2012+ 796 vs. '09 1100S ?

[pwrofdrm]

Hi- thanks for reading. New to the forum and Monster as well as motorcycle community and looking for some advice.

I've always been a car guy but a recent move to the big city forced the sale of my toys. I'm getting the itch for a bike for the first time ever, took an MSF course to get my license, and I'm in the market for my first bike.

I've always been a fan of Ducati Monsters since childhood. Naturally a Monster is my first choice, further reinforced every time I sit on one and talk to an owner. The bike just fits me and feels more comfortable than anything else that I look at.

I'm looking around for a deal on a leftover or pre-owned 2012 796 based on reviews, test drives and aesthetics. It seems to offer everything I need. Today however, I came across a leftover 2009 M1100S at a dealer I visited. It's brand new never registered, and the shop is offering it for a "Deal" of $12,995. It's not the colour I prefer (it's pearl white, I want red). But from what the shop owner told me it's a fantastic deal on much more bike for the money.

Upon further research, it seems as though this bike originally stickered for $13,995, so considering this thing is 4 years old it doesn't sound like such a great deal. He did offer to swap out plastics to achieve the colour scheme I want though. He may be negotiable as well, but judging by conversation with him probably not by too much.

Just looking for input from more experienced riders. I'm no newb to speed and responsibility having plenty of on track experience in cars. I don't plan on tracking this bike just yet, maybe one day. For now it would be used for cruising and the occasional highway commute to work. I need more experience with whatever bike I choose before I brave a track day.

So, should I continue my search for a good deal on what I want? Or opt for the 'upgrade'? From what I understand, a new 1100 Evo with similar options (Ohlins, carbon, etc.) would be upwards of $15k. On one hand I could have a top of the line Monster for only ~$2000 more than a new 796. On the other, this is an older bike and might be more than I can handle.

Much appreciated!

[LowThudd]

My opinion as a newer rider as well, that 1100 is ALOT of muscle for a first bike. Even the 796 is plenty for a first bike. Maybe you have more experience than you let on, but an 1100 right out of MSF would not be my first choice(realistically anyway). A throttle tamer may make it a bit more user friendly in traffic, but that is alot of bike. just my half penny opinion. lol

[Raux]

Look up nada values for 0 mile 1100s
offer him that

both should give you 2year warranty
also if you go 1100 make sure belts and fluids are changed as part of purchase
 
The 1100s suspension is the best of the new monsters

but yes you will have to learn throttle restraint with the 1100

You didn't mention your age
might want to check insurance rates on both first

[stopintime]

Remember that it's this salesman's job to give the impression you got.
Then think about how he feels to   f i n a l  l y  sell this bike.

It should get new tires and cam belts, you want free body plastic AND you want 2K off the price tag...

His dilemma is if he should get rid of this bike OR wait another year or three for a customer willing to pay more than you. My opinion is that you have the power here - also because you're relaxed about your choices.

An '09 bike will be worth a lot less next year than a '12 will be. That should also be counted.

So, 10% more than it will be worth as a used five year old bike next year (whatever that is) and new belts, tires and body plastic. That's my suggestion. Your only chance to get that deal is to show up with a pen in your hand and tell him to prepare a sale on those conditions - no negotiations.

Good luck

[LowThudd]

For comparison(and to show the salesman), here is a '12 1100 with extras for $10k on eBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2012-Ducati-Monster-1100-EVO-EXTRAS-/171015555973?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item27d1524b85#ht_1968wt_1165

[pwrofdrm]

Thanks guys...

Great advice...between this and some other feedback I've gotten, I'm thinking I need to secure a better deal to make the 1100s a smart purchase. The story behind the bike is that it was part of another dealer's inventory who went under, the shop that is selling it now just got it in over the winter. I'm dealing directly with the owner of the shop which will probably make negotiation a bit more difficult. I'm patient though.

I did some comparison shopping, but I haven't researched NADA or Blue Book. I didn't even consider it actually. I'll look into that now.

Thanks!

[Curmudgeon]

Naturally you "want a good deal". I'd suggest you buy what you want to ride rather than a "deal". A 796 will be more nimble. Mine needed a shock but a 1100S may benefit from mods as well. I didn't "require" an 1100 Evo or I'd have bought one. BTW, this is my 8th Ducati and 33rd (?) bike. IMO, buy what you want to ride.

[SpikeC]

 I don't understand how a 796 could be more more nimble as it does not weigh any less. Does the smaller rear tire make that much difference?

[Betty]

I've always been a fan of Ducati Monsters since childhood.

Did anybody else feel a whole lot older reading this?

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is the clutch. The 1100S has a dry clutch (correct me if I'm wrong) - this alone could be enough to swing the decision one way or the other. Probably not as smooth for a beginner ... but if you want to open it up - you no longer have this option with the newer bikes. May not be an immediate consideration but could be shortly.

Although the suspension has been mentioned - I will add ... it is often the first thing people suggest being upgraded/modified (disregarding those who can see no other opinion on the 14t front sprocket). If you can't achieve the optimum with simple adjustment on the 1100 it will still be cheaper to modify than upgrading the 796 (making up the original capex difference).

[Curmudgeon]

I don't understand how a 796 could be more more nimble as it does not weigh any less. Does the smaller rear tire make that much difference?

Tires and frame are identical. Suspension components are different. Not something you'd conclude from the numbers, only on a back-to-back ride over the same demo course. Pretty clear to me but your mileage might vary.

[Curmudgeon]

Betty!

Still having glorious weather down under?! Last Sunday we had snow but tomorrow may be a very tolerable 20 C!!!

Good point about the APTC. Mine works great and would, as you say, provide a lot less drama to a beginner with a poorly timed downshift!

Didn't follow what you were saying about costs though. Here a 796 ABS = ~ $10,000 USD and my Ohlins, 14T and Rizoma bar were ~ $750 total. There's another ~ 10% improvement likely possible in the suspension department, but the cost might give me nosebleed! Works dandy as is.

Best Regards!

[Betty]

Still having glorious weather down under?! Last Sunday we had snow but tomorrow may be a very tolerable 20 C!!!

Still in the 20s here ... can't say I have seen any snow though ... ever!

Didn't follow what you were saying about costs though. Here a 796 ABS = ~ $10,000 USD and my Ohlins, 14T and Rizoma bar were ~ $750 total. There's another ~ 10% improvement likely possible in the suspension department, but the cost might give me nosebleed! Works dandy as is.

I was just picking up on the comment in the original post of $2,000 more than a 796. But you are right I have no idea of the costs over there ... other than knowing they are so ridiculously cheap compared to here I don't really want to know.

I figured you could easily spend $1,000 on an Ohlins shock and to upgrade to a fully adjustable front end (particularly Ohlins) would probably cost more than that. Plus labour, blah, blah, blah if that is necessary. The non-adjustable front is probably the expensive consideration.

[Curmudgeon]

  We have four seasons in Central Virginia, usually nothing TOO radical, but it can get damn warm here in August!

The 796 Ohlins complete with spring for my weight was $625 direct from Ohlins in North Carolina to my dealer. It's a cheapie but it works. The damping has only one screw but it adjusts compression along with rebound. Only needed to back it off one click after setting the sag. The non-adjustable Marzocchi fork on the 796 is pretty decent. Would probably respond well to a change to Spectro from the Shell that's in there. That always smoothed out my BMW's. Right now it's very controlled and firm but not harsh with no shock transmitted from BIG bumps. No doubt it could be plusher and just as controlled for $4K - $5K more! The adjustable Ohlins shock from DP for the Evo is $1,800 alone!