I need a Ducati education

[dennisd]

Just joined up and I'm looking for an education on Ducati.  I've owned 17 different bikes over the years but never a Ducati.  I currently have:  '09 Kawasaki Versys that I've made into an adventure touring bike (poor man's multistrada); '06 Harley Roadking; '95 Suzuki DR350S; '94 Suzuki DR350S (for friends to ride) and my restored '77 Triumph Tiger.  I've had sport bikes previously but I'm not looking to get a repli-racer.  I really dreamed about getting the new Streetfighter S but I can't justify the price or the amount of power for street riding.  I know, some of you are going to tell me you can never have too much horsepower but I just don't seem to need that much anymore.  I have more fun taking good curves at 50 MPH, exploring the limits of traction and doing away with any chicken strips than blasting straight down a road at 150+ MPH.  I'm now leaning toward the Monster 1100 or maybe the 1100S.  The reviews I've read said the 1100 was a step up from previous monsters.  How about some input on those models.  I saw in the classifieds that a member has an 800 Dark for sale.  Any input on the 800 you can provide would be welcome.  Any other suggestions?  OK guys, give me a Ducati education.

[Spidey]

Considering your prior bike history, an 1100 sounds like a good choice.  Here are my impressions of riding an 1100 for about a week about a year ago:  http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=13509.0.  I compared it to the S2r1000, which itself is a generation ahead of the 800 and has better equipment on it. 

The M800 is a good bike, but the 1100 is a much better one.  The 800 is about two generations ago, but has the same engine as the S2r 800.  One of the big downsides for me is that the 800 doesn't have the classic dry clutch.

For general information about the various models, check out the FAQ:  http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=25126.0

And since you asked for a Ducati education, here's how Ducati's desmo valve system works:  http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=25350.0 and here's info about dry clutches:  http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=20634.0

[booger]

Can't go wrong with any of them for the kind of riding you want to do. If it were me I'd find a good M900sie and enjoy. 

[dennisd]

Wow, I read your review.  Great info.  Sounds like the bike for me.  Found it funny, you said kinda what I did in my original post.  "The ergos and handling make this a great twisties bike, but it's not for "throttle jockies looking for 150mph straightline speed."

That clutch might be a problem, I've always hated clutch action that had 90% of the take up in the last 10% of lever movement.  Think I'd have to have an aftermarket seat also from what you said and from looking at the pictures.

I'll read about the desmo valve system and dry clutch later.  I have a limited understanding about both already though.

I'm still looking for more input though.  Not ruling out other choices yet.  Spidey, you had a chance to ride the S version yet?  Not sure if it will be worth $3000 extra.

[grandpa nate]

S2R1000
period


that is all
nothing follows

[Scottish]

If you like the corners and exploring the limits of traction, spend the extra money for the S model. For the money you get a way better fully adjustable susension. I only ride a little 695. I have almost no hp envy(I can hold my own fine in the tight stuff). Or clutch envy(I don't need the rattle it's the exhaust note I like). The suspension though?.... oh how I stare in longing at those Ohlins, and it's easy to find the limits of the lower grade shocks and forks, oh sure there are things you can do to help them, but they will never be what the Ohlins are.

In addition when calculating the cost of the bike add the cost of Termi's in. Ducs are fueled and set up to pass the Euro emissions and the Termi: exhaust/ECU/intake system REALLY wakes the bike up, more response, more hp, and more torque. Stock bikes leave me disappointed, the Ducs aren't really what you thought they would be until you get them breathing.

[Cloner]

It's hard to go wrong with a Monster 1100, but you shouldn't forget about those lovely Sport 1000s.  They're a little more aggressive in the riding position arena, but they're very capable two valvers, too.  And if you don't mind used you might look for an older Supersport or similar.

And don't ever forget....you can't get an eDUCATIon without the DUCATI!!  (I never get tired of that one.  Yuck, yuck.)

[dennisd]

OK people, I found a used 2006 S2R800D (thats the dark version) for sale with 1000 miles on it.  I plan on going to look at it.  What do I need to watch for?  Opinions on this bike.  I know that due to the finish it was a "budget" S2R800 but is the finish the only difference?

[angler]

Look out for swelling gas tanks - http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=25074.0.

I have an S2R 800 and I love it.  It is in the shop right now for a tank warranty and a set of SBK forks.

[duccarlos]

Love mine. Suspension would be my biggest complaint.

[dennisd]

Yea, I understand that the S2R800 was a "budget" bike thus the "downgraded" suspension.  but for street riding is it really that noticeable or just when pushed to the max such as on a track?

The tank swelling should be noticeable right?  What do I look for to find if it is inflicted with this malady?

[teddy037.2]

Yea, I understand that the S2R800 was a "budget" bike thus the "downgraded" suspension.  but for street riding is it really that noticeable or just when pushed to the max such as on a track?

The tank swelling should be noticeable right?  What do I look for to find if it is inflicted with this malady?

if you're looking at a bike with a plastic tank (IIRC, all of the S*R bikes have them, as well as the sport classics), then you pretty much will have the tank swelling.

[angler]

Yea, I understand that the S2R800 was a "budget" bike thus the "downgraded" suspension.  but for street riding is it really that noticeable or just when pushed to the max such as on a track?

The tank swelling should be noticeable right?  What do I look for to find if it is inflicted with this malady?

Check out the link I posted above.  There are pics of my bike with a swollen tank.  Symptoms equal tank bumpers no longer touching the frame, tank rubbing on ignition, inability to or difficulty with latching and unlatching the tank, unsightly ripples in the knee cut-outs, and paint cracks where the filler area has stretched.

I notice my suspension particularly since I am a large guy.  Had the stock forks and rear shock re-sprung for my weight, but it is now overly harsh and stiff in the corners.  The adjustability will help dial that in.  I don't track it and I have notice the suspension in the twisties.

[teddy037.2]

I notice my suspension particularly since I am a large guy.

that's a good point... being ~150lbs sorta makes the stock springing not so bad.

[Scottish]

Yeah, in your other thread I read some guy thought pregnant doging about the suspension way a way of measuring size.  Fine maybe my peen is bigger than his. But at around 190lbs, I don't find in hard to get the rear end wallowing about in an aggressive corner.... or maybe I have a bigger e-peen.