Questions about the Monster

[mfbfl]

Hello, I am new to the forum and not yet a Duc owner.  I am on my 9th bike, now a cruiser, but I long to have a bike for the curves. I will keep the cruiser for lazy days.   I have always liked naked twins and the Monster seems like a good fit for me.  As I research I find many different versions.  I want to stick with the 900, 1000 or 1100 model. 

I like the looks of the current model 1100 evo, but am more in the price range of a 1100 or 1100s from a year or two back.  What is the difference between the 1100 and the 1100s?  And what is the differnce from these and the 2010 evo?

I also noticed the 1000 model in S4 and S2 variations.  I have figured out the S2 is air cooled and the S4 is water cooled.  From what I find the S2 had 95 hp and the S4 has 130, is this right?  Also there are R and RS variations, what do these mean?  Without starting a fight which is better the S2 or the S4?  I assume the S2 is lighter.  Just trying to figure it all out before I starting looking.

Any input on what year and variation is better is much appreciated.  Things to watch out for.  Things to avoid.  Again any input is great.  Thanks in advance, Mark

[Monster Dave]

Welcome to the forum! You'll find plenty of input here.  

I'll defer to wiser and more knowledgeable forum masters for your question though! Good luck!

In the mean time, a forum search may yield some results to your favor!

[Slide Panda]

I like the looks of the current model 1100 evo, but am more in the price range of a 1100 or 1100s from a year or two back.  What is the difference between the 1100 and the 1100s?  And what is the differnce from these and the 2010 evo?

I'm not so familiar with the 1100, so I'll let someone else tackle it. But, the S denoted a model step up. They will have better suspension and some times other flash bits like Carbon Fiber versions of some pieces.

I also noticed the 1000 model in S4 and S2 variations.  I have figured out the S2 is air cooled and the S4 is water cooled.  From what I find the S2 had 95 hp and the S4 has 130, is this right?  Also there are R and RS variations, what do these mean?  Without starting a fight which is better the S2 or the S4?  I assume the S2 is lighter.  Just trying to figure it all out before I starting looking.

S4 is water cooled 4 valve, vs the S2 which is air cooled and 2 valve. The original S4 probably wasn't 130, but over 100 for sure. The later models S4R were in the 130 hood for sure.

The S4 was replaced with the S4R - it picked up the newer engine, a single sided swing arm. The S4Rs kept the progression going as mentioned before the S got better suspension, the Testastretta engine, radial calipers  some carbon etc.

Basically the S4Rs was the biggest of the monsters to date, with the most flash bits.

Well you're looking at a lot of pretty differnt bikes. A 900 is pretty different than a 1100 which is pretty different from the S4Rs. So, one dividing line is valves - you want 2 or 4 per head?

[Spidey]

The 1100S has better suspension and some lighter bits.

You're talking about at least three different generations of monsters.  This FAQ might help:  http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=25126.0

As you can see from the FAQ, it's not as simple as the S2 and the S4.  You're right that that s2 models are air cooled and the S4 models are water cooled.  There are a number of versions --

900 -- older version with dual sided swingarm

1000 -- older version with dual sided swingarm
S2r
S2r 1000
S4 (916 motor) -- older version with dual sided swingarm
S4r (with 996 motor)
S4r (with 999 motor).  Also known as the S4rt
S4rs (with 999 motor).

Some things to look out for are expanding plastic tanks, 02 sensor problems, and bad valve guides on DS motors.  It depends on the model and year, so if you narrow your search, we can tell you what to look out for.  As a general rule, you'll want to be sure that any Ducati has had its belts changed witthin the last two years or 12,000 miles (15k on the later models)

[duc996]

+1 

[orangelion03]

My personal choice would be the S2R1000.  I think they offer the best bang to buck ratio.  Cheaper to buy and maintain than the 4 valve engines, and I think they look better.  Relatively easy and cheap to upgrade the suspension (has 3 way adjustable forks, but benefit from stiffer springs if you are over 175).  Then again, 4 valvers are pretty damned fine bikes