Regarding SOUL - S2R vs 796

[Ever]

My heart loves the S2R. I'm hoping it will be my first Ducati, and next month I will have about $4-$6k saved to finally realize the dream.

The problem is the more I look, the more I find people asking prices for S2R's that are all over the map.

My question is this: how does the S2R1000 (and perhaps even the 800) stack up against the 796? I Google'd this and found some results. But I'm not looking for on-paper comparisons. "We" buy the Monster for the heart. If not, we might just settle for a Speed Triple. So there's my concern. Does the 796 have as much heart that I've (only) read the S2R has?

I'm not into the 696, but I could potentially fall for the 796 if it had the same soul, slightly better stats on paper and, perhaps most importantly, was priced around what feels like the same amount that these guys are asking for S2R-1000's.

I hope that makes sense. Thanks for any guidance

• S2R1k Sold three days ago for $4,150 with <5k miles http://www.ebay.com/itm/181464715490?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
• S2R1k Asking $5,999 with <5k miles http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2006-Ducati-Monster-S2R-112716503
• S2R1k Asking $7,500 with <5k miles http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2008-Ducati-MOSTER-S2R-S2R-112280278
• 2011 769 Asking $6,999 with <5k miles http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2011-Ducati-Monster-796-112722757

[Autostrada Pilot]

Buy what you like.  Performance is important, but one of the things I love about Monsters is the way they look.  Also, one thing to consider is suspension - the smaller bikes don't usually have as good of suspension as the larger engine sizes.

oh, and mods.  Mods always matter (and often explain $1k price differences in similar bikes). 

1 more thing.....location.  Very few Monsters for sale in my neck of the woods, so prices vary a little more between states-supply and demand and all that economics stuff.

[Curmudgeon]

A 796 has plenty of "heartbeat".  The "new" Monsters handle a bit differently as they have more weight on the front wheel. 796 also has a single-sided swing arm and decent ABS. same chassis as an 1100 EVO, etc The fork isn't bad but it can benefit a ton with a cheap Ohlins shock. No contest, IMO but you should probably try to ride both.

[Scoober1103]

If its whether or not the 796 gen monsters stir your heart and soul as much as the previous models the answer is yes and there will be quite a few people on here that will give you the same response! Its up to you which you prefer and they do ride very different so that comes down to your preference as well! I have a M1100 and my brother has an S4R and while both are beautiful to look at I prefer mine to ride!

Half the fun of looking for a new bike is getting to ride a gazzilion to find which you like best!

[Ever]

Thanks for these replies!

I suppose my issue is with test riding. I bought my first bike off a friend, so I'm not used to the politics of test driving a bike from a private seller. Is it commonplace to do so?

Perhaps I should participate more in my local bike groups to do the exchanges you're talking about?

[Scoober1103]

I'm not sure where your located but here in OZ it is easier to test ride bikes from dealers and used bike shops as the private market place can be hit or miss whether or not the owner will let you take his bike for a ride solo!

Jump into the 'Indroductions' page and and people in your area may have better advice!

Cheers,

Scott

[koko64]

S2R1000 models are already fetching high prices for what they are. I say go for the torque of the big bore.   S2R1000 models will be collectable and are already a most desirable model. In the end ride both and choose what fits you best like a custom cut suit. It's all in the fit.

[duccarlos]

I'm a bit partial to the S2R because of the dry clutch and I found it more comfortable than riding the gen2 Monsters. Like Curmudgeon mentions above, the riding position move more weight over the front wheel, which puts more pressure on you wrists. The 796 has its advantages, like ABS and probably better handling.

[SDRider]

I've only ridden one older Monster and it was an S4R and it didn't really do much to stir my soul.

I do like the look of the trellis frame on the older Monsters but for riding I kind of prefer the newer ones.

[Curmudgeon]

I've only ridden one older Monster and it was an S4R and it didn't really do much to stir my soul.

I do like the look of the trellis frame on the older Monsters but for riding I kind of prefer the newer ones.

I'd wager $0.05 (my largest bet  ) that most who are infatuated with older Monsters have never ridden a "new" one. 

[DarkMonster620]

I'd wager $0.05 (my largest bet  ) that most who are infatuated with older Monsters have never ridden a "new" one. 

I've ridden all 3 generation of Monsters, the X96/1100 series might have been a little more nimble and communicative and less costly to maintain, the newer gen, more "hi-tech" but, riding position does nothing for me, passenger pegs that don't allow me to ride "ball of the feet" I feel like, "no control with my legs" . . . Myself, happy owner of a M620, what I call "Monster 1.5" since it followed the same design as the first M900, although, a "better" frame, it has it quirks, but, it does have a soul and it stirs mine . . . The M696/796 we had as demo bikes, they did something but, not at the same level

[red baron]

FWIW, I would NOT buy a DS motor with less than 6K as many need expensive valve guide work and I would not want to have to pay for that. If they made it to or past the 6K service (assuming it was done correctly) this would likely have been found and fixed.

That being said and having owned one, the S2R1k is very soul stirring, rich in ways that many other lack:

SSSA
Adj suspension
better brakes
ride height adj

Getting the DS motor to breathe opens up a whole new world. I rode mine in stock form for about 6k and then installed the full Termi kit and ECU, dead reliable, fun, and even fuel efficient.

The newer gen does nothing for me as far as appearance.

[ute]

Real Monsters have Round headlights             ( Flame away ...lol )

S2R all the way it has soul ,passion and that unexplained "feeling"  ( and I have ridden the new Monsters ( My son works for the local Duc dealer ))

IMO there is no comparison the old style Monster was just done right 

[otter1]

I have a S2R 1000 and a 796. Both are sweet!

Pro: The 796 has a more comfortable and flickable ride. Full warrenty and Plenty of aftermarkets parts are avail too.
Cons: looks alittle generic and plastic, no dry clutch.

Pro: The S2R gets more looks and I love the Dry clutch.
Con: ?, not sure if there are any major ones.

[Rudemouthsky]

Never ridden a 796 but I REALLY want to. What do you prefer, lazy or revvy engines? The 600/620/750/800/796 platform has a shorter stroke than the 1000, and is probably a lot of fun in the canyons. But for a daily rider/sole motorcycle I prefer the 900>1000 platform; lazy, torquey beast. There's def reason to have both. I found I really missed my M750 for that reason, I honestly think it's more fun to ride in a way. That's why I'm throwing it back together, to flog it One day I will have a 4 valve Duc and my garage will be complete, with every flavour of Desmo represented.