monster ----> sport classic.. advice needed.

[tristantumble]

hi guys, after 5 years with my monster 695 (with termis) i've gotten the upgrade bug.

I found a '07 sport classic biposto locally and have taken it for a test ride, but wanted to get some feedback from fellow monster owners who might have made the same switch.

- i found the riding position to be as aggressive as everyone has described, after a 10 minute ride my back did hurt...do you get used to this? im assuming my body was in shock..getting back on my monster after felt like a cruiser.

- power/sound. even tough the SC has the 1000DS motor, i found the power gain to be negligible...i didnt get past 80 km/h and i kept it around 5K rpms.....where does the power difference kick in? As well, the termis sounded great on the SC, but not louder then on my M695... is the open air box smaller on the SC?

- any advice from people that have made the switch? did you get used to the riding position? did you regret it? as much as i would love to keep my monster, i cant justify 2 bikes.

- lastly the bike is asking around $12K with 5000 kms (canadian bike) does that seem right? i've looked online and it seems to line up with other used bikes that are simular.

thanks for your feedback.
tt.

[Bishamon]

I have both a Monster 796 and a Sport 1000.  I don't find the Sport 1000 comfortable enough for any long distance riding; after about an hour, the Sport 1000 becomes very uncomfortable (or in stop and go traffic it becomes uncomfortable much sooner ).  On the other hand, I'm only about 5'7" with ~30" inseam, so I can flat foot without difficulty, but the reach to the bars is where I have issues.

In terms of power there is a noticeable difference (I have the Termis/race ECU/intake on my Sport 1000 while my 796 is stock, performance-wise), but it is not nearly as significant as I would have expected.

If it were my only bike, the Sport 1000 would be fine for riding to work (~25 mins each way) and for short rides on the weekend (these two activities account for ~95% of my riding), but for anything longer I would be wishing I had the Monster.

[77south]

I have both a Sport 1000s with Termis and the DP ecu and a stock monster 620d.  The Sport 1000s clearly has more power, but worse ergos and suspension  (the suspension is my next project).  My sport 1000s sits in the garage unless I can take a pure pleasure ride.  If i need to wear a backpack or ride in traffic or be out for more than an hour or two, I take the monster. 

[corey]

i imagine that maybe you'd feel the difference a bit more clearly from a 1000DS monster? I'm probably grasping at straws here... but the SC is definitely a heavier bike, especially in the unsprung weight department. Those spoked wheels are heavy, and heavy wheels can really put a damper on the acceleration party.

still, the SC is probably one of my all-time favorite bikes. wish I could find/afford one.

from everything I've gathered, it's not really a great bike to have as your ONLY bike...

[tristantumble]

to be honest, im finding it hard to make this decision. i love my monster, i just did the tail chop, got new mirrors this year..and im finding it hard to let go....but i cant justify two bikes..then again, the prospect of starting the modding thing all over again with a sport classic sounds good too.....its definetly not the case of 'i need a new bike'..but do i want it? i think so... im also struggeling with the fact that my monster is super comfortable, and i'd be giving it up for a back  breaker of a bike...again from what i've read people do get used to the sport classic riding position.... but im a tad affraid if i dont, and ill regret selling the monster. oh.....the problems i have....

[geoffduc]

My advise Tristan is if you can afford to purchase the SC and still keep the monster just go and do it, life's to short to deign one's self and on the plus side SCs are making stupid money over here in the UK so you could be on to a winner...

Just an olde man's 2cents...

Geoff...

[Ducatamount]

Different experiences make for a richer life.Bikes come and go. 

[Buckethead]

Get it while you can.

There are a few things you can do to make it more comfortable to ride.

More importantly, this is one of your favorite bikes and you have the opportunity to own one. They're not making them anymore, and their values seem to be holding steady or rising. If you really want one of these bikes, sooner is better than later.

Besides, if you wind up having to sell it, it's doubtful you'll lose money.

As for the airbox, the SC uses a cylindrical filter like the Hypermotard. Brad Black did a writeup on opening up the airbox lid to get better flow.

[tristantumble]

so when the termi pipes and ecu get put on these bikes the air box stays as is? i guess that might be the reason why i felt like it was quieter when i was on it vs my monster. thanks for all the great advice, if i get the sport classic i will regretfully have to sell the monster....no room in my life for two bikes.

[SDRider]

A good friend of mine has a Sport Classic he bought new in 2007.  He loves the bike and it is his only bike.  Prior to this he owned a BMW R1150R, a Moto Guzzi Breva 750, a V-Strom 1000... and a few other bikes before that. 

I see ads all the time around here from people looking to buy a Sport Classic but don't see too many for sale and when they do pop up they are asking over $10k for them.  They seem to be holding their value well or even appreciating in value.

I keep telling him if he sells it that I want first crack at it.  I'd love to have it in my garage alongside my 1100 EVO.

[fastwin]

I sold my Sport 1000 because I had to... the economy stupid. But it had a full Ohlins upgrade front and back and the DP "comfort" bars and seat. I'm semi old so no, it wasn't a weekend long touring bike. That's my Hayabusa's job. What I did cost a ton but it was worth it. If I had to do it again I would have passed on the bike and stuck with my S2R1000 with similar up grades... Ohlins shock and fork valve kit. Luckily I still have the S2R1K... at least for now.

[showerfan]

fck yeah Sport Classic! buy it, it is awesome and worth it even if it sits in your garage? why on earth did they stop making that???

i want one, but all my money is disappearing into my old m900. i need ohlins suspension and keihin FCR carbs 

[koko64]

fck yeah Sport Classic! buy it, it is awesome and worth it even if it sits in your garage? why on earth did they stop making that???

i want one, but all my money is disappearing into my old m900. i need ohlins suspension and keihin FCR carbs 

Even a revalve/respring from a suspension specialist will help. A set of correctly jetted FCR 41s, minor air box mods and even some drop in hi comp pistons and your old 900 will feel like it was on steroids. Minor suspension work and FCRs on their own will make you happy and keep the bike. Hi comp and minor ignition adjustment will be a vivid difference.