Monster 1100 ABS Test Ride (Official Apology Thread)

[falconati]

Over the last year, I've been unapologetic about my attitude towards the Monster family - great design, mediocre performance.  However, I decided to revisit the machines during my visit to Ducati Milwaukee today and I was pleasantly surprised.

The ABS brakes were phenomenal - no lockup, and very strong.  Rear brake provided the perfect amount of braking, which is an under-appreciated attribute of many motorcycles.

The engine was a lot of fun.  I wouldn't say I thought the engine was overly powerful, but the torque was great for street riding.  I often found myself travelling at higher rates of speed than I thought I was, simply because the engine provides great torque all over the rev range.  While the air-cooled engine isn't as quick to rev as other motorcycles, I can finally appreciate the engine's performance in a street application.  It does a rather brilliant job, and the stock exhaust provides a throaty soundtrack (actually, I worry that it may be slightly too loud on the interstate; however I didn't test that out).  The dry clutch sounds lovely at idle.

The most incredible part of this bike is the handling.  I have previously reported that Triumph's offerings trump the Ducati equivalent - I'm here to formally retract the statement.  I think the Monster 696 handles on-par with the Triumph Street Triple (675), and the 1100 handles better than the Trumpet's 1050.

Minor notes: seat was very comfortable and plush.  Almost as comfortable as the ST3 seat.

I'm so sorry, Ducati.  I was wrong, but we can work through this - we always do.  I'll buy you flowers, chocolate, and make you breakfast in bed.

(PS dear, I still want to test a Hypermotard...)

[falconati]

Almost forgot my gripe  

The kickstand sucks.  The bike leans really far over, and I always felt like I was going to drop it.  That's one area I like my Speed Triple better.

[Rincewind]

I tested an 1100S the other week, and agree that it's a very fun bike.  The motor is very good on the street, though I did find the rev limiter a few times - I was expecting it to rev more than ~8k.  Because of the low rev range it sort of reminded me of a Buell in that shorter shifts are needed.  The one I rode had some really fruity Arrow exhausts which sounded pretty awesome, though for me they would get old after awhile (too loud and blatty).  

Handling-wise you may be right that it has the edge on the Speed Triple, but my test ride was not long enough to get a really good feel.  The Monster is thinner than the fatter S3, which may lend it to feeling more side-to-side flickable.  I prefer the triple engine's wider powerband and smoother performance.  The Ducati wins for character, but the Triumphs win for livability and tourability IMO.

[falconati]

I agree about the rev limiter, and the reason for feel of better flickability.  

[ericz]

Almost forgot my gripe  

The kickstand sucks.  The bike leans really far over, and I always felt like I was going to drop it.  That's one area I like my Speed Triple better.

Got a solution to that!  

A customer who works for Boeing did a CAD production foot, machined out of Al.  Its about 6 mm thick and increases the size of the foot about 200%.  Good for soft condition like dirt parking lots or asphalt in July!   Best is that he machined the bottom with the Ducati shield in reverse.  Stamps his Ducati mark where ever he stops!!  

[falconati]