Big monster, open discussion.

[toudg]

Don't get me wrong, I love the Streefighter and Diavel addition.  Not quite my type but I respect people who enjoy them.  But what actually brought me to Ducati is the old monster.  I remember the first time I saw one (around 1995?) when I was studying as a engineer.  I was broke at that time.  My first ride was a old Honda Interceptor that I paid 52$.  I've  dreamed about my monster for a good 8 years before I could afford one (had a Z1000 in the meanwhile and did my class with that flawless bike).  3 years ago I bought my beast, a 2007 S4Rs and since then, my passion for motorcycle is growing stronger everyday.  It's now a way of life (I dont even own a car in Quebec, which is a statement here during the winter =)) so I could afford more track days, road trips etc.

My point is : "Hey Ducati, what's up with the Monster" ? I respect the rationale and the fundamental reasons for liquid cooled/air cooled monster/streefighter versus frame considerations but the feeling is not quite right for me.  I can live with wet clutch. But I prefer the old monster (and the new one) for emotional reasons that I cant explain : more classic lines, rounded shape, etc.  But my point is : "It needs an engine  ".

Since that Multistradas, Diavels and Streefigher got facelifts/annoncements what can we expect for the Monster ?  Is it conceivable that the Monster upgrade is next (aint talking about shotguns exhauts/aesthetic)?  A rossified version maybe or they completely dismissed that direction ?  Am I the only stuck in that position ?  I absolutely love my s4rs and will prolly never sell it.  But I wont hit 100k km neither.

I dont want to start a "rumor thread" (oh well maybe) but is anyone having some kind of privileged information/direction by Ducati (or thoughts) ?  Hey, I'm feeling lonely Ducati ... right now, I'm just piling up cash for a 1198 Monster S  .

ps sorry for lousy english, second lang. (I've removed my baffles  )

Jeff

[fastwin]

I like the old Monsters too. I even prefer the older style twin exhausts, one on each side to the up swept shotgun mufflers on my S2R1000. I also like both the single sided swingarm and the double sided version. Both work for me.

[Travman]

I think I know what you are saying.  Ducati doesn't have the perfect bike you want in their lineup.  I've ridden the Streetfighter with Termi and ECU and it is a great bike.  I just haven't fully warmed up to the looks enough to buy a new one. 

You can try buidling your own.  Maybe one of these 2V Superbike projects would fit the bill. 

[DucSeason]

I'm with you. I'm not really keen on the new look of the Monster series, and don't understand why they couldn't make a more potent version. I'd also like to see the old style shotgun exhaust return. It was sooo sweet to look at....

[Drunken Monkey]

You can try buidling your own.  Maybe one of these 2V Superbike projects would fit the bill. 

This has been my take on bikes for the last 8 years. If someone else won't build it for you, build it for yourself.

Warning: This can take a lot of time and money and you may find yourself without a running bike for long periods of time.

[scduc]

I would venture to say that Ducati will throw the 4 valver in the Monster frame soon. Could be that they want to "force" the sales of the Diavel to those who want big power by not giving an option. Clearly the monster line will always be their best seller, so until those numbers start to fall they may not do anything.

[rideserotta]

I prefer the look of the old Monsters. They look less like others than the newer ones. And I love the dual exhaust, one on each side. I think Ducati could be really successful with an old style Monster with updated technology.

[monstermick58]

I too like the look of the early Monsters, I remember back in 1994 when I saw one ride past me as I stood slack jawed on the side of the road saying to my self 'one day, one day I WILL own one of those". To me it was everything a bike should be, simple but classic lines, an engine you can see, and that two valve motor to me is the second best (the round case rates number 1) around.

    When Ducati started making the 4 valve I thought great more power, how could you go wrong but after seeing one I thought those clean classic lines were starting to blur somewhat, and even now with the new aircooled motors in my opinion they have moved away from what I think was ( and to me still is) a beautiful bike.

       Maybe my '97 900 has 76k on it and its sitting in the shed waiting for me to give her a freshen up, but one thing is for sure, I will never sell this bike, the only way it will leave me is if I pass it down to one of my boys.






