Ducati Monster Forum

mine used to be the Ducati 848 but I doubt my back can handle the posture.

So it's the street fighter that I am lusting after even though I can't afford it (probably ever)   :'(

It has yet to born. Ducati Monster 201X with V4 Desmo engine  8)

201* Ducati ST with the Testrastretta 11

Right now... I'd love to have a MH900e and a Sedici.  But in terms of bikes that are a bit more realistic in price, I'd love to own a sportbike or a dual sport on top of what I have now.  Either a duc SBK, RSV4, or RC8R or a MTS1200 or GS.

+1 (on the bike and the posture difficulties).

So instead I'm plotting a black Moto Guzzi Griso....   [evil]

Husky 600cc dual sport.

JM

my short list of reasonable bikes I want to have in my garage right now for different purposes..

KTM 990 SM-T
(for tearin up the tarmac in general and long haul days)
DR650
(for commuting and occasionally gettin really duuurteeee)
a DR-Z 125L
(for playin around on a trail here and there and for mini-moto'ing)

oh twell...it only takes money of which I just don't have....

Ducati streetfighte 848
Triumph street triple R
Norton 961 commando

ST3 or Multistrada
Really want a sport touring bike

 [thumbsdown] I sold my Griso and my Jota in order to fund my dream bike, but I would still have had to re-mortgage my house as well! So I bought a Monster 1100 Evo instead. The dream bike will forever remain a dream. A 750 MV Sport has always been unattainable (sigh).

Streetfighter 848, working on getting the wife on board.  [Dolph]

Cagiva Mito 500cc with the Husqvarna single :-/

Panigale and the MV F3 for me.

Had a chance to get one of these, but let it slip away...still regret it daily.

Constantly scanning the internet for one to pop up.

(http://www.geocities.com/edwyun/fesilver1.jpg)

1998 900ss/FE

http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/1998-DUCATI-900-SS-FE-100295523 (http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/1998-DUCATI-900-SS-FE-100295523)

i love mine, but need to finish the body work..

Crazy thread!  Bikes that I CAN afford is a pretty open field....bikes that I CHOOSE to afford is another ballpark, entirely.

Of bikes that I CAN afford....I think a Ducati TT1 750 is probably the answer.  If you don't know what it is, you should definitely look it up.  Early '80s goodness!  Race only.  

Of bikes the I'd CHOOSE to afford, I think a Ducati F1 750 of one flavor or another is the correct answer.  Akin to the TT, but in street livery and much more affordable.  I've always had a soft spot for the first generation F1 in Tricolore paint.  Let's say a 1986....even though the "limited edition" Montjuich, Laguna Seca, and Santa Monica versions are considered more desireable, as are the second generation "B" types.  I just don't like the hand holds cut into the body work that come with the second gen units with a removeable cover for the pillion seat...the first gen are solo seat only.  This model is considered by many "afficianados" to be the last "real" Ducati, as it was still on the drawing board and slated for production when Cagiva bought Ducati and changed gears toward the Paso.  

(http://motorbike-search-engine.co.uk/classic_bikes/ducati-750-f1-desmo.jpg)

great thread, ab.  After just gone to the motorcycle show, I was thinking the same thing.  So I am going to keep it realistic and stay with bikes that I can comfortably afford.  Bikes that I can ride often and can get a lot of enjoyment out of.

I saw the Guzzi V7 Racer in person and I can not get that thing out of my head since then.
 
(http://www.motorrad-news.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Moto-Guzzi-v7-Racer-4.jpg)

Of course, the Streetfighter 848 would be great to have.  Superbike performance with much better ergonomics

I have allways wanted a 916, but I think a triumph or bsa bobber might be next [drink]

I got my dream bike. Finally. '02 998, in red. ;D

I'd also love to one day have one of the racey Ducati desmo singles in yellow. A 750SS would be the absolute tits, but that's outside of most mortal's disposable income bracket.

Need to pick up another Monster, one of these days. Not sure which one I'd want.

Also on the list:

Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans.
A big KTM adventure bike.
Something two-stroke and racey.
A small dirt bike, with a spare set of rims loaded with street tires, for 'tarding around.

+1

I saw this at the IMS show a couple years ago and it.  was.  awesome!

