to riding one myself to see the power and performance difference between this and the 696.
Actually, a streetfighter stance is more upright by definition and would suggest better ergos than the more crouched racing stance. In the previous generation Monster, the S4RS had a more leaned-over stance than the more upright 695 and I think Ducati is going the same route here. Since I'm a short bastard, I had to put risers on my S4RS or I would be kissing the gas tank while I rode. :)
I've now had another 200 kilometers with this bike and let me say, OH MY GOD. OH MY GOD. Me likey. [moto] [thumbsup] [bow_down]
I've definitely changed some opinions from yesterday, and had some others reinforced. A lot of yesterday's review as dominated by the fact that I rode the bike slowly. I noticed a lot of things that bugged me, and I just wasn't gelling with the bike. I though an exhaust and gearing and a new seat was absolutely necessary.
Then I went faster. Woohooo!!! This bike is not made to putter. Today, we spent the morning going through twisties at slow speeds, even for a group ride. I got to check out the bike in the dry, but wasn't able to open it up. Probably good considering that I still had beer and wine and whiskey and limoncello and vodka and mohito and rum coursing through my system. The pace was a bit faster than in the rain yesterday, so a lot of the low-end stumbling wasn't a problem b/c I could keep it up above 4k. After lunch, we left the group (we probably weren't supposed to do that) and hit the twisties. Spanish roads give me wood. As does the 1100. I had a blast today. [moto]
Engine. What I said yesterday. It rocks. Just rocks. It just gets smoother and smoother and there's power on tap all the up to redline. The really sweet spot starts between 5.5k and 6k. It's really, really smooth, not jerky and completely controllable. What a great engine. It gets some of the normal 2V air starvation higher up in the rev range, but much less so than a stock 1000. I was surprised at the engine braking. I think I'm used to a lightened flywheel, but the 1100 had less engine braking than I expected. It made it easier to enter turns smoothly and minor throttle inputs didn't punish you or upset the suspension.
Someone asked me what I thought of this engine compared to an s4r. The only s4r I have serious time with is the 996 engine. I'm a 2 valve guy, so I love this 1100. That said, the s4r has more power, albeit delivered like a 4 valve engine. All the comparisons between 2V and 4V still hold, but this 1100 is so much better than the 1000. Like I said, it feels like it has a little less of that upper end air starvation that plagues the 1000, but it doesn't have the upper end power of the 4V. As a street motor, it rocks.
Engine & Exhaust. I said yesterday that it needs an exhaust. I'm not sure if that's absolutely necessary after today's ride. The engine is really, really good in stock form. Uncorking it will make it even better, but I don't think you absolutely *have* to spend thousands on an exhaust to enjoy this bike. The stock exhaust sound better than a lot of stock Ducs. It's not quite as nice as the stock pipes on the Hypermotard, but the 1100 exhaust doesn't have the same awful sewing machine sound that you find with some stock Duc pipes.
Ergonomics. Remember how I was complaining yesterday? I found a solution. Ride hard. The 1100 felt awesome. For my body (think 'midget') and riding style, the 1100 is so much better for twisties riding than the s2r1000. Me likey. With the 1100, I can lock off my leg really well. And the seat is wonderful once you get up to pace. I was complaining yesterday that it's too grippy. Well, only kinda. At slower speeds, it grips too much and forces you to be abrupt in your weight shifts rather than pivoting your crotch around the tank. But at higher speeds, you can move from right to left much more smoothly and it holds your leg well once you get your body off. A big improvement. Similarly, under hard braking, it's easier to use your inner leg to absorb the braking force. If you get off the bike and then start braking on an older monster, your leg can slide up the tank. Not so with the 1100. I like it a lot.
In terms of body position, the 1100 is so much easier to ride fast (maybe because it feels a bit like my m1000ss, which is set up to be a torture rack if you're not hanging off). You don't have to work to get your head over the front of the bike instead of just off to the side. It feels really comfortable. Older monsters always required effort for me to hang off and get my body position right. I'd often hang off the side too much and wouldn't feel secure with my leg. The 1100 cures those problems. My head naturally comes forward and my leg is locked tight. The one thing I don't like is the bars. I found it difficult to get my outside arm on the tank and it forced me to ride a bit like a dirt-bikeâ€"elbows up. That's a personal preference issue. I'd like clip-ons to get my body position right.
