Marty and I just discussed this topic.
Which 900 and 750 Monster frames are the strongest? What about pillion and luggage capacity?
To what extent does a tail chop weaken the rear "subframe" regarding pillion and luggage capacity if at all?
Any thoughts?
Cheers.
Gen 1 frames, '01 and prior excluding S4, are 25mm diameter main tubes between engine and steering head.
Gen 2 & 3 frames, '01 S4 and all '02 and later, excluding M696, 796, 1100, etc. are 28mm diameter main tubes.
I don't know for a fact if there's a difference in wall thickness between the two, but I'm pretty sure they're both 2mm wall.
Gen 1 rear 'subframe' bears the load of the rocker, as well as holding all the other rear end parts up.
Gen 2 & 3 'subframe' attaches aft of the rocker, so it only supports the other rear end parts.
Same tube diameters and wall thicknesses on the Gen 1, 2, & 3 'subframes'.
Due to the construction and tube diameters, I'd say the Gen 2 & 3 frames would be more durable in general, both the main frame and pillion/luggage capacity.
I don't think that a tail chop effects pillion capacity at all, as it's all aft of the seat.
Perhaps there's some hard bags that attach aft of the seat and thus would be compromised by a tail chop, but I don't recall any.
The gen1 are 10mm engine bolts as well
Gen2 is 12
Gen 3 696 796 1100 are 12 and have the aluminum subframe which also supports the shock
Gen 4 is probably weakest with headmounted subframe
If you are look if for strongest I would say 2 with the 12mm mounts