Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => General Monster Forum => Topic started by: schneids on March 26, 2009, 08:42:15 AM

Title: Big Choice!! Need Help
Post by: schneids on March 26, 2009, 08:42:15 AM
Ok so I am ready to buy my bike which I thought was a S4RS tricolor but just read
how fine the aprillia touno r is.
So does anyone have any riding experience with the tuouno? How do they compare?
my price on the S4RS is $15k out the door while the 08' touno r is $10,500.
Title: Re: Big Choice!! Need Help
Post by: the_Journeyman on March 26, 2009, 08:45:12 AM
The two folks I know that have one really really love them.  Never compared the two back to back, so I can't give a back to back comparison.  I'm sure someone on here with an S4RS has more input.

*hoping this isn't a 1st bike*

JM
Title: Re: Big Choice!! Need Help
Post by: jftoha on March 26, 2009, 08:55:31 AM
I think you should wait for the Streetfighter. As we speak, journalists are riding it for the first tihe Ascari racetrack in Spain and everything I've heard is very very good. For everything I've heard, the Touno and S4Rs are not in the same league as this new bike. Follow the link below.

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/mcn/2009/march/23-292/mar2509-ducati-streetfighter-world-first-ride/ (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/mcn/2009/march/23-292/mar2509-ducati-streetfighter-world-first-ride/)

Quote from: schneids on March 26, 2009, 08:42:15 AM
Ok so I am ready to buy my bike which I thought was a S4RS tricolor but just read
how fine the aprillia touno r is.
So does anyone have any riding experience with the tuouno? How do they compare?
my price on the S4RS is $15k out the door while the 08' touno r is $10,500.
Title: Re: Big Choice!! Need Help
Post by: LA on March 26, 2009, 09:32:11 AM
The S4RS Tricolors are pretty impressive and the last of the breed, so to speak.  You will not be disappointed with one, I guarantee.

The Turono is a very good motorcycle and in some respects, the equal of the Ducati.  You won't get the hot rod suspension components on the Turono and well ........ it just ain't a Ducati is it?

As good as the RS is, I wouldn't have one without the full Termi kit and lowered gearing.  Well set up, I don't think you can buy a better motorcycle for the money.  The bike's repertoire ranges from very docile to fire breathing, ghoulishly fast and is like a scalpel on tight mountain turns in the right hands - literally as good as the rider.  The tone and timbre of the exhaust is aural Nirvana.

To compare the RS to an Turono I'd have to go with the most upscale model with the best goodies on it and you don't get that for $10,500. The R model is not the highest order Turono.  It is Italian to Italian, but it's not an apples to apples comparison.

How much does 5 large mean to you?

Get the Duc [thumbsup] [moto]  You can thank me later. ;D

LA
Title: Re: Big Choice!! Need Help
Post by: the_Journeyman on March 26, 2009, 10:16:47 AM
There may also be a Tuono Factory that has similar suspension components as well as some other goodies that would closer match the S4RS, but I'm sure you're going to be in the same ball park price-wise then ~

JM
Title: Re: Big Choice!! Need Help
Post by: Triple J on March 26, 2009, 10:20:30 AM
I'm with jftoha...I'd just wait and get a streetfighter.

Not the question you asked...but this is the interwebz!  [cheeky]
Title: Re: Big Choice!! Need Help
Post by: corey on March 26, 2009, 11:15:10 AM
monster.
Title: Re: Big Choice!! Need Help
Post by: EvilSteve on March 26, 2009, 11:33:32 AM
Generally, in comparison tests, the Tuono (as far as I've read) usually beats the monster. One of the complaints about the monster is that it's an old chassis with a new motor & it doesn't work very well. The other is the handling isn't all that great.

I owned an S4RS and it was a great bike but I would say that it's too heavy for the kind of riding I like to do - twisties and technical. Could be that I'm just not able to handle the weight & that weight is pretty normal but this is just IMO. The street fighter is meant to resolve these issues but that's only worth it if you see them as issues depending on how & where you ride. Other than the handling (which was due to weight) the only other reason I was unhappy with the S4RS was the range, it's the Ducati standard ~110 miles before the light goes on which is nowhere near enough for me.

