Hello from new member

14-06-2015, 08:22 PM

Hi from Staffordshire

New to the forum, and Monsters, but did own Ducati's in the 70's - 900ss, and 450 Desmo, and yes, I do wish I still had them!

I'm considering two Options, 1, buying a 1100 Evo Anniversary monster, or 2. buying an early 900cc carb equiped monster. If I take option 2. I will also be buying a BMW GS twin as my everyday and long distance bike - the Ducati would become the fun machine. If I take option 1. i wouldn't have enough cash to buy the GS as well, and I do worry that the Ducati would not be ideal for long distances with luggage. I'm happy to listen to any comments regarding this statement.

Dirty · 14-06-2015, 10:17 PM

Hi and welcome.

You'll find proponents of both options here. Personally I'd go for option 2, have a lovely classic Monster to cherish and enjoy along with a workhorse for the everyday.

That said many people think the 1100 is a great long distance machine and will no doubt be along soon to confirm. I've never ridden one so can't confirm.

There, that helped not at all didn't it

J.P · 15-06-2015, 01:25 PM

Welcome to the club and forum>
I had an EVO for a few years and really loved it. It was my third, of 4, Monsters and it was light and agile and an great all rounder. I used it extensively for touring around Europe with the Ventura luggage system and their packs. (I have the racks for sale if you ever went that way).

The 900's have become very popular this year for some reason, but I'm more of a fan of the technological steps forward that the modern bikes make.

utopia · 15-06-2015, 10:47 PM

Hello and welcome along.
I used to live just down the road from you, in Newport.
The road between the two is quite nice, as I recall.

I could quite easily make lengthy and sound arguments for either strategy.
One important factor might be "which one would you have as a keeper ?", because it may well end up that way.
Aircooled carbies are simplicity itself to maintain yourself, making big sense in a long term bike.
On the other hand, I wouldn't mind getting stuck with an evo as a keeper either, though it would tie up more cash.
Solo touring shouldn't be an issue, though monsters aren't perhaps the easiest to load up with loads of luggage.
The BMW is arguably the better touring machine, but you'll arrive grinning on the monster.
Monster plus single cyl trail/commuter makes a lot of sense.
Test ride a few, if you can.

Flip · 15-06-2015, 11:57 PM

I rather like them both actually (if you can find an Anniversary model that is) but don't let an early Monster put you off doing a few miles.

They are actually pretty good at it (if solo) and load up quite well with soft luggage.
I've not long done almost 900miles in three and a half days on my old '97 900.

One thing which might sway your decision is whether you intend (or want) to do your own maintenance because as Utopia says, the early bikes are simple to look after and at the cheaper end for most service parts. Or if you have deeper pockets and wish to get the bike dealer serviced then a nice Evo in the originals' colours would look good in any garage I reckon.

smiffyraf1 · 15-06-2015, 11:07 PM

keep ya hands off the 900's thats what im after!
should probably introduce luscombe as he is my dad.
i suggested he go for the evo, in particular the anni model just as there were so few of them made. always liked the original monsters but had a go on the evo and of all the new stuff IMHO it looks the best and still retains the old school air cooling. Was amazed by how much torque it had all through the range rather than just low down like my 750 and 900ss had.
too rich for my blood but if i had the £ thats where it would be going. that or the diesel edition which is equally as nice.

utopia · 15-06-2015, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smiffyraf1

I should probably introduce luscombe as he is my dad.

Funny that.
There is a particular monster that I was thinking of recommending but I held back 'cos I knew you were looking for one.
Still not saying though......

17-06-2015, 05:58 PM

Thanks for all the constructive comments.

I'm no further forward really, although I should point out that if I was to have a BMW it would be a R100GS, R1100GS, R1150GS, or R1200GS. Despite their staid image, BMW's are a lot more fun than most people give them credit for. If I could find one at the right price, I'd probably go for the earliest model I've listed, the R100GS, mainly because it is easy to maintain, with carbs instead of electronic ignition. Whatever money I had left i would then spend on a Monster, I'd possibly even be able to run to an early 1100S. I think the two bikes would make a great combination. You can never have one bike that will perform well in all situations. The closest bike to that goal was probably the BMW R90S of the the 70's.

