Ducati Monster Forum

Hello there, I have a 100" Chopper now and I am looking for a naked that is good for two up riding.  Here's what I have a line on so far:

M696 9,100 plus tax, new
1100 11,475 plus tax, new
1100 9,000 plus tax, used with 1k miles
1100S 12,500 plus tax, new

All are 2009 models.  I really don't like the Multistrada but for two up it might be better?  I have been riding for 41 years, just so you all know. 

All of those bikes are way out of my price range, so the $$ amount is hard for me to give advice on.  It's really about what you feel comforitable spending.  And, as far as the model, again, a lot has to do with your riding style and personal preference.  

If it were me, and if I could afford to choose between those bikes, I would take the 1100S hands down.  That's me, though.  I am more interested in more 'spirited' riding.  But, since you are moving from a chopper and are most interested in 2-up, I'm thinking you are more interested in casual riding?  So, it might be worth saving a few bucks and forgetting the 'S'.

Now, since I personally don't think there is any advantage to buying a new bike over a well maintained used bike (again, personal preference), I would go for the used 1100 vs the new one.  And at 1K miles, it wasn't really used now was it ;)  Anyway, I think you would be getting a 'new' bike for a used bike price.  And, I think it's a better value over the M696.


So, I vote you get the 1100 9,000 plus tax, used with 1k miles.

Unless your passenger is itty bitty, Monsters are not great 2-up bikes by a long shot.. especially for someone who's probably over 50... A couple of the crazy kids on here have done a couple cross country journeys, 2-up on a monster, but they are young and not beat up.

Monsters are great bikes... but having a passenger was really an engineering criteria after thought

But if you're set on a monster - go 1100. The 696 will probably feel a bit sluggish when saddled with two people.

If you're set on a Ducati, you might research the ST line. Sadly, not currently part of the production line, but they are great bikes. They came in 3 flavors, the ST-2, ST-3, and ST-4 with the number corresponding the the # of valves per head. Also there's some differences in the bodies between the models.

IF you want new - go for a new Multi (the 1200) it's light years better than the 1100. I just had a chance to ride a 1200 and 110 back to back and they just don't compare

I wouldn't recommend any naked bike for 2up. Wrong choice IMO. Your thinking that a Multistrada would be better is correct. The new one seems like a really nice machine. Doing 2up on a Monster is a quick way to get your passenger to take up a different hobby altogether.

A little more info:

I am 46 years old, the wife is not itty-bitty, about 5'6" or 5'7".

She rides a 9.5 foot long chopper with me (with a p-pad) that has no suspension, and doesn't complain about it.

Two up is really just for short distances, never over 60 minutes at a time.  Ever.

I want the bike for Denver traffic, then a bit of highway, then the mountains.  Need them mountains--the chop isn't too good there.  Seat hight of 19" and the 45 degree rake makes it that way.

(http://www.flickr.com/photos/27463514@N02/4360178675/in/photostream/)

Sorry... but I also might wait on the M796 if that is suggested.

get out and ride em

only way youll ever know for sure

I have heard, via several reviews and a couple people that the Hyper is a great 2 upper....

My opinion is the Hyper.  I too had a chopper and girlfriend(s) wouldn't pregnant dog because they thought it was cool.  [laugh]

The wife and I now ride on a Geezer Glider (HD Electra Glide) two up but she never gets on the back of my Monster because it's too uncomfortable.  That said, she had her own bike until a week ago but I can tell you that Monsters are not made for two-up riding.

Good luck on your search.

Look for a nice S2R 1000 and get a custom seat for it.

I saw the new MS today. It was black and covered in dirt. It looked sweet. I'm going to put some miles on it tomorrow. Based on your choices listed, I'd get the 1100s....and did. However, living in Denver I'd go find a place to demo the MS.

All of the bikes you listed have the same seats and geometry - so one isn't especially better than that other unless you're talking about power to get the thing moving. Even still, a 696 will move two people along quite nicely.

