Ducati Monster Forum

If the price was the same, which would you pick, and why?

I know these two aren't technically in the same class as far as torque, but the hp numbers are similar.

Thanks in advance for your help!

You sure you dont mean a Speed Triple?

If you do mean Street, then M1100.  No discussion.

Nope, I mean Street.  The Speed Triple is way over my head, and I'm not too proud to admit it.

I'm sure the street triple rides well, but I just can't get past the headlights of those bikes.  I'm not a fan of dual headlights on a naked bike, and the triumph ones look huge.

I admit the Triumph is less aesthetically pleasing. At this point I am more concerned with how they compare as far as being fun, light, easy to ride and fast.

Has anyone ridden both?

between the 1100 and street triple R?

depends on what you want out of it. the 675motor is not snappy at all compared to the 1100. but it spins up like theres no tomorrow and it just keeps spinning up like its getting ready for time travel.

i wouldnt get any model but the R model as far as the street triple goes, but a properly modded 1100 looks 10x better.

both bikes seem to suck for passenger comfort though.

Maybe you should reconsider the Speed Triple. I'd look for a used one as I dislike the appearance of the new model.

There won't be any passengers.

As far as what I want out of it, I want a better suspension than my 696.   I don't want to get into a significantly heavier bike.  I want a bike that is easy to handle around the garage, and at slow speeds.  Mostly I want fun.

From what I have read, the Street Triple will be fast enough for me.  The Speed Triple is higher and heavier than I can probably handle.

^ would never buy the speed triple because its ridiculouly high for me. i cant even get 1 toe on the floor unless my whole bum is sitting on the rearset. but if i could, and thye fixed those ugly asss headlights id buy it.

Have your ridden them both yet? They're both nice bikes with great, but different, motors. I'd like to say I'd get the M1100, but I'd have to ride them back to back. I'd expect the suspension and brakes to be comparable.

I do think the M1100 is better looking stock, and also has more potential to look even better with some mods. Sounds better too, although the triple also sounds nice.

No, I have not ridden either.  Unless my dealer has a used version of both, I won't be able to do a test ride as both bikes are new. 

check your insurance rates too...  even though the performance is on par, the m1100 will be charged as a literbike while the str will prob be the same as you're being charged right now with the 696.

also keep in mind that the str is being updated for 2012 with the new headlights and other assorted updates such as the gearbox and the shiny bits becoming matte silver instead.  that should affect resale value, and you can prob push to get a better price on the 2011 because of it.

that being said, the m1100 is def the looker of the two, but i would say the str is the best bang for the buck.

Yes, the insurance for the Street Triple is actually less than what I am currently paying for the 696.  The 1100 is less than $100 more for the year compared to the 696.

I see the '12 has a host of changes.  I haven't see one in person yet.

i saw one the other day when i stopped by the dealer... 2012 black str with arrow 3 to 1 carbon low system... sad thing was that it was already laid down.

18 yr old just bought it, had it a hour, went down and broke his leg.  damage to the rim, forks, radiator, slip ons, etc etc... whole right side was pretty banged up.  kid prob tried to go nuts on it right out the door on new cold tires.

that being said, the new lights are growing on me... with the screen and fairing on it i like it better than the old one now i think.

here is a review on the 2012 str:

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/firstrides/122_1109_2012_triumph_675_street_triple_r/index.html (http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/firstrides/122_1109_2012_triumph_675_street_triple_r/index.html)

OH GOD.  I hadn't seen the lights untill now... get the m1100... good lord.

They don't offer test rides of new models? WTF?

I agree and the latest versions of the Street & Speed Triples are even worse with those cat weird cat eyes.  If I had a Street Triple I'd spring for the LSL Urban headlight kit made for the Striple.

http://spieglerusa.com/lsl-urban-headlight-kit-for-street-triple-3273.htm (http://spieglerusa.com/lsl-urban-headlight-kit-for-street-triple-3273.htm)

(http://spieglerusa.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/h/e/headlight_2.jpg)

^^^ That would be a huge improvement over the stock bug eyes.

What's up with LSL's site though? If you're gonna offer a $599 headlight kit, and you took the time to install it on a bike to take some pictures, you'd think you might post more than just one close-up photo.  :P

Yeah, I know...I haven't had a test ride of any of my bikes.   

That LSL headlight is sweet.  I think I saw it online somewhere yesterday.

That is too bad!

Thanks for the review!  If the bike is as fun as they say it is, I can suck up the headlights.

One of my best friends has a 2009 Triumph Street Triple R.  I have spend some time on it.  I have a Monster 1100 EVO, not exactly the same as a leftover M1100 but not that different either.  I also had a 696 before the 1100.  For me the choice is pretty easy and that would be the M1100.  I read a lot about the motor on the Triumph and how much character it had.  I think the Monster's motor has way more character.  Some of that may be that I am not used to the power delivery of the Triumph but I enjoy the motor of my 1100 so much more.  The sound of the Ducati will be much better also (and it is better than the 696).  The Triumph seating position is more upright than the EVO and much more than my 696 was.  I like the position of the EVO the best.  I don't feel like the Triumph is aggressive enough.  As far as looks that is so subjective.  I think the ST is super ugly.  The front lights on the new ones are even uglier than the older ones, in my opinion.  My friend that owns it thinks it is the best thing ever.  The lights are one of the things that got his attention about the bike.  He has also had the bike in the shop to be repaired under warranty several times in about 5000 miles.  Maybe that's a fluke but I know he get discouraged about it sometimes.   