I've never ridden the Tuono but (unfortunately) Aprilia is pretty well known (or at least was) for having a very poor supply chain. I've ridden an older Falco which is a previous version of the same motor & wasn't that into it. You should also expect a new RSV4 based naked bike from Aprilia in the (relatively) near future.

Given the choice I doubt I'd go with either bike. A lot of power (and extra weight) that I'm not into, high maintenance costs, low range and supply issues. If you were inclined to like the style of any of them more than the other then I'd go for that.

If I were going to buy a naked bike (I'd love to have another bike), I'd get an M1100S or a Street Triple R.
Title: Re: Big Choice!! Need Help
Post by: jftoha on March 26, 2009, 11:36:51 AM
Obviously I personally like monsters better than Tuonos, but i think there is agreement among all magazines and reviewers that the previous Monster was an aging platform and the Touno was a much more solid and modern platform. That assesment does not account for character or taste, but the latest Tuono was always rated at the top of the Naked field for the last few years with only the Triumph coming close. As hard as it is, just trying to be objective.

Quote from: corey on March 26, 2009, 11:15:10 AM
monster.
Title: Re: Big Choice!! Need Help
Post by: Monstermash on March 26, 2009, 01:10:15 PM
Quote from: EvilSteve on March 26, 2009, 11:33:32 AM

I've ridden an older Falco which is a previous version of the same motor & wasn't that into it.


I have a friend with a Falco and although it shares the same displacement it is far from the same motor. I've ridden them back to back and the Tuono is light years ahead of the Falco.

I will say that I did enjoy riding the Tuono but I would rather have the Monster. The Aprilia runs out of revs to quick. Just when it seems like it's really going to get going it's bouncing off the rev limiter. It's exactly the same with my friends RSVR although they are tuned a little different.

All things considered, if it was the Factory then maybe you could debate which one to buy. If it's just the "R" go for the Ducati.  [thumbsup]
Title: Re: Big Choice!! Need Help
Post by: rockaduc on March 26, 2009, 01:17:27 PM
As said before, wait for the Streetfighter.  You won't be sorry.
Title: Re: Big Choice!! Need Help
Post by: Raux on March 26, 2009, 01:18:38 PM
Quote from: schneids on March 26, 2009, 08:42:15 AM
Ok so I am ready to buy my bike which I thought was a S4RS tricolor but just read
how fine the aprillia touno r is.
So does anyone have any riding experience with the tuouno? How do they compare?
my price on the S4RS is $15k out the door while the 08' touno r is $10,500.

TESTRIDE  [moto] make your decision then.
Title: Re: Big Choice!! Need Help
Post by: Porsche Monkey on March 26, 2009, 02:04:36 PM
Quote from: the_Journeyman on March 26, 2009, 08:45:12 AM
The two folks I know that have one really really love them.  Never compared the two back to back, so I can't give a back to back comparison.  I'm sure someone on here with an S4RS has more input.

*hoping this isn't a 1st bike*

JM


+1  What type of riding experience do you have?
Title: Re: Big Choice!! Need Help
Post by: hypurone on March 26, 2009, 02:07:34 PM
I have ridden them both back to back and HATED the Tuono (funny thing is I really thought it would be the one). I was coming off a Z1000 which had a fairly upright riding position and the Tuono was even more bolt upright. I didn't even finish the "test" loop before I turned it around and headed back to the barn. It was terrible and seemed geared too short. With the riding position the way is was, I felt like I was "hanging on" to the bike rather than riding it.

Right after returning, I took a "little" brother Ducati(S2R800)out for a spin(they didn't have a demo RS or even an S2R1000) to get an idea of the riding position and knew immediately it was more my style. I had a shitload of fun on that little bike with no power, weak suspension and only decent brakes. I ran the "test" loop TWICE! I knew that if this bike was that much fun and fit me better, the RS was gonna be a BEAST. I bought it without even riding it! A first ever for me and I have not regretted a single thing.

You gotta ride em both back to back to know.

