Looking into which 1100 Monster to buy?

[nheaney696]

Sooooo...... I sold my 696 Monster, then got a Scrambler..... I just sold the Scrambler to steal my husbands 2012 796 Monster. So now he needs a bike! I was thing 959 Panigale but I really didn't like the riding position/feel of the bike. So I'm thinking a Monster 1100. What would be the best year/combo in your opinion? Yes I'm looking used/low miles......

Thoughts?

[DarkMonster620]

M1100 Evo or M1100S . . .

Try to go for "as stock as possible" . .  then you do the modifying

[EEL]

You're in luck. I can provide first hand experience on this one. I had the opportunity to pick up a dirt cheap 1100S two months ago while I still owned my 2012 1100 Evo . I couldn't pass on the opportunity so I made a decision to "buy now, decide later" on which I would get rid of.

I literally rode both of these back to back for the sole purpose of understanding which I wanted to keep.

1) Fueling : I hate to say this but the 1100S runs smoother than the 1100 EVO. Cant say if its the detuned nature of the 1100 ECO (due to emissions) or the wonderful dual spark plug configuration on the 1100S that just works. My 1100 S had the DP racing ecu with termis on it while my EVO had a power commander with autotune.

2) Suspension: The stock 1100S front forks are orders of magnitude better than the stock 1100 EVO forks. I almost crashed on my first ride due to the horribly soft springs on the EVO. Once you upgrade the springs however, the suspension seems to work well. Look for my post about the oil weight if you get the 1100 EVO. Though the slightly modified forks are good, the ohlins are noticeably better at bump absorption.

3) Looks: Always subjective but the 1100 EVO has removable passenger pegs vs the 1100S has the crazy chicken wings. My opinion is the lower slung exhaust is more appealing on the 1100 EVO

4) Clutch: In my opinion, the 1100 EVO slipper beats the dry clutch hands down. The dry clutch was very grabby and came on unpredictably compared to the 1100 EVO. The slipper option is a great safety measure as well in case you accidentally jam down to a lower gear. I'm almost positive the dry clutch has a shorter lifespan as well. My last ducati wet slipper clutch lasted 47000 miles and I'm expecting at least 30k out of the 1100 EVO.

5) Tech: For me the only feature I like on the 1100 EVO is the ABS. I tend to be fairly aggressive on the throttle and the traction control is too intrusive even in the lowest setting. The later model 1100S did have ABS (right before they were replaced with the EVO)

So based on the a above, I stuck with my original selection of the 1100 EVO over the S. The ohlins goodies are nice but with thoughtful upgrades, you can make the 1100 EVO a better bike. In the end, the 1100 EVO is just easier to ride and as such, I can ride more comfortably at a faster pace. Realistically what turned me off most was the dry clutch itself. If you're not accustomed to its feel, you're going to hate it.

[EEL]

Obligatory photo of both bikes.

2012 1100 EVO





2009 1100S

[nheaney696]

Thank you EEL for such a detailed breakdown! I'm more keen on the 1100 Evo because of the ABS but I did hear about the forks/suspension being not ideal. I've also heard about steering at high speeds being a little wobbly. Is that true? Would installing a dampener correct the issue. I live in Monterey- I've got my eye on a 2012 Monster 1100 Evo. 2700 miles. Pretty stock except for mirrors. He's asking $8500 obo. Does that seem like a fair price?

[nheaney696]

Here's a link to the ad http://monterey.craigslist.org/mcy/5608786819.html


 

[koko64]

Try to get a test ride on each. The DS1100 and Evo1100 motors have different characters, much to do with the weight (or lack of in the case of the Evo) of internal engine components.
Good luck.

[Düb Lüv]

There's a 2013 anniversary 1100evo in Daytona beach Florida on eBay. I think it's pretty cheap. Seems that the newer monster prices are all over the place.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/302009845061

[koko64]

My favorite Evo Monster.

[EEL]

That monster has been on craigslist for almost a year and a half. I remember seeing it right after I bought mine (I live in San Jose). He / she is not in a hurry to sell so negotiation is probably out of the question.

As for steering damper, you'll see my EVO has one too. Part of the issue with the wobble is the improper stock suspension. Once this is mitigated, its not necessarily needed until you get really aggressive. Then it's a safe thing to have on all bikes.

Too bad! I just sold that 1100S about a month ago.

PM me if you have any questions about the EVO. I may have lead on one of the other 1100 EVO bikes on CL in the bay area. I may be able to make an introduction if you are interested.

[EEL]

Also FYI. If you buy the EVO, I have a set of racetech springs that I could be able to sell you to fix the spring rate.

I recently upgraded to a new cartridge so i dont need them. If you husband is around 175lbs, it would be perfect for him.

[IZ]

I had a 2010 1100.  Wishing I still had it!  I put roughly 25,000 miles on that bike in about a year and a half.  IIRC..that was the last year for the Monsters with under the seat pipes.  So much more balanced looking than the EVO and newer Monsters IMO.  I had the Arrow Darks installed.  Things got a little hot riding around Phoenix though under the seat and on the right leg.  Beware of that.  I would definitely get an "S" model if you run across one. Good luck with the search!

[nheaney696]

Thank you everyone for your advice. EEL- how funny, I live in Monterey!

[nheaney696]

Duh. I already said that. It's slim pickings around here for 1100s. I'm not in love with the new monsters either. And patience is not my virtue.

[EEL]

To give you an idea of how much my 1100S sold for (since we are in relatively the same region). I went for $7500 with 7800 miles on it.

That should be the around what you should pay for a stock 1100 EVO. If you can get that 1100 EVO you're looking at for 7k you're getting a good deal.

Remember - Belts are by age or miles. so you most likely have instant maintenance before you ride it. I'll put money that  the seller didnt replace them yet.