Ducati Monster vs R1200R

[Mr Breeze]

I have to believe that I'm not the only one who has made the comparison between our R1200R's and the Ducati Monster - particularly the new EVO 1100. I know it isn't a true apples to apples comparison - seating position different, final drive is different, engine config is obviously different, but when looking at a light, naked bike, with comparable horsepower these two bikes are very similar, as long as you compare them naked. I don't run bags, trunk, or a windscreen on mine (that's what I have a K1600 GTL for) so I give the "win" to the R12R with regard to flexibility of set up - from urban bike, canyon carver to touring bike. But in the purest form, I look at these as the German vs Italian execution of the same thing. I'm going to test ride the 1100 EVO soon just to see...

[nielsm]

The monster will be quicker flicking, due to lower weight (both numerically and by center of gravity). But, the R1200R is more versatile and comfortable for longer rides. One of my friends has the Monster, I have a R1200R. He definitely is able to carve thru the NYC jungle easier, but once in the suburban winding roads, the R1200R holds its own. I tend to get about 80-100 miles more per tank & can ride 3-4 hours longer than on the Monster from comfort level.

Both are fun bikes, but you have to understand what your real goal is. If I wanted a pure city bike, I'd probably go with the Monster (though a 600 would be enough for that).

[celticus]

I have a friend with a Monster 800. He is a better rider than I am and the last time we rode together I kept up with him in the twisties of W. N.Carolina.
I had a BMW tank bag aboard and two full sized BMW hard bags carrying his stuff. None the less I kept up and was practical (like wearing sensible shoes).
He looked better doing it but I kept up and had a good time doing it.
Mark

[redwing]

Check out the Monster 1200 ....WOW


OK .... the 1100 evo spec's page listed the dry weight at 373 pounds... 100 hp and torque at 76 lb.-ft. and a wet clutch..
IMHO......The R1200R is a different bike.......if I could have 2 bikes, a Ducati would be the other.

http://www.ducati.com/bikes/monster/110 ... ch_spec.do

Robert

[celticus]

My friend's Monster is a good looking bike but for my money a Suzuki SV650 would do just as well (less the sex appeal) as the 800 monster and the SV1000 would serve just as well as the Monster 1100. The SVs don't sound bad either. Now a Super Duke is a different story.

[Tr250Tom]

In a nutshell, the Monster is a naked sport bike, and the R12R is a naked touring bike.

According to Motorcycle Consumer News, which weighs the bikes they test, the BMW is 150 pounds heavier, and it feels it.

I've ridden both bikes all day with comfort, but the BM is more of a serious vehicle, the Duc can feel like a bit of a toy.

While both bikes are "large displacement naked twins" they could hardly be more different. I like the Ducati because it reminds me of all the reasons I started riding in the first place, though not all of those reasons were good.

[crazyhorse]

I have been considering the exact same thing since the EVO 1100 came out.

I wouldn't so much consider the Monster a naked sport bike. There really aren't any more air cooled sportbikes. The Ducati Streetfighter is a naked sportbike. It's a serious machine. I see the Monster as quite moderate compared to the Streetfighter.

That said, I have not ridden a Monster. I perceive it as quite a minimalist machine, and that is appealing to me. I may have to ride one.

wes

[celticus]

According to Motorcycle Consumer News, which weighs the bikes they test, the BMW is 150 pounds heavier, and it feels it.

.

So if the BMW weighs just under 500 lbs then the Ducati weighs just under 350lbs? That IS light! Wow!

[Mr Breeze]

Well, my test ride of a Monster EVO 1100 turned into a trade/buy of my R1200R....

There isn't as much similarities between the two bikes as I thought there would be. Surprised as to how much lighter the Ducati felt, made for a blast to ride quickly. The sound is fabulous even with stock pipes. The bike can't come close to the smoothness of the R12R - the Duc does vibrate and with the riding position there is more pressure on your hands, so you notice it the vibration. Can feel the engine heat due to the engine configuration, which was never an issue with the R12R, even in the summer in AZ. The wet/slipper clutch on the Ducati makes power downshifts when in the corners much more secure - the R12R would always hop or let the back wheel slide out a bit which is unsettling.

The R12R is far, far more versatile - as you all know - from a naked urban bike, to a long distance touring bike and a lot in between. Smoother, quieter, more comfortable and with the shaft drive and engine configuration, easier maintenance and longevity. If it was my only bike, I wouldn't have traded, but I'm fortunate enough to have the K1600 for comfort and touring/sport-touring. Always wanted to have a Ducati (red) and so far, I love riding it, but these are comparing apples to oranges.