Ducati Monster Forum

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I've been a sports car/motorcycle nut pretty much from the time I was old enough to drive. I went through several sports cars before concluding that my tastes were always a little bit different, even from my friends. In other words, even if it's fast and works good - if it's "boring", I just won't like it. Everyone always told me that I was downgrading. Example - a long time ago I sold my 94 Supra TT for a late model BMW M coupe (clown shoe looking car). The supra was boring fast in a straight line, but the M coupe was just raw and pure sports car that was exciting to drive.

Fast forward a few years and I tend to do this same thing with motorcycles, which is what brought me here. I watched a few of my friends buy Japanese sportbikes...and they kinda wondered about me when I said I wanted to go a different route. Last year I was torn between the Triumph Street Triple and the Monster 1100. Unfortunately it came down to price, and after test driving the Triple - I bought it. The ST is an awesome bike, and pretty much does everything extremely well (aside for a slightly weak stock suspension). It was very confidence inspiring, and seemed to corner effortlessly. My only complaint is that the bike started to become boring, and I admitted to myself that it was not something I could see owning forever. The exhaust note is very nice but not unique enough to set it apart from a Japanese 4cyl imo. Sound is a very important factor to me, so I was envious everytime I heard a Ducati blast by. I have a feeling that the ST will have been one of the best performing bikes I will ever own, but it just has less character than I thought it would. I think the Monster be a good match for me for all these reasons.

So here I am now with even less money to spend after taking a hit on the Triple, and left with a 7 - 7.5k budget. At this point the S2R 800 and S2R 1000 seem to be my only options even though I really want the 1100 for its more agile handling characteristics. I often read that people find the S2R800 suspension as weak, so that is a concern of mine. I am 145llbs with gear, so I'm hoping these bikes will suite my weight without too much modification. Anyway, just wanted to share my conversion to Ducati - and even though the majority of people might call me crazy for getting rid of my Street Triple, it does happen  ;D I hope I am making the right choice, and I can't wait to officially be a part of the club  [beer]

Welcome [beer]

I think you will meet people here with the same feelings about Ducati - not boring.

Your weight is fine for the stock suspension set up on any Ducati.
Your weight also makes stopping easier.
Nevertheless I will recommend the S2R 1000 for it's better brakes, suspension and dry clutch (hard to pull, but cool rattle).
Or even a 696 if you like the newer style. Or wait for the day when you can pick up a crazy M1100.

might be a few 696's out there now that the 796 is out.

try to find one with upgraded front forks, or set aside some cash for that.

the 696 has more hp than the s2r800 but a little less torque.

it has a nice power curve hit at 6k

the chassis of the 696 is better then the s2r, but you can find a tricked out s2r cheaper. and maybe even a good deal on a 1000, but both will weigh more than the 696.

MAYBE you could find someone trying to get out from under an 1100 payment, but that will be a wait.

Check the Monster For Sale forum.  There are quite a few right in your price range.  Yes, I couldn't agree more previous 2 posts.  You would be very happy with a S2R1000 but S2R800 and 696 are both very good options. 

Good luck bike hunting!

CaffieneJunky'sMcKraut's S4R is awesome. and very close to that price.

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=40883.0 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=40883.0)

Coming from a street triple, the power of a s2r800 or a 696 is likely to disappoint you.  I know people don't buy a ST or a Duc for the power, but it's hard to give up a bunch of HP.  Also, while aircooled motors have a TON of character (I love 'em), there's no substitute for the power of watercooling.

You're right that an 1100 is probably out of your price range, which is too bad because the newer frame is great for performance (though I'm still not at all a fan of the look).  I'd look at a S2r1000 or a slightly older S4r.  If you're looking for sound and aren't put off by the aesthetics of the watercooled S4r, that would be a good way to go .  You can find a 996-engined one for your price range.  That'd be decent set-up, albeit w/o the radial brakes.  A later model s4r with the 999 engine *might* be a bit of a stretch for your budget, but I haven't looked at the market recently.  

Yeah I was afraid of the power issue. I'm not too into the 696, as I really would like a SSS - and I also hear the power feels less than that of the S2R. To be fair I never ran the ST balls out up to redline - maybe a handful of times I went all out WOT, but I felt like I was being catapulted at warp speed and hung on for dear life. It had enough torque to pull nicely down low without having to gun it everywhere. Looks like the S2R800/1000 or wait a while for the 1100 to come down in price.

