I hope this message finds you well and IF you are lurking forums trying to make a decision, I hope this may persuade you to make that decision.
This is flat out the most fun bike I have ever had. I, like many started young and rode basically anything my dad brought home from the junk yard. My brother and I swapped the same old 5HP Briggs and Stratton motor across go karts, 3 wheelers, and mini bikes. From there we finally upgraded to dirt bikes and then as we got old enough...into motorcycles.
I say all that to say my first bike purchased by me was a 2003 R1 which I purchased back in 2008. She has ran like a dream since the day I bought her. But after a while, I wanted to get into some track days and hooliganism so I bought myself a 2008 Aprilia SXV 550 which I loved but just didnt feel like going through the headaches of the routine maintanence and engine rebuilds so I sold her for something which was a little better for putting around the city and was more upright position, so I opted for a 2013 KTM 690 Duke.
After 2 years with the Duke, I found I lost the joy because it never gave me the feeling I was wanting or the power I liked. The giddy up and go was just not there.
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SO that left me with the decision of a new bike. I wanted something that would fill the void of power but still maintained a small footprint and a more upright position. As well, I really really wanted to get back to V-Twin world because I loved the torque and sound after owning my aprilia SXV.
HENCE Ducati world...here I come!!! I struggled with the decision of going for a more newer model or staying with the 1100 and the last of the air cooled.
I opted for the
2012 1100 Evo because of a couple reasons
1. Small Footprint (almost the same as my KTM 690...might actually be smaller)
2. Off of this forum and the other (ducati.ms and ducatimonster.org) it was evident that the previous generation was lighter and sort of stuck to the
"monster" way. Powerful, torquey, jerky and just a .... monster (no pun intended)
3. THAT FREGGIN SOUND...lawd!!
4. The price... I basically picked up a new old stock. I picked up a 2012 with 749 miles on it for way under the KBB and NaDa Guide price.
First Ride Report:
So I immediately applied the fender eliminator, frame/axal sliders, Spark High Mount Exhaust. I took her out today because we FINALLY got a break in the weather and had a 60 degree day. I rode for about 2 hours. To work, around the city, home, back out for no reason, home, back out to pick up my niece a bday gift and then a quick jot through the back roads.
AMAZING is pretty much all I can say. It was the first thing I told my wife....this is the bike I was meant to have. I felt one with it and I have not adjusted any suspension but she just hugged the curves with very very little bounce. I am guessing that is all the "suspension is HARD" topics I read because she is definitely solid. As well, it still has the stock tires which I must say performed great even with the road wetness. I am a Michelin Pilot Road guy but these Pirelli felt very good. I may have to look more into them.
I had 2 guys at stop lights ask me what year and give me kudos on the sound. They said it sounded like heaven coming over the hill then like hell as I passed them. LOL.
Given the riding position and the small wind screen...it feels like you are almost floating because it is like a widescreen view. I barely see the instrument cluster unless I really look down for it. Not sure if this is making sense at all but I am trying to explain the "openness" of the ride.
All in all, I can tell already, it is exactly what I was looking for. I wanted something that was in the middle between my R1 and KTM 690 and this is the perfect fit. I am actually selling the KTM and my oldest brother wants my R1. After riding the Monster, I actually might go ahead and let it go.
-- I hope this may help someone if you are struggling with choices of bikes or wanting to decide on a 1100 Evo or something else. This is all the bike I need and probably won't be buying another for quite some time.
AND Now..
