monster mania

[Curmudgeon]

Read this thread. Don't know how you missed it.  http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=69843.0

Starting with 696, M1100, there is a different weight distribution and geometry vs the earlier Monsters and the front end feels/is more planted.

[Rudemouthsky]

I grew up riding 2 stroke bikes as well.

It sounds like he's looking for the "fun" factor more so than "all out power" factor since he loves the baby 696 so much. In that case why not go with a 796 or S2R800 which has the shorter 66mm stroke of the 916 (or an S4 with the 916 motor if he wants it all). Super revvy motors.

I think a longer stroke motor like a 900 might feel "lazy" to Mr. Rufus.

[rufus1138]

Mouthsky hit it on the head, however I'm still gonna ride all of em I can, I've got some real good feedback on am idea to get a ktm 300xcw supermoto, so I'm gonna have my funbike toy, and wifey is very encouraging about buying new for me as well, I gotta agree that our dealership and the new purchase experience with the 696 has been awesome so far, if the 796 they had hangs out till July I may pull the trigger on it, like I said tho, the numbers on the 821 are impressive

[Rudemouthsky]

The 796 (actually is 803cc) shares the same boreXstroke as the S2R800 and (I think) the somewhat rare M800 (someone will correct me if I'm wrong), so if you like the ride of the 796 but prefer the look of the old school Monsta, you'll like those 2 bikes. 'Cept you'll probably want to upgrade the infamously crappy front forks. Actually my old M750 had the same 88mm bore as those engines as well as the 916, it kinda explains why I've had such "sellers remorse" for basically parting it out in favor of a 900. It was just plain good fun and a fantastic street bike. I will probably own another one as a "rat bike" project since low mileage 750 engines can be had for $500 all day long and I have enough spare parts in bins to build it, lol.

This thread reminds me of the first bike that terrified the shit outta me...a Kawasaki A7 Avenger. I will own one of those some day too...(very lucky I didn't destroy my friends dads' who still doesn't know I took it for a joy ride 20 years ago)

[rufus1138]

thanks for that info, im getting a good crash course in monster history here lol, I love them for sure, reviews and looks are gonna have me torn between the 821 and 1200 basically, not interested in modding a monster to fix big deficiencies, and im gonna be very disappointed I think in one of the old ones that was pre-frame geometry change to the new ones. im hooked on the sound and feel of these l twin sports machines tho, makes street riding more fun, don't get me wrong, I still love the r6 and its rabid screaming powerplant but tons of torque on tap and no holes in the power band is addictive.

[dbran1949]

I know I'm a little biased but get a used 07 S4RS. put a 14 tooth front sprocket on. it doesn't have the hit of a two stroke like my old Mach III H1 but it will surprise you as the revs rise in second and third and it lifts the front wheel 

http://www.motorcycle.com/features/church-mo-2006-ducati-s4rs.html

[rufus1138]

will keep the s4r(s) on the table, there are some decent looking used ones around using search tempest but im ear marked for a test ride on the new 1200s this Saturday and im putting together plans for a ktm 300 xcw (sm/old school motogp hybrid) after I get the monster paid off 

[mdgore]

Your wife is going to ride the baby Monster, so I would get something that is right in there with her, like the 796 or the 821.   Both bikes are plenty for street riding.  The one thing I will say about riding with your SO, ride to their level, not yours.  I've found that women (this is just a general observation) aren't into riding for anything but the pleasure of riding.  Leave your manliness behind and be with your partner, there are no trophy's handed out at the end of a street ride.  Yes, you want your SO to improve, but think of how long it took you to become proficient and confident. I see so many guys try to get their SO into riding, and they just pass over the beginner bikes, telling them: oh, you'll outgrow those real quick.  Really?  What makes you think that she wants to be a ricky racer, canyon carver?  It takes YEARS to become a decent street rider.  Pushing someone to ride to your level will just put them off riding. 

Disclaimer: yes, there are some seriously good female riders, but they are a minority within a minority.  If she wants to get serious, she can always move up.  Keep it simple, keep it safe, when starting out.

[Ducatamount]

The KTM seat height is lower than the Hyper's?

[rufus1138]

The KTM seat height is lower than the Hyper's?

The ktm will be lowered significantly, it's going to be modified extensively to turn it into a vintage inspired road racer