Monster S4Rs versus Monster Evo 1100 test

[Rally]

Right, firstly I would like to say thanks to MCN for giving me the opportunity today to test the new Evo 1100 against my S4Rs. I will start by giving my unbiased opinion of the Evo 1100 as a stand alone bike;
Ducati Evo 1100

The bike is very comfortable and gives a feeling of sitting on it, rather than in it. The foot pegs feel lower than normal, but don't deck out when ridden in a spirited fashion. The wet clutch is very light and quiet in operation. The ABS was tested and worked well when provoked, without any unnerving sounds or feelings. I don't think the traction control came into action during the day. The dash panel has numerous features including lap times, ABS on or off, traction control settings etc. The main screen is the rev counter and can be seen well, the speedo not so well. (More later!)
Engine wise, it pulls best between 4000 - 7000 revs and the rev limiter comes in at just over 8000 revs with two red lights to warn you. Under 4000 revs the engine vibrates alot and doesn't like it unless it's in a low gear. At the national speed limit of 60 mph, you can only comfortably travel in 4th gear, as in 6th it is at 2500 revs and shakes like the perverbial. If you are into wheelies, or not wanting them, the latter people will be happier. They can be induced in first or second gear with a pull and snap of the throttle and are easy to control up to 50mph or so, but not done under pure power with ease.
The engine has a unique noise between 3000 - 4500 revs. It sounds like a tappet or knocking noise under acceleration, but soon goes when above those revs? (The clutch hides any noises on an RS!)
Overall I would say that if you hadn't experienced a more powerful bike, or wanted a more powerful bike, you would be very happy with it indeed; however, when compared to a S4Rs, it is lacking in power by a considerable margin.



Comparing The Two


The S4Rs has alot more grunt from the outset, it pulls harder from any revs and takes off with ease leaving the Evo in it's wake. It will pull a gap of a 100 metres over a 1/2 mile run and that is whilst fighting to keep the front on the ground as well! The S4Rs is not as comfortable as the Evo and shakes it's head more. The suspension has more settings and quality in the Ohlins, but feels firmer and harsh unless softened off. This would be better on a track though. You feel more 'in' the S4Rs than the Evo. Ground clearance seems less on the RS as well, decking your feet with ease, which is odd. The Evo wins for comfort and newness, but the RS is the classic racer and seemingly always will be. If it's fun you want over short distances, find an RS, if you want more comfort and newness, the Evo is a great bike if you keep the revs up over 4000. The Evo is better at 30 mph as well.

My winner though is;


because on a PRIVATE ROAD, I like to play..............


May I end today's report by thanking the Cambridgeshire Constabulary for saving me having to carry my licence home with me. I did mention the Evo's speedo, it reads a two digit figure, when in fact you are into the three digit zone. Mmmm