Ducati Monster Forum

And it is NICE!  These might sway me to the new Monster fold.  It looks like a raging little ball of muscle.  There are little details throughout the bike that make it pop as a whole.  The headers look fantastic, the stance is spot on, and the seat with it's new materials and red stitching is a class act.  If I was in the market, I'd be eying this bad boy over the Streetfighter.  

The pictures don't do the bike justice.  It looks like a squat little death machine.  Very muscular, stance like it's ready to take off.  

This is the version they had in the shop.  Fulll ABS, red and white paint, the business:

(http://rt-now.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/2011-Ducati-Monster-1100-EVO.jpg)

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W-I5MyMUdi0/TabyWioGQNI/AAAAAAAAHWw/sgmlKy1CaVU/s1600/Ducati%2BMonster%2B1100%2BEvo%2B2011%25281%2529.jpg)

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Bvbc4FTauY/TabyW-QaByI/AAAAAAAAHW4/lhv6UcullTg/s1600/Ducati%2BMonster%2B1100%2BEvo%2B2011.jpg)

I just got back from the austin tx launch event, and I agree. I love the headers, but hate the cans. I may have to give my wife the 696 and buy the new evo for myself.

Y'know, the cans didn't bother me.  They actually look pretty spiffy from the rear.  Nicely done outlets.

What are people paying OTD for these?  It's not going to happen, but hey, maybe in a few years my 620 will need a bigger brother ;D

I agree about the looks, the muscular stance, the ram's-horn headers, etc. I don't even mind the cans that much, now that I've gotten used to them vs the twin under-tail stingers. They'll probably get swapped-out eventually anyway.

But, to me, here's the real question: Is the plastic tank a deal-killer?

I'm serious. How wise is it to plunk down $12K on a new machine with a known design flaw? Should a $200.00 Caswell treatment be part of the negotiations? Will that be a permanent fix?

I'm close to going down to my local dealer with my piggy-bank under my arm, but I'm worried about making a lame-@$$ mistake at the same time. A year from now I don't want to be thinking that "I should have known better."

Can anybody help me to feel better about this?

I took one for a ride last Monday, and the headers don't look as bad in person, for some reason, but I still don't like the exhaust; it seems to mute the sound more than my 796.  This might be due to the location being lower down, but I prefer the sound of my 796, at least in stock form.  The gap at the rear looks a little strange, too, but it might be because I am used to two MASSIVE cans being in there.  ;)

Knock on wood but my 696 tank is ok, but I also ride daily rain or shine. From what I can tell, it's the bikes that sit around frequently that have the expanding issue due to the way that ethanol starts separating and such. I could be crazy but that's what I have understood. Besides, if all you really cared about was reliability and ease of maintenance you'd buy a ninja 250 or the likes.

Do the late model Monsters (2010 and up) have this same tank problem?  If so, it seems as though Ducati would have already found a solution.

The new models have the same problem. The plastic material for the tank remains the same as it has been. Taking on this risk, to me, needs to be seriously considered before bringing an expensive new machine into the family stable.

Just read the posts of owners who are on their 2nd or 3rd tank and considering parting ways with their Ducs.

just an FYI the tank material used on the 696/796/1100 is not the same material as the SC series or S*R series.   
We have not seen any on going issues with any of these generation tanks.   

I did see one 696 expansion but then again it's ridden very infrequently too.  The panels were being pushed which I thought was odd.

i think there have been reports of expansion in the new monsters too... there was someone that said his m1100 expanded in the plastic tank thread.

I have heard of two people whose current-gen tanks had expanded resulting in fuel leakage.  One of them had their engine case repainted under warranty because of the damage the gasoline caused.

we have only seen one 696 that had an issue around the fuel pump flange area. It seemed that the surface may have warped but could have been a result over over torquing the pump mounting hardware.   So far that's the only one we have seen an issue with.  We haven't seen panels not fitting properly of moving..  we'll keep an eye out

  The material used must not have been altered much because my 696's tank has expanded to the point that it has wedged into the rear "pocket" and the tank has to be removed with a mallot. I feel that many of the owners of new monsters don't notice the expansion because they are covered by skins.
 This is my first Monster and maybe my last. My dealer does not want to do anything about the tank and I have since told them to "F" off when I finally had enough of them.

It hasn't changed the US tanks are made from the same shit. We've had this discussion in the tank expansion thread. I'm to lazy to find the link.  [thumbsdown]

Why not just coat the tank immediately after purchase?  Seems like a $50 coating makes good preventative sense. 

Ducati should simply put a coating or a fuel cell inside the tanks to eliminate the issue.
well that an Aceribis needs to do some freaking research. Now that Europe has E10 I expect some changes soon.

This video gives you a better idea than any photo for how the Evo looks in the flesh:

Ducati Monster 1100 EVO 2011 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sm9LBfYUQI4#normal)

Telling you guys, I've been eyeing a Daytona 675 or an 848 for a second bike after the 620, but this 1100 Evo has a presence.  I've never had a chance to ride a large displacement v-twin.  This thing has me intrigued.

Me too...

So again I ask...

Is the plastic tank a deal-killer?

I think it's safe to assume that, 2 or 3 replacement tanks in the future (if that option is still on the table), one would be wondering to one's self if this was really a smart way to part with $12K, given what we know today.

