Don't get me wrong, I love the Streefighter and Diavel addition. Not quite my type but I respect people who enjoy them. But what actually brought me to Ducati is the old monster. I remember the first time I saw one (around 1995?) when I was studying as a engineer. I was broke at that time. My first ride was a old Honda Interceptor that I paid 52$. I've dreamed about my monster for a good 8 years before I could afford one (had a Z1000 in the meanwhile and did my class with that flawless bike). 3 years ago I bought my beast, a 2007 S4Rs and since then, my passion for motorcycle is growing stronger everyday. It's now a way of life (I dont even own a car in Quebec, which is a statement here during the winter =)) so I could afford more track days, road trips etc.
My point is : "Hey Ducati, what's up with the Monster" ? I respect the rationale and the fundamental reasons for liquid cooled/air cooled monster/streefighter versus frame considerations but the feeling is not quite right for me. I can live with wet clutch. But I prefer the old monster (and the new one) for emotional reasons that I cant explain : more classic lines, rounded shape, etc. But my point is : "It needs an engine [evil]".
Since that Multistradas, Diavels and Streefigher got facelifts/annoncements what can we expect for the Monster ? Is it conceivable that the Monster upgrade is next (aint talking about shotguns exhauts/aesthetic)? A rossified version maybe or they completely dismissed that direction ? Am I the only stuck in that position ? I absolutely love my s4rs and will prolly never sell it. But I wont hit 100k km neither.
I dont want to start a "rumor thread" (oh well maybe) but is anyone having some kind of privileged information/direction by Ducati (or thoughts) ? Hey, I'm feeling lonely Ducati ... right now, I'm just piling up cash for a 1198 Monster S [drink].
ps sorry for lousy english, second lang. (I've removed my baffles ;D)
Jeff
I like the old Monsters too. I even prefer the older style twin exhausts, one on each side to the up swept shotgun mufflers on my S2R1000. I also like both the single sided swingarm and the double sided version. Both work for me. [thumbsup]
I think I know what you are saying. Ducati doesn't have the perfect bike you want in their lineup. I've ridden the Streetfighter with Termi and ECU and it is a great bike. I just haven't fully warmed up to the looks enough to buy a new one.
You can try buidling your own. Maybe one of these 2V Superbike projects would fit the bill.
I'm with you. I'm not really keen on the new look of the Monster series, and don't understand why they couldn't make a more potent version. I'd also like to see the old style shotgun exhaust return. It was sooo sweet to look at....
Quote from: Travman on March 09, 2011, 04:19:13 PM
You can try buidling your own. Maybe one of these 2V Superbike projects would fit the bill.
This has been my take on bikes for the last 8 years. If someone else won't build it for you, build it for yourself.
Warning: This can take a lot of time and money and you may find yourself without a running bike for long periods of time.
I would venture to say that Ducati will throw the 4 valver in the Monster frame soon. Could be that they want to "force" the sales of the Diavel to those who want big power by not giving an option. Clearly the monster line will always be their best seller, so until those numbers start to fall they may not do anything.
I prefer the look of the old Monsters. They look less like others than the newer ones. And I love the dual exhaust, one on each side. I think Ducati could be really successful with an old style Monster with updated technology.
I too like the look of the early Monsters, I remember back in 1994 when I saw one ride past me as I stood slack jawed on the side of the road saying to my self 'one day, one day I WILL own one of those". To me it was everything a bike should be, simple but classic lines, an engine you can see, and that two valve motor to me is the second best (the round case rates number 1) around.
When Ducati started making the 4 valve I thought great more power, how could you go wrong but after seeing one I thought those clean classic lines were starting to blur somewhat, and even now with the new aircooled motors in my opinion they have moved away from what I think was ( and to me still is) a beautiful bike.
Maybe my '97 900 has 76k on it and its sitting in the shed waiting for me to give her a freshen up, but one thing is for sure, I will never sell this bike, the only way it will leave me is if I pass it down to one of my boys.
Mmick (still in love after all these years)
What I see is a bump in displacement and maybe a more classic two sided low exhaust.
The superquadrata will create a new case style that will allow bigger piston, if they use the same concept about sharing cases, the 2v could really benefit. imagine super large intact valves on the 2v with a large bore cyl.
The problem will be the new management, whom I'm reading more and more about. They don't really believe in Ducati competing at the low level both on the track and in the street. that is why they continue to produce more and more 15k+ bikes.
The MTS, Diavel, SF and likely the next SBK will all start above 15k if not more. I doubt there will be a small SBK. And eventually they will look at the Monster as not a true Ducati. maybe start producing them next to their scooters in Thailand.
Quote from: Raux on March 09, 2011, 10:32:42 PM
What I see is a bump in displacement and maybe a more classic two sided low exhaust.
The superquadrata will create a new case style that will allow bigger piston, if they use the same concept about sharing cases, the 2v could really benefit. imagine super large intact valves on the 2v with a large bore cyl.
