You all know you're screwed now, right?

[Lawn Dart]

 


Yeah, I bought a Duck.  LMAO!  I've been wanting a Monster for years now and the fates aligned at the right time to let me do this.  What an absolute HOOT!

Y'All may regret this day!  

Here's an email excerpt I sent to a friend of mine.

****
I realized that it's been about seven months since I've ridden with any real intent...riding in "anger" as they say.  Drop the hammer, roll the throttle in the exits, explode through 100 and keep it pinned to 130+...

Nope, didn't do that at all today.  I'm one rusty fucker...even have 3/8" chickens on the tires.

The Duc is raw.  It judders and shudders and vibes and twitters...you can hear the valves tapping and rattling through the cam covers and the belts grind and roar with the exhaust.  

You can get "small" on this bike.  Really tuck in, get tight and duck under the micro-fairing and catch virtually zero wind protection.  Still, the seating position is good, easy on the knees, comfortable reach to the bars.  Instrument cluster is just out of visual sight...can't see how fast I'm going but then again with Italian electronics I'm betting it's very optimistic.  

Suspensions not very compliant over 70 mph...and right proper jumpy at 100.  The throttle is sharp and hyper-sensitive.  Snatchy...but sharp.

But it's riding.  Unadulterated riding.  Simple riding.  No tank bag, no saddlebags...no electrics and no storage.  I can barely get a flat repair kit in the tail - and I'm not kidding when I say that's pushing it.

No, It's not a Vincent...and I've never ridden on one...but I think you can see it from here...

300 mile days are good on knees, better on the wrists, but the seat puts a bit of pressure on my right hip socket.  Might be pressure on a nerve?  Dunno, it's been a long time since I've been on an OEM saddle, I'll put a few thousand on this one before I make any changes.  Honestly, I love the looks and lines of the bike so much that I'm rather loathe to make any changes.  Heck, I don't even want to put a GPS on it, much less a tank or tail bag for local 500 mile days.

I can't wait to get the suspension fully dialed in, a couple track days and a good ole' Monterey Madness or WCRM ride in!  

 

Good Times.  

[bluepoof]

 

[miles]

I did a lap around Robert's neighborhood on the new bike- I have to say it's as fun to ride as it looks!

 

[Rincewind]

Excellent choice.  I have ridden that series Monster and it is a real blast, like an enraged bull.  I appreciate your comments about the rawness and elemental aspect of that bike.  I have a crush on the Monsters as well and drool on each one I see, though I have selected its Triumph brother in arms instead (though the Triumph Triples are less raw by a degree).  It is interestingly at the other end of the spectrum from your GS, which it looks like you're selling.  I wonder if you had considered the new Speed Triple ABS as a former Speedie owner.

I am curious what your impression is of the safety package on that bike including the traction control and whether it is invasive or transparent.  I love the swing arm and look forward to some pics outside of the living room.  Enjoy!

[veefer800canuck]

Congrats. I've only ridden one Monster and it was a 600.

Felt like a really well-running 500, power-wise.  

But the bigger models should be great.

[Lawn Dart]

Rince,

Thank you for the comments.  I was trying to figure out exactly how to talk about the decision process to buying a Monster over other bikes and hadn't quite put my finger on the right intro!

But, thanks to you!  

Special thanks to Miles, James, Rusty, Ken, Vern and especially my WIFE as well as the rest of my friends of who have had to endure my often detailed OCD anal-retentive decision making process.  

Let's start with my basic street bike requirements:  MUST have ABS.  MUST have reasonable Ergo's.  MUST be LIGHT.  MUST be relatively "minimalist". .  And MUST be a bit...unusual...perhaps a better word might be more on the "unique" side.  

Anyway, if you take just the first three requirements the field of potential bikes gets horribly small.  ABS + Ergo's is a brutal combo - and candidly that weeds the vast majority of bikes out instantly.  Toss in "minimalist" and "light" and the field becomes small...and make it somehow unique?  

In the end there were three potential bikes.  BMW's R1200R.  Triumphs Speed Triple 1050.  Ducati Monster 1100 EVO.  

Special Mentions:  Aprilia Tuono (*no ABS...sigh).  VFR 1200 (weighty).  K1300S (shades of Christine anyone?).  A return to my beloved R1100RSL (no, I need not spoil my fond memories...).

*Wha?  No J4 (Japanese big 4 manufacturers) bikes made the final cut?  No, sadly.  I'm just not a J4 fan.  They make great bikes (and their Yamazaki Single Malt really is quite good!) but they leave me remarkably numb.  That, and the J4 makers don't do much in the leg-room department.