Anyway in my opinion I would go with the M1100.  The engine is awesome, I am amazed at how much more I enjoy it over the 696 (and the ST).  I like the seating position better and I think it is a way better looking bike.  And it is a Ducati.  Honestly they are both great bikes and you probably can't go wrong with either. 

Jim

Have you considered getting your suspension customized/updated?  Are you looking to upgrade the powerplant too?
-m

I came from a Suzuki SV650 to the Monster 1100 EVO and I can honestly say, the Monster is just as light but with more of everything else.  The SV had a great chassis but mediocre brakes and horrible suspension.  I think the Triumph would be more like a naked 600cc supersport but with a budget suspension and brakes...kind of like the SV650 but with 25 more hp.  I haven't ridden a Street Triple but I was considering it a few years ago when I bought my SV.  Dealer support is better with the Ducati for sure.

Depends on what you want in a bike.  Screaming high revving engine or torque monster.  I think the Ducati would pull harder on the freeway.  Of course, you could just go with a Japanese supersport and be like everyone else...

I am not immune to the Japanese supersports...sadly the seat heights and weights are not comfortable for me.

  I won't be upgrading my bike, unless it gets upgraded to a M1100 [evil].   I have certainly been considering the Evo as well.

Both bikes are really nice, so I don't think you'll go wrong either way.

The Street Triple is a great package by all accounts, but having ridden the Speed Triple...   [evil]   ;D

The M1100 has superior looks, especially with the SSSA and there are some great pics of some modded ones on this site.

If I were in your shoes, I'd go with the M1100.   [thumbsup]   [Dolph]   [beer]

No contest... [roll]

It's got to be the monster... [bow_down]

Geoff... [coffee]

I do have the dreaded single-sided-swingarm envy... decisions, decisions.

I believe that I remember you're saying that you were tippy-toeing the Bandit, so I would think the seat height of the M1100 would be a better match for you.  Have you sat on both?

Yep, the Bandit was too tall, but I still love them anyway!  I have sat on the Triple, but not the R version, which is slighty higher.  I haven't tried out the M1100 or the Evo(which I guess has a different seat than the 1100), but I have sat on the 796.  Both the Triple and the 796 were fine height-wise.  I do intend to have my boots 'lifted' by a cobbler, so I think the seat height will be fine on either.

My brother has the Speed triple and if i were to update I would probably go with the Triumph over a Monster, the difference is like a diesel tractor vs a petrol V8 car. From my short time on the Triumph, you twist the throttle and boy does she go like a scolded cat, absolutely beautiful bike to ride.
Like everyone else I would change the lights, they would be gone as soon as I had got it home. Oh and the other great thing about the triumph is you don't get ripped off by the dealer for getting your bike serviced and parts seam to be readily available.
Being a monster sight I think you are more than likely going to get a biased opinion, which ever bike you choose Id say you wont be disappointed.

if it affects the decision at all, the str still has a metal tank... no swelling issues on that at least.

Funny I just discovered this thread after getting home from the Bike shop- I was picking up a new helmet and smoked shield- they had both these models set up next to each other. If I were in the market and not hung up on the 848 Evo, the choice would be difficult as both these bikes were really nice. I should cruise back over there tomorrow and snap a few pictures of some key points and a side by side comparison.

Parts aren't cheap for the Triumph and service on my Ducati hasn't been any more expensive than any other bike I've owned.  Valve checks are more frequent but the cost is similar to the valve check/adjust on my last bike.

I have ridden both, IMHO I was completely underwhelmed by the street triple.  It is light, flickable, comfortable and the sound it makes even with the stock exhaust is completely intoxicating but unless your north of 8k rpm's it very uninspiring to ride.  What I love about the monster is the fact the you have gobs of power on hand from go that make real world riding a blast.   The 1100 also gets by nod for looks and handling as well.  My vote goes to the monster.  Now if we were comparing the speed triple, then I would take the triumph...

Which bike is generally easier to handle at slow speeds would you say?

Good question.  I would probably give the nod to the street triple.  It has an extremely light clutch and very smooth power delivery from the get go.  It also has an incredible turning radius from what I remember, that the monster can't touch (may be different on the 1100)  On my own s2r1k anything under 4k was quite twitchy and required a lot of clutch and gas at low speeds, especially in first.  Once I installed a full system and flashed ecu, I was amazed at how linear the power delivery.   So to answer your question, comparing stock bikes, street t.  With exhaust, I'd still give the nod to the triple, but I could not wait to get back on my monster after an hour on the triple.

Thanks, I appreciate the input.

yeah, the only other prob is that you have factor in the ducati tax of ecu/slipons... my 796 was pretty rough down low till i got those on.  but the m1100 is still way prettier than the triple... but like i said before, it's hard to beat the bang for the buck level of the str.

I'm honestly not particularly concerned about which looks prettier.  I am a short chick, so I am more interested in manageability.