My bikes, part five.

[mickj]

As I have more than one bike and they are all different (but similar) I thought I might write a little review of each of them, so here is the fifth oldest (newest).
Ducati M1200s Monster.
When looking for the BMW I tried it head to head with the Ducati Monster and picked the BMW as it was a more sophisticated bike and better two up bike but a year on I still had a hankering for the Monster so went for another test ride and was hooked. I liked the price of the standard bike better but also liked most of the extras on the ”S” model so my wife said just buy the bike you want so the “s” it was, better (lighter) wheels, ohlins suspension, led indicators and DRL and a quick shifter. The bike is just brilliant, it has a lot of electronics on it with power modes, cornering ABS, traction control, anti-wheelie and a quick shifter. I had a higher seat and grab rails fitted as part of the deal and bought a single can for it straight away, having the cat in the silencer made it get very hot and it was burning my wife’s foot at it was very close to the foot peg, a lower single straight through can fixed that. This is great fun to ride and the sound is bloody fantastic although I have fitted the baffle which has reduced the noise a little but improved the drive, it pulls better with the baffle fitted. So far I have had no problems with the bike except a recall for the gear lever which has failed on a couple of panigales, mine was fine so nothing changed. I does seem very lazy on the starter but always starts first prod, (just wish it would spin up a bit) but they “all do that sir”. It is better on my own but is acceptable two up and just pulls, not as good as the Suzuki or BMW lower down but higher up the rev range its bloody nuts with nearly 160 BHP on tap and superb handling and when it’s time to slow the Brembo M50 brakes make stopping very easy. The riding experience is much rawer than my other bikes as I am constantly reminded that it is a big twin but the vibration is not intrusive, it’s like being massaged as you go along and the sound it makes is lovely. I am now shopping for the right bits such as tail tidy, radiator and oil cooler guard and of course crash bobbins, I’m also looking into some bar end mirrors as the standard mirrors are crap, not only because they mostly show my elbows but they also rotate on their axis if I start to make any progress. I’ve only had this bike for a year and it’s obvious why this bike has a cult following, especially the earlier air cooled bikes, it’s raw, it vibrates, its full of character and just so much fun to ride and I am getting over 50mpg, I love it. I think the biggest downside for me is that most of the power is only made up the top end of the rev range so the bike has to be revved hard to get the benefit which I don’t like doing (I have a high degree of mechanical sympathy), I buy big bikes so I don’t have to rev the nuts off them to get a move on. In a head to head below 6000 the Beemer and the Suzuki will easily blow the monster into the weeds.

So which bike is best? They all do something for me so it’s a difficult question. For a solo ride my Speed Triple or the Monster will always be my first choice, two up it will be a choice between the BMW and the Suzuki although longer distances will favor the BMW. And the MZ is just very different, rare, has a lot of character and is very satisfying to ride, the induction roar at 3500 rpm is addictive. I ride all year round but only if it’s dry and they all give me a buzz. Next will almost certainly be a bike with some character so that rules out most UJMs so that means it will most likely be another European bike, maybe Moto guzzi will make a big bike soon.

[slob]

That’s a great collection Mick, thanks for taking the time to write reviews and share with us.

[Darren69]

Yea, thanks Mick. Obviously the Monster is far and away the best one! Maybe you should look at an older one to compliment it (M900S/1000DS/S4/S4R/RS) ? Any of those would be my pick.

[mickj]

Thanks lads, I was considering getting an earlier monster but at 6'3" I think the 900's are a bit too small (although I have never ridden one) so was thinking about an 1100 evo. But I have a few more ideas on what's next.

[Darren69]

They earlier ones are a bit small its true. I don't know as I've not ridden one of the later ones but maybe they were bigger? But Evo nah 1100S everytime!

[slob]

agree about the s over the evo but they’re still a physically small bike compared with the mk3

[Jez900ie]

Originally Posted by slob

they’re still a physically small bike compared with the mk3

Its one of the myriad of very desirable attributes. Each to their own but I like smaller compact bikes over the current crop.

[slob]

Me too but Mick’s 5 or 6” taller than I am.

BTW, I’d absolutely recommend EvoTech for radiator/cooler guards on your 1200S

[Darkness]

Originally Posted by mjgt

Thanks lads, I was considering getting an earlier monster but at 6'3" I think the 900's are a bit too small (although I have never ridden one) so was thinking about an 1100 evo. But I have a few more ideas on what's next.

I manage fine on the M900 and I’m 6’ 3”.

Having said that, I also like the Elefant which is just a little taller at the saddle.

Try one, it’s how it suits you that matters?

[mickj]

Originally Posted by Darren69

They earlier ones are a bit small its true. I don't know as I've not ridden one of the later ones but maybe they were bigger? But Evo nah 1100S everytime!

At the risk of starting a fight, why is the 1100s a better proposition than the evo?

[slob]

ohlins suspension (albeit budget ohlins), forged wheels. twin-plug heads and a dry clutch (for the purists)

[Darren69]

What he said. Better suspension and wheels and probably rarer too.

[slob]

http://www.ukmonster.co.uk/monster/s...ad.php?t=57454

[Luddite]

The 1100 S has a sweeter engine than the Evo, especially low down, thanks to the twin plugs, milder cams with less lift and shorter overlap plus the heavier flywheel.

My ideal would be a hybrid of the two, (much like Rick's old bike that slob posted the link to). I'd have the wheels and suspension of the S together with its motor but coupled to the wet APTC slipper clutch of the EVO plus the Evo's exhaust, footrest layout and (albeit basic) TC and ABS.

As for comparative rarity, Darren's correct. There are currently around 360 Evos registered (including special editions) but only 140 of the S model.

[Darren69]

Ricks bike is nice and the best of both but as Luddite pointed out the S has the better engine. The Evo may be more powerful but everyone has to get them remapped cod the standard map is no good. I also prefer the look of the 1100 with the twin underseat pipes especially Termis, the stock ones look pants.