Ducati Monster 1100 EVO First Ride, mo-usa.com

[Kraz]

My guess is that the testers are sport-bike guys and not used to being on a naked bike... but that's just a guess.  A naked bike certainly takes some getting used to.  I'd rather have the comfortable handlebars and relaxed peg height than a tiny fairing - even on the highways around San Diego.

Of course - Both is better.

[SVTNate]

Wind protection is overrated here in SoCal.  It's never so cold that a good leather jacket and insulated pants can't keep you warm, and clean air > buffeting.  I had wanted to buy a Speed Triple for a long time, but was afraid that a naked bike would be horribly uncomfortable on the freeway.  I'm so glad I just bought the damn thing.  I could ride at 75-80mph all day, although I couldn't do 100+ comfortably like I could on the FJR.  Which is fine, that's part of the reason I bought a naked.

Having the suspension dialed in, and custom spring rates for your weight helps too.

The Ducati seat is definitely more cramped than my Speed, and I found it to be a ball buster.  But, I'm a big guy.  If you're 160 pounds, it's probably plenty of room.

[axelwik]

Wind protection is overrated here in SoCal.  It's never so cold that a good leather jacket and insulated pants can't keep you warm, and clean air > buffeting.  I had wanted to buy a Speed Triple for a long time, but was afraid that a naked bike would be horribly uncomfortable on the freeway.  I'm so glad I just bought the damn thing.  I could ride at 75-80mph all day, although I couldn't do 100+ comfortably like I could on the FJR.  Which is fine, that's part of the reason I bought a naked.

Having the suspension dialed in, and custom spring rates for your weight helps too.

The Ducati seat is definitely more cramped than my Speed, and I found it to be a ball buster.  But, I'm a big guy.  If you're 160 pounds, it's probably plenty of room.

+1  
I've never had a problem with naked bikes. Fairings and windshields are nice over 80 MPH, but they also have their drawbacks, especially if poorly-designed: They can induce buffeting, they make the bike heavier, they can funnel engine heat to the rider, they can act as a sail in high winds, helmet and suit venting doesn't work as well, and ya have to remove the damn things to work on the bike.

[D-Mac]

They probably picked on the suspension in part because the previous gen Monster 1100 came with an Ohlins setup as stock. I imagine it feels pretty crappy after coming off of something much higher-end. As for lack a wind protection - what were they expecting?

I've become pretty obsessed with these bikes lately, and from what I've read the biggest complaint is fueling issues (at least until you ditch the stock exhaust and reflash/replace the ECU, which most owners do as soon as possible anyway).

[Rogue]

Wind protection is overrated here in SoCal.  

I have to disagree with you there.  However, I ride bikes with really great wind protection so I'm spoiled.  I love the look of the nakeds myself but I like having a fairing even during warm weather.  

[atadaskew]

The Buell Thunderstorm 1203cc Aircooled pushrod V-twin motor put out around the same horsepower and about 10-15 lbs. ft. more torque.  The BMW boxer twin in 1200cc form puts out about the same horsepower as well.  So it's par for the course.

Actually on the dyno, the Buell made 82 hp, 67lb ft torque.

http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/2007-aircooled-twins-naked-comparo-64505.html

So a little less hp, a little more torque than the Ducati, butt from a bigger engine.

[Rincewind]

Motorcycle Daily has a brief write-up today with impressions from three riders.  http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2011/09/2012-ducati-monster-1100-evo/

This is a modern, sub-400 lb 1100cc bike, but it only makes 100 hp and feels rough and unrefined. Below 2500 rpm it chunks and coughs, then starts picking up strongly until, before you know it, you are bouncing off the 8500-rpm rev limiter. Let off on the throttle and a pleasant burble comes barking out of the ‘love it or hate it’ oversized side-mount muffler. The motor has the feel of a vintage bike—unsurprising from a basic design that’s more than 20 years old. Yes, it goes, but there is nothing smooth or modern about it.

The traction control system, while a cool safety feature, seemed more invasive than necessary, completely choking power delivery when the rider even thinks about getting a holeshot, and you can forget about lofting the front wheel. I ended up being much happier with it turned off. The ABS, however, seemed to work well front and rear, engaging when it was supposed to with minimal pulsing.

What a beauty.  I love the looks, but dislike the short maintenance intervals.  If only it would get the longer valve checks like the new Streetfighter 848.  I'm also not pleased with such a small fuel tank - only 3.6 gallons means you get to know where all the gas stations are located.  

Still for a naked bike with standard TCS and ABS (if you like that sort of thing), it seems like a pretty good deal.  And what a beauty!