Right, ergo's.  I'm 42 and my right knee is, well, weird.  It gets numb if it's at the wrong angle.  Pretty much anything this side of 78 degrees.  Yeah, I've figured that out.  I spent hours on cycle-ergos.com checking numbers.  For instance, a K12/13S is 78 degree of knee...but a VFR is 76.  My buddies VFR kills my right knee in 30 minutes.  But the K12 was 400 mile comfortable.  Go figure.  

Anyway, back to riding impressions.  In order of test rides...I give you:


2012 Triumph Speed Triple 1050. (Compliments of SoCal Brea Triumph)
Man, I so wanted to love this bike.  I had an '01 S3 for a little while and the '12 S3 certainly is a huge departure...and yet so familiar.  The seating position, the engine, the ergo's...yeah, I know this bike.  The suspension and chassis were a HUGE improvement over the '01 and I really felt like it was up to the occasional track day.  The seating position was, literally, all-day comfortable.  

And yet the S3 was the first bike that got cut even before any other test rides.  Why?

The ergo's just don't put enough weight over the front tire.  This came back to me so quickly on the first freeway on-ramp.  It's far too easy to sit straight up on the bike...this seating position also meant that it's harder to tuck down and even harder to position against the wind.  Miles has always told me that wind isn't a problem under 70 mph - he's right.  Problem is, I live in SoCal - 70mph means you're a target.  I got buzzed doing 85 the other day near Pendleton.  

The other thing is the engine.  It just doesn't do it for me.  Oh sure, makes GREAT power and it just sounds awesome, but the absolute linearity of the motor also makes it boring.  Yep, boring.  It's so 100% totally predictable that it's boring.  3k rpm feels exactly like 9k rpm, just change the HP output.  There's just no peaks and valleys to know what the motor was doing.

Honestly, I was disappointed.  Engine character is a big, big deal and it's just not the right character for me.


Ducati Monster 1100 EVO (compliments of Ducati of Newport Beach)
So Ducati of Newport had a tarted up Monster (full Termi's  ) ready for demo.  How could I say no?  I jetted down to Newport right after the S3 ride and handed over my license and insurance for the test.  

Key in the ignition and the Termi's boomed.  Yeah, that's too loud for the street!    But dayum!  That sound!  deep resonance that vibrated in the chest.  I couldn't help but blip the throttle and enjoy the thunder.

Ease the clutch out and...there's shit for power below 4k.  LMAO!    Fueling is fluffy, light, kinda like a nice meringue pie.  The clutch is a tad grabby but that might well be because the bike is showing less than 200 miles on the clock.  Gearbox is light and clicks quickly into place.

Here's what I remember:  the smile.  I was grinning from ear to ear!  The sound, the instantaneous throttle response, the smooth gear transitions, the revised rev limiter (which absolutely sucked ASS on the 2007 model!) was very nice.  I felt the road...the pebbles, the asphalt transmitted right to my hips and hands.  Seating position was sublime...I could hold the bars with no weight on the wrists - just a perfect blend of "sport meets comfort" - gee, imagine my surprise when I discovered the ergos were virtually identical to BMW's K12S?  

But is it perfect?  The engine was a bit raw and rattley, and it vibed below 4k (*but smoothed out perfectly at 5k-7k).  There was real engine character with the vibes.  I KNEW what the motor was doing and where it was.

I got the rear brake a few times and the ABS felt very close to the BMW R12GS that I have.  I didn't get the traction control to engage but I wasn't trying quite "that" hard on the street.  

Sitting at a stop light, listening to the exhaust booming, all I could think of was "Damn, this is a BIKE."  Unadulterated bike.  Two wheels and a motor.  

Other things I really, really liked:  the electronics package in general is really sweet.  Volt-meter, count-up fuel counter, ABS, 4 stages of Traction Control, Data-telemetry tracker (just add plug in), lap timer (yeah, that's actually a big deal to me), built in battery tender.  I'm sure there's more...but a lot of this was stuff I wanted on a bike as an "add on".


Next up!  BMW's R1200R Camhead Motor.  (huge compliments to Brown Motorworks)
Yeah, you just KNEW I'd have to toss in a BMW, right?    But I've always liked this bike and just loved the look of the black and white 'classic' model with spoked wheels.  The ergo's looked too upright and the saddle gets largely panned on the web for being too restrictive but hey, they're just plain inter-web reviews, right?

