Help with choosing new Monster

[schneids]

Hi,
I am in a position to buy my first monster and can choose between
either a new 2008 monster tricolor, or a new 1100S?
What are your recommendations?
thanks,

[Porsche Monkey]

What's your riding experience?  The Tricolor is the way I would go but they are not for everyone.

[schneids]

What's your riding experience?  The Tricolor is the way I would go but they are not for everyone.

I'm 48yrs old with about 20 years of riding. I've had bmw singles to vfr to cruiser.
It's time for a ducati. I love a 1098 but fear the riding position. Is it that bad?

[DucHead]

Try to demo each.

[Statler]

riding position is so personal.   Most people will tell you yes, it's that bad.

I changed my RS into something more like riding a superbike in position because I am much more comfortable that way and hated the stock monster ergos.

Does the dealer have anything to test ride?   Most will have at least one old-style monster to ride which wil be like the tricolor, and a 1098 or 848 available for a spin.

[remy]

My guess is that the tri-colore will hold its value much longer as it's a very limited run if that matters to you at all.
I would definitely like to give the new 1100S a spin.

[PizzaMonster]

Welcome!  Glad to see another one coming into the fold.       

You won't get a very unbiased opinion from me because I'm mostly a hater of the new design.  Any of the old S*R series would still be my favorite just because I love the classic Monster.  I guess I just can't get past the "Fisher-Price" styling of the newer model.

I would think the Tricolore would be more outright "beast" than the 1100S if that's what you are looking for.  The ergos would be very similar to those of my S2R800 (which works just fine for my short-legged, worn out 52 yr old 5'7" frame     ).  My neck couldn't handle the riding position of even a VFR for more than an hour or so but after a bit of handlebar tweaking I can ride all day on the S2R.

On the other hand, the 1100S has a lot of things going for it if you look at the specs.  Some guys say the seating position is hard on the personal parts.  I don't know though.  I've never sat on one. 

Spidey did probably the best test-drive report to date on this bike and you might want to look up his thread.

Here's the link to it:   http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=13509.0

Either way....I'm sure you will enjoy your new ride.

BTW......If you can't ride these bikes at your dealership you might want to find out the nearest date and location for the Ducati Demo Ride truck.  That's what finally closed the deal for me!

[flynbulldog]

I own both a 1098 and a monster. I think they are different bikes that serve a different purpose.
In my opinion if you buy monster and change it to clip-ons you bought the wrong bike. and again change a sportbike to upright - you bought the wrong bike.

I love both bikes and would hate to only own one but If I had to choose the monster would win for it's versatility and ability to do all things well (was that redundant?)
So no, I don't think you are wrong to fear the 1098 riding position. I'm also 48, I can ride the 1098 all day but I prefer the monster.

Out of the choice for the 1100 or the Tricolore I would buy the tricolore because it has a superbike motor.  But that's just where I'm at with my riding, I want a radical hooligan bike.
I don't hate the new monster in fact I like it better than the old monster and I think the 1100 is going to be a great bike for a lot of people.
If you don't need or want the most power possible the 1100 may be just the ticket for you. I think they will ride and handle very similarly, the tri will just have a little more power, a wider powerband, and run a bit smoother. The 1100 will be less money to maintain.   

The choice is ultimately yours I think you need to buy the bike that fits your riding style, the tri if you are a hooligan the 1100 if you are a little more mellow (but still need to throw a wheel up once in a while) 

[danaid]

You could get a good deal on a tricolor monster, probably cheaper than the 1100s. if you want more power wait for the street fighter.
 I own a 696 and can't wait to upgrade to an 1100s. I never thought I would own an air cooled bike,(usually H-D comes to mind, and also low power) but the power and temperment has been perfect for what I use the bike for.

[Raux]

hmm. budget, style, powerneeds, and ultimately desire

the 1100 is the latest and great air-cooled 2v bike. lots of torque/hp (for a 2v) with lightweight. great handling, good price point. and for some a great looking bike.

the tricolor. a high hp old style 4v. great power/torque, not so lightweight and can be set up to handle great. price point depending on dealer deals. for some the classic style. for others long in the tooth.

the streetfighter. the true replacement for the tricolor. high hp 4v. lightweight. great handling (i bet). and decent price point for what you are getting... a 1098 with better ergos. styling... still being debated.

if i were looking in the mid-teens price point those are what i would evaluate.

[schneids]

Thanks for all the input. I believe that I will go for the tricolor.
coulda, woulda shoulda, on the superbike, I needed to have money
20 years ago! I can't wait to get on the road

[billruiz]

Tri-Colore all the way baby! Don't get too worked up if the thing stalls, backfires, sputters in the first 1000 miles or so. Unfortunately mine stalled in the middle of a slow corner, so I'm always a bit leery in slow corners. OTOH, all that glorious power and sound....