Mr Gazza · 17-06-2015, 06:25 PM

I loath BMWs.!

I had an R80 in the '90s and it was one of the worst bikes I have owned..Makes me feel queasey thinking about it.

My 900 injection Monster on the other hand is all I need for any kind of Motorcycle journey. whether it's a scratch round the local lanes, a chase with other Monsters, a blast down hundreds of miles of motorway or a potter through some nice scenery.

Carrying stuff has been a revelation since I got some thowover panniers just like Flip's. Plenty of room for a weekends stuff and double the capacity if needed, by expanding.

Forget the Beemer...Get a really nice Monster with cash left over for some tasty extras....

smiffyraf1 · 17-06-2015, 06:17 PM

still think you need to ride the evo before you make that statement. think you will be surprised.

17-06-2015, 08:36 PM

Bear in mind that the later BMW GS models actually have a very poor reliability record (check out the Visordown 3yr survey). Earlier 1100 and 1150 are better. No probs with my 1100 evo but only had it 9 months and 4,500 miles. No probs with my 14yr old, 40,000 mile Harley either!

18-06-2015, 09:16 AM

The 1100 Evo does seem to be the pick of the Monsters. i'm not sure where I could get a test ride though. I also accept that BMW's can have there mechnical problems , like any other machine. However, I still maintain that BMW's have probably the best build quality of any bike on the market, Their reliability is also legendary - why else would all the worlds police and military escort riders use them? For me the big attraction with the Monster is the light weight (bikes have become ridiculously heavy) I recently sold a Harley that was virtually twice the weight of the 1100 Evo. I struggled to wheel it in & and out of the garage (Mty right knee is wvery weak due to motorcycle accidents in the 70's, and I recently suffered a stroke, which left me paralyzed down my left side).

14-06-2015, 08:22 PM	#1
Luscombe Guest Posts: n/a	Hello from new member Hi from Staffordshire New to the forum, and Monsters, but did own Ducati's in the 70's - 900ss, and 450 Desmo, and yes, I do wish I still had them! I'm considering two Options, 1, buying a 1100 Evo Anniversary monster, or 2. buying an early 900cc carb equiped monster. If I take option 2. I will also be buying a BMW GS twin as my everyday and long distance bike - the Ducati would become the fun machine. If I take option 1. i wouldn't have enough cash to buy the GS as well, and I do worry that the Ducati would not be ideal for long distances with luggage. I'm happy to listen to any comments regarding this statement.

14-06-2015, 10:17 PM	#2
Dirty Bockloks Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: London Bike: No Bike Yet! Posts: 4,601	Hi and welcome. You'll find proponents of both options here. Personally I'd go for option 2, have a lovely classic Monster to cherish and enjoy along with a workhorse for the everyday. That said many people think the 1100 is a great long distance machine and will no doubt be along soon to confirm. I've never ridden one so can't confirm. There, that helped not at all didn't it __________________ Wounds heal, chicks dig scars, glory lasts forever Beware of eBay

15-06-2015, 01:25 PM	#3
J.P No more Monster... Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: London Bike: Other Not a Ducati Posts: 4,326	Welcome to the club and forum> I had an EVO for a few years and really loved it. It was my third, of 4, Monsters and it was light and agile and an great all rounder. I used it extensively for touring around Europe with the Ventura luggage system and their packs. (I have the racks for sale if you ever went that way). The 900's have become very popular this year for some reason, but I'm more of a fan of the technological steps forward that the modern bikes make. __________________ J.JP ------------------------------- My Mum says, there's no such thing as Monsters.

15-06-2015, 11:57 PM	#5
Flip Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Beachtown Bike: M900 Posts: 2,188	I rather like them both actually (if you can find an Anniversary model that is) but don't let an early Monster put you off doing a few miles. They are actually pretty good at it (if solo) and load up quite well with soft luggage. I've not long done almost 900miles in three and a half days on my old '97 900. One thing which might sway your decision is whether you intend (or want) to do your own maintenance because as Utopia says, the early bikes are simple to look after and at the cheaper end for most service parts. Or if you have deeper pockets and wish to get the bike dealer serviced then a nice Evo in the originals' colours would look good in any garage I reckon. __________________ You're perfect, yes, it's true- But without me you're only you!

