FAQ: Model Comparison -- Different Monster Generations

[Spidey]

The following is a summary of the different generations of monsters.  This FAQ is a work in progress.  I'll add more info as time permits.  Feel free to contribute about specific model years, features, etc.  
Current generation ('09):  696/1100.  

• 696 -- half trellis frame, DSS, wet clutch, radial calipers, 696cc air cooled engine, dual-sided high mount exhaust.
• 796 -- half trellis frame, SSS, wet clutch, radial calipers, 803cc air cooled engine, dual-sided high mount exhaust, optional ABS.
• 1100 -- half trellis frame, SSS, 1100 dual spark engine, air cooled, dry clutch, dual-sided high mount exhaust, radial calipers.
• Streetfigher -- though not technically a  monster, it replaces the S4rt and s4rs.  A naked beast with a 1098 engine.

S*R Generation ('06-08) : the S*R line (with the 695 as the 'classic' styled monster)

• S2r or S2R 800 (05?-08)-- ST based frame, single sided swingarm, 800cc engine, wet clutch, air cooled, one-sided shotgun exhaust.
• S2r 1000 (06-08) -- ST based frame, SSS, dry clutch, 1000 dual spark motor, air cooled, one-sided shotgun exhaust. Replaced by M1100
• S4RS/S4Rt (07-08) -- ST based frame, SSS, 999 testastretta motor, dry clutch, radial brakes, water cooled, one-sided shotgun exhaust.  Replaced by Streetfighter
• S4R (04-06) -- The first of the S*R monsters, and sold at the same time as the ST-based DSS generation.  ST based frame, single sided swingarm, 996 water cooled motor, dry clutch, one-sided shotgun exhaust.  Replaced by the upgraded s4rs/s4rt with the 999 motor.
• 695 --  ST-based frame, DSS, wet clutch, 695 cc motor, air cooled, dual sided low-mount exhaust.  Basically, it was a 620 with a bigger motor.  Has the look of the "classic" DSS monster.  Replaced by M696.  

ST-based DSS Generation ('02-'05) -- "Classic(?)" monsters

• M1000 ('03-'05).  St-based frame, DSS, 992cc dual spark engine, air cooled, dual sided low-mount exhaust, dry clutch.  Replaced by S2r 1000.  
• M800 ('03-'04).  ST based frame, 800cc engine, DSS, air cooled, dual sided low-mount exhaust, wet clutch.  Replaced by S2r (also called S2r 800).
• M620 ('02-'05).  ST based frame, 620cc, DSS, air cooled, dual sided low-mount exhaust, wet clutch.  Replaced by the 695.
• S4 or MS4 ('01-'02).  The '01 S4 was the first ST-based monster.  ST-based frame, 916 water cooled engine, DSS, dual sided low-mount exhaust, dry clutch.  Replaced by s4r.
• M750/M900.  St-based framed, fuel injected 900s and 750s were availabe in 2002.

888-based DSS Generation ('93-'01) -- "Classic(?)" monsters

Note:  You can idenitfy the 888-based monsters by the hoop over the swingarm.  

• M600 ('01 in US):  888 based frame, DSS, wet clutch, single front brake rotor, carb'd 600cc motor, dual sided low-mount exhaust, air cooled.  Replaced by M620.
• M750 ('97-'01):  888-based frame, DSS, wet clutch, single front brake rotor, carb'd 750cc motor, dual sided low-mount exhaust, air cooled.  Replaced by the M800. Note: some of the later 750 models have an oil cooler (2000-'01 and maybe earlier models) and the '01 has dual front disks.  
• M900 (93-'01):   888-based frame, DSS, dry clutch, 900cc engine, carb'd until 99 and i.e. (fuel injection) from 2000-02, dual sided low-mount exhaust, air cooled. Replaced by the M1000.

Note:  The M400 is a Japanese-only model.
DSS = Dual sided swingarm
SSS = Single sided swingarm

[junior varsity]

This is pretty much exactly as I see it. All DSS Monsters - 400/600/620/695/750/800/900/1000/S4 are the Classic Monsters. If it looks like the '93 M900, it is a classic. Sure the frame changed, and the motors changed, but the shapes are the same.

The Single Sided Swingarm was not a dramatic change to the look, but coupled with the different exhaust, there is no confusing it with a standard "classic Monster".

Then you have the newest generation, which might be called the "modernized" or whatever.

[Spidey]

Current Generation -- Examples

M696



M1100



S*R Generation -- Examples

S4Rs



S2r 1000



M695
Note:  This bike is technically a part of the prior generation of DSS, ST-based frames, but it was sold at the same time as teh S*R generation.



ST-based DSS Generation -- Examples

S4



M620



888-based DSS Generation -- Examples

M750
(Note the hoop over the rear swingarm)

[junior varsity]

*need to edit example of 696 picture. it shows an 1100 with sss and dry clutch. looks like they be switched.

[Spidey]

Oops.   

Gracias.    

 

[jdupont4]

I think the discription of the m750 may be a little off. the m750 (at least the 2001) has an oil cooler and dual front rotors

[Spidey]

Good catch.  It looks like some earlier 750 models (at least the 2000 as well) have an oil cooler.  I'll edit accordingly.

[Jaman]