Opinions needed on the 2006 S2R800 Dark

[EvilSteve]

I'd go 1100 but you should read reviews of the two and decide based on which you prefer and if you feel that the reviews will affect your choice in any way. Preferably test ride both but I know that's not always possible.

[duccarlos]

S2R 1000. Just cause it's more comfortable out of the box. With the 1100 you'll need to invest in adjustable levers and a kinder seat.

[dennisd]

I doubt a test ride on a 1100 will be possible but I'd think I should be able to ride the M1000.

I've read some reviews on both and that really got me nowhere.  They both sound "brilliant".

I'd appreciate it if someone could point out the differences between the two.

From the pictures, it looks like the 1000 has a more comfy seat but I won't know till I sit on both and even then, as you know; I won't be able to tell how they will be on a ride of more than 30 minutes.

I hope to go to the shop this week to look at them both side by side.

[duccarlos]

You should be able to test ride an 1100, just make sure to wear a cup.

[EvilSteve]

M1100 - "sportier" position, better handling, less comfortable, new style
S2R 1000 - more comfortable, better over distance, old style

They're my cliff notes, however wrong they might be.

[1KDS]

M1100 - "sportier" position, better handling, less comfortable, new style
S2R 1000 - more comfortable, better over distance, classic/timeless style

They're my cliff notes, however wrong they might be.

Fixed

[dennisd]

...just make sure to wear a cup.

So I hear.

Steve, why do you say better handling?  Was there a suspension change or is it just do to the new frame having different steering head angle?  Everything I've read said the 1000 was pretty sharp in the handling dept.

From what I gather the HP numbers are the same so I guess the 1100 has a slightly better torque curve?

As for the styling, I'm not too crazy about all the new transformers look everything seems to be going to these days.  There is something to be said for the old round headlight especially on the Monster style bike.  I kinda like the old analog gages too.  The 1100 does seem to be a lot "cleaner" though.  They did work out how to hide some of the lines and wires.  I'll make final judgment on looks when I see them both in person.

Again, like I said in a previous post; that comfort thing might weigh pretty heavy in the decision on two bikes so close in performance.

[EvilSteve]

@1KDS - That's fair, thanks.

@dennisd - According to the reviews I've read, the M1100 bike handles much better than the S2R, it's a little more aggressive with more weight on the front. YMMV of course.

I think it comes down to style & your intentions with the bike. You'd said in your intro that you like strafing corners. The M1100 will be a better bike for that. If you want to go on long rides, the S2R will be better. The M1100 has better brakes and is lighter (IIRC), carrying the weight differently (again, IIRC). For a corner machine, you're better off with the M1100, if you're more interested in comfort, go with the S2R. But, if you just flat out like the style of the S2R or can't afford the M1100, you're not going to notice or be missing out on much. Buy which ever makes you smile more.

[dennisd]

OK Steve, thanks for explaining your statement about better handling.  I definitely understand about the weight bias being better on the 1100 if more is on the front wheel(didn't know that, none of the reviews I found mentioned that).  And if the 1100 is lighter that can only help.  I definitely live for the corners, however; living in SE Texas I have to ride further than some to reach twisty bits.  Like I originally said, straight line high speed gives me no real thrill although I do like brisk acceleration.  I remember riding with some touring types one time that thought I was crazy because I'd speed up for the curves then slow back down below the speed limit in the straight stretches so they could catch up.

[Betty]

@dennisd - According to the reviews I've read, the M1100 bike handles much better than the S2R, it's a little more aggressive with more weight on the front. YMMV of course.

I think you are right but 'handles better' could be interpreted as 'handles differently' ... it depends on your riding style and preferences. I have only ever had one bike (my S2R 800) but rode an M1100S for few hours back in June. It took me a while to work it out but yes, the more front weight bias of the new style was unsettling for me ... just as it was for my wife (temporarily) going from a 620 to a 696.

However the sportsbike guys much preferred the new style monster for the same reason and consequently don't like to ride the old style.

dennisd, when asking for a comparison or recommendation bear in mind that most folks have a clear preference which may be entirely based on aesthetics. I have a clear preference for the old style ... your views may or may not be influenced by the 'old-style' bias of many members on here.

[victor441]

So far as buying a low mileage older bike (or an 800) goes, FWIW bought a perfect condition 2003 M800 w/ only 1700 miles two months ago , definitely had some concerns about possible leaky seals, hydraulic cylinders, etc. but no problems at all after 2200 miles, inspected the belts and they look OK...but I might just be lucky on all this of course or so far ....anyway love the bike, plenty of power and great handling and paid about half what it cost new

[EvilSteve]

I think you are right but 'handles better' could be interpreted as 'handles differently' … <snip />

Ok, I'm not sure I agree that turns in faster is a subjective thing but I certainly accept that some people would prefer a slower turning bike over a quicker turning bike.

[jim_0068]

i picked up an '06 red/white with 4,000 miles on it for 5g's...look around and you'll find something. took me a couple months of looking

[dennisd]

Betty wrote:

dennisd, when asking for a comparison or recommendation bear in mind that most folks have a clear preference which may be entirely based on aesthetics. I have a clear preference for the old style ... your views may or may not be influenced by the 'old-style' bias of many members on here.

I realize that, I'm just trying to gather as much informed info as possible.

Victor441;  I'm not so concerned about getting an older bike if I get a good deal.  The money saved will go toward setting it up the way I want.  The one I found was a little suspicious though; second owner and only 1000 miles on a 3 year old bike.  Plus, he wants $650 above the NADA top retail value.  Why should I pay more than what it's valued at?  It might be worth more to him becasue he really doesn't want to sell?

Steve;  As long as that quicker turning bike does not also act "skittish" mid turn or at higher speeds, it's a good thing.  But, then again; a Ducati would never act skittish would it?

[victor441]

Victor441;  I'm not so concerned about getting an older bike if I get a good deal.  The money saved will go toward setting it up the way I want.  The one I found was a little suspicious though; second owner and only 1000 miles on a 3 year old bike.  Plus, he wants $650 above the NADA top retail value.  Why should I pay more than what it's valued at?  It might be worth more to him becasue he really doesn't want to sell?

I understood the concerns on that bike but didn't make that clear, definitely sounds like one to pass on...I meant if another older low mileage one comes along it might be a good bet, I see a fair number on CL  with only a few hundred miles per year...I felt like mine could be a bad buy as I've seen cars with major and expensive problems from not being driven, but it is fine so far.