Like a mini 996

8)

yup, same here.  it generated a lot of wetdreams.  of course, cagiva once again screwed the pooch and sold off husqy and then got booed when they floated the idea of selling it with a 650cc vtwin from the korean bike

Yeah that whole idea went from brilliant to "down in flames"

They could have had a really good thing there (and probably a new race class/league)

Fools

a gran canyon too..

http://newlondon.craigslist.org/mcy/2723681680.html (http://newlondon.craigslist.org/mcy/2723681680.html)

dammit, and here is one for sale for $3k and i just don't have the ROOM!

I still want one of the BMW Lowrider we discussed here;

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=14406.0 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=14406.0)

I'm guessing they gave up on the idea though.

Love that bike. A tad under-powered IMO, but exceptional look.

Yep. Wish they'd built it

(http://i.qkme.me/5mdg.jpg)

Top of the list: a Ural   ;D

I'd also like a BMW dual sport with touring cases 
 [Dolph]

The Guzzi V7 Racer would be nice too, love the looks.

2012 Guzzi V7 - supposed to be 51 HP as opposed to the 40 HP of previous years.  And... metal tank!!!!

2006 Duc Sport Classic.  In yellow.  Low miles and mint.

2005 Duc Supersport 1000.  Gray with red wheels.  Low miles and mint.

1995 Honda 750 Nighthawk.  Was my first bike ever.  Should have never sold it.  Still lurking the internet, looking for that pristine, low miles example.

The top two on my list of perfectly affordable bikes for mere mortals are the....

Bimota YB-11
(http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery/Bimota%20YB11%20Ammave%2000.jpg)

and the Bimota SB6R
(http://motorcycle.2smtc.com/Upfiles/BeyondPic/Bimota/2009-01/20090104210624429.jpg)

Both of them tend to run in the $8000-$10,000 range for pristine examples....on the rare occasion one may become available for sale.

Nothing special to some but would love an S4RS in titanium/red.  For some reason that bike makes me  [drool]

I too am interested in the 2012 revised Guzzi V7, but according to a couple of dealers we won't see them in the U.S. until the very end of 2012, as in December. Also, the current Guzzi 750 is rated at 48hp from the factory and this revised version is only going to put out a few more horsepower.

Someday...

I'd like a Velocette Thruxton...

or a Bultaco Metralla...

or one of each.  [laugh]

You can easily find pics online.

Cedici
X132 Hellcat
MV-Augusta F4CC
and the last I hope they bring soon Norton Commando 961 SE

A well maintained ST3s with hard bags.  In red. 

Second choice would be a 1998 900SS with bar risers and Ohlins adjustable on the back, cartridges or insert in the forks.  In red.

I just want a red Streetfighter. With Termis.

A Triumph Thruxton preferably in black but red would do  :P-

(http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff62/icecreamhands/TRIUMPH-THRUXTON-2009-l.jpg?t=1318127477)

realistically...... I'd like to have an RC51 in the garage one day. That and a 749. Ok and an 888 like my dads, and 900sl. Realistic...yeah

Would love to have the new 1199S, with various aftermarket upgrades of my choosing  8)

The '06 S2R 1000 that I recently put a deposit on... I think that should hold me over for a while...  Those KTM 690's look pretty nice though...  But the 1199 would be my preferred poison for sure...

Ducati Sport 1000

Tron Ducati Sport 1000 Scene (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuCjHXLHGUk&feature=youtube_gdata_player#)

Oddly enough I find myself slightly lusting for the new Yamaha R1 50th Anniversary in the red, white & black paint scheme.  I think I'll just clamp down and fix my current bikes.

I think that something like a Ural would make a nice logical next bike to add.

Not that this particular mere mortal can afford these right now, but here they are:

KTM 690 SBK (if they make it and if it's available in the 'States)

916-era SBK to strip and build as a naked 4V sport bike

Daytona 675 to do the same as above



--or maybe I should just buck-up and finish the CR.

Sadly, nothing Ducati.

I was at the dealership the other day picking up Yuasa's version of a Battery Tender and looking at their showroom.  848 EVO, 1098R, 1198, Aprilia Tuono, Guzzis, new MultiStrada, Diavel and MV Brutale 1098.