'08 standard Hypermotards are also in your price range.  Now you get 1100cc to play with  [thumbsup] and a good suspension for your weight.

Ther are definately good deals to be found right now. You could easily find an 05-06 S4R in your price range.

Is there a reason the S4r doesn't make your list?  Also if you've got the Ducati bug in part b/c of the Ducati-specific sound, you'll want to consider getting a Duc with a dry clutch (i.e. not an s2r 800).  Something to consider. 

I ride in small city traffic/streets a lot so I was afraid the newer S4R may be a little tempermental at those speeds and on a lot of bumpy roads - the throttle may be a concern. Also I hear it is an absolute beast of a bike- i'm like 135lbs, and the street triple was more than enough power at 107hp. I thought it might be overkill for someone my size, but I won't rule it out until I can find one to ride.

I've got a 2004 S4R which I commute almost daily on, 30 miles each way both city and highway. With a 14t sprocket up front, it's not a problem. The clutch pull is the only downside for stop/go, but I have a stock clutch slave...an aftermaket slave should take care of that.  I'm exactly the same weight as you also and don't find it "beastly" at all.  It has power everywhere and whenever you want it, without being too much at the same time.  I'm also running a PCIII with open airbox and boom tubes for a little extra power  [evil]   You shouldn't be disappointed by one at all.

I am riding Speed Triple and loving it.  But then I am coming from 620 Monster. I still got it and get to ride both.  What a difference!   I have a hard time giving up the monster still.  Infact, I am looking for low mile wrecked higher engine monster to swap engine.  Anyhow, good luck with monster search.  I just wonder if you feel the same way about speed triple as compared to the street.  I know one thing, the speed triple leans a lot lot lot easier the monster believe it or not.  (got no chicken strip on the s3 but a bit on the monster surprisingly).  As for the handle bar, I prefer the monsters. 

I'll trade my 1k for a STr. [thumbsup]

I have an 08 S2R 1000, which I LOVE, but recently test rode a Daytona 675 because I want to get a sport bike as well.  I really expected to love the Triumph...but I just didn't.  And it came down to the issue you mentioned in your initial post: lack of character. 

The Daytona is a great bike, but there's just something about the torque and grunt of a Ducati (and a twin engine.)  I'm addicted to it, and will probably wind up getting an 848 or 1098 as a result, instead of the Daytona.  I just couldn't "feel" the engine like I can on my Monster.  And I guess that's what you're missing on the ST.

I wouldn't recommend a 696 or even an S2R 800 (which my wife has), if you're coming off the Triple.  They won't have enough oomph for you, and the handling of the 800 will be lacking by comparison.  Pick up an S2R with some aftermarket goodies (like pipes!), and you won't be disappointed.  Handles very well, good suspension out of the box, lots and lots of character.  Or go even more beastly with the S4R (although I personally prefer the air-cooled models.)  There are lots of good deals out there these days!

I recently test rode a Triumph Daytona 675.  I enjoyed the ride but I will choose an R6 over it anytime (especially Raven edition)

Some of the older S4's came with the 916 engine. They seem to make plenty of power.

I'm currently in the process of trying to decide between a Striple and a M796 as a first bike for a new (44 y/o) rider.  I'ld be interested in hearing more opinions on the pros and cons of each.

Get the 796 - it's a Ducati  ;D

You'll have our crazy devoted company for as long as you want, or can take [thumbsup]

Street tripple power (106bhp) delivered at 11,700rpm and 51ft.lbf of torque at 9,100rpm

The Ducati 796 Monster 796 produces 84hp @ 8250rpm of power and a torque to 58lb-ft @ 6250rpm.



The Monster makes more torque at about 3,000 rpm lower in the power band than the Triumph. That translates into an easier to ride and yet quicker bike than the Triumph. Torque is your friend, less shifting can be involved and probably more fun is sure to be had.

I was just noticing that while I was reading the brochures on both of them in the 'reading room'.  It's not a huge difference in torque but it comes so much lower in the power band - good thing [thumbsup]  Being a new rider, top end isn't going to mean anything to me for a long time, and I'm getting a bike for around town, not really touring.  So acceleration (torque) is a plus. 

