Which monster would you choose from this list?

[jvax]

Seems the general opinion agrees on the S2R800, so I decided to do a side-by-side spec comparison with the new 796 on the manufacturer's website.

http://www.ducati.com/compare/index.do?op=add&year1=9&year1_new_value=false&bikeFamily1=22&bikeFamily1_new_value=false&bikeModel1=4&bikeModel1_new_value=false

[if the above link shows only one of the bikes, use the Year/Family/Model and click + to add the other]

Turns out there is quite a number of similarities.  Looks like the 796 is a lighter, revamped/tuned S2R800, with a bit more hp and torque and better components.  Exact same displacement and same gear ratio though, which a pleasant surprise.  Considering I would have gone for 796 had I not been budget-constrained, I think I'll take a more serious look at this '07 S2R800.  (... unless someone brings up something else that throws me off course  )

Thanks everyone for their inputs.

[lazylightnin717]

I'm going to be "that guy" and tell you to go for the S4. It's got all the power you could ever need and is still manageable as a beginning rider. It also has the fully adjustable front and rear suspension. If maintenance is up to date, it won't need it for another 6k miles which is a plus. The brakes are superb and you will have the dry clutch rattle which counts for something. The 916 liquid cooled mill is outstanding in terms of power. It delivers throughout the entire rev range and has decent top end. Only complaint is that it has no steering damper to keep the front end from getting squirrely but that goes for the entire monster line.

I got my S4 with 9,200 miles for around the same price as the one you are looking at. I would love to have the extra oomph that the S4R has but I certainly can't complain. It's really a great bike for a great price.

[geoffduc]

My first ducati was an S2r in 2005, I had road tested the S4r but at the time couldn't justify the extra cost of the bigger bike, well 18 months later I bought an S4r so in hindsight it seems I should have bought the S4r first and saved some money.
I must add that at the age of 62years young in 2005 that it was not my first bike but it was my first ducati and now I think you could say that I'm truely addicted to the marque... ...

 

[causeofkaos]

im gonna agree with "that guy".
being responsible and saying that another bike will be plenty for you as a first bike, i have a hard time with that. you might never outgrow that bike or you might outgrow it in the first 6 months.
i know i did.
S4R for the win!!!!!

[Goat_Herder]

Would you be able to take the bike onto the freeway in Japan?  Or would you be doing mostly city riding.  I would hate to have a S4R and have no place to let it run freely.  If you are doing mostly city riding, I would recommend the S2R800. 

[jvax]

Would you be able to take the bike onto the freeway in Japan?  Or would you be doing mostly city riding.  I would hate to have a S4R and have no place to let it run freely.  If you are doing mostly city riding, I would recommend the S2R800. 

Yes, riding the freeway is definitely possible in Japan.  For my riding plans, I'd say 80% city commute, and 20% freeway+twisties on the weekends.

[DarkMonster620]

Yes, riding the freeway is definitely possible in Japan.  For my riding plans, I'd say 80% city commute, and 20% freeway+twisties on the weekends.

From my personal experience with my  M620 Dark, here in Panama I do exactly that, 80%city/20%highway/twisties, so, the S2R800 is still good, IMHO

[evocarti]

First bike?

S2R800.

+1

+1

PS. Put a termi short-style shotgun exhaust on it too 

[1KDS]

another +1 to the S2R, the 4v bikes are overpowered for a novice, the 800 still has great power

[jvax]

I'm off to see the S2R.

BTW, Ducati Japan are launching the 796 today, so might test ride it if the dealer has one..

[DarkMonster620]

I'm off to see the S2R.

BTW, Ducati Japan are launching the 796 today, so might test ride it if the dealer has one..

S2R ... You wont be dissapointed ... Take from someone who has a M620 ...

[live2ride]

from a guy that had a yamaha r6 and a monster 750, i vote s2r.

love the look of the single sided swingarms, and love the simplicity of air cooled engines.  this is especially true if you plan to work on the bike yourself.  if not, its still cheaper for work on the s2r over the s4r's. 

more power is nice, but not necessary.  s2r800 will suffice in my opinion

just my 2 cents

[jvax]

Went to my local dealer today and test rode the S2R.  Great bike as everyone said.  Test rode the S4R too.  Very powerful, made me really conscious about my throttling.  Lastly, I test rode the 796 which has been launched today.  The S2R felt heavier than the 796 and a little less powerful.  I liked the 796 a lot.  Much more comfortable seat than the 696.  It just felt great, powerful, yet easy to ride around corners, great brakes too.  I know am a novice, but I really felt the 796 is the perfect bike for me.  In fact, I ended up ordering the black one today    and I can't wait to go pick it up in a couple weeks.

Thanks everyone for their advice/input on this thread.  I learned a lot from your responses and will continue to be grateful even if I ended up getting a different bike.  Many thanks 

[hackers2r]

Congrats!  Glad you make a choice you're comfortable with.  Can't wait to see the modding begin!

[DarkMonster620]

Congrats!

+1 on the Black and as hackers2r said, let the modding begin ... !!!