The problem will be the new management, whom I'm reading more and more about. They don't really believe in Ducati competing at the low level both on the track and in the street. that is why they continue to produce more and more 15k+ bikes.
The MTS, Diavel, SF and likely the next SBK will all start above 15k if not more. I doubt there will be a small SBK. And eventually they will look at the Monster as not a true Ducati. maybe start producing them next to their scooters in Thailand.
I disagree. coming out with a bike like the Diavel shows that they are looking beyond the tried and true Ducatisti that will by whatever SBK they put out over and over again, The new race program for the 848 in conjunction with the heavy improvements that came with the 848evo (which was done without a price increase) shows that they are very aware of the need to justify costs in the depressed economy.
I wouldn't be surprised if we saw something more classic out there, especially with Moto Guzzi, Harley and Honda re-vamping their classic/standard bikes in line with what Triumph has been doing (not to mention whatever Norton has kicking around their design department.). However, Ducati being Ducati, you know they wont do it unless they can do it
differently and better than everyone else. Personally, Id love to see a Hyper made up like an the old Scrambler, or maybe a new Hailwood?
Honestly, how will more displacement/power improve an S4Rs or M1100 for street riding?
I've ridden several S4R*'s and 1100's (M1k with bigbore/hi-comps, Hyper and Multi), and IMO the torque and power are borderline overkill.
According to one of the Dealers that rode the new Diavel last week in CA.
He said they rode up to the Rock Store and back to the PCH and they got to ride for a couple of hours.
I got to see a short video that a Dealer recorded on the ride in the hills.
One Dealer said the Diavel would bring back memories of the S4R, only more comfortable , lower slung and faster.
The feel of the movement of the frame , the feel of the engine and handle bars are reminiscent to the S4R.
Sounds good to me !
Dolph [moto]
Quote from: Raux on March 09, 2011, 10:32:42 PM
What I see is a bump in displacement and maybe a more classic two sided low exhaust.
The superquadrata will create a new case style that will allow bigger piston, if they use the same concept about sharing cases, the 2v could really benefit. imagine super large intact valves on the 2v with a large bore cyl.
The problem will be the new management, whom I'm reading more and more about. They don't really believe in Ducati competing at the low level both on the track and in the street. that is why they continue to produce more and more 15k+ bikes.
The MTS, Diavel, SF and likely the next SBK will all start above 15k if not more. I doubt there will be a small SBK. And eventually they will look at the Monster as not a true Ducati. maybe start producing them next to their scooters in Thailand.
You know when the 916 came out in 1994 it cost just over $14k. When the 998 was phased out for the 999 it cost just under $15k. What was the 1098 MSRP? $14,995. Ducati prices are coming down.
My old '98 Monster came back to me a few weeks ago to do some carb repair. Dang, I should have never sold it but no super regrets. It's what got me into Ducati's and the boards. It's one hellofva good looking bike and runs pretty darn good too. I think anyone with any of the watercooled Monsters may have the best of all worlds. I think the Streetfighter is pretty awesome too. [thumbsup]
It would be cool to see a streetfighter done up to look like an older monster. Headlight, tank, tail, reroute exhaust...
Quote from: Eddie_322 on March 10, 2011, 04:33:25 AM
You know when the 916 came out in 1994 it cost just over $14k. When the 998 was phased out for the 999 it cost just under $15k. What was the 1098 MSRP? $14,995. Ducati prices are coming down.
1198 base 16495
1098 base 14995
999 base 17995
998 base 17695
Ducati prices are going back up in the SBK. the reason for the huge drop from the 999 to 1098 was the need to regain the riders who fled the brand.
IMO be ready for a price of the new SBK to be closer if not above the 999 price and I don't expect a smaller SBK
Prices are going up or US dollar going down (or a mix) ... geez it's now 1,03$ CAN for a green one.
To those that mentioned it, I don't think Ducati will try a classic/retro bike again. They did that with the GT1000 and Sport 1000 bikes and as nice as they were (I have one! [thumbsup]) they did not move off the showroom floors that fast. And that is also why they are gone from the line up.
Hey Doc, it hurts when I do this.
Well, then don't do that! [bang] [laugh]
its seems that the bigger monsters aren't selling thus the 1100 monster didnt' sell well, the 796 does. the streetfighte is the s4rs but a different name really.
i see the sbk being more expensive they need that uber expensive one that will be the marque of the brand i see that as the next sbk sort of like the d16 was when it came out. ducati would be dumb to get rid of the 848 or something like it bc it sells a lot of people on the middle ground that want something different than an r1 or cbr, which is what ducati needs to get more of.
the diavel and the multristrada are the outliers that will get the new folks that never consdered ducati ever before. the monster lineup is not going anywhere they just get too many sales from it, but i see the larger dispacement monsters going by the wayside eventually.
Quote from: pennyrobber on March 10, 2011, 09:46:11 AM
It would be cool to see a streetfighter done up to look like an older monster. Headlight, tank, tail, reroute exhaust...
