Which one?

[Longpath]

This weekend I got the chance to ride a S4RS at my local dealer.  The brakes were insane, but the rest was quite nice.  I REALLY liked the riding position.  I also wished that it had more low-end torque (the 2 valve per cylinder ones are supposed to have better low end torque I guess) After the demo, the dealer suggested I try the Sport 1000.  I didn't try it yet, but I felt like the riding position, even with risers, was too extreme for me.  He also recommended the S2R and wanted me to test ride all of them (I will).  

Given that I'd like a very nimble (second) bike with FULLY adjustable suspension that would be GREAT in the twisties, but still somewhat comfortable (I would be fine on the S4RS), and since I already ride a Triumph 1050 Sprint, what would you recommend?

Personally the LOOKS of the Sport 1000 are the most appealing, but I don't think I could do 400 miles a day on it.

TIA

[2DFlyer]

Pick up the current Motorcyclist (Jan07).  There's an article titled "Modern Rockers" that might help you decide.  It's a Sport 1000/Thruxton comparo.  Nothing about the Monster but some good impressions of the Sport.

But since you asked I'm partial to the Monster but I'd like mine in the 1000S/S2R flavor.

[MisterSmooth]

This weekend I got the chance to ride a S4RS at my local dealer...the dealer suggested I try the Sport 1000.  I didn't try it yet, but I felt like the riding position, even with risers, was too extreme for me...  

The riding position on the Sport and Paul Smart edition is awfully far down.  My arms just aren't long enough!  I figure, if it's that uncomfortable on the showroom floor my range would be pretty short on it.  DAYUM it is pretty though.  What a beautiful bike.

I vote for the bad-ass Monster.

If you want a Ducati for the twisties, how about a used 996 or 998?  Classic beauty, bunch less money than new, and can't be less comfortable than the Sport.

[st2sam]

Another vote for the "bad ass monster"! Go for the four valver!

[garry]

The Multistrada is good fun in the twisties, comfy, and quite versatile. I really want to demo an S4Rs this summer. You could/should consider that other Italian brand, and check out an Aprilia Tuono.

[RickC1957]

Another vote for the "bad ass monster"! Go for the four valver!

Really Sam I'm looking at the Sport 1000 monoposto with the 992 motor....which as we know is basically bullet proof 2 valves...easier maintenance don't you think?

[Longpath]

IS the 2 valve considered "bulletproof?"

[scott-sts]

The S4R received glowing reviews all year in all of the mags.  That's the one I would chose.

[timatwood]

Given that I'd like a very nimble (second) bike with FULLY adjustable suspension that would be GREAT in the twisties, but still somewhat comfortable (I would be fine on the S4RS), and since I already ride a Triumph 1050 Sprint, what would you recommend? Personally the LOOKS of the Sport 1000 are the most appealing, but I don't think I could do 400 miles a day on it.

The multistrada is functionally what you're looking for, but its looks are hit or miss for most. The monster is really more for relaxed riding, and it seems like overkill to hang a 4v watercooled motor in it. Get the 2v version for simplicity and better low end torque in the twisties. If you're really looking for sporty, get either the hypermotard or a ktm supermoto.

[st2sam]

Really Sam I'm looking at the Sport 1000 monoposto with the 992 motor....which as we know is basically bullet proof 2 valves...easier maintenance don't you think?

The *red* one? Go for it, but watch out for the S4RS Monster, faster and it just might handle the twisties better. Oh, and fook the maintanance, you know "we" only do it when we're damn good and ready!

[baldheadeddork]

IS the 2 valve considered "bulletproof?"

Yeah, the air-cooled 2v engines are really hard to break. The most common problem are the electronics, but Ducati has come a long, long way in eliminating those problems in the last decade.

If you weren't happy with the low-end torque of the S4RS, I don't know if you'll like any of the air-cooled models, either. The torque curve for the DS1000 and Testaretta engines are actually pretty similar below 6,000 rpm, and with 60 ft-lb on hand just off idle the amount of torque is in the same neighborhood as your 1050 Sprint.

I suspect what you experienced was Ducati's infamously tall gearing, which they have to use to pass European noise tests. The first thing a lot of Ducati owners do is change the 15t front sprocket for a 14t.

Are you considering the Hypermotard? I talked to the guys at Miami Ducati today and they say the ergos are going to be a split between the Monster and the Multistada. (More legroom than the Monster but not as "sit up and beg" as the MS.) It will also have the 1100 dual spark engine, which will have a little more power and torque than the S2R. Both the base model and the S will have fully adjustable suspension. For a bike to throw around in the twisties it is going to be hard to beat.

[Longpath]

Baldheadeddork, thanks for the info and comments.  Even the sales guy conceded that the 1050 triple spoils the rider...it will happily pull out of a curve in far "too high" a gear from 2500 rpm and never make you work.  It's quite hard to have to work now, I must admit.  Assuming the weather is good, I'll be test riding an S2R and a Sport 1000 tomorrow.  We'll see how that goes.  I'll see if he has the Hypermoto, but I'm guessing it's tall, and I am vertically challenged.

[Longpath]

Ok, could not ride the Sport 1000 but really wasn't that interested.  Just like other cafe racers, it is good to look at, but uncomfortable to sit on.

I rode an S2K 1000 and loved it.  Just what I was looking for, really.  Now just time and saving up, lol.

[badger]

Ok, could not ride the Sport 1000 but really wasn't that interested.  Just like other cafe racers, it is good to look at, but uncomfortable to sit on.

I rode an S2K 1000 and loved it.  Just what I was looking for, really.  Now just time and saving up, lol.

S2R is my favorite in the Monster line.  I really like the DS1000 (992) motor.  Plus, air cooling means one less system to leave you stranded.

[Longpath]

Badger, after the test ride I knew it was the right one to choose, when the time comes.  I really liked the feel of the bike and the engine.

I would like to try a Buell Firebolt and the Ulysses Supermoto before I pull the trigger though.

[racerboy]

Testastretta for me, thank you very much.  

[badger]

That thing should go by the name Monster Grande.    

[Longpath]

Testaretta for me, thank you very much.  

Don't you mean Testastretta?  

[bizarro]

Thought about a Speed Triple at all?

That said, I'd go Monster if it has to be a Ducati.

[atypical1]

Since you already have the Sprint do you need a bike to do 400 mile days on? Which bike do you like better? Which bike do you think about the most? Get the one that speaks to you.

Neither bike is necessarily a good 400 mile ride. There is not much protection on either the Monster or the Sport. I like the 2 Valve motors a lot. I own both a 4 Valve Duc and a 2 Valve one and the sound of the 2 Valve is nicer, the 2 valve needs less maint, and I like the clean look of a bike without a radiator.

Bottom line is that both bikes kick ass! Enjoy whatever you decide on.