I need a Ducati education

[Randimus Maximus]

First thing to think about when talking about education is that Ducati is in the middle of all education.

Just sayin'!

[dennisd]

The seller of the S2R800 wants $650 over the NADA book value, although, it is a good looking bike from the pics.  It only has 1000 miles on it and he is the second owner??!!  The rear "mud flap" has been removed, mini stalk blinkers installed and he has the carbon fiber seat cover installed.  Just can't see myself paying more than book value.  Not ruled out yet but....

Think I'm back to the 1100 especially after reading some more reviews.  Still kicking all the options around.

[duccarlos]

$1000 over? Is he on crack? I could understand if it had all sorts of performance mods, but if it's basically stock, then I would walk away.

[dennisd]

OK guys, you have been great so far but now I need some more educated opinions.  PLEASE read and respond to my latest post #14 here:

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=31464.msg546841#msg546841

I need opinions on a S2R1000 vs the new 1100.

[duccarlos]

Replied on the other thread. I liked the 1100S for the power and it felt really planted, but I couldn't get past the ergos.

[Duc800]

I've owned 3 supersports so far.  First was an '05 SS800 - my first bike at age 55.  The second an '06 SS1000.  Big difference.  The 800 was a perfect first bike for me - plenty of motor.  The decision was like this:  heart said superbike and head said monster.  So I compromised with the supersport.  Superbike looks and riding position with 2v motor.  After I learned more I decided to upgrade and not just for the motor.  The 1000 has an Ohlins shock, Showa adjutable forks, alloy clipons, alloy swingarm, wider tires and the dry clutch.  And the motor is a gem but the suspension being the main reason for the upgrade.  Oh yeah, I like the color better too - red frame/black wheels.  My girlfriend had a M620D that I loved to ride.  The main issue there was the lowered suspension.  I like the classic muffler on each side look and always wanted the pre S2R monsters, especially the 1000.  Like someone said earlier look for a M900 you won't be disappointed.  I recently picked up an '01 SS900 and it doesn't give up much to the 1000.  Also, prices are very depressed right now and would think you could find a bike for at least $1K UNDER bluebook.  They are out there.  Having said all that I would love to have the new M1100 in standard trim or S.  Good luck as it's all fun.  It's hard to educate yourself before a purchase.  After the purchase you will learn so much more about your bike and all the other stuff, especially Ducatis, out there. 

[dennisd]

Duc800 said:

It's hard to educate yourself before a purchase.  After the purchase you will learn so much more about your bike and all the other stuff, especially Ducatis, out there. 

I know that from personal experience.  I do try not to let emotion get the better of me but half of buying a bike is emotional.  Whichever I decide to buy will be bike number 18 for me (it might replace one of the 5 I have in the garage or maybe just be number 6).  Can you believe I've had 17 bikes and never owned a Ducati?

[Duc800]

I've never owned anything else.  I hope and think you will like it.  My riding buddy has an '85 Honda V-4 Interceptor he has owned since new while in college.  His other bike is a late 90s Harley touring something or other - can't keep them all straight.  Last October he bought a 2003 999s and is now riding practically every weekend.  His riding has improved tremendously.  He said it was because I passed him on Palomar Mtn one time with my front wheel off the ground.  I kind of doubt the wheel was off the ground but he said he needed more power.  Well, he got it.  But still not any faster than me up Palomar but a beautiful bike just the same.  Having said all that and if you are set on a Monster I would still recommend a 900, 1000 or 1100 - especially with you past experience.

[dennisd]

I've done the repli-racer thing in my "younger years" but after some illegals from Mexico pulled out in front of me about 28 years ago, I have a bad back and clip ons are a thing of the past for me.  I need a more upright riding position.  I also broke my wrist and riding a bike with clip ons makes my right hand completely numb; not good when you consider you use your right hand to brake.  I remember climbing off my TL1000S back when I had it (my last bike with clip ons) and reaching for the tab on my face shield.  I couldn't find it because I couldn't feel it.  That's when I decided I'll never have clip ons again.  Plus, I can't afford to make my chiropractor any richer than he already is.

[Duc800]

Well, I feel blessed then.  Have you looked at the ST?  It's on my wish list for something different and capable of longer days and overnights.  And I still love the Monster and hope to have one someday.  I think the new 1100 would be about perfect.  So many bikes ...

[dennisd]

Yes I considered an ST in the not too distant past but I have a dressed up '09 Kawasaki Versys that I've made into a bike similar to the Multistrada.  I've put lots of bike protection gear on it and have Givi hard bags.  It is my adventure touring machine.  I can take it on gravel roads but still have lots of fun on the paved twisties with it.  It actually handles pretty brilliantly.  There are no chicken strips on it's tires; absolutely none!  I also have a Harley Roadking for when I want to do long easy more than one day laid back trips.  The Monster will be my "short" ride hooligan bike (but hopefully not go to jail bike). [moto]

[duccarlos]

If you have wrist problems then you might have a similar issue with the 1100.

[dennisd]

If you have wrist problems then you might have a similar issue with the 1100.

I tried both the 1100 and 1000, both seemed to put more weight on my wrist than I wish it did but... ya' gotta do what ya' gotta do.  Actually, for me, the 1100 seemed to put less pressure on my wrist, maybe it's the bend of the bars or something.

[dennisd]

OK, for those of you that have been trying to help me make up my mind; please follow me over here:

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=31531.0

[Scottish]

I tried both the 1100 and 1000, both seemed to put more weight on my wrist than I wish it did but... ya' gotta do what ya' gotta do.  Actually, for me, the 1100 seemed to put less pressure on my wrist, maybe it's the bend of the bars or something.

Actually more than the bend in the bars it probably feels that way because it's a shorter reach to the bars on the new 1100. If you sit on one after the other you'll notice that the older Monsters feel noticably longer in the seat to handle bar measurement leaning you forward quite a bit more.