GET THE RS!!  [thumbsup] The streetfighter is pretty badass too. I would have bought one in a heartbeat had it been out when I was looking....
Title: Re: Big Choice!! Need Help
Post by: Gle8 on March 26, 2009, 02:19:02 PM
Either wait for the streetfighter of pick up an 08 Brutale :)
Title: Re: Big Choice!! Need Help
Post by: dne1810 on March 26, 2009, 04:05:15 PM
Quote from: Gle8 on March 26, 2009, 02:19:02 PM
Either wait for the streetfighter of pick up an 08 Brutale :)

for what it's worth, I was due for a new Ducati (coming from an S2R 800 which I left back home in Europe). Was obsessed with Brutale since I got access to a Tamburini F4 ;). I test drove a 910R 08 model which about 2 months ago can be had for GREAT savings ($500 over dealer invoice) at least here in TX. The Brutale is simply too small for me.. I'm 6.04 but feel like I'm riding a small kids bike... I'm a sucker for MV Agustas, love the F4 collaboration and even though I'm not fan of high rev bikes it does sound very sweet.... It's way too torquey and if it's bhp you're after (and wheelies) it's the bike for you. The issue with MV Agusta to this date is electrical gremlins + poor dealer distribution network. Now they were acquired by HD so god knows what will happen (if it's any indication Tamburini left the company).

I then test drove the 696 which I really liked but was BLOWN AWAY when I rode the new Monster 1100S and ended up buying it on the spot. It's fast, nimble, lightweight, enough torque + bhp for city or spirited driving and it really feels like it's planted on the road with the Ohlins suspension!! Go test drive one and you'll see for yourself ;)

my $0.02 :)
Title: Re: Big Choice!! Need Help
Post by: DirtyDuc on March 26, 2009, 04:13:41 PM
Who cares, you win either way!  These are two very awesome Italian machines!!  I'm sure that you'll get an overwhelming Ducati vote here because it's a Monster forum.  But, serously, I love almost all Italian bikes.  Ducati, Aprilia, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi...  all winners as far as I am conscerned!!

I think you should test ride both and pick what ever YOU like best.  Good luck with what ever you choose! 

...and, be sure to post pics!!!
Title: Re: Big Choice!! Need Help
Post by: Gle8 on March 26, 2009, 05:35:30 PM
Quote from: dne1810 on March 26, 2009, 04:05:15 PM
for what it's worth, I was due for a new Ducati (coming from an S2R 800 which I left back home in Europe). Was obsessed with Brutale since I got access to a Tamburini F4 ;). I test drove a 910R 08 model which about 2 months ago can be had for GREAT savings ($500 over dealer invoice) at least here in TX. The Brutale is simply too small for me.. I'm 6.04 but feel like I'm riding a small kids bike... I'm a sucker for MV Agustas, love the F4 collaboration and even though I'm not fan of high rev bikes it does sound very sweet.... It's way too torquey and if it's bhp you're after (and wheelies) it's the bike for you. The issue with MV Agusta to this date is electrical gremlins + poor dealer distribution network. Now they were acquired by HD so god knows what will happen (if it's any indication Tamburini left the company).

I then test drove the 696 which I really liked but was BLOWN AWAY when I rode the new Monster 1100S and ended up buying it on the spot. It's fast, nimble, lightweight, enough torque + bhp for city or spirited driving and it really feels like it's planted on the road with the Ohlins suspension!! Go test drive one and you'll see for yourself ;)

my $0.02 :)

I had the opposite experience riding the m1100 and 910s back to back. but mainly as I'm 5'8" 140. So the brutale fit like a glove. Both are amazing machines though!
Title: Re: Big Choice!! Need Help
Post by: dne1810 on March 26, 2009, 06:56:31 PM
Quote from: Gle8 on March 26, 2009, 05:35:30 PM
I had the opposite experience riding the m1100 and 910s back to back. but mainly as I'm 5'8" 140. So the brutale fit like a glove. Both are amazing machines though!

you need to test drive the M1100S huge difference from base 1100.. the suspension makes all the difference in the world. Same can be said for 910R of course too.. but anyways, a tamburini is enough ;) Besides, I simply love the throaty sound of Ducati and the Termignonis make it sound that much more bad..
Title: Re: Big Choice!! Need Help
Post by: LA on March 26, 2009, 07:13:58 PM
Evil,
Other than the handling (which was due to weight) the only other reason I was unhappy with the S4RS was the range

I'm amazed that anybody who has owned an S4RS says they don't handle well - and due to excessive weight.  Mine weighs 420 lbs. full of gas, water, oil and battery.  And with the back end jacked up over an inch and the front end dropped a little and the suspension set up correctly it is one of the VERY best handling bikes I've ever ridden to include two different 1098's.

