Ducati Monster Forum

Searched for it, but didn't see any comparison debates.  So, I'm opening it up.

What do you guys think (every perspective: handling, power, maintainance, aesthetics)?

handling M1100 wins
power M1100 wins
maintainance M1100 wins
aesthetics M1100 wins

Just buy whichever gives you a stiffy, who cares about the rest of it?

Fixed

dont forget that your resale value on the 1100s will prob be higher as it's newer.  and having stock ohlins is nice.

you really dont want to start a debate over the looks of the old vs new monster though... but overall, i would say get the m1100s.  the main thing the s2r1k offers is looks if you prefer the old style and generally a lower price of entry due to the age of the bike.

+1

Absolutely entitled to your opinion on that one, as am I. It's kindof a dumb question to ask on a forum though: "what's your opinion? I might like your opinion and adopt it"...

Agree on the suspension, that falls into the handling section for me. On the looks front, the S2R isn't really "old" at all.

big price difference.

i have an 06 S2R1k. would love to move up to an 1100EVO. hell i know a cliff that my bike would love to fall off of......

Spec and performance questions are easy to answer.  it's either better or worse.  M1100 has better parts that comes with a higher price tag (higher even compared to S2R when it was new).  Aesthetics and styling question is a difficult one though.  Everybody has his/her own opinions and they would vary wildly.

Agreed...I am striking the aesthetics question out!

then the 1100 wins hands down. its really only a question of cost.

if you are going to pick up an S2R1k, id stay away from the 06. in 07 and 08 they cleaned up the wiring for you. plus you worry about those soft guides.

The brakes and power of the 1100 are remarkable! Ohlins suspension is better than the stock setup of the S2R1000. I love my S2R1k -- it's so good looking, but that 1100S is a sweeter ride.

How bad are the '06s?  There is a nice one I'm looking at...

Yep, more info pls:)

depending on year and what they used, there was a softer material used for valve guides and they tend to get worn prematurely. It was a warranty issue that happened on other bikes as well. they moved to a stiffer material that didnt wear as easily and the problem was solved. im not sure which models got which guides, so i should correct myself to say that most S2R1000 models, namely the 06 bikes were affected the most (or atleast were the model years i heard it occured in the most)

as for the wiring, in 07 they just didnt zip tie it to the frame and hid the wires.

IMO the ohlins is more a cool factor.  Granted they are better than stock but how many max out their stock suspension regularly to justify the price? Personal decision but for me it's not worth it and I'm an "old" monster lover to boot  ;D

It's not a question of maxing something out, IMO (having had Ohlins on an S4RS and not on my 1100EVO) there's a difference with the way the Ohlins feel over stock suspension. If the OP is able to have the choice (from a financial perspective) and we're not considering the aesthetics because they're so subjective then the M1100S wins without any question.

I average 6k miles a year on mine and another 12 to 15k on the Hardley.  Doing the internal work on the forks is far cheaper in most cases and an option to be had if he chooses the S2R line, I'm sure he'll choose whatever he likes most like we all have.  Oh, neither has ever failed me and I've pushed them both pretty hard.  Didn't you say we are not considering the asesthetics and then go on to say the M1100 wins?   [laugh]  His choice, in the meantime I'll hang onto my beloved S4R which is old and dated.   [Dolph] [Dolph] 

anyone mention that these bikes have different ergo's, wheelbase, seat height, frames, powerbands, and rider triangles? (not to mention the aesthetics, price gap and availability of parts)

when you compare old monster vs new monster you arent comparing "monsters" so much as you are "naked bikes". you should really go sit on a few (do test ride where possible) and see what you like better, they are more different than they are the same.

True. Whatever bike fits you best and feels right.
Like boots or jeans, you gotta try it on.

I agree, getting your suspension set up properly (including respringing and valving) is a lot cheaper than buying Ohlins for your bike and, often cheaper than buying a bike with Ohlins as well.

Yes, we aren't considering aesthetics which make the choice really easy IMO. He asked for opinions including aesthetics and then retracted the aesthetics part of the question because it's so subjective (I love(d) the way my S4RS looked, and my S2 800 for that matter). You chose and own what you love, more power to you mate.  [thumbsup] [dolph]

If we were talking old S2R1000 vs a mythical new S2R1100S I would say new bike hands down. That is the only way I can think about it without taking looks into account since I like the old bikes better.

I was faced with this same dilemma in 09.  Slightly used s2r1k and new m1100.  Looks aside I liked the ergos alot better on the s2r.  I really didn't feel the 1100 offered much over the s2r in terms of performance and just was not as comfy.  The s2r1k fit me like a glove which is why I purchased her.  Go with what feels best to you. 

FYI, I have an 06 that does not suffer from the soft valve guides.  From the research I did avoid any 06 models with VIN *RAB026927* or earlier.