I test rode their demo Brutale and I thought the tranny was going to grenade it felt so coarse.  I've kind of gotten out of the sportbike riding position, though I really do like the way the new Duc superbikes look (including 848, 1x98 and new Panigale) but I just don't want to go through gathering all the required accessories, sorting out the bike after I have it in the garage.  I guess I just want to ride.  With the Multi and Diavel, at their prices, I'd hope they'd have the fueling sorted out.

So either I'm getting old, or I just need to sort out what I have, get the M900 on its wheels and fiddle with the S2R a bit more.  Which isn't a bad thing.  They're paid for, after all.

Suzuki DZ400SM
Ducati Sport 1000
Ducati 749Dark
Ducati Hypermotard
Ducati ST3

paid for bikes are the best.  no way I'm getting a new Multi until the fuel issue is sorted and they come down from car price status  [thumbsup]

forgot to add one more:  Motard 1100 Evo

Sadly its not a Ducati - BMW R1200GS Tractor.

That said, if i got to start from scratch the dream garage would be:
Monster 1100s
1198
Triumph Sprint ST - i would have to buy used
BMW R1200GS
Yamaha WR250f

But, but, but ... I already have a Monster in the shed ... what more could you want?

Why lust after things you don't need when you can lust over the true love you already have?

while a Monster can do a lot, it can't do everything

(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm21/JonTravisKing/011.jpg?t=1322435163)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm21/JonTravisKing/Misc/Griso2009_8V_TenniLeft_NoMirrors.jpg?t=1279456190)

My Wife: Why do you have so many bikes?

Me: I dunno. Why do you have so many shoes?

if I were a LOT younger !!.........

http://www.gasgas.com/2012_pro.htm (http://www.gasgas.com/2012_pro.htm)

145 pounds !  ;D ;D [thumbsup]

A Big Fat Goldwing  :)

How stoic.

"Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart."
- Marcus Aurelius

"Life is 'living'; and 'living' is 'achievement'. To live is to attain something that is not already clearly owned or only potentially owned. But for this attempt to attain the 'unattained', life would be a mere vegetation, a cogitation and therefore a stagnation. There must be a thrill, an adventure, and an aspiration, a hoping; otherwise, living would be moribund if not mechanical. "

-"HUMANISM"   
By
RAJA JAI PRITHVI BAHADUR SINGH OF BAJHANG, NEPAL
VOL.III
(PART IV) The reality of man and the remedy for mans troubles
CHAPTER XXVII - THE REAL MAN

I was just watching trials videos last night and thinking to myself I'd love to get one of these despite never being able to do a tenth of what these bikes are meant to do

"there's a rose in a fisted glove
and the eagle flies with the dove.
if you can't be with the one you love,honey, love the one you're with"
--Davidus Crosbyus

wasn't that stevenus stillszius?

yup

Sounds like Raja spent too much time pondering and writing (V3, P4, C27 [laugh]) ... if he wanted to live ... all he needed was a Monster ;D

But it looks so good leaning up against the wall of your garage. All dissasembled and shit ;)

I wasn't sure, but it was definitely Smellius Hippieus

Seem to be quite a few people wanting Sport 1000s.   :D

Not me.

(http://evoluzione.net/web%20info/BIKE%20PROFILE.jpg)

 luckily my "lust bike"  is not some super  exotic unaffordable piec of art work. Just a super reliable, super smooth, v twin :)

http://www.bikepics.com/pictures/899903/ (http://www.bikepics.com/pictures/899903/)

there is an unmotarded example of that HP2 for sale at Bobsbmw.com in Jessup MD currently.....

Well, now that I have that CT-70 that I've been wanting, since I owned a little blue one in 1970, and have another little blue one now, it's that Tuono V4. 

Difinately would love to have the Sport 1000, or an S4R..... However i really am lusting over a black or yellow 999, or a streetfighter.

I grew up on Beemers.  That's a pretty awesome scoot right there.

LA

I also lust after LA's square case SS........but that's another story.   ;D

Have to admit, that's not my bike, but there is an HP2 enduro in the garage waiting for warm weather (!) and mods.   The one pictured above was at the 2010 Pike's Peak event, but didn't race due to a crash in qualifying.