Since we're talking about ergos, here it is: My balls hurt. This seat forces you into the tank. And then forces you some more. I tried to scoot back today to see what it would be like if I had longer legs. I just slid down the seat into the tank. The only way to help was to ride fast and hard. And while fast riding makes your balls much, much bigger, it keeps them off the middle of the tank and provides some relief. Just don't drag them in the corners like I do (yes, I have ball sliders). ;D
Also, you don't burn your boot or leg on the exhaust because it's tucked under the seat. The only exposed pipe is more toward the front. For those of you with melted boots from your s2r, you'll like this improvement.
Brakes. Forget anything critical I may have said before. They rock. One-finger trail braking, lots of power, total control. A vast improvement from the s2r. The 696 has the same caliper but a different master. The 696 brakes aren't great. If you have a 696, change out the master and you'll be a happy camper. Trust me. The brake set-up is 4 piston, 2 pad with SBK style lines (single line to caliper then another line to the other caliper).
Heat. The right side is still hot. Going slow, I noticed it a lot. Part of the problem is that I like to sit with my left hand on my thigh, my right buttcheek hanging off, and my right leg against the side of the engine. Bad idea. I think I killed all my right side spermies (will I now only have left-handed babies? Does it work like that?). That said, once we got up to normal pace for twisties, I didn't notice the heat at all. Maybe that's because I was moving around more or because we were going faster (more air to cool it off). Dunno, but I didn't think about it at all until we got back to urban riding.
Suspension. It felt good. I haven't tweaked it at all, but I liked it a lot. datv said that his felt soft, but mine was fine. The bike corners well, absorbed bumps and stuck to a line. The 1100 feels like it turns in more precisely and smoothly than the s2r1000. I think a lot of that has to do with the new front-end bias. Nothing stuck out as bad or good. I guess that's good. I could ride the bike fast and comfortably without worry. Not bad for a stock suspension that hasn't been tweaked yet. I talked yesterday that I thought the front end might be “fast.†As it turns out, I had a slow leak on the rear tire, so what I was feeling yesterday may have been a result of the rear loosing air. :-\
Clutch. I like it a lot more than yesterday. It's still annoying at slow speeds, but it works well at speed. You can drag the clutch slightly with a single finger without pulling the lever all the way in or completely disengaging the clutch. It makes the downshift â€"blip-release a lot easier. I locked up the rear less than I usually might, and some of that has to do with the clutch feel.
Styling. It still looks the same. <shrug>
Not-So-Initial Impressions: A monster made more for spirited riding than puttering around. It fixes many of the weakness of the old monster that required energy in order to ride fast. The engine rocks. The brakes rock. It can stay in stock form (no exhaust, sprocket or seat) and still be an absolute blast. Oh, and it wheelies just fine. I've been having trouble finding the sweet spot for power wheelies (cuz I don't want to loop it), but I'm getting there. [evil]
Counterpoint: datv doesn't like it as much as his s4r (996). In particular, he was critical of the 2v engine (he's critical of all 2V engines), the ergos and the suspension. He's also less impressed with the brakes than I am.
Thanks again for the reply spidey!!!!! I am so happy that we have a winner!! Can't wait to test ride one... I may be finding a new home for my S4R soon... if like you said,,. I can get used to the 2V.... but why wouldn't I right?
Spidey,
I really enjoyed reading your review. I missed you at LDD so I don't know you, yet. But I'm curious as to how you and datv are so priveleged to be in Spain riding around on the M1100. Do you work for DNA? Are you a dealer? Or just some lucky dudes with envious connections?
Just some dudes. It's World Presidents' Meeting for the Ducati Owner's Clubs. I'm here in place of johnc for NorCal DOC. Normally, it's a week in Italy finishing off with the race at Mugello. This time, it's in Spain for the Valencia GP.