Ok, let's talk about Brown BMW for a second.  Not my usual dealer but then my normal shop didn't have an R12R to demo.  My conversation went kinda like this:

Me:  "I'd like to test ride this bike"
Brown:  "Sure thing.  Drivers license and insurance please"
Me:  "Yep here you go.  What's the route?"
Brown:  "Be back by 4pm."  (it was 10am...)
Me:  "Seriously?"
Hands me the key.  "Yep.  If you don't mind, would you please return her with a full tank?"

Serious kudos to BMW for understand what a test ride is all about.  I set out for an Ortego 160 mile loop.  

The BMW R12R.  Really, I wanted it to win.  I love BMW and they do great bikes.  Another day and another time and I can see this bike in the garage.  Heck, I can see it as a compliment to the Monster right now.

So how can two bikes that are so similar in mission be so different?

First things first:  the Motor.  Goodness!  R12R Camhead boxer motor is FABULOUS!  No question, this is THE motor to beat of the three.  It makes POWER from 2500 RPM and just flat rips.  Totally communicative motor - you know exactly what the motor is doing.  But the vibes!  Oh the vibes!  They are the BEST and HIGHEST quality vibes I've ever felt on a twin of any kind!  Seriously.  Just go ride one.  I don't know how to explain it.  They are massively refined vibes - smooth, not shocking, gentle even.  The kind of vibes that can take you 1000 miles in a day with no effort.  

The Camhead motor is far and away much more refined and more powerful than the previous R12 generation motor.  It is THAT significant and noticeable.

Ok, the suspension.  I've long stated that Telelever might be the BEST street suspension out there.  I stand by this statement.  It's fantastic.  Sure, it gives up a bit of feel - the bike is definitely a bit disconnected compared to the Duc.  But it handles like a dream.  Light and precise handling that isn't harsh.

The gearbox is great.  No issues at all.  Easily on par with the Duc's.  Dead smooth and the gear ratios on the R12R were flat perfect.  Which is damn good thing because you can't change final drive ratio's!  

Motor?  Yeah.  Handling?  Yeah.  Gearbox?  Yeah.  

And then it fell apart for me.  Oh it was close.  Soooo close.  If I wanted to do more touring, this bike wins.  Period.  Electric grips and an e-vest plug are a big deal.  But...

This bike needs a different seat.  I couldn't believe how close the pegs were to the seat!  Really, the specs don't do this justice.  The angle of the pegs under the seat also put my right knee to sleep in just over 2 hours.  I felt that knee for the next two days...and that was just a 160 mile ride!  

Oh, the seat.  Right.  It locks you into one position and one position only.  Can't move around on the saddle, can't really hang off.  Tough to body shift.

Add a small windscreen and the ride position might work, but directly in the wind it was far too upright.  I took a huge amount of windblast in a very upright position and it made it hard to hang on at speed.  

But...and here's the final nail.  The bike felt like a juggernaut.  It picked up speed and held onto it and didn't want to slow down.  Momentum.  For a bike weighing barely 20# more than the S3 I was stunned.  Transitioning from throttle to brakes and you felt every single pound.  Compared to the Duc, well, it was spooky heavy.  (*for the record, the R12R is at least 75# lighter than my GS...go figure.)

If I had a small windscreen and intended to tour, this bike would win of the three.  It was the EASIEST to ride.  Seriously, it was easy.  Benign.  You didn't think much of it.  Just twist it and go.  And then my mind wanders...I can add a GPS, set of Foggies, Farkle-Box under the seat, spare e-vest hookup and a USB charger, head covers, hardbags...

Feck.  Why bother to sell the GS then?    And why bother with all this Frippery?  

The new Camhead is a peach of a motor and far and away is the best motor of the three.  


And the Duc Wins.  Not because it's the fastest (S3), or has the best sorted suspension (S3 for sport, BMW for tour), or the best motor (BMW).  Sure, the Duc wins on looks (gee, surprised?) and it wins on ergo's (seriously???).  But the Duc also wins for being connected.  I literally felt hardwired to the bike - I just KNEW what the bike was doing.

The Duc wins because it FEELS like what MOTORCYCLING is all about.  I remember talking to Doc Gil a few years back about his Guzzie..."You know, I love this bike.  It rattles and hums, and it's not really all that comfortable.  But it handles great and I don't care much for days over 250 miles anymore anyway.  It's the motorcycling experience that counts and this bike does it for me."

Piss on you Gil.  I just got old like you.  

The Duc also wins for one more significant reason:  Garage appeal.  Five years ago I used to hang out in my garage and lear at my beautiful R1100RSL.  I loved the lines, the look, the feel.  It was yellow and it was mine.  I knew where every stripped fastener was and every silly nuance was.  The frayed leads and more.  I loved that bike.  It railed with sportbikes and toured with Goldwings.  I bled for that bike and it bled for me.