Ducati Monster Forum

The 'new' version of the Monster has been on the road for what, two years now?  I'm just curious to hear from the masses how you think its aged, and if you prefer it to the previous Monster (S*R versions).

Just a gut level check, which one you prefer, looks only.  Of course feel free to sprinkle in any other technical details which you feel add to the choice.  (i.e., the 696 riding position vs. the S*R)

The new Monsters are what got me back into motorcycling (there were some other factors) so obviously I have a soft spot for them.  I do however love all Monsters.  I am about to buy a Monster EVO and I am selling the 696.  I think the new generation are great bikes.  I don't have much experience with the older bikes.  I know a lot of people think you can only like one or the other but I disagree.  Whether people like it or not Ducati had to update the Monster sooner or later and that meant they were going to change.  I would rather have the new Monster compared to the older Monsters but I certainly can appreciate the older generations.  From some of the other posts I've read in the past I would guess you are going to get some pretty heated answers on this thread. 

Jim

Completely agree  [thumbsup].

Anyone seen Kopfjäger lately?  ;)

 [popcorn]

 [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [clap] Let me get a couple beers in me and I'll be back.  :D

I don't dislike the new Monsters -I like the seemingly more aggressive stance and some of the other styling updates. However, I don't like all the added plastics. To me it seems a departure from the whole raw, naked look.  That said, I haven't actually ridden any of the newer models, which might cause me to overlook aesthetics all together.

aesthetically? I love the s*r monsters, my favorite being the red w white racing stripe, white wheels.  But I've also grown to really like the new ones - red/red, white with red frame and especially Corse skins.
my $0.02 :)


[laugh]
 [popcorn]

I have an '03 M800, but I do like the looks of the new Monsters. Unfortunately the only new one that I have ridden, M1100 Evo, it didn't fit me. :'(

I'll start with the S*R Monster, (not an older Monster) with it's hideous SSS and piece of shit plastic tank (which by reading the tank thread, is an ongoing, never ending problem), the beginning of the end.  ;) :D

LOL, I've owned plenty of Ducatis, but never an older (pre S*R) monster.  My first Monster was the '05 S2R and except for the tank BS, I love it.  The later ones aren't hideous to me.. Then again, I'm kind of a motorcycle slut, I can find something I like about almost any bike.

My next bike will probably be an S4.  I've wanted one for ages, but I've simply got to get more floor space in the garage first.

Basically what kopf(make the beast with two backsed up a)ger is saying is:
OLD SCHOOL. FTW!

Hey.....what the....son of a a..... :D

well... pureness wise. The original superbike frame Monster is as pure as it gets. BUT the worst handling
The watercooled... while exceptional powerwise... too cluttered to be the clean pure monster
The MH900e-like S*R swingarms... too gimicky and I'm pretty sure as a result of the failure of the 999 DSS
The plastic tanks...  [bang] a decent idea that went horribly wrong with this damn foodfuel
The new monster... especially the 696, closer to the original with updates for modern style, but yes too much plastic for the true nakedness just needed a few changes.

(http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/281560_190195214370548_100001402122676_491817_4521052_n.jpg)

pft... that all you got..  [evil]

 [popcorn]

 [laugh] Let me finish these beers.  :D You guys are next.

[laugh] [laugh] [laugh] :-\

 [popcorn]

Ok, They destroyed the trellis frame with that abomination, then they completely make the beast with two backsed up the already pos plastic tank with those stupid looking vents.  [bang] The headlight......well that's self explanatory. The DSS on the girls bike looks like something from a Jap (sorry Asian) bike. All in all it's just wrong, but I digress.  :D [drink] There are some nice examples of the bike on this forum.  ;) [thumbsup]

The transforming potential of the older bikes is better.

The nicely modded new bikes are looking much better than I thought they could,
but the most successfully modified old bikes are, IMO, art.

With a classic light, Corse skins and an aftermarket trellis subframe - not much more to ask for.