I'm scared to see the 2012 prices. But on a lighter note, an exhaust like this would be kick ass
(http://www.motowheels.com/italian/images%5Clg632053274.jpg)
Exactly my sentiments. I want to buy a new or late model watercooled monster. if they sold one with the 848 engine, I'd take it (and put on an old skool headlight).
I've thought about converting a SF by changing the lights and the fuel tank, but it seems there's more to the lines of the bike that will make the conversion look odd.
I'm not holding my breath for a monster with a watercooled engine though, I think the current design brief is to have the classic looks of an air cooled engine.
I have a 95 900M -
I feel like I am riding a piece of ART - Granted the newer models are sweet, these OLD original Carbed 2Vs are just SWEET to look at.
I responded to question about "SV650 OR Monster? - which should I buy" on a local riders forum here in the Pacific NW area. My take was that when I am done riding my Monster, I plan on draining the fluids and mounting it to the wall in my garage (or living room if the family would EVER agree!!) and just LOOK at it - I don't see doing that with the Suzuki...
Ducati had it right back then - then again I am biased!!
Best...
Quote from: scduc on March 09, 2011, 05:26:14 PM
I would venture to say that Ducati will throw the 4 valver in the Monster frame soon. Could be that they want to "force" the sales of the Diavel to those who want big power by not giving an option. Clearly the monster line will always be their best seller, so until those numbers start to fall they may not do anything.
I really doubt that. Ducati themselves have said that the Streetfighters purpose was to take over the water cooled naked bike division for them, and the monster would be purely air-cooled. It may happen eventually, if the Streetfighter ever fails, which I doubt, but it's too early to tell.
Quote from: Grendel on March 10, 2011, 08:14:38 PM
Exactly my sentiments. I want to buy a new or late model watercooled monster. if they sold one with the 848 engine, I'd take it (and put on an old skool headlight).
I'd like a superbike with an air-cooled engine. :)
I wonder if rumors of a new SuperSport being in development are true.
Quote from: Bishamon on March 11, 2011, 01:07:11 PM
I'd like a superbike with an air-cooled engine. :)
I believe AM (Josh) on the DFWM board has an air cooled/Tamburini project going I think. [thumbsup]
I'm new to the Monster (and bikes in general really) but I have a 620 that im learning on for teh next few months. I loveit but its really too small fo rme to keep long term. I'm a tall guy (about 6'3") and was wondering how much 'bigger' the other monsters were. Not interested in the updated monsters (696 etc) but I dont mind the S4r etc...
There are none locally for me to sit on, so before I do all the work/travelling to find one, can anyone tell me if they (s2r, s4r etc...) are physically larger bikes than the 620?
I jumped on a Streetfighter and it fit well and i loved it, but its an expensive jump up in hardware for a 2nd bike haha.
Quote from: Droopz on March 13, 2011, 08:10:05 PM
I'm new to the Monster (and bikes in general really) but I have a 620 that im learning on for teh next few months. I loveit but its really too small fo rme to keep long term. I'm a tall guy (about 6'3") and was wondering how much 'bigger' the other monsters were. Not interested in the updated monsters (696 etc) but I dont mind the S4r etc...
There are none locally for me to sit on, so before I do all the work/travelling to find one, can anyone tell me if they (s2r, s4r etc...) are physically larger bikes than the 620?
I jumped on a Streetfighter and it fit well and i loved it, but its an expensive jump up in hardware for a 2nd bike haha.
They are all about the same size. The 4 valvers look a little bigger because the engine is a very busy looking setup. I'd website to say with aftermarket rearsets, you would be placed higher on the bike, making it look a little bigger.
Already invested rear sets, risers and custom seat into the 620. If the others are essentially the same geometry i'll have to look at other bikes.
Thanks for the input :)
The streetfighter is more stretched out and comfy than the mosters imho. Duc just really nailed the ergonomics on the SF (at least for my sensibilities and body). I'd have one if I could afford it. Maybe by the time I've got my student loans paid off they'll have put a CURRENT superbike motor in it. [thumbsup]
The new M1100 Evo is a perfect evolution of the Monster IMHO, 2V, 100HP, ABS( that can be turned off), TC, and the right Torque, it really is a perfect street bike and will even cause some havoc on some of the tracks with bikes with more power. Just MHO - Gene
Quote from: twolanefun on March 15, 2011, 07:47:17 PM
The new M1100 Evo is a perfect evolution of the Monster IMHO, 2V, 100HP, ABS( that can be turned off), TC, and the right Torque, it really is a perfect street bike and will even cause some havoc on some of the tracks with bikes with more power. Just MHO - Gene
I would love to have an 1198 engine in my current S4RS. Having said that, I recently sat on one of the new M1100 at the show in Greenville, SC. Loved the thing. Bro-in-law who rides a 950 KTM Super Moto said the same thing. If I was buying an all around bike right now, that would be it.
Ohlins and Termi kitted would be perfect. Pretty thing too. [thumbsup] [thumbsup]
LA