QuoteCounterpoint: datv doesn't like it as much as his s4r (996). In particular, he was critical of the 2v engine (he's critical of all 2V engines), the ergos and the suspension. He's also less impressed with the brakes than I am
I guess that's good news for me ;D
When you guys get back in town I need to pick your brain more about it [moto]
Quote from: Spidey on October 21, 2008, 09:20:37 AM
All the comparisons between 2V and 4V still hold, but this 1100 is so much better than the 1000.
Spidey,
How does a 2v engine differ from a 4v engine? I've never enjoyed the joy that is 2v. Thx!
Your exposes are very uplifting for those contemplating a new piece of Italian Art in thier stable.
Sounds like you are enjoying yourself.
Everyone at AA misses you. I guess you will have lots of juicy stories for them when you get back. [drink] Dolph
I hate you Spidey! >:(
Spain. M1100. World Presidents Meeting. Spanish roads. MotoGP.
I hope all your bourbon evaporates, and the Blonde turns cold on you. [evil]
Just kidding about the Blonde. ;D
I still hate you, though.
Nice write up. [thumbsup]
Quote from: krolik on October 22, 2008, 10:31:51 PM
Spain. M1100. World Presidents Meeting. Spanish roads. MotoGP.
WTF?! WPM in October and in Spain??
Quote from: Spidey on October 21, 2008, 02:34:16 PM
Just some dudes. It's World Presidents' Meeting for the Ducati Owner's Clubs. I'm here in place of johnc for NorCal DOC. Normally, it's a week in Italy finishing off with the race at Mugello. This time, it's in Spain for the Valencia GP.
Missed that ^^^
Nice! I can't believe John missed that (bad for him..good for you)..since it's usually in Italy. Riding in Spain this year..AWESOME!!
Thanks for the reviews!
Nearing 63K and the switch to a new bike is needed!!
We put in another 200k the other day. This will be a quick post. I'll post more detailed thoughts later. I love to ride this bike. If I had to sum it up for anyone, I'd tell them that it's a blast to ride in the twisties and that my only real complaints are its looks and less than comfy ergos if you're not wicking it up. It's a massive improvement on the s2r1000.
A few things I don't think I mentioned before.
- It weights a ton less. Some like like 40 kilos (or was it lbs?). You can really feel it.
- The clutch is so much better. I didn't like it that much originally, but after spending some time with it and sitting in traffic, it requires so much less effort. And it's easier to drag it with one finger when you need to in the twisties.
- It's more stable at speed. And much more stable in the corners.
- The marketing guys told us today that the 1100 has the same hp as the 1000, but more torque. I dunno if that's right, but it might explain why I keeps refering to it as a beast of an engine. ;D
Quote from: CDawg on October 22, 2008, 12:27:07 PM
Spidey,
How does a 2v engine differ from a 4v engine? I've never enjoyed the joy that is 2v. Thx!
Tough question to answer quickly. And everyone has a different opinion. My take --> a 2V feels more visceral (you feel it in your nuts) at lower rpm. It feels like it has more torque low down and that it has a slightly more linear powerband. It's runs out of air as you get up in the rpm range and the rev limiter kicks in earlier. The 4V feels more refined. You end up going faster on a 4V because it doesn't feel like you're going as fast (though you are). It has much more meat in the high end. It dominates the 2V in the upper ends of the range, but feels softer (even if it's not) in low rpms. That's just my unprofessional opinion. I'd rather not derail this thread by getting into a huge discussion about the differences between the two. It's a subject worth another thread (start one if you'd like).
More in the next coupla days hopefully (after we get soaked at the GP).
Spidey: why are YOU there instead of me?
I mean, I'm well behaved, relatively clean, pay my taxes, being nice to others, brake very few laws, take care of my parents, don't step on ants, smile at people I don't know and try to be kind to the environment.
Why not me [beer]
Quote from: stopintime on October 24, 2008, 01:07:30 PM
Why not me [beer]
You aren't as pretty? Just grasping at straws here...
Quote from: yotogi on October 24, 2008, 01:24:36 PM
You aren't as pretty? Just grasping at straws here...
[laugh] [laugh] Mother said, it's not about looks.......... [bang]
Well now it looks as though I will haave to get one!! Thanks alot [bang]
Spectacular write-ups Spidey... I too have a classic M1000S ('05) and love the style and iconic nature a lot. I also have clip-ons on mine too. Have ridden the S2R1k and S4RS as well. But that motor in the new bike sounds soo tempting.