                                   Mmick (still in love after all these years)

[Raux]

What I see is a bump in displacement and maybe a more classic two sided low exhaust.

The superquadrata will create a new case style that will allow bigger piston, if they use the same concept about sharing cases, the 2v could really benefit. imagine super large intact valves on the 2v with a large bore cyl.

The problem will be the new management, whom I'm reading more and more about. They don't really believe in Ducati competing at the low level both on the track and in the street. that is why they continue to produce more and more 15k+ bikes.

The MTS, Diavel, SF and likely the next SBK will all start above 15k if not more. I doubt there will be a small SBK. And eventually they will look at the Monster as not a true Ducati. maybe start producing them next to their scooters in Thailand.

[xcaptainxbloodx]

What I see is a bump in displacement and maybe a more classic two sided low exhaust.

The superquadrata will create a new case style that will allow bigger piston, if they use the same concept about sharing cases, the 2v could really benefit. imagine super large intact valves on the 2v with a large bore cyl.

The problem will be the new management, whom I'm reading more and more about. They don't really believe in Ducati competing at the low level both on the track and in the street. that is why they continue to produce more and more 15k+ bikes.

The MTS, Diavel, SF and likely the next SBK will all start above 15k if not more. I doubt there will be a small SBK. And eventually they will look at the Monster as not a true Ducati. maybe start producing them next to their scooters in Thailand.

I disagree.  coming out with a bike like the Diavel shows that they are looking beyond the tried and true Ducatisti that will by whatever SBK they put out over and over again, The new race program for the 848 in conjunction with the heavy improvements that came with the 848evo (which was done without a price increase) shows that they are very aware of the need to justify costs in the depressed economy.

I wouldn't be surprised if we saw something more classic out there, especially with Moto Guzzi, Harley and Honda re-vamping their classic/standard bikes in line with what Triumph has been doing (not to mention whatever Norton has kicking around their design department.).  However, Ducati being Ducati, you know they wont do it unless they can do it differently and better than everyone else.  Personally, Id love to see a Hyper made up like an the old Scrambler, or maybe a new Hailwood?

[Speeddog]

Honestly, how will more displacement/power improve an S4Rs or M1100 for street riding?

I've ridden several S4R*'s and 1100's (M1k with bigbore/hi-comps, Hyper and Multi), and IMO the torque and power are borderline overkill.

[DoubleEagle]

According to one of the Dealers that rode the new Diavel last week in CA.

He said they rode up to the Rock Store and back to the PCH and they got to ride for a couple of hours.

I got to see a short video that a Dealer recorded on the ride in the hills.

One Dealer said the Diavel would bring back memories of the S4R, only more comfortable , lower slung and faster.

The feel of the movement of the frame , the feel of the engine and handle bars are reminiscent to the S4R.

Sounds good to me !

Dolph      [moto]

[Eddie_322]

What I see is a bump in displacement and maybe a more classic two sided low exhaust.

The superquadrata will create a new case style that will allow bigger piston, if they use the same concept about sharing cases, the 2v could really benefit. imagine super large intact valves on the 2v with a large bore cyl.

The problem will be the new management, whom I'm reading more and more about. They don't really believe in Ducati competing at the low level both on the track and in the street. that is why they continue to produce more and more 15k+ bikes.

The MTS, Diavel, SF and likely the next SBK will all start above 15k if not more. I doubt there will be a small SBK. And eventually they will look at the Monster as not a true Ducati. maybe start producing them next to their scooters in Thailand.

You know when the 916 came out in 1994 it cost just over $14k. When the 998 was phased out for the 999 it cost just under $15k. What was  the 1098 MSRP?  $14,995. Ducati prices are coming down.

[MadDuck]

My old '98 Monster came back to me a few weeks ago to do some carb repair. Dang, I should have never sold it but no super regrets. It's what got me into Ducati's and the boards. It's one hellofva good looking bike and runs pretty darn good too. I think anyone with any of the watercooled Monsters may have the best of all worlds. I think the Streetfighter is pretty awesome too. 

[pennyrobber]

It would be cool to see a streetfighter done up to look like an older monster. Headlight, tank, tail, reroute exhaust...