Monster Mistake?

[2DFlyer]

I'm working on the next bike.  Coming off a string of twins I was heading back to an I4 (ZZR, 919, ZRX, B12) but then I remembered the Monster - on par with the '67/'68 Mustang Fastback as some of the finest examples of rolling art ever.

The main reason I gave up the ST3 was because of heat.  The thing cooked around town and threw up more heat than I was willing to put up with.  Being unfaired I figured the Monster wouldn't be such a problem (was also told the MS is not a problem) until reading the current MC magazine where they compare the Sport 1000 and Thuxton.  Quoting Catterson "... the rear exhaust header radiates an excessive amount (of heat), roasting your inner thighs.  You won't notice it as much at speed, but in town, it's a PITA."

Sounds just like the ST3.  If I were to go Monster I'd be looking for an '05 1000S or maybe a S2R 1000.  Both run the same air cooled 992 as the 1000 Sport.

So what's your experience?  Do the 992 Monsters throw a lot of heat around town?  Would I be repeating a Monster mistake?

[JoBu]

I can't help you much on this as I've only ridden the older 2V Monster 900.  I live in Florida where heat is a tremendous issue.  So, I'm a bit more critical than the average bear.  I felt absolutely zero discomfort when it came to heat from the Monster.  While I can't speak to the newer models, I just can't believe that heat could be an issue at all with them.  Do you have a local dealer with whom you could arrange a test ride?  Granted, this isn't exactly the time of the year when a heat issue would really stand out though.  Hopefully, someone else can shed some better light on this topic for you.  Oh, and nice choice of bikes.  I love the S2R 1000 in red with a white stripe.  Tasty...

Cheers,

Joe

[slowduc]

i've got an m750, and have never felt like i was roasting solely because of the engine heat... the only time it gets toasty is when you're stuck in traffic, but any bike's going to do that to you. it seems like any faired bike i've ridden dumps all the heat onto yer legs!  the aprilia rsv i've ridden was like riding a bbq grill (however, it's a beautifully handling bbq grill)!

[Desmo Duc]

I don't find an issue with heat on the ST3...I had a TL1000R before the ST3, now that roasted the chestnuts!!  

I don't have any experience with the monster nor am I mechanically inclined in any way, but would think that it would be similar to the ST3 since rear cylinder location it under the seat in a similar location?  I don't know the answer, but would an air cooled cylinder throw more heat than a liquid cooled?

[Bodhi]

I never felt the ST3 was cooking me. And I probably rode the same roads in the same traffic as you.

[kerplode]

My S2R800 gets pretty hot riding around town in the summer.  I definitely feel a lot of heat off the frame.  The clutch is also hard to modulate which makes riding in traffic a drag.

[RickC1957]

Never did have much problem with the ST3 or M620....but I rarely city ride;)

[slowduc]

My S2R800 gets pretty hot riding around town in the summer.  I definitely feel a lot of heat off the frame.  The clutch is also hard to modulate which makes riding in traffic a drag.

mild threadjack here:
are you still running the stock gearing?  a lot of people (me included) go up a few teeth on the rear sprocket... even easier is changing the front sprocket to 14t.  it helps a lot for in-town riding  .  i guess your annoyance could also be because of the slipper clutch... i don't know how they feel compared to my non-slipper wet clutch (though i've heard they take a little getting used to).

[kerplode]

mild threadjack here:
are you still running the stock gearing?  a lot of people (me included) go up a few teeth on the rear sprocket... even easier is changing the front sprocket to 14t.  it helps a lot for in-town riding  .  i guess your annoyance could also be because of the slipper clutch... i don't know how they feel compared to my non-slipper wet clutch (though i've heard they take a little getting used to).

I'm running a 14T front.  The problem with the clutch is that the engagement point is at the very end of the lever travel and there is almost no friction zone.  It's basically a light switch...off or on.  I had the dealer check it, and they said it needed a new pressure plate, but that didn't fix anything.  I might have them look at it again before the warranty expires.  I plan on selling it in the spring, though, so I'm not very motivated to put much effort into it.

[Mr. Squidward]

Last year I replaced my ’04 Monster 1000s with a ’05 ST4s.  While I have noticed my thighs getting a tad warm while riding around town on the ST, that was never a problem on the Monster.  Bear in mind most of my riding takes place in the Midwest where heat is only occasionally an issue.
I can also recommend the 1000DS as a great street motor with torque throughout the rev range and plenty of midrange power.  For my money though, I’d get that motor in the new GT 1000.

[couchflyer]

I've ridden a S4R in Florida but wasn't hot outside.  They are great bikes.  Sitting at a stop light during the summer is hot on any bike.  My ST-3 does get warm but cools when I'm riding

[Hickey]

I never noticed engine or exhaust heat on the Monster 1000 I used to have.  Even on hot days, in traffic, with high mounted exhausts.