Am I worrying too much here? Somebody help me.   

Seems like a por15 treatment is plenty of prevention.  My only concern would be a tank related problem (leaking fuel cap, fuel pump, etc) getting denied warranty service because of the treatment.

I am really diggin" the Evo ( with a Termignoni exhaust change out ) but don't you guys think that a year from now they will come out with a S or a SP, some kind of upgraded model ?  Something with ohlins, radial Brembos, carbon bits, special paint and maybe even a dry clutch ?  To me this bike would be perfection !  [thumbsup]

I'm sure they will....and it already has radial brembos.

ok sorry, the monoblock type like off the SF and superbikes.

Eh, I guess at some point you have to decide that the bike is what you want.  Waiting for next year's 'improved' version will keep you from ever buying one.  Then again, it might be the financially responsible path :P

I feel like these Evo versions are nice late model massages.  Both the 848 and the 1100 series are a few years in, and the current models are improvements over an established, proven design.  I would be stoked to own either without worrying about next year's big thing.

thing is most people change out their suspension, wheels and CF pieces  themselves, so Ducati saves money upfront and makes it on the backend doing it this way anyway.

Here are some great shots of the stock exhaust sound.  Sounds like it's got a nice deep rumble.  Bah, I told myself I was getting a sports bike next!

This was supposed to start at 7:38, but I guess that doesn't work on the embedded youtube vids.

2012 Ducati Monster 1100 Evo edited and unedited shots in 1080p HD (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndVf6pgwvFg&t=7m38s#normal)

well other than the Diavel.. I consider most Ducati as sport bikes... just don't tell my insurance

I ordered a Diavel a few weeks back but started to have Monster regret and decided to test ride the EVO prior to making a decision. For reference I've owned the following Ducati's: '93 Monster, '02 S4, '04 Multistrada, '04 S4R, and presently have an '08 Hypermotard. IOW, I like Ducati's and Monsters in particular. I rode the EVO for about 15 minutes of the allotted hour I was to have the bike. Feels good. Solid. Feels like the same power as my Hyper. Brakes not quite as good but still good. I got back and said, "Let's try the Diavel again." Rode the Diavel for the entire hour allotted. Such a different and more satisfying experience. Power whenever, wherever you need/want it. More comfortable seating position. Handles as well or better in the curves (at the rate I would push any bike on the street). I seriously could ride this bike all day.

Just waiting on the Hyper to sell....

The demo day at both dealers near me weren't really demo days, more like "We have one bike, come ride it if you want." But then I'm sure they would guilt trip me if I didn't buy it.

I'm really starting to like the Evo, but the headlight and flyscreen still kind of bug me. The flyscreen should blend into the headlight assembly better rather than sitting on top like an afterthought.

Picked it up today.  Thought it was a 2011 but it is considered a 2012.  Rode it a total of around 25 miles.  Hopefully will get to ride some more tomorrow.

Mods that I need to complete today.

1)  adjustment of the shocks.  I have no experience in the settings but shoot me some info.  I noticed that it is set up pretty firm as when I hit bumps in the road I had no problem feeling them.  I would like to soften up the ride if possible.


Future mods:

1)  Clean up the rear end.  I saw that some company has a kit that cleans up the rear end on older monsters but don't know if it applies to the 2012.

2)  A little more sound as this thing seems pretty quiet with a helmet on.


Anyway this thing sure has good pickup and is fast.

Looking forward to reading others comments or suggestions

Push down on the rear of the seat, if it is very slow to push down and slow to rise back when you release then reduce dampening.  Front and rear should go down together and rise at the same rate together, adjust from there.

Preload should be set first for your weight, 30% sag is a good starting point. 

There is a link around here on setting up suspensions that explains it better.  Found it.

http://londonbikers.com/articles/1616/suspension-setup-demystified (http://londonbikers.com/articles/1616/suspension-setup-demystified)

most dealers will set up the preload for you when you pick up the bike... the damping etc you figure out on your own, but you might want to ask your dealer if they will do the preload at least... makes it easier than rounding up a couple of friends and measuring.

  Welcome!

 Pics please or it doesn't exist.   :)

I still can't get pass the fact that THE top of the line Monster do NOT come with a dry clutch.

-1 for Ducati.

or how about it's mid level SBK, or top of the line MTS or Diavel... I'm sure the HM 1100 will get one soon as well.

seems they may keep it only for the big sbk

lets face it, this new management could give a rats ass about heritage

The dry clutch is cool but once I tried the easy to pull clutch on the Evo I was sold.  No more cramps from being stuck in traffic!!!!

Test rode one today. I have some obstacles, like the fact that I'm selling my bikes and I'm moving out of the country, but if I find the way, I'm buying this thing.

Can you elaborate?  I am very interested in upgrading to the Evo.

Wet clutches make better street bikes. As long as they keep the dry in the big SBK then it doesn't bother me.

Also, when does heritage start? I don't think the early bikes had dry clutches.

I test rode it around town and the engine is much smoother. It was not as gittery as my older Monster.

I'm moving to Chile where Ducs are super expensive. They do not allow you to import any used vehicles, no lemon laws over there. It is cheaper to buy the bike new in the states, stick it on a boat and pay the import taxes. A used 1100 ABS runs close to $16,000 over there. I can get a new Evo for around $12,000.