So I guess the million-dollar question is: Will you be owning one in the near future?
or,... how soon will i be able to buy that mill?
and will it fit in my bike?
Quote from: stopintime on October 24, 2008, 01:07:30 PM
Spidey: why are YOU there instead of me?
I mean, I'm well behaved, relatively clean, pay my taxes, being nice to others, brake very few laws, take care of my parents, don't step on ants, smile at people I don't know and try to be kind to the environment.
Why not me [beer]
You answered your own question. ;)
J/K, Spidey's a really good egg. :)
Quote from: Speeddog on October 25, 2008, 09:18:25 AM
You answered your own question. ;)
J/K, Spidey's a really good egg. :)
Being good is not good ??? ???
Quote from: Evil_Ductator on October 24, 2008, 10:05:04 PM
So I guess the million-dollar question is: Will you be owning one in the near future?
I already have my dream monster. ;) My next Duc will likely be a 916 or something of the sort. That said, this bike handles soooo well. Aesthics aside, they got this chassis and low weight right. Really right. The 1100S with Ohlins and lighter brakes (unsprung weight) will be sick.
I have a bunch more notes--a lot of little stuff I noticed or observed and some opinions from others who rode the 1100--that I'll write up later. If I can find my scribbles, I've been keeping track of gas mileage. For example, I used 9 liters in 166km on my last tank. I'll see if I can get an average, and convert into units that I understand. ;D That said, I think I may have done a coupla 'things' to lower the gas mileage. [evil]
stopintime, to answer your question . . . no, being good is not good. [moto]
Quote from: Spidey on October 25, 2008, 10:42:56 AM
I've been keeping track of gas mileage. For example, I used 9 liters in 166km on my last tank. I'll see if I can get an average, and convert into units that I understand.
9 liters equals 2.377 gallons and 166km equals 103.147 miles. So with that in mind, you were averaging about 43.393 miles per gallon. 8)
Ok, I found my piece of paper with gas mileage. You wanna do the math, DRKWNG?
180Km -- 10L
98km -- 4.5L
140Km -- 6.5L (this was riding hard, no stop and go and no sitting in traffic)
166K m-- 9L
That 140km and 6.5L seems wrong, no?
Quote from: Spidey on October 25, 2008, 11:06:24 AM
That 140km and 6.5L seems wrong, no?
Not really that bad if you were riding it pretty aggressively. 6.5L is about equal to 1.7 gallons, so it wouldn't be too hard to imagine burning that off in about 87 miles.
That's 45.8 mpg over those 4 fillups, pretty good.
Yeah...Pretty amazing mileage. And also a pretty amazing performance.
(Except for ergos and aesthetics) .....Hmm!! I don't know if I'd call that a home run in my book.
But thanks for the review. It's probably the most comprehensive and least biased review I will ever read on this bike.
How exactly did you get ahold of this bike again?
[thumbsup]
Spidey, how does this bike compare to an S4Rs ?
Looks)
Handling)
Brakes)
Ergos)
Performance)
Dolph
Spidey, you should have been a moto journo [thumbsup]
Nice writeup! Thx! :)
Quote from: greenmonster on October 29, 2008, 09:09:06 AM
Nice writeup! Thx! :)
I agree about the write up - very well done! However, in my humble opinion, asethetically the new monster is still ugly as sin. At least now it has some muscle!
This is the final installment of my amateur m1100 review. I've now had a chance to get back to the States, process my reactions to the m1100 and spend a few days on my beloved m1000SS for further comparison. We also heard a long presentation at the World President's Meeting from Ducati about the m1100, along with Ducati's other new offerings and plans for the future. I'll try not to repeat what I've already said about the bike. All the pics are after a week of riding in the rain and grime, so don't pregnant dog that the bike ain't all purty and ready for a magazine photoshoot. In no particular order . . .
Weight. 169kg. Wow. Wow.
Styling. Ok, it's grown on me a bit. I'm still not a fan, but the bike looks good. Some of that may have to do with the fact that it's a blast to ride.
