Hi all, new member, etc. Years ago I rode motorcycles, a crappy suzki, a Honda 750, a Triumph Tiger, a BMW boxer and finally a 1980 Ducati 900SS with all the usual add ons. I miss it terribly. So now after all these years I am prepping to buy another motorcycle and it IS going to be a Ducati. I haven't kept up I'm afraid so I'm looking for input on what to get. My budget is up to $10k and I'm a bit enamored of the Monsters. I like the visible frame and engine. I'm not looking for a fully fared bike. I'd like to be able to see the engine and frame so a minimal (or no) faring is what's wanted. Also maybe a bit more comfortable of a riding position than my SS would be good. I see that there are 2 valve and 4 valve versions of the monster, etc. Can any of you frequent posters and pundits point me towards particularly good threasds or offer some good advice for a middle aged rider returning to the fold? I want sporty, I want reasonable performance but I'm not nec. looking to impress anyonne. I just want a throaty, elemental, big twin to cruise the canyons on and take the wife for the occasional ride. Oh, and sometimes go stupidly fast on.
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What to get?
- Thread starter alexis b
- Start date
TheVintageBug
New member
You can cruise down further in the Monster forum. FWIW my Chief has an S4RS Tricolore and not only is it a beautiful Duc, but it rides very nice, competent as hell when riding in the canyons etc. and pretty darn comfy while doing it, plus, unlike my 1098 with its tampon for a pillion seat, the Monsters seating is very nice.
A younger Soldier of mine has the 696, although smaller cc' this bike is probably the funnest bike I've ridden. I can't get it to wheelie, but just commuting around town and canyons, its a very fun bike.
Good luck and welcome back to the riding.
Charlie
A younger Soldier of mine has the 696, although smaller cc' this bike is probably the funnest bike I've ridden. I can't get it to wheelie, but just commuting around town and canyons, its a very fun bike.
Good luck and welcome back to the riding.
Charlie
First off welcome aboard shady.
IMO you can't go wrong with any of the new monsters, the new bikes require less maintenance yet are more reliable than the previous models (according to Ducati). The new 2valve 1100 monsters for example are light weight have 95bhp and handle great. If however you want to go even more stupidly fast look at a monster s4r or s4rs, they use the 4valve 996 and 998 engines and are putting out around 115 and 130bhp respectively, plus because some dealers still have a few sitting around you can usually find good deals on them. Ultimately you'll need to go to a dealer for some test rides and make the decision for yourself.
IMO you can't go wrong with any of the new monsters, the new bikes require less maintenance yet are more reliable than the previous models (according to Ducati). The new 2valve 1100 monsters for example are light weight have 95bhp and handle great. If however you want to go even more stupidly fast look at a monster s4r or s4rs, they use the 4valve 996 and 998 engines and are putting out around 115 and 130bhp respectively, plus because some dealers still have a few sitting around you can usually find good deals on them. Ultimately you'll need to go to a dealer for some test rides and make the decision for yourself.
Due December 14th
New member
Honestly, out of the 696 and 1100, get the 696, I rode it around and couldn't keep the smile off my face. The 1100... bored me. Exact same roads, the 696 felt like a Ducati, the 1100 is just too big for a 2 valve. It's like a lazy engine compared to the smaller brother.
Haven't ridden the s4r series, give them a try as well. But they would probably be fun.
Haven't ridden the s4r series, give them a try as well. But they would probably be fun.
I have a S4RS, standard with some cosmetics, and I can tell you its a really versatile bike. Great for riding around town, and dodging cagers. And easy to ride fast in the canyons, or as in my case roundabouts (sorry, no cayons here). Upto about 100pmh, the windblast is manageble, anything over that, you have to get low, and hold on tight. Top speed I got out of mine is 260km/h on the clock on the track. Maintanace issues is routine services only.
Be carefull when you drop the clutch in first, second and third, cos the front goes skywards!
Good luck with your new purchase!
Be carefull when you drop the clutch in first, second and third, cos the front goes skywards!
Good luck with your new purchase!