 

Dude, it's time to fix that headlight already.  You've been saying you are going to fix it for a year now.  Modify those brackets and bring that headlight in about 8 inches closer to the forks.  Nice bike.  [thumbsup]

In response to the topic...... as an S2R owner I am hanging on to that one rather than upgrading.
I prefer the SSS and have never had a problem with the plastic tank (other than the fact it doesn't hold enough fuel).

But I can see the beauty in any Monster. Thats the best thing about Monsters compared to many other bikes. We don't feel the need to upgrade every time a new model comes out and we can enjoy the classic looks without feeling our bikes are outdated.

I think the Monsters are like fine wine - it gets better with age.  The "classic" monster has been a huge success since it's inception.  People have grown acustom to it and loved it.  The "new" monster had a deep hill to climb from the get go from the "classic" fans, but it also has gotten better with age.  Having a new generation of enthusists with passion for the "new" monster helps, too.

Kopf-
   I don't often agree with you, but this is spot on.

Love the aesthetics, hate the plastic POS tank and deformation issues.

I'm the same.  The oldest bike I owned before was a '95 SS.  Wasn't as much into the other bikes and the S2R is what got me to buy a new bike.

And you know what?

The reason I'm selling that S2R is for the plastic tank.  If not telling owners about a fuel related issue and word-of-mouth fixing is how Ducati deals with this issue, I'm out.  Probably my last Ducati as far as I can see.

We now know where Ducati's money is going.  Not into R&D, but to a nice competitive young gent named VR.

Sorry to sideline the original topic.

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6136/5955281124_88c7b14daa_b.jpg)


 ;D

Fueling is not the issue. E10 in U.S. fuel is the reason for the tank issue.
Not all of the plastic tanks have had problems.

E10 has been around longer than most of the members on the DMF have been alive, and the US is the largest sales market for Ducati in the world, it is reasonable to think they should have figured out the compatibility issues sooner than this.

mitt

you should add a poll to this thread..

i definitely think the new monsters have potential and look nice in their own way.. but i prefer the older style monsters

Bear in mind that our friends in Cupertino and Bologna have never publicly agreed nor admitted that there is an ethanol or moisture issue for the tanks.

what a lovely bike.. :-)

I understand.  But there's a difference between 'admitting' and 'solving the problem'.  The Company has done neither and it's been an issue for how long?  (You would be better informed to answer that query). 

Run a transportation company, eventually you have to man up and say you screwed the pooch.  Otherwise your reputation will eat you alive.

I wonder what sales are like this year for DNA.

I don't know what their plans are for this problem.  I know that they are still replacing tanks without any letup.  Maybe their plan is to keep replacing tanks until everyone gets a new tank and coats it.  I really don't know. 

Sales are pretty good, considering the economy.  They hit a couple of home runs with the new MTS and the Diavel.  Both have sold well.

This is true, E10 has been around for sometime now.
So have cars, computers, solar panels and computer chips.....

The use of ethanol as a fuel mixture grew exponentially in the U.S. in the 2000's.
How many plastic tanks did Ducati make prior to 2005?

Agree, bikes starting to look sharp but that headlight ruins it.  I know you are waiting for some home made fairing for it or something of that sort but perhaps you should of waited on that headlight mod until you were ready to add the fairing  ;D  Everytime I see that bike the light stands out like a swore thumb.

Still a sweet ride, and im sure you are quiet sick of people razzing you over the headlight issue, perhaps as sick as we are of seeing it  [laugh]  its like a hot chick sticking her thumb out trying to hitch a ride  [thumbsup]  [Dolph]

Ducati doesn't make plastic tanks - they sell them.  The makers of plastic tanks have been doing it a long time though.  I really don't want to hijack this thread into another 10* page tank thread, so I will leave it at that. 

mitt

agreed....
sorry for the thread jack

Bear in mind, folks, Ducati no longer sells Acerbis tanks on current model bikes... One wonders why..

It all comes down to preference - some people on here would give their left nut for Celli's bike and all I see is an abomination!

Same goes for the new vs. old Monsters.  I personally like both, I have seen some new Monsters that look banging!  Below are two great lookking old and new. 