Outdated frame?  Look at the specs compared to a 1098/1198 - practically the same with 1440 wheelbase and 24.5 degree rake and ground clearance out the wazoo.

I live and ride some of  the most "technical" roads you can ride and find the bike to handle better and better the harder you ride it.  At 9/10s pace the character of the bike changes and the frame begins to flex and give wonderful feedback that really lets you know whats going on.  I know riding at 9/10's on the street is not wise and I don't do it a lot.

Poor handling? Due to weight?  Sorry, I just don't agree/understand that. ???

LA
Title: Re: Big Choice!! Need Help
Post by: Bill in OKC on March 26, 2009, 07:20:17 PM
I have had 2 Aprilia Milles and an S4rs.  Both Aprilias were low maintenance, easy to work on and very few problems.  Just gas, oil and tires - get on it and ride.  The Ducati is higher strung and required a few more things initially to get it "right".  Now that I have my choice I always ride the Monster.  Everything is just more fun on the Monster.
Title: Re: Big Choice!! Need Help
Post by: Gle8 on March 26, 2009, 07:28:49 PM
Quote from: dne1810 on March 26, 2009, 06:56:31 PM
you need to test drive the M1100S huge difference from base 1100.. the suspension makes all the difference in the world. Same can be said for 910R of course too.. but anyways, a tamburini is enough ;) Besides, I simply love the throaty sound of Ducati and the Termignonis make it sound that much more bad..

That's exactly the ride i took: 1100s vs 910r. The only thing I really liked better about the m1100s was the sound. Those termis are Niiiice. But then again, the 910s was about 4k cheaper than the 1100s with termis, and that helped the decision as well.
Title: Re: Big Choice!! Need Help
Post by: JetTest on March 26, 2009, 07:41:22 PM
I've not ridden an S4R, only my 02 620 and now 696 Ducati's. Rode both RSV Mille and Tuono R on several extended rides, all around San Leo and San Marino in Italy, no less. Both Aprillia's had Termi CF pipes, and they were both a blast to ride, but the Tuono was so upright it was a challenge to keep the front wheel on the ground, even in the upper gears. A handful of throttle was all it took, didn't really have to try to lift the front. Other than that I really can't criticize the Aprillia's, but do prefer the styling of the Ducati. Another thing, but maybe it's just me, but  just something about the fact that the Aprillia power is not really Aprillia detracts a little, in my book.
Title: Re: Big Choice!! Need Help
Post by: hypurone on March 27, 2009, 06:04:44 AM
Quote from: LA on March 26, 2009, 07:13:58 PM
Evil,
Other than the handling (which was due to weight) the only other reason I was unhappy with the S4RS was the range

I'm amazed that anybody who has owned an S4RS says they don't handle well - and due to excessive weight.  Mine weighs 420 lbs. full of gas, water, oil and battery.  And with the back end jacked up over an inch and the front end dropped a little and the suspension set up correctly it is one of the VERY best handling bikes I've ever ridden to include two different 1098's.

Poor handling? Due to weight?  Sorry, I just don't agree/understand that. ???

LA


Uh yeah! I got your back on this Larry. I read that and was gonna reply with a WTF but showed some restraint. I weighed mine(on a digital vehicle scale) with a full Termi system & BST's, plus a few bits removed here and there. With gas(and all other fluids obviously) and it was 393.

Don't see how someone can even utter the words "due to weight" in the same sentence as S4RS.  ???

There, I feel better.  [laugh]
Title: Re: Big Choice!! Need Help
Post by: the_Journeyman on March 27, 2009, 06:17:59 AM
My M750 weighs about the same it looks like and it's far from heavy and handles very well, even with the much nicer suspension the S4RS has!  I'll agree with both of you LA and hypurone.

JM
Title: Re: Big Choice!! Need Help
Post by: LA on March 27, 2009, 10:36:49 AM
Yea, acutally, I weighed my bike with the tail pack on the bike and the scale is a few lbs on the heavy side, I think.

