Converting from a Street Triple

[ab]

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The Daytona is a great bike, but there's just something about the torque and grunt of a Ducati (and a twin engine.)  I'm addicted to it, and will probably wind up getting an 848 or 1098 as a result, instead of the Daytona.  I just couldn't "feel" the engine like I can on my Monster.  And I guess that's what you're missing on the ST.
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I recently test rode a Triumph Daytona 675.  I enjoyed the ride but I will choose an R6 over it anytime (especially Raven edition)

[MendoDave]

Some of the older S4's came with the 916 engine. They seem to make plenty of power.

[SoonerE39]

I'm currently in the process of trying to decide between a Striple and a M796 as a first bike for a new (44 y/o) rider.  I'ld be interested in hearing more opinions on the pros and cons of each.

[stopintime]

I'm currently in the process of trying to decide between a Striple and a M796 as a first bike for a new (44 y/o) rider.  I'ld be interested in hearing more opinions on the pros and cons of each.

Get the 796 - it's a Ducati 

You'll have our crazy devoted company for as long as you want, or can take

[MendoDave]

I'm currently in the process of trying to decide between a Striple and a M796 as a first bike for a new (44 y/o) rider.  I'ld be interested in hearing more opinions on the pros and cons of each.

Street tripple power (106bhp) delivered at 11,700rpm and 51ft.lbf of torque at 9,100rpm

The Ducati 796 Monster 796 produces 84hp @ 8250rpm of power and a torque to 58lb-ft @ 6250rpm.



The Monster makes more torque at about 3,000 rpm lower in the power band than the Triumph. That translates into an easier to ride and yet quicker bike than the Triumph. Torque is your friend, less shifting can be involved and probably more fun is sure to be had.

[SoonerE39]

Street tripple power (106bhp) delivered at 11,700rpm and 51ft.lbf of torque at 9,100rpm

The Ducati 796 Monster 796 produces 84hp @ 8250rpm of power and a torque to 58lb-ft @ 6250rpm.



The Monster makes more torque at about 3,000 rpm lower in the power band than the Triumph. That translates into an easier to ride and yet quicker bike than the Triumph. Torque is your friend, less shifting can be involved and probably more fun is sure to be had.

I was just noticing that while I was reading the brochures on both of them in the 'reading room'.  It's not a huge difference in torque but it comes so much lower in the power band - good thing   Being a new rider, top end isn't going to mean anything to me for a long time, and I'm getting a bike for around town, not really touring.  So acceleration (torque) is a plus. 

[MendoDave]

I also forgot to mention, that as a new rider, chances are higher that you will drop it in the parking lot or have some other mishap with it. The tank cover on the monster is replaceable. in fact you can change all the plastic for a new look if you want. So if it gets scratched it's not a big deal and it wont dent.

http://www.ducati.it/moto/monster/index.do

[arai_speed]

Since I have not ridden the 796 I can't compare it to the Street Triple on power.  I can, however, compare it to my S4rs and while the power disparity between those two models is quite large my seat of the pants dyno says the Striple is a very unique and fun  bike, both around town and in the canyons.  The striple engine is pure perfection - you twist the throttle and bike goes without ANY hesitation.  It is much much muuuuccchh smoother then my bike around town.

It feels much lighter and quicker steering then my bike and while it produced less torque then my bike it makes up for it by screaming through the RPM range.

Maintenance is comparable to that of a Japanese bike - i.e. longer maintenance intervals...I think the first valve service is at 20K miles and I would say that parts are comparable to those found for a Ducati - both in wait time to receive them and price.

Coolness factor - hands down the Duc wins...no contest.  If you do consider the Striple I would opt for the Striple R - which has better (and adjustable) suspension and better brakes.

I would say get the one you like the best and calls to you as that will make you happier in the end.


 

[He Man]

Ive been riding with a buddy on the track the past few months hes got a Street triple. i have an S2R1000.

In my personal opinion and im not sure who can back me up on this because everyones got too much pride in their own bikes to begin with, the street triple is WAY faster than any of hte air cooled ducs including the S2R1000 (dont know about the 1100 since its a new frame and new engine). You have way more engine to rev with and it is almost effortless to get that bike around the track.  He doenst drag his knees at all, and id say hes doing a 2:03ish laptime and im doing about a 1:55 but just to be that 8 seconds faster seconds faster im dragging everything thats hanging off. so as he takes that bike faster and faster im going to start eating more of his rubber  instead.

But, its got no oomph and id pick the monster anyway for a regular bike because its so fun to ride on the street

[MendoDave]

But, its got no oomph and id pick the monster anyway for a regular bike because its so fun to ride on the street

Well that was my point. This is his first bike and he's probably not too interested in his lap times at this stage. More like getting the fundamentals of riding down, and having fun, rather than shifting at 11,000 RPM on the street to get all the power out of the bike. But yea for a track bike you probably would want something other than a monster, such as an old CBR or an R6 or something. You know one of those Japanese appliances that you can toss down the track and not get too upset about it.   

[arai_speed]

Well that was my point. This is his first bike and he's probably not too interested in his lap times at this stage. More like getting the fundamentals of riding down, and having fun, rather than shifting at 11,000 RPM on the street to get all the power out of the bike....  

That seems like an over exaggeration to me - you don't have to get to 11K to shift the Striple, the bike goes just fine right off the line.  Smooth as butter and with no lag or stutter like many Monsters face (One need only to search for "14t sprocket" to see why  ). In fact I would consider the throttle on the Striple twitchy when compared to the Monster as there is absolutely no delay in power delivery when the throttle is turned.

On the street - the Striple is much more fun then the Monster as you can ride her very gently and smooth or just let her rip and see the blinking lights on the dash tell you when it's time to shift.  The Monster is really rough down low but a great joy in the canyons.

Thought choice between two as they are both great fun  [moto]

[GLantern]

Get a S2R1000!  You mentioned how you want the "character" of a ducati.  In my opinion you need one with a dry clutch and a single sided swingarm.  I would cross the S2R800 and 696 off the list right now.

[Travman]

The Street Triples make a whirring sound that I can not get used to. It may not be annoying to some but it really bugs me.

[FastAndLight]

I have a Daytona 675 and a S2R1000.  The Daytona is completely stock, the S2R1k has a full exhaust, open airbox, power commander, clip ons, rebuilt front fork, ohlins rear, and Pilot Powers. The Daytona turns more quickly and smoothly over any pavement any day of the week, no matter how distracted I may be.  The S2R feels like it will out accelerate the Daytona every time and just has tons of torque everywhere.  Above 8k RPMs on the Daytona something wicked happens. I'm still not sure what that ghost who lives up there is all about, but I try to explore every time I can.

The S2R is just dripping with character and noise. The Daytona is like a sewing machine. I love them both for what they are and aren't.  I don't think someone coming from a 675 triple will be missing any power in moving to the 1000DS engine, much less an older S4. 

I say hold out, find yourself a nice S2R1k that someone is getting rid of at the end of the season, and enjoy the Ducati camaraderie.