(http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/6421/dsc1822.jpg)

(http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/2496/3370494463e2619aa844o01.jpg)

Given a choice I would take the old as I like that bike that better - it calls to me - from the moment I laid eyes on her I knew she was the one.  [thumbsup]

Though this is true it used to be called gasohol and was an optional fuel, not the only fuel available in some areas.  Many manufacturers would not warranty damage from gasohol  and stated so.  How do I know this?  From repairing vehicles that suffered alcohol poisoning, some requiring replacement of fuel tank, fuel pump, injectors, etc.  Yep, I was fixing motor vehicles before many of you were born.

To me the new bikes are ugly ...ugly then ugly now

If I were buying today I would not buy a "new" Monster , I would buy a Thruxton

The S*R were the best looking bikes , befitting the name Monster ............guttural...... visceral ....ICONIC

(http://www.powersportsnetwork.com/powersportsdlr/images/news_033105e.jpg)

(http://www.ducatimonster.org/featured/2005june/CRW_3317_resize.jpg)

(http://glencove.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/dscn3088.jpg)

(http://www.ducatimonster.org/featured/2007july/0706_warren_monster_037.jpg)


Guess if I like the old style or new...

'nuff said...  8)




 [bacon]

The new Monster style has grown on me, but initially I thought it looked like smashed ass.  I'd have a new M1100 if any of the dealers in my area were decent.

so the new tanks on the bikes are non acerbis?  does this mean 2011+ monsters wont have expansion issues?

The Diavel has a metal tank.  I don't know about the new Multi.  The new Monsters do not have a PA6 tank, FWIR

the diavel has a steel (or carbon) "skin" that hides a gas tank in much the same way the hypers, new monsters and new multi's do. ive seen Acerbis on new tanks fairly often too.


back on topic;

I prefer the older style to the new one.

my least favorite is the new one;
  I dont like the aesthetics of the chubby little trellis with a cast subframe, the cast swingarm, the headlight, the digital gauges, the tank vents or the seat.  I dont like the tanks skins over a bladder or the way the airbox is placed into the tank, the fact that I need  3 allen wrenches and ~20 minutes to get to the battery. I dont like the way the seat shoves your crotch into the tank  (or really any of the ergonomics of the new one).  I dont like the way the exhaust routs (in any of the iterations, though the 1100evo definitely comes closest).  I dont like the direct rear shock (compared to the linkage type) I dont like how few previous gen parts will work on the new ones.

I DO like the ABS and the power the 1100evo makes (even if it does vibrate more and sound like someone got bored in Bologna and cored the exhaust)


the S2R is my favorite. I think the S4R is too much power for the bike to handle well and the water cooled engine is too busy for a naked bike.  I like the single sided swingarm once its not that horrible "frosted" clear coat they use on all aluminum for some stupid reason and the shotgun exhaust really shows off the nice 5 spoke rims (I constantly have people checking out my bike, pointing at the wheels and saying "those arent stock, right?").

Its definetly not perfect though, the footpeg mounting system is stupid and makes finding rearsets unnecessarily difficult,the headlight U bracket is convoluted and dumb. tail chop is absolutely necessary (when isnt it though).  the 800 motor is underpowered and not worth spending the money to build. non adjustable forks are a joke. it needs better brakes and master cylinders....

 but I suppose thats also part of what I enjoy so much with ALL monsters, theyre a blank slate for the owner to do what they want with.

i meant new model designs.  the gas tank on the diavel is steel with a skin.  the point is that it's steel, not PA6/nylon.

the 696 is the reason i will never have another harley for the rest of my life! I love my black monster! Ive seen older monsters in person and I STILL drool! so we'll all just have to love our ducatis, regardless of age color or engine size....  ;D to answer your question completely, I'm at a draw!

no, the diavel has a steel skin and a plastic tank. same material as all current gen non-SBK offerings under the skin

Interesting, I've been told it was a steel tank with a plastic skin.  Cycleworld reported it was a steel tank.

the skin on the base model is steel, wires probably crossed somewhere. the only current gen ducati with a metal tank is the 1198SP

I guess my bike is old... 05 S4R... It handles bad? Really? Maybe I'm too old, but my bike has more power than I know how to handle, and it cuts the corners like it's glued to the tarmac. In short, my bike is better than I am.   That settles it... I'm old.