Bars.. The bars are still a bit off. A couple of us decided that if you just rotated the bars toward you a bit, they'd be a billion times better. For fast riding, we wanted them to be just a bit closer to us and dropped a wee bit. I think an eight of a turn would make a huge difference. Someone should give this a shot and report back how it works. I'd also like to amend something I said earlier. Clip-ons (below the triple) might not be a good idea on this bike. They'd be *really* aggressive. One option might be clip-ons with built in risers and/or some adjustability, like Tomasellis.
Ergos. Just like I reported earlier. Really great for twisties, not ideal for long cruising. A number of folks reported that they really liked the view from the cockpit. On previous monsters, you can see the front fender from the seat and there is a long view of the tank from the seat. On the M1100, you see less of the tank and can't see the front fender (at least my midget ass can't see it). It makes you feel more exposed, more naked, and more “out there.†It's pretty cool. This goes hand-in-hand with the new weight-over-the-front wheel bias of the new monster. I really like it. Ducati describes it as a “more active†riding position. I just call it fun. In other news, my balls have mostly recovered. ;D
Height. It's 40mm taller than the 696 and feels it. I like it. Ducati told us that they did this with a longer shock and longer stroke (130mm v 120mm) in the forks and 10mm higher seat in the front. Here's a pics of the seat and the seat angle.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3245/2986920127_ee17628aea.jpg?v=0)
Handling. I've said before that this bike handles really well. I'd love to see what it'd be like in the S version or with some suspension mods. Yummy. More important, datv and DanTheMan have come around. They confirmed that the handling in the twisties is great, even with the stock suspension. Really good turn-in. Much better than earlier monsters. This bike is a blast to ride. Ducati described the bike as “made for curves†and not for “throttle freaks.†As much as I hate to agree with the marketing guys, that's spot-on. They also tried to make it more stable and succeeded brilliantly. You are still affected by windblast, but it feels much more stable than the s2r1000. This is a FUN FUN bike when the road gets twisty and tight.
Engine. I've already raved about this engine. Being able to compare it to my hopped up m1000SS says a lot. The M1000SS spins up a lot faster and has more meat down low (some of that is gearing), but the 1100 can compete in stock form. It really is great. Ducatiâ€"in their presentationâ€"told us that we should be shifting at 7k because it's designed for mid and low-end torque. I'm interested to see what an exhaust and PCIII will. <grin> Ducati says that because of new manufacturing techniques (thinner, but just as strong cases), the engine weights 3kg less than the 1000.
Mirrors. The stock mirrors are well done and a huge step up from the early 2000s Mickey Mouse ear mirrors. They looks like Rizomas, are easy adjust and give you good view to each side. I normally like monsters with bar end mirrors, but these are a pretty good compromise especially for stock mirrors.
Wiring. Ducati finally figured out how to hide the wiring. IT's about time. It makes the bike look a ton cleaner and saves the need to spend all that time trying to figure out how to get rid of all those f'n zipties on earlier modeals.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3249/2987768786_ce52a3b119.jpg?v=0)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3031/2987785024_df2083286b.jpg?v=0)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3032/2987789910_0b7d9f0019.jpg?v=0)
Triple clamps. The redesigned the triple. The triple has risers that are two pieces rather than one and appear to be attached by a single bolt. I *think* it's going to make the triple look a lot cleaner if you put on clip-ons. In older models, if you switched to clip-ons, you'd have to live with the risers cast into the triple, grind them off, or hide them with a cover.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3288/2986920147_b9090de0e7.jpg?v=0)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3236/2986920159_fc9153f498.jpg?v=0)
The lower triple is burly. Me likey.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/2987789924_f75442d9a5.jpg?v=0)
Brake lines. The brake lines have an SBK set-up. That's good if you need to change out the lines, because you only need to change out one line rather than get a complicated T-junction.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3139/2987789932_abcb088343.jpg?v=0)
Brakes. Did I mention they're 4 piston, 2 pad? And that they're great?