Def go for the 1100 S ,enough power for two up,and the suspension is a bit better.

take her with you to the dealer and test out the 1100 and the hyper, maybe a m1200.  go for the used m1100 if you go for the monster, then just get some ohlins or adjustable showas off cl/ebay and save $$ use the monies to get your girl some nice gear and a sargent seat.

What's a sargent seat?

http://www.sargentcycle.com/ducwsmonster.htm (http://www.sargentcycle.com/ducwsmonster.htm)

Aftermarket seat manufacturer. A bit like Corbin.

You can use the money saved on the 2nd hand 1100 and have the stock seat rebuilt to you and your wife's needs, or buy a Sargent or Corbin seat.

But as others have said, you gotta test ride them first with the wife.

I rode custom Harleys for quite a few years before I got into Ducatis. Best thing I ever did. Dukes have the nice big twin feel but with a sporting edge when you want it. A bit like old Chevy V8 Vs Euro quad cam V8.

My wife and I initially test rode sports touring Ducatis, but she said she was more comfortable on the Monster! While the seat padding was not as good as the ST4, she liked the pillion position relative to the rider much better. I was surprised, but it shows that you got to test it first.

Good luck and cheers.

Just be careful with the Monster's front brakes...they are Monsters...... compared to H-D's.

Dolph     :)

I have the corbin seat and they're very comfortable,good for two up riding too.

go for the M796, i have it, much better seating as 696, i had a 696.

THough this is for the older Monsters, not the 696/1100 type ones - the Sargent seat is not so good for 2-up. Great for solo. but the passenger space pays the price. More room is given over to the rider saddle, and the padding for the passenger is about nil, due to the cut out for the smuggler tube under the seat.

I had a friend on the back of my 900 who was used to riding 2-up on a monster with a stock seat. After our 20 min trip her response to riding on the Sargent seat was, "Ow, make the beast with two backs, thanks for putting a piece of plywood back there for me to sit on." - So I'm figuring she didn't like it.  ;)

aftermarket seat

http://www.motowheels.com/italian/myProducts.cfm?parentcategoryid=1204 (http://www.motowheels.com/italian/myProducts.cfm?parentcategoryid=1204)|Monster&productID=5366&showDetail=1&categoryID=1300|Monster%20Seats&vendoridtodisplay=0&filterFor=&collection=168|European%20Motorcycle%20Parts

Test ride a monster first if you haven't ridden one. They're all pretty much the same, the difference is engine size, how much power you want. Go to the freeway and feel that chest blast of wind and see if that's ok with you. If you can, test the multistrada also. That's a pretty hefty investment you're making. Make sure you get the right one. Don't get buyers remorse after. Good luck to you.

not to hijack but I have BREMBOS on my HD  :o

I have Performance Machine brakes.  but there is no way to flip my bike over!!   I can't insert an image, but this gives you an idea why....

http://www.bigbearchoppers.com/bikes/sled/prostreet.htm# (http://www.bigbearchoppers.com/bikes/sled/prostreet.htm#)

45 degree rake makes it hard to flip.....    [thumbsup]

I have a 2000 M900ie with the stock seat, above the triple clipons (grips are lower than with the stock handlebar), Ohlins suspension and the rear raised a couple of inches.  I'm 5'11" and my wife is 5'7" and we have no issues riding 2 up together on the Monster for a couple of hours at a time. 
Plenty of space and lots-o-fun for the sporting pace. [moto]

I am riding the Monsters tomorrow.... got a 1100 down to 11K even, plus sales tax (all other fees included).  I think if I like the ride I will be forced to get it because I think that is a killer deal--plus I get free extra bodywork!

It is a red one with red frame, and I think I'll go for black bodywork... that should look pretty good.  Some of the other colors look a bit weird and might not go with the red frame.

This gets my vote.  Plenty of power, decent price.  BTW a Sargent seat is a more comfy alternative to the stock seats that come on the Monsters. 

JM

Get the Corse bodywork.

Thanks. That dude was a Craig's List crack addict.....  He raised the price when he realized it was a good deal.  So I'm going to go new.