Real classic monsters forever...
(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b157/howleylongboards/BikePortrait.jpg)

The new Monsters are affected by expanding plastic tanks, whether or not they are PA6 nylon.


Back on topic, I prefer some of the new design and some of the old design.  I prefer the new tail section, the old trellis frame at the rear, the old headlight (though the new one has grown on me).  I have seen Monsters I like and dislike, both old and new.  I would say that the new style has aged well, given that some aspects that might have looked too modern (the headlight, for instance) now don't look too bad.

The new Monsters in the USA have PA6 tanks, from what I have seen.  I have heard of European tanks made of XLPE, but not here. 

Again, I was referring to NEW MODELS such as the Diavel and the Multistrada.  The "new" Monsters (696,1100,etc) are all using the same tank debuted in 2008, which is, therefore, not a new design now three years later.

Mmmmm.... that looks good. What is it about that Monster that looks so right?  Has the headlight and gauges been lowered?  Love those skinny carbon mufflers.

Definitely prefer the older styles.

I feel like it might be beating a dead horse but the new bikes look like.... new bikes designed to look like Monsters. The older bikes were just.... Bike. Frame. Tank. Seat. Go!

I don't see any of that purity in the new design. Not that they aren't attractive to many riders, but it's just a different type of bike now. The ergos are way "friendlier" (which they didn't need to be, at all) and everything just seems geared so much more towards beginner/commuter riders. C'est la vie.

That does look fantastic.  Reminds me why I kept my M900. .

I could go on and on about why the original design is more cohesive in automotive design terms.  But let's just say there is the definitive character of the original that's missing in the new version.

Look at the pic above.  Better yet look at any M900 with a bronze frame and red tank.  The lattice frame is an 'up and forward' movement that ends with the downward lines of the forks.  The lattice visually 'supports' the hunchback-looking tank, giving it a bulldog sort of look.  The line from the top of the tank runs forward into the top of the headlight-just like in the image above! 

So you have a big-shouldered mass of the tank, the one-two of the trellis and fork and it's only exaggerated by low clip-ons.  The 'down-and-back' swept exhaust, floating off the engine cases is a countermovement to the tank / frame.  Always classic.

The new style, while interesting is visually less organized and far less harmonious.  It's a collection of details instead of physical mass and structure.  In my mind, there was far less understanding on 'how' to bring the essential Monster elements into an updated bike so Ducati just designed something that's not very similar to the original.

O.G. version 1.2

(http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k582/joaramos/eb21cf3d.jpg)

I like both the old and new. I own a 696 and felt really drawn to it. Ilove how muscular the tank looks, I love the air vents in the tank skin, and I really love the proportions of the bike with a low seat. The new monster to me really fits the monster name, it's a bike that in my mind was almost designed with the future in mind, a dystopian future that would need an edgy, angular bile that looks like it means business. I know most of you think monster and think old style, when I hear monster I think of Godzilla, mothra, etc and the new bike stylistically fits that to me.

That said, the old monster because the styling was less polarizing, and more of a blank slate it seemed to leave more room to really change up the aesthetics of it. I really like the wide range of modifications, I love the full trellis, especially in gold, and I dig the simplicity of it.

IMHO a true ducatisti, or a true motorcyclist wouldnt hate another bike. Everyone will have their preferences, and true loves, but there is value in all bikes - fun.

Don't get me wrong, of course I'm biased. I have 2 of the old school design monsters.
But there's no denying how good this looks.......  [evil]

(http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/874/28601975668545316565b.jpg)

(http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/262/newmonster.jpg)

The new design looks great too!!  8)

That is seriously the only really good looking New Monster... and it's basically a "New S4RS". [cheeky]

I disagree with that. Oh and I hate the word Ducatisti.  ;)

Naaaah. Just humble.

What's the beer count at?   [cheeky]

Shhhh  :D

It took me 10 years to start liking the original Monster enough to buy one.  I'll need 8 more years to decide on the new one.

