Monster Challenge?

[Curmudgeon]

Oh, and I just skipped riding the new 1200.  The thing is fugly and the more I look at it the less I like it.  Great shape with the tank and tail but those that rode it seemed underwhelmed when I spoke with them.  Of course there is only so much one can do on a test ride with a leader in front of them.  Several felt that the bike was "too heavy for a Monster" and "felt like every other bike".  I did not see the silly poo eating grin when people got off of it.

As you note, not much you can do behind a leader. 4V Ducatis tend to be rather smooth and deceptive too, so sometimes you're not aware until you look at the clock and notice you're doing MACH 2.  And being modern, it probably doesn't wheelie like an S4RS because they'd give the bike more front end bias I'm guessing.

You might well miss the "heartbeat" of your 2V. Only had one water-cooled 4V myself but agree all the plumbing feels like a higher center of gravity.

[brad black]

ime an all std s4rs was a bit of a dud.  the difference b/w that and a full system'd bike was quite amazing.  so an all std 1200 might feel a bit doughy too.

[twolanefun]

So I took the old gal out and put her in the challenege. I'm guessing we only had 1/2 dozen show to actually enter the competition, it wasn't great weather but still you would have thought more would show. I know there are some great Monsters in this area that did not show. The poster that was done up, by Ryan Danger, for Duc Pond is really great. After the competition I left her there for a minor mod and retrieved my Diavel which had been in for it's first service. So I got to ride the two bikes back to back. There is no doubt that I still love riding the M900 it's still my favorite bike in the garage, it is just so sorted out for me, my style of riding, and of course I made the mods to her to my liking. But I have to tell you that the Diavel is a hoot, very comfortable, the motor is great generating serious velocity any time, any where, just twist the right grip, and it also stops right now. I suspect these same qualities exist in the new M1200S, same motor in a different state of tune, same electronics, I don't think the longer wheel base will be a problem nor the weight and so IMHO it will be a great bike for anyone that makes a purchase. The one big difference for me is that the Monster is still more of a 1up bike. My lady, Nora, is very slender but she is 5'8" and she fits much better on the Diavel. I am fortunate to be able to still have my M900, she will stay in my garage forever, but I'm liking the new bike for different reasons. If I had the room and the money I'd also have a M1200s parked next to the M900. - Gene