I also forgot to mention, that as a new rider, chances are higher that you will drop it in the parking lot or have some other mishap with it. The tank cover on the monster is replaceable. in fact you can change all the plastic for a new look if you want. So if it gets scratched it's not a big deal and it wont dent.

http://www.ducati.it/moto/monster/index.do (http://www.ducati.it/moto/monster/index.do)

Since I have not ridden the 796 I can't compare it to the Street Triple on power.  I can, however, compare it to my S4rs and while the power disparity between those two models is quite large my seat of the pants dyno says the Striple is a very unique and fun  bike, both around town and in the canyons.  The striple engine is pure perfection - you twist the throttle and bike goes without ANY hesitation.  It is much much muuuuccchh smoother then my bike around town.

It feels much lighter and quicker steering then my bike and while it produced less torque then my bike it makes up for it by screaming through the RPM range.

Maintenance is comparable to that of a Japanese bike - i.e. longer maintenance intervals...I think the first valve service is at 20K miles and I would say that parts are comparable to those found for a Ducati - both in wait time to receive them and price.

Coolness factor - hands down the Duc wins...no contest.  If you do consider the Striple I would opt for the Striple R - which has better (and adjustable) suspension and better brakes.

I would say get the one you like the best and calls to you as that will make you happier in the end.


 [beer]

Ive been riding with a buddy on the track the past few months hes got a Street triple. i have an S2R1000.

In my personal opinion and im not sure who can back me up on this because everyones got too much pride in their own bikes to begin with, the street triple is WAY faster than any of hte air cooled ducs including the S2R1000 (dont know about the 1100 since its a new frame and new engine). You have way more engine to rev with and it is almost effortless to get that bike around the track.  He doenst drag his knees at all, and id say hes doing a 2:03ish laptime and im doing about a 1:55 but just to be that 8 seconds faster seconds faster im dragging everything thats hanging off. so as he takes that bike faster and faster im going to start eating more of his rubber  instead.

But, its got no oomph and id pick the monster anyway for a regular bike because its so fun to ride on the street

Well that was my point. This is his first bike and he's probably not too interested in his lap times at this stage. More like getting the fundamentals of riding down, and having fun, rather than shifting at 11,000 RPM on the street to get all the power out of the bike. But yea for a track bike you probably would want something other than a monster, such as an old CBR or an R6 or something. You know one of those Japanese appliances that you can toss down the track and not get too upset about it.   

That seems like an over exaggeration to me - you don't have to get to 11K to shift the Striple, the bike goes just fine right off the line.  Smooth as butter and with no lag or stutter like many Monsters face (One need only to search for "14t sprocket" to see why  ;D). In fact I would consider the throttle on the Striple twitchy when compared to the Monster as there is absolutely no delay in power delivery when the throttle is turned.

On the street - the Striple is much more fun then the Monster as you can ride her very gently and smooth or just let her rip and see the blinking lights on the dash tell you when it's time to shift.  The Monster is really rough down low but a great joy in the canyons.

Thought choice between two as they are both great fun  [moto]

Get a S2R1000!  You mentioned how you want the "character" of a ducati.  In my opinion you need one with a dry clutch and a single sided swingarm.  I would cross the S2R800 and 696 off the list right now.

The Street Triples make a whirring sound that I can not get used to. It may not be annoying to some but it really bugs me.

I have a Daytona 675 and a S2R1000.  The Daytona is completely stock, the S2R1k has a full exhaust, open airbox, power commander, clip ons, rebuilt front fork, ohlins rear, and Pilot Powers. The Daytona turns more quickly and smoothly over any pavement any day of the week, no matter how distracted I may be.  The S2R feels like it will out accelerate the Daytona every time and just has tons of torque everywhere.  Above 8k RPMs on the Daytona something wicked happens. I'm still not sure what that ghost who lives up there is all about, but I try to explore every time I can.

The S2R is just dripping with character and noise. The Daytona is like a sewing machine. I love them both for what they are and aren't.  I don't think someone coming from a 675 triple will be missing any power in moving to the 1000DS engine, much less an older S4. 

I say hold out, find yourself a nice S2R1k that someone is getting rid of at the end of the season, and enjoy the Ducati camaraderie.