S2R 800 vs. S2R 1000

[Zlatigol]

What are the differences in these two bikes? I am stuck between these two and feel like the 800 will become boring over time. Or is each unique in its own right?

[muskrat]

I had the 800 and loved the bike.  Don't kid yourself, it can keep up with numerous bikes and has a "fake" slipper to boot.    I moved up to an S4R (huge jump) but I knew I would.  Having ridden the 1000 I can tell you it's noticeable and if the price is negligible go for the 1000 with the dry clutch.  The 800 was an awesome bike and I didn't tire of it, just don't go ride a Streetfighter or S4 series or you'll be spending mucho money. 

[scduc]

The 1K has better suspension, but from what I can tell, not really a whole lot more power. If you search, you will see many seasoned riders who love thier 800's.

[booger]

On the used market a 1k is a smarter choice; better front brakes, adjustable front suspension, and about 13 more HP at the crank. They don't seem to be that far away from each other in price now that they're older.
 

[DRKWNG]

Don't buy either of those.  What you really want to buy is a cafe bike, like my Sport1000.   

[He Man]

1000DS is the way to go. Its an AMAZING motor.

I want to sell my S2R for the new 1100. I like the 696 looks better but i just cant muster the power because the 1000 is too perfect.

[fastwin]

I have a 2007 S2R 1000. No offense to 800 owners but get the 1000. Just sayin'. [moto]

[Goat_Herder]

Nothing compares to the sound of Ducati L-Twin engine and dry clutch.  End of story!  Get the 1K

[671M900]

I had the 800 and loved the bike.  Don't kid yourself, it can keep up with numerous bikes and has a "fake" slipper to boot.    I moved up to an S4R (huge jump) but I knew I would.  Having ridden the 1000 I can tell you it's noticeable and if the price is negligible go for the 1000 with the dry clutch.  The 800 was an awesome bike and I didn't tire of it, just don't go ride a Streetfighter or S4 series or you'll be spending mucho money. 

Oh god. Please follow this man's advice. I love my 900 but after causing some havoc on a Streetfighter... URGH!

Anyways, go for the 1000 if it isn't way out of your range, plus you get to buy them awesome open clutch covers, anodized pressure plates, collars, etc.

[DRKWNG]

Adding to my earlier post: I had an S2R800 and sold it to get the Sport1000. As stated already, a properly tuned/running DS1000 is a better engine in every way. The key though is to make sure you do away with the stock mapping and convert the bike to an open loop system.

[WetDuc]

I'll have to vote S2R1k.
I love the DS motor, it's really smooth and powerful.
The mod possibilities are bigger with the 1k (you get to play with the clutch configs).

[zooom]

my questions for you are....

what are you currently riding and how long have you been riding it or altogether?

how do you ride and/or what kind of riding do you do?

what is your general stature/shape/size?

these answers can severely temper what kind of advice for to give because both machines are capable and good, but have their own distinct advantages and disadvantages in how they are used/applied.

[Blackout]

My 800 has about 46K on it now. I wish it had adjustable forks. Never any problem with the motor's performance though. It's plenty strong. I think I may be faster on the 800 than on my Speed Triple, at least through tight mountainous terrain.
that said I would love to put the 1000 DS engine in my bike once I've ground the 800 mill into metal fragments.

[ducatiz]

I like the 800 I have and have modded it quite a bit.  The 1000 has better brakes, suspension and a dry clutch, plus the 200 extra ccs.  Figure a cost difference of about 1500 for them.

Many people like the 800 as is, only upgrade a few items.  Forks and brakes are usually the first.  I don't mind the wet clutch as most of my older Ducs have a wet clutch and I don't subscribe to the "it's not a real ducati without a dry clutch" silliness.  The advantages are slim to nonexistent depending on how you ride and servicing a wet clutch is little more than adding an oil change to the mix and more screwing.   And who doesn't like more screwing?

[orangelion03]

As an 800 owner, I'd say go for the 1000 if the cost increase isnt too much.  I love my bike, but the 1000 has that little extra power and torque.  I swapped my front end bits for 1000 parts:  forks, brakes, MC.  But then again, I paid a lot less for my 800 than comparable mileage and vintage 1000 were selling for at the time.