Monster 796 vs Monster 1100S

[Springbok_Rider]

Hi,

Well, I thought I had made a decision on a 2012 796, but might actually get better finance terms on a 2010 Monster 1100S. The issue is that I won't have a chance to test ride the bikes as I am abroad at the moment and purchasing ahead of time so I can pick up the bike in Spring (UK) and ride it back here to Norway.

I've been reading a lot of threads, including the one here comparing all the monsters. However, I wondered if someone could provide some definitive information on both bikes with regards to handling and ergonomics? I'm 5'7 so probably won't feel cramped, and really looking for a bike just to have fun with in the countryside.

Does the 1100 hande as well as the 796? Which is most comfortable? Advice appreciated.

Thanks,
Antony

[EEL]

Ohlins helps significantly on the 1100s. The difference will be the clutch pull, the lack of a slipper clutch and the increased torque and lack of abs.

Personally I don't like the dry clutch and the way it feels. But the 1100s package is comprehensively better beside that.

[Springbok_Rider]

Thanks for the response. Something about the 796 is really swaying me in that direction. It could be that there are more videos with the bike compared to the 1100S (EVO exluded). The one I'm looking at has a nicer paint scheme as well which helps. I don't like the silver wheels on the 1100.

I like that the 796 has a lower seat height and ABS (though doesn't the 2010 1100s also have ABS?).

Having said that, I wonder if I would long for the power and the suspension of the 1100. The 1100 sounds amazing exhaust wise, but I'm not keen on the sound of the dry clutch and it would likely taking getting used to.

My current rationale is that I can get a 1100 in a couple of years if I liked and outgrew the 796. However, it's an expensive purchase and I don't want to regret anything. Decisions...

It's hard not to want to get a 796 with videos like these about:

[MadDuck]

If you have to even ask the question 796 vs 1100S and then start to justify the 796 then clearly the 796 is for you.     If the 1100S was truly the bike for you then you wouldn't even consider the 796.  You have to go with what shows up on the radar screen the most. That bit of advice has never failed me. 

[Springbok_Rider]

Lol, that's how I usually decide. The only issue is 95% of people seem to recommend the 1100 over the 796 (dealer included even though it's cheaper in this case) and since it's a pretty similar bike perhaps they aren't wrong. He said the 1100 has just had it's cam belt done so that should be a factor. Though the 796 is younger and due for warranty coupon E this year of it's maintenance intervals. Both are single owner bikes with service history. I asked and the 2010 doesn't have ABS although that's not really an issue - or hasn't been so far.

[Springbok_Rider]

Screw it. Your words convinced me MadDuck - It doesn't feel right choosing the 1100 so I'm going for the 796. I can always trade up to a 1100 Evo or something in a year or two. I'm really looking for a smooth bike I can chill out in the countryside with rather than something that I can't use fully. I feel I need to go back to basics anyway after my last two bikes.

[Uksurfer]

I owned a 796, I had it for around a year, did 6k on it, I now own a 1100evo.

I previously had a M600 and a S4. My advice would be take the 1100 if it's affordable

[Springbok_Rider]

Thanks. Do you recon there is a big difference from the evo to the regular 1100s? How does the 796 compare in handling to your current bike?

[koko64]

Go the big bore.
1100DS is the last of the air cooled big bore with dry clutch. End of an era.
Evo has wet clutch but is the end of the 1100 engine era. Has abs, etc if you want that. Motor has more top end and lighter internals but the DS has more midrange grunt. Both are great. They dont make anything over 800cc that is not water cooled and 4 valves anymore.

[EEL]

The suspension on the 796 is less than desirable. You'll spend money getting it to work right. This is not the case for the 1100s. If you plan on upgrading to an 1100 evo, the forks are abysmal there too. I own one.  Again more money to rework.

Stick with the 1100s and its factory ohlins bits will retain value way better when you decide to get another bike. 

[Dochunt]

I have a 2012 M796. For casual street riding you don't any anything more. The ABS is good security and helps with resale as everyone expects it now.  You will only notice the suspension issues if you plan to ride very aggressively.
As with most modern bikes you will never get to it's limits.

[MadDuck]

I have seen & rode with people who moved out of their comfort/skill zone to get the "more desirable" bigger bike. Sometime it works but mostly it doesn't and they don't seem to have as much fun when they ride. Go with what you really feel is right for you and forget the rest.

[Springbok_Rider]

Thanks for the responses. It's not so much a comfort zone issue. My last two bikes were an SV650 and a CBR600. I wanted a litre V twin just because I'm really looking for something to be able to easily cruise around with but also have fun when the time comes. I considered an SP2 but they're expensive for old bikes and not exactly made for leisurely country rides.

If both bikes handle well - or the suspension of the 1100s really is that significant for spirited riding then perhaps having the extra power of the 1100s is the way to go. The main reason I was pulled toward the 796 (aside from the looks as I prefer the black wheels and frame to the silver of the 1100) was the lower seat height and the fact that I can rag it everywhere with less chance of losing my license. Though looking at a few videos, I do wonder if I'll long for the bigger engine soon after buying it. Modifications are expensive so perhaps going for the larger bike and tweaking it to keep over a few years is smarter than getting the 796 for a shorter time.

[StephenC]

I can only comment on the 1100S but it is a great bike and I only regretted selling it... so I bought another!

[MadDuck]

Thanks for the responses. It's not so much a comfort zone issue. My last two bikes were an SV650 and a CBR600. I wanted a litre V twin just because I'm really looking for something to be able to easily cruise around with but also have fun when the time comes. I considered an SP2 but they're expensive for old bikes and not exactly made for leisurely country rides.

If both bikes handle well - or the suspension of the 1100s really is that significant for spirited riding then perhaps having the extra power of the 1100s is the way to go. The main reason I was pulled toward the 796 (aside from the looks as I prefer the black wheels and frame to the silver of the 1100) was the lower seat height and the fact that I can rag it everywhere with less chance of losing my license. Though looking at a few videos, I do wonder if I'll long for the bigger engine soon after buying it. Modifications are expensive so perhaps going for the larger bike and tweaking it to keep over a few years is smarter than getting the 796 for a shorter time.

Now that's a different story.........