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3013/2987789950_d9dd3f8bc9.jpg?v=0)
Clutch. I really like the clutch. But I figured out why I had an initial so-so reaction. The clutch on my M1000ss (999 master, aftermarket slave cylinder, aftermarket clutch plates and basket) picks up mid-way through the lever travel. The clutch on the m1100 picks up *really* late in the lever travel. It takes some getting used to, but once you do, it's fine. It's also a bit easier to drag the clutch slightly with one finger, which I found myself doing a bit. Dunno if that's good or bad, but I liked the feature. I wonder how it would feel when the clutch plates start to go, since the pick-up is already so late in the lever travel. Just a thought.
Oil filter. For some reason, the oil filter hangs out there a lot more on the m1100 than on the 696. It looks kinda weird to me, but it's probably a wee bit easier to access. Here's an m1100 oil filter. . .
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3289/2987768764_ec6bf177d4.jpg?v=0)
And here's a 696:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2320/2987768770_c689189e9b.jpg?v=0)
Gauges. I'm not a fan of electronic gauges, but these work well. I particularly like that the main gauge is revs. Also, it's great to be able to see revs, speed and trip mileage all at once. Those as the three main functions I use (other than oil temp), and I like not having to scroll through to find them. BTW, did I already mention how nice it is to have a toggle for the gauge on your left hand? My M1000SS is set up like that and I love it. They got it right with the M1100 by moving the toggle from on the gauge itself to the controls. One grip was the oil temp reading. It's pretty small and can be hard to read while you're moving. Also, it's a bar graph. I'd rather have a digital reading.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3144/2987773616_bf6f651693.jpg?v=0)
Choke. They got rid of the manual fast idle!!!! Thank god. It took them long enough. Now, you just start up the bike, and the computer sets the fast idle. Finally.
Notice something missing? ;D
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3175/2987798066_2786db4cd2.jpg?v=0)
Oil lines. They got this one right too. For years, the monster has had the right side oil line crossing the belt covers, while the Multi and Hyper have both oil lines coming up the left side. The lines crossing the belt cover makes the engine look more cluttered. On the m1100, they routed both the lines up the left side. It cleans up the right side of the bike a lot, which is the side that gets the most attention as it has the clutch and the SSS.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3237/2987789960_5d314f5099.jpg?v=0)
Turning radius. They fixed the problem!!! Monsters have always had a pretty shitty turning radius. But with those somewhat strange looking air-vents in the tanks, there is now enough clearance for a much tighter turning radius. It's a welcome change.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3006/2987785014_5edf68a21a.jpg?v=0)
Drop damage. Someone (no, not me) dropped their M1100 at 3 mph. Almost no damage. Scuffed handlebar end and bent shifter. Not scratches on the can or swingarm or tank ding or other damage. That gets a plus.
Gearing. Mine had 15/39. Dunno what the US versions will be.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3242/2987785030_85f3259c8e.jpg?v=0)
Gearbox. It felt like a typical Duc gear box â€" lots of clunk as you shift gears. I found clutchless upshifting and downshifting to be very smooth, easier than on datv's S4r and similar to my direct linkage GP shift-equipped M1000SS
Quote from: factorPlayer on October 27, 2008, 08:15:56 PM
How exactly did you get ahold of this bike again?
World President's Meeting in Spain. I went on behalf of johnc's NorCal DOC. I don't know WTF johnc was thinkin'. [evil]
Quote from: DoubleEagle on October 27, 2008, 11:53:01 PM
Spidey, how does this bike compare to an S4Rs ?
Looks)
Handling)
Brakes)
Ergos)
Performance)
Dolph
Dolph, I rode an S4rs a long time ago and then only for a very short bit, so I don't remember enough to make a good comparison. Sorry. As for looks, you can make your own call. Ergos on the S4rs are pretty much the same as the s2r1000, so what I've said in my prior posts applies.
My Summary:
A vast improvement. Engine is a kick ass street engine with lots of fun torque. Much, much lighter than prior models (and you feel it). The brakes are ideal for hard street riding. The ergos and handling make this a great twisties bike, but it's not for "throttle jockies looking for 150mph straightline speed." They fixed a lot of the little niggling problems with prior monster models. The looks are controversial, particularly with the older monster crowd. Long rides make my balls hurt. While most older monsters need lots of mods to make them feel good (IMO), this is a much better stock package.