Best thing is I just took 25 lbs off my fat ass. ;D

LA
Title: Re: Big Choice!! Need Help
Post by: hypurone on March 27, 2009, 11:22:18 AM
Quote from: LA on March 27, 2009, 10:36:49 AM
Yea, acutally, I weighed my bike with the tail pack on the bike and the scale is a few lbs on the heavy side, I think.

Best thing is I just took 25 lbs off my fat ass. ;D

LA

Awesome!  [thumbsup] That'll help the power-to-weight ratio!!
Title: Re: Big Choice!! Need Help
Post by: EvilSteve on March 27, 2009, 12:13:00 PM
My opinion there guys, you're welcome to your own. I personally had issues with it. I'm not the world's greatest rider so maybe it just didn't work for me.

[IMO]
Compared to SV650, Daytona 675, gsxr 750, blah blah blah, it just doesn't handle that well. Sorry. Maybe it's not the weight and maybe all the articles I read about the update to the frame on the new monsters & new superbikes being related to performance (flex, etc) in the frame weren't accurate.

I had the suspension set up for me. The rear was raised by about an inch & a half. The transitions on the S4RS took a lot more muscle than I really felt was necessary. But I like really light bikes, I don't want to have to fight a bike into a corner and transitioning from side to side.

Maybe it's light for a 1000cc naked bike and that's where you're coming from, that's not what I'm trying to say.
[/IMO]
Title: Re: Big Choice!! Need Help
Post by: hypurone on March 27, 2009, 01:20:21 PM
Quote from: EvilSteve on March 27, 2009, 12:13:00 PM
My opinion there guys, you're welcome to your own. I personally had issues with it. I'm not the world's greatest rider so maybe it just didn't work for me.

[IMO]
Compared to SV650, Daytona 675, gsxr 750, blah blah blah, it just doesn't handle that well. Sorry. Maybe it's not the weight and maybe all the articles I read about the update to the frame on the new monsters & new superbikes being related to performance (flex, etc) in the frame weren't accurate.

Maybe it's light for a 1000cc naked bike and that's where you're coming from, that's not what I'm trying to say.
[/IMO]

No offense taken. It prob just wasn't your cup o' tea. But, a 675 filled with fluids & gas is only 10 lbs(or so) lighter than my bike is currently and the gsxr 750 is heavier!!

675:
DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES:

Length 2010mm (79.1in)

Width (Handlebars) 700mm (27.5in)

Height 1120mm (44.0in)

Seat Height 825mm (32.5in)

Wheelbase 1395mm (54.9in)

Rake/Trail 23.9º/89.1mm

Dry Weight 162Kg (356lbs)

Fuel Tank Capacity 17.4 liters (3.8 gal / 4.6 US gals)


2009 GSXR 750:
Technical Specifications: 
Length (ft)     6.69
Width (in/mm)     28.1 / 715
Height (in/mm)     44.3 / 1125
Wheelbase (in/mm)     55.3 / 1405
Ground Clearance (in/mm)     5.1 / 130
Length (ft/ft)     6
Length (ft/in)     8
Dry Weight (lbs/kg)     437 / 198
Fuel Capacity (gal/l)     4.5 / 17
Engine Displacement to Weight (cc)     1.72
Title: Re: Big Choice!! Need Help
Post by: almazing on March 27, 2009, 02:10:13 PM
Streetfighter. S.
Title: Re: Big Choice!! Need Help
Post by: EvilSteve on March 27, 2009, 02:31:29 PM
There's more to weight than numbers, where the weight is carried has a lot to do with it.

Let me rephrase this way: the S4RS feels a lot heavier than other bikes I've ridden and owned.

I'm going to leave it at that.
Title: Re: Big Choice!! Need Help
Post by: Popeye the Sailor on March 27, 2009, 05:25:59 PM
Quote from: EvilSteve on March 27, 2009, 02:31:29 PM
There's more to weight than numbers, where the weight is carried has a lot to do with it.

Let me rephrase this way: the S4RS feels a lot heavier than other bikes I've ridden and owned.

I'm going to leave it at that.

I hear that-I mean, the giant GS I rode felt light and nimble-but look at the motor-the weight is pretty down near the cg.