15-06-2015, 11:07 PM	#6
smiffyraf1 Silver Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Lincoln Bike: M1000ie Posts: 594	keep ya hands off the 900's thats what im after! should probably introduce luscombe as he is my dad. i suggested he go for the evo, in particular the anni model just as there were so few of them made. always liked the original monsters but had a go on the evo and of all the new stuff IMHO it looks the best and still retains the old school air cooling. Was amazed by how much torque it had all through the range rather than just low down like my 750 and 900ss had. too rich for my blood but if i had the £ thats where it would be going. that or the diesel edition which is equally as nice. Last edited by smiffyraf1; 15-06-2015 at 11:11 PM..

15-06-2015, 10:47 PM	#4
utopia No turn left unstoned Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: leicester Bike: M750 Posts: 4,563	Hello and welcome along. I used to live just down the road from you, in Newport. The road between the two is quite nice, as I recall. I could quite easily make lengthy and sound arguments for either strategy. One important factor might be "which one would you have as a keeper ?", because it may well end up that way. Aircooled carbies are simplicity itself to maintain yourself, making big sense in a long term bike. On the other hand, I wouldn't mind getting stuck with an evo as a keeper either, though it would tie up more cash. Solo touring shouldn't be an issue, though monsters aren't perhaps the easiest to load up with loads of luggage. The BMW is arguably the better touring machine, but you'll arrive grinning on the monster. Monster plus single cyl trail/commuter makes a lot of sense. Test ride a few, if you can.

17-06-2015, 05:58 PM	#8
Luscombe Guest Posts: n/a	Thanks for all the constructive comments. I'm no further forward really, although I should point out that if I was to have a BMW it would be a R100GS, R1100GS, R1150GS, or R1200GS. Despite their staid image, BMW's are a lot more fun than most people give them credit for. If I could find one at the right price, I'd probably go for the earliest model I've listed, the R100GS, mainly because it is easy to maintain, with carbs instead of electronic ignition. Whatever money I had left i would then spend on a Monster, I'd possibly even be able to run to an early 1100S. I think the two bikes would make a great combination. You can never have one bike that will perform well in all situations. The closest bike to that goal was probably the BMW R90S of the the 70's.

17-06-2015, 06:25 PM	#9
Mr Gazza Lord of the Rings Join Date: May 2013 Location: Norwich Bike: M900sie Posts: 5,991	I loath BMWs.! I had an R80 in the '90s and it was one of the worst bikes I have owned..Makes me feel queasey thinking about it. My 900 injection Monster on the other hand is all I need for any kind of Motorcycle journey. whether it's a scratch round the local lanes, a chase with other Monsters, a blast down hundreds of miles of motorway or a potter through some nice scenery. Carrying stuff has been a revelation since I got some thowover panniers just like Flip's. Plenty of room for a weekends stuff and double the capacity if needed, by expanding. Forget the Beemer...Get a really nice Monster with cash left over for some tasty extras.... __________________

17-06-2015, 06:17 PM	#10
smiffyraf1 Silver Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Lincoln Bike: M1000ie Posts: 594	still think you need to ride the evo before you make that statement. think you will be surprised.

17-06-2015, 08:36 PM	#11
EvoAde Guest Posts: n/a	Bear in mind that the later BMW GS models actually have a very poor reliability record (check out the Visordown 3yr survey). Earlier 1100 and 1150 are better. No probs with my 1100 evo but only had it 9 months and 4,500 miles. No probs with my 14yr old, 40,000 mile Harley either!

18-06-2015, 09:16 AM	#12
Luscombe Guest Posts: n/a	The 1100 Evo does seem to be the pick of the Monsters. i'm not sure where I could get a test ride though. I also accept that BMW's can have there mechnical problems , like any other machine. However, I still maintain that BMW's have probably the best build quality of any bike on the market, Their reliability is also legendary - why else would all the worlds police and military escort riders use them? For me the big attraction with the Monster is the light weight (bikes have become ridiculously heavy) I recently sold a Harley that was virtually twice the weight of the 1100 Evo. I struggled to wheel it in & and out of the garage (Mty right knee is wvery weak due to motorcycle accidents in the 70's, and I recently suffered a stroke, which left me paralyzed down my left side).