New Monster 1198

[showerfan]

re the price -- it should cost more than a streetfighter. it has a bigger, better engine and a real metal tank, it has ABS and traction control. and it's their best seller at (currently but probably rising) a quarter of all the bikes they sell:

http://www.bloomberg.com/video/audi-s-1b-bet-on-the-affordable-superbike-zkc4bFvdQ1ySAqBCIzz6DQ.html

[duc_fan]

Love it.  

Metal tank FTW.

Love that the fuel tank actually looks like a fuel tank, unlike the "middle year" (Gen II?) Monsters with the side panels.  Those just remind me of the cheesy BMW airbox covers made to look like a fuel tank.

I like the fact they kept a trellis up front, but it has the wasp-waisted look of a frameless superbike.

I like the tail.  It needs the typical aftermarket cleanup, of course... but that's a given for all production street bikes.  This one will clean up nicely.

Love that they fixed the headlight.  I hated the bar through it on the Gen II bikes.

I like the forward mass look.  Reminds me of the original S4R, which (in blue/white) is still my favorite.

So yeah... I'd hit it.


(Still not sold on RbW... dial-a-horsepower is cool, but I don't trust throttle-by-wire in a Japanese car, why the hell would I trust an Italian version of it when I'm on the edge of my tires mid-corner?  Digital lag sucks, and the Italians aren't exactly renowned for reliable electrics.  This is my only beef with this bike.)

[duccarlos]

This is what the new gen Monster should have been! They actually listened!

[nickshelby500kr]

[The Architect]

Just one question.

How do you keep the front wheel on the ground?

[duccarlos]

Ask any S4RS owner

[DRKWNG]

if i bought one, which i probably won't because i love the original best, i would probably only make one change: the frame and wheels should be gold like Senna's.

You mean red, right?

[SpikeC]

 I like it! Now I just need a secret garage to hide it in............
It looks to me like a very worthy successor to the S4R.

[ducpainter]

I like it.  Like previous water-cooled Monsters, it has a lot more visual mass in the front.  I've ridden this engine (in the Diavel & Multistrada) and think it will be a fine choice for a lighter bike like this Monster.  The headlight is now fixed.  I still can't get over the previous line through the middle.  It looked better when done in black like the Diesel version, but still it was a retarded styling move.  It looks like they might have lowered the tail section a little.  Without the design requirement to have an under-tail exhaust system it does not need to be so high.

I'll take mine done in Diesel like colors with the black forks and headlight surround.  

Ya think you can come up with an adjective besides retarded to characterize Ducati's styling choices?

[DRKWNG]

Ya think you can come up with an adjective besides retarded to characterize Ducati's styling choices?

On the monster line?  Not really.

[Triple J]

On the monster line?  Not really.

DP isn't commenting on the criticism of Ducati's design choices, but rather the specific adjective used. There are plenty of more appropriate ones.

[Goat_Herder]

I, for one, really like the designing cues and how it is still unmistakenly a Monster.  There is every thing to like except for the price...

The Streetfighter was supposed to replace the S4R in the "New" Monster line up.  Now that we have a true liquid-cooled Monster, it makes sense that the SF1099 was gone.  So what does it mean for SF848?  Does it still have a niche?  I suppose it could live on to be the frameless SF899.

[Travman]

Ya think you can come up with an adjective besides retarded to characterize Ducati's styling choices?

Yes. I apologize. I know why we don't use that word as a casual adjective anymore. 

[polivo]

blah.  Too busy. I dont like the headlight.. prefer the "gladiatior" style headlight on the previous models. grab rails, yech. OK, now for the good.  Jesus.. that engine!

[hbliam]

Ask any S4RS owner

Having experienced the 1198 motor...S4Rs owners have no idea. The 1198 is far and above more grunt, more refined, more of everything.