That said, the bike did not like moving slowly for extended periods on hot days.  It would get...  grumpy.

[2DFlyer]

I never felt the ST3 was cooking me. And I probably rode the same roads in the same traffic as you.

Ya but I think my was redder than yours.

[2DFlyer]

I'm running a 14T front.  The problem with the clutch is that the engagement point is at the very end of the lever travel and there is almost no friction zone.  It's basically a light switch...off or on.  I had the dealer check it, and they said it needed a new pressure plate, but that didn't fix anything.  I might have them look at it again before the warranty expires.  I plan on selling it in the spring, though, so I'm not very motivated to put much effort into it.

Jackin my own thread have a look at the current MC - Jan07.  In the MC Garage they make over a 620.  They improved the same clutch engagement complaint by installing a slave cylinder that reportedly increased clutch modulation 20%.  I don't know if the 620 and 800 have the same set up but the problem description sounds the same.

[2DFlyer]

Last year I replaced my ’04 Monster 1000s with a ’05.  While I have noticed my thighs getting a tad warm while riding around town on the ST, that was never a problem on the Monster.  Bear in mind most of my riding takes place in the Midwest where heat is only occasionally an issue.
I can also recommend the 1000DS as a great street motor with torque throughout the rev range and plenty of midrange power.  For my money though, I’d get that motor in the new GT 1000.

How's the 1000S and GT 1000 motors different? I assumed they were the same.

[2DFlyer]

i've got an m750, and have never felt like i was roasting solely because of the engine heat... the only time it gets toasty is when you're stuck in traffic, but any bike's going to do that to you. it seems like any faired bike i've ridden dumps all the heat onto yer legs!  the aprilia rsv i've ridden was like riding a bbq grill (however, it's a beautifully handling bbq grill)!

I thought it was the fairing that was routing the heat up under my butt.  I rode the ZRX1100, R1150R, 883C in the same conditions and cooking thighs was never an issue.  I suppose it must come from sitting on top of the rear header.  

I know.  I know.  Shut up and get over it.

[JoBu]

mild threadjack here:
are you still running the stock gearing?  a lot of people (me included) go up a few teeth on the rear sprocket... even easier is changing the front sprocket to 14t.  it helps a lot for in-town riding  .  i guess your annoyance could also be because of the slipper clutch... i don't know how they feel compared to my non-slipper wet clutch (though i've heard they take a little getting used to).

+1
Up 3 in the rear and down one in front.  It makes a huge difference when launching the bike.  So much smoother and you don't have to slip the clutch nearly as much.  Highly recommended...  

Cheers,

Joe

[baldheadeddork]

 

I thought it was the fairing that was routing the heat up under my butt.  I rode the ZRX1100, R1150R, 883C in the same conditions and cooking thighs was never an issue.  I suppose it must come from sitting on top of the rear header.  

I know.  I know.  Shut up and get over it.

How hard would it be to tape the rear header, at least for a few inches?

[Sock Puppet]

Never noticed a heat issue with my Monster 750 or my ST2, even in 105 degree heat.

[2DFlyer]

How hard would it be to tape the rear header, at least for a few inches?

Now there's an idea...

[slowduc]

Now there's an idea...

i've heard you shouldn't tape your headers too close to the heads.  something about the the exhaust temps being extremely high there and it could damage the pipes because taping them would allow them to get WAY too hot.  it could be a myth, but be careful!

[baldheadeddork]

i've heard you shouldn't tape your headers too close to the heads.  something about the the exhaust temps being extremely high there and it could damage the pipes because taping them would allow them to get WAY too hot.  it could be a myth, but be careful!

I suppose that's theoretically possible. Another option would be to send the headers off for good ceramic coating, with internal coating at the elbow bend coming off the head. I personally like Swain Tech Coatings.

[Mr. Squidward]

How's the 1000S and GT 1000 motors different? I assumed they were the same.

That’s my point, they are the same.  I just think the new GT 1000 would be a more user friendly ride.  Not to mention it looks pretty cool.

[timatwood]

Never ridden a monster in traffic, but on my multi 1000, the heat is just evenly radiated all over. It doesn't concentrate in any area, so its not annoying, but you can feel it after the engine is above 250 deg F in stopped traffic. The pipe routed up under the passenger seat has not caused any noticeable problem, either.

I've had fully faired, watercooled inline4s in the past, and they usually have more concentrated heat spots.

[JamesG]

i've heard you shouldn't tape your headers too close to the heads.  

Myth. Insulating the headers is most effective closest to the exhaust port. And there is no point in insulating part of an exhaust if you don't insulate the whole thing. The primary function is to keep  the gases hot and moving. Secondary is blocking excessive heat from frame, suspension, and overly sensitive riders.