+1  [thumbsup]

And you'd be expressing an opinion shared by many.  Some of us hold an alternative opinion  :).

Vive la différence!

Let me throw this out. How many of you that own the new Monster, owened older (not S*R) Monsters?

Yeah lowered headlight and gauges, plus clipons add to the look.

I do too.  The correct word is "Ducatista."  Ducatisti is the plural, so if you say "a true ductatisti" you had better have MPD.

actually Ducatista is the female version of the word
Ducatisto would be masculine

Ducatiste would be a group of women
Ducatisti would be men or a mixed group.

owned a 99 Monster

minor mods included Ti pipes and larger rear sprocket.

I'm sorry, this is not correct.

The noun form derives from words like "barista" (bartender) or any one of these:

http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Category:Italian_words_suffixed_with_-ista (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Category:Italian_words_suffixed_with_-ista)

-ista refers to the masculine OR feminine noun personalization of a word.

fyi

http://www.orbilat.com/Languages/Italian/Grammar/Nouns/Italian-Nouns-Common_gender_in_a.html (http://www.orbilat.com/Languages/Italian/Grammar/Nouns/Italian-Nouns-Common_gender_in_a.html)

got it, thanks for making me break out my italian lesson book... it's very moldy smelling. but i was right about the plural

I loved reading that - painting with words [thumbsup]

there's a argument to be made for the new ones too...

this is xskiervh's

(http://ugc.ducati.kontain.com/photo/20110622/prod_4ac0fea6-26a3-4dd7-b64e-b52215931858/tb_640x480.jpg)

thought,

where is your exhaust?

[drool] [drool] [drool]

Boomtubes.

not my bike, it's xskiervh's bike... you can see more pics here:

http://ducati.kontain.com/xskiervh/entries/57932/monster-696--sss-conversion/ (http://ducati.kontain.com/xskiervh/entries/57932/monster-696--sss-conversion/)

and yup, he got boomtubes on them... i love the look, but it's just too loud for me :(

Know what?  That's a very nice looking new Monster.  Probably the best I'd seen to date.

The only thing I would do is to try to alter the size/width of the rear seat cowling.  Or shorten it further to snub the back end more.

But very very nice.

I prefer the new monsters.  The old monsters look dated.  That isn't to say that I don't like the old monsters.  I do.  I just think that the new ones look better. 

I have nothing against the New Monster, but IMO the best looking bikes of all time have been
the Triumph Bonneville (1968 the best year)
the Norton Commando (any year)
the Ducati 916 (the entire series 748 - 998)
the original Monster
the S*R Monsters

You notice that the new monster is not in the group but then neither are there any MVs so they are not in bad company.  




I felt so strongly about this list that I purchased 3 of the bikes, 2 to go.  

Good things about the new bike:
 - Guts: motor, ABS, instruments
 - visually: headlight (BRING IT KOPF ;D ), retaining a general Monster-like form, and I don't hate the new SSS

Bad things about the new bike:
 - "Trellis" frame, subframe
 - Piercings on the tank - this is how they strike me, conceptually.
 - Stock pipes.  But when do stock pipes look best (aside from the F4?)

By and large, I'll stick with my original take (here's trip down thread memory lane* (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=6470.msg104689#msg104689)) on the new generation of Monsters, but I have to admit that I have warmed up to them over the last couple years.

The first Monster I bought was a 1999 900. Still have it....still love it.  My daily runner is an S2R1K and besides the tank bullshit it love it.  The "older" bikes IMO have more of the hooligan look that I want than the new bikes and, again IMO, only offer new tech but seriously lack in the looks department.  I will not bash em but they will not be as near and dear to me as the originals

i have an m1100, but i have to say.. i love the look of the s4r. blue white, white rims. sick.  I would just get rid of that silly bikini  fairing. put clipons, and the new generation headlight.

Certainly NOT dated....


It's called classic

Classic, yes.

I wonder how this bike looks to you?

(http://moto-images.caradisiac.com/IMG/jpg/7/6/1/0/1/pf1-130.jpg)

Retro!

Beautiful