I'm really wanting something with a sidecar....just not sure what.


I like the Urals, but I'm somewhat afraid of Russian reliability  [laugh]

Not sure it that is a real concern or not. There is a guy around here that has one...I've seen him on the side of the road more than once with his wife's car parked behind the bike...and a not so happy look on her face  [laugh]


any suggestions?

perhaps you should consider this....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1982-HONDA-MB5-SIDECAR-/220926231827?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item33703ac513 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1982-HONDA-MB5-SIDECAR-/220926231827?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item33703ac513)

is that a 2 stroke? I'd be down!


There is a bonnie with a sidecar for sale in Waco. Wife wants me to look at it...she said it's pretty? Not sure what that means. No idea on a price though.

It's a Honda.

Not likely a 2 smoker.

 ;D

(http://i329.photobucket.com/albums/l394/stopintime/vespa.jpg)

^  [laugh] Awesome!

Here in the UK, a Honda MB5 was a 50cc 2 stroke moped, limited to a top speed of 30mph. Hitch a chair to it and you'd be lucky to see 20mph! It certainly looks like an MB5 to me.

streetfighter 848 http://www.ultimatemotorcycling.com/files/2012-ducati-streetfighter-848-preview%201.jpg (http://www.ultimatemotorcycling.com/files/2012-ducati-streetfighter-848-preview%201.jpg)

sport 1000 http://www.bikeexif.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/ducati-sportclassic.jpg (http://www.bikeexif.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/ducati-sportclassic.jpg)

hypermotard 1100 http://www.ducati.com/cms-web/upl/MediaGalleries/120/MediaGallery_120524/HM-1100evo_2011_R_ (http://www.ducati.com/cms-web/upl/MediaGalleries/120/MediaGallery_120524/HM-1100evo_2011_R_)[1067x600].jpg

the new enfield cafe prototype http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7010/6648727805_46524a23cf.jpg (http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7010/6648727805_46524a23cf.jpg)

CBR F2 with the black hideous early nineties neon graphic http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/4/web/628000-628999/628206_16_full.jpg (http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/4/web/628000-628999/628206_16_full.jpg)

old school triumph bobber http://lofifly.com/wp-content/uploads/triumph_bobber8.jpg (http://lofifly.com/wp-content/uploads/triumph_bobber8.jpg)

harley street bob http://www.gogocycles.com/images/2009-harley-street-bob-for-sale-21333864.jpg (http://www.gogocycles.com/images/2009-harley-street-bob-for-sale-21333864.jpg)

thats my list. wish i could afford to add all of those to my garage along with my monster.

I don't recall a 2 stroke street Honda anything here.

We had 2 stroke dirt bikes.

 ;D We got the NSR 400 triple, NSR 250 twin, H100 single, and any number of 50cc mopeds. All 2 stroke road bikes.

That may be the best side car ever.

STREEFIGHTER 848
BONNEVILLE T100

sigh... wish i had the cash add a paul smart SC1000 to the stable...

(http://www.motoinfo.it/immagini/nuovo/DucatiClassicPS1000LE-g.jpg)

For me, its my current bike with 5-6000 spent on it. In 5 years time if the new Monster Ducati has on offer doesnt suit me I'll rebuild my current bike. New wheels and rear shock (Ohlins or Penske), rebuild the motor to 944 with 44mm inlet valves, more porting, lots of carbon and fresh paint. I'll do much of the work myself.

New Monsters are expensive down here. I love my bike, I just want to modernize it.

Two stroke alright.  All whopping 49ccs of it.  Was only imported to the US for one year (1982) apparently.
(http://classic-motorbikes.net/images/gallery/honda-mb5.jpg)
Cant say that its on my lust list.  Although no doubt it would shame my first 50cc (4-stoke proper) Honda  [laugh].

we had 2t scooters in the 50cc class - the honda elite was the popular one in the late 80's through 90's. With big bore kits & gearing changes you could make one do 70-80mph. There were also the honda spree's that were transmission limited to 25-30mph.

not sure if they still do, but Aprilia was selling its RS50 2-stroke in the US in 2000.

Talk about fun. they had 80cc bore kits available too.