In short, this is a really, really fun street bike. [thumbsup]
My pics of the bike are here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28553001@N05/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28553001@N05/)
Here are some of the pics (after a long week of rain and muck riding):
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3184/2987768772_bf32eb65a5.jpg?v=0)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3194/2987793596_eb20522bcc.jpg?v=0)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3136/2987793592_a41a865804.jpg?v=0)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3025/2987773646_211086e5cb.jpg?v=0)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3271/2987773638_cfb9a0042c.jpg?v=0)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3026/2987773626_7df5d72c72.jpg?v=0)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3249/2986944695_f00132c50b.jpg?v=0)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3193/2987785040_bf40d1d5fa.jpg?v=0)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3224/2987785004_b582430ae7.jpg?v=0)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2022/2987773634_6b6b9e195a.jpg?v=0)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3199/2986920165_ee17628aea.jpg?v=0)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3181/2986944691_c9bcc2445c.jpg?v=0)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3144/2986920123_e68af39442.jpg?v=0)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3243/2986920115_287edfd2fd.jpg?v=0)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3051/2987793582_af9aa68894.jpg?v=0)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3223/2986944681_073dbf42f2.jpg?v=0)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3144/2987793586_64ee920328.jpg?v=0)
The rearset with the big nut at the swingarm pivot:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3151/2987798074_9495a4bf00.jpg?v=0)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3172/2987789904_31cd5ab408.jpg?v=0)
Oh yeah. One last thing. It took a while to figure out the sweet spot for power wheelies. The sweet spot was much different than my M1000SS. It left me with some weak-ass wheelies for the first day or two (see below) until I got it "worked out." [evil]
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i35/jtree619/PA210027.jpg)
Quote from: Spidey on November 02, 2008, 11:04:19 AM
World President's Meeting in Spain. I went on behalf of johnc's NorCal DOC. I don't know WTF johnc was thinkin'. [evil]
They could not have chosen anyone better, you did a damn good job here, thank you. [clap]
If your ever over this side of the pond, I like to introduce you to some fast motorcycles ;D
First off thanks for the great write up - interesting to see how you liked it the more you rode it. Will there be an 1100 in my future? I'm not sure, I certainly believe you when you say the engine, brakes, handling are all better on this new Monster. For me it is mostly a matter of styling. I still find it hard to like the looks of this bike, but I must say that after looking at the 696 in person at the dealer, they do look better in person than in pictures. If somebody would just release an exhaust that looks cleaner, and sexier like my Zards, then I could probably love the rest of it.
There again being the cheap bastard that I am, I'm not likely to purchase a new one. So I have 2-3 years to let somebody else buy one, and then I'll take it off their hands, for a nice price ;D
Quote from: SA_S2R on November 02, 2008, 02:52:53 PM
I still find it hard to like the looks of this bike, but I must say that after looking at the 696 in person at the dealer, they do look better in person than in pictures.
This is not just you.. what it is.. is that you (and a lot of monster owners) are not giving the bike a chance when seeing it on pics because of all the bashing you've read..which makes it ok to say it is an ugly bike for some reason.. then of course when you see it in person, all of a sudden it is not so bad... c'mon don't be shy for saying you like the new monster.. you are not cheating on your old monster for liking the new. ;D
Now that Spidey likes it A LOT.. everyone started to find it "not so bad" .. The minute I saw it I loved it. I still love the looks of my S4R, but the new monster is beautiful AND improved.. Thank's Spidey for the great Review and the time spent on it. [thumbsup] [thumbsup] [thumbsup]
Quote from: Spidey on November 02, 2008, 11:04:19 AM
World President's Meeting in Spain. I went on behalf of johnc's NorCal DOC. I don't know WTF johnc was thinkin'. [evil]
spidey ... what i was thinking is, if i sent someone who was less crazy than i am, they might not let me back next year ... with you, i knew you would have a great time, be cool and crazy(ier) than me. [evil]
from the reports i received daily from other presidents, they all liked you, and now don't want me to return :o
Nice to know that Ducati has finally built a bike that competes with the M1000SS! Hehehe..... ;D
Again Spidey... great write-ups! [thumbsup]
maybe this thread should get a sticky for a couple weeks?
anyway, bump....
great write up mate!
thanks for the read!