I would love an Aprilia Dorsaduro 750...

SOMEONE! PLEASE!

Explain to me how this is would be a horrible idea, and I should be shot for even thinking about it. I've got the cash and I know I'll probably regret it, but I want it sooooo bad.

Please talk me down from the ledge...

http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/models/classic-c5.html (http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/models/classic-c5.html)

are you mechanically handy?
do you enjoy a slow parts supply chain that makes Ducati look fast?
do you have friends who are willing to fabricate any mods you dream up due to a lack of aftermarket support?


if you answered yes to all of these questions...then this is the bike for you!

Street Fighter! It is just.... a master piece.

relatively
not really
no


....still want it  [bang]  [laugh]


I think the thing is...it's the style that I love, and the sound of a thumper. Oh...and the skinny tires  [laugh]

I've already got my dream bike...  Nein Nein NEIN!  [drool] [Dolph] 8)
(http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/pp231/tazios/photo-83.jpg)

Sometimes I still miss my old Monster...
(http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/pp231/tazios/DanteRun.jpg)

But, I've always lusted over this:
(http://www.mvagusta.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=28266&stc=1&d=1247366674)

and this:
(http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/5610_1173054482796_1121052464_30550914_5766178_n.jpg)

It was a love/hate relationship, but me too.  :-[

If I wasn't broke, going to school, still lived in California, and had a garage, I'd see if I could buy her back.    :-\

I loved that bike... 




[bacon]

And you could really flog that "little" 750 too!  It looked like it was a part of you.  [Dolph]

Mixed feelings about you finding a buyer for the 999...glad you got some cash, but...you know.

PS:  really finding it hard to find folks I like to ride with...you spoiled me  [wine]

Ya, I used to surprise a lotta guys on bigger bikes with my little Monster...  [evil]

I didn't find a buyer for the 999, but then again, I didn't exactly try very hard to sell her...  ;)   She's staying with Sac Duc in Santa Barbara for the winter.  I hope he gives her a good workout a coupla times a month...  ;D

We had some good times on the 33 and Cerro Noroeste, that's for sure.  [Dolph] [beer]



[bacon]

When did Bacon Junkie get a 999???    ???

(http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee478/superduc/HP2Sport.jpg)

I think the thread said 'mere mortals can afford'.  One's on eBay right now and hasn't hit the reserve.  18k last I saw.


Oh yeah. . . . Ducatis are now listing up to 27K with the Panigale. . . so maybe I'm out of line.   ;D

Love to get my filthy hands on the new V4 Tuono but I also read they get only about 25mpg.

While initially not liking the Streetfighter they have grown on me somewhat.

I saw a beautiful matte black sport classic built by NCR. (love to have most anything they make)

The Moto Guzzi MGS 01 Corsa.
(http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery%20%20A/Moto%20Guzzi%20MGS-01%20%201.jpg)

I don't know how you define ' mortals', but $49,000 is out of my price range.  It's on eBay right now, so step right on up:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220929175521 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220929175521)

Local BMW dealer had a new one for 15k last summer.

They're going up in value.  The one on eBay didn't hit a reserve of $18500, and now it's relisted and over $18,800 with a few days left. . . .

Since it didn't hit it's reserve, wouldn't that suggest it was priced a bit too high?

Anyway...those are very sweet bikes. I'd love to own one someday.

...and the bike I currently want:

(http://www.ktm.com/uploads/tx_ktmproduct/450_SMR_90Grad.jpg)

Nuthin' huh? 

I would beat a hobo for an MGS 01.

+1

That there were no comments doesn't mean it wasn't noticed  [thumbsup]

If it wasn't for the wife pregnant doging and whining I would have brought hone a lightly used 2009 last month for $16,500. The bike has been sold but the link is still around http://www.motorcycles-bike.com/Motorcycle/Bmw-Other/2009-Bmw-Hp2-Sport-Abs-8876.html (http://www.motorcycles-bike.com/Motorcycle/Bmw-Other/2009-Bmw-Hp2-Sport-Abs-8876.html)

 ;D  [beer]





[bacon]

Friend of mine was looking at that exact bike. Went and sat on it for him.

 [beer] Two years ago, the dealer where I bought my 1200 Griso from, had a brand new, street legal MGS01 in the shop, at £18,000 on the road. Seems like it was something of a bargain, as it wasn't there for long. It was certainly a looker!

:)

If I were 30 years younger, I'd prefer a TT2.

1983 Ducati 750 TT1 Works Racing Motorcycle (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YKAkfeBPLI&feature=endscreen&NR=1#)

As it is..., and as you've learned with your EVO, I'm pretty happy with what I've got..., and to make it 10% better would cost more than I paid for the bike! ;)

I saw this at the show in D.C. this weekend. It looks even better in person. (http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm21/JonTravisKing/a135c002.jpg)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm21/JonTravisKing/41aba4b5.jpg)

Sign me up for the Panigale bandwagon.

Lust lust lllllust.

 [drool]

(http://www.ultimatemotorcycling.com/files/2012-ducati-panigale-1199-preview%205.jpg)

find a Yammie SRX600....trust me!

damn, that intersection btwn the tank and subframe is freaking gorgeous.

this will def be the sportbike i will be looking for in a couple of years used.

Sat on that:
(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z53/b_upton/Moto/DSC_5908.jpg)

It's not to bad, and looks nice and all. 

Think I like this a bit better though...

(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z53/b_upton/Moto/DSC_5914.jpg)

Something about that Ape really gets my blood pumping.

it isn't the Senna-esque one you lust after-but not a bad deal -> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Red-Excellent-Condition-Fresh-12-000-mile-service-/120844367482?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item1c22e2b67a (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Red-Excellent-Condition-Fresh-12-000-mile-service-/120844367482?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item1c22e2b67a)

If I could, I would own a 999s, S2R 1000 and KTM supermoto

but right now I am stuck without a bike for a few years, it's not financially viable for me right now  :-\  I'm going crazy from not riding.....

yellow 848
KTM freeride e

Save your pennys and keep looking for a 2005-2006 999S. The only 2007 999 was the Parts Unlimited 999S... super cool if you can find one and like the graphics. [thumbsup] There is a reason you don't see that many '05-'06 trip9S bikes on the market... the owners will only part with them when you pry their cold dead fingers off the bars! [thumbsup] [Dolph] Even the first gen 999S (Jack-O-Lantern front fairing) bikes are hard to come by. Hold out for a second gen 999S. ;)

I LOVE my '05 999 Biposto!!!!   [drool] [bow_down] :D

It's black, and has the "S" motor in it...



I'm surprised I still have my license...  [evil]




[bacon]

What he said! [thumbsup] [Dolph]

As cool as all the newer Duc SBKs are I just don't see me parting with my 2005 999. I love that scooter!

And for the 100th time I'll publicly kick myself in the ass for not getting the S model. I stupidly got the base solo seat model and the full Termi kit. Even when the well versed sales person tried to get me off the base model/Termi hang up and go with the S model and the Ohlins boinger upgrade it brings to the table. He smart, me not so much. [bang] I got a good deal on the bike and the exhaust kit... not complaining about that at all. It was my call.

Lesson #1: always go for the top shelf suspension over a stupid exhaust. Even with the full 57mm Termi kit it still sounds marginally better than my Honda mower. :P The extra HP (not that much) doesn't come close to having a full set of Ohlins boingers. Learn from my mistake. [roll] ;) [popcorn]

I am trying over time to "S" it out. Scored a great deal on an Ohlins shock (take off from a 999R) from Moto-Wheels in their close out section. Was thinking about a full Ohlins fork/radial brake swap out but can no longer afford that idea. May just drop back and punt and have the Showa fork re-valved with an Ohlins kit. Worked WONDERS on my S2R1000 Showa fork! [thumbsup] Good bang for the buck. I found a good deal on an Ohlins steering damper. Even got the factory "S" tail piece off ebay for decent money. Years latter still trying to make up for my purchase error. Don't get me wrong... the base model 999 is awesome! Just wish I had bought the S when I had the chance.

The more I read this thread, the more I end up wanting many of these bikes, especially those sexy 999 models. So I'm going to stop checking updates on this thread, saving me time and money!

Aprillia Mana 850

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y37/Alucardbomb/3.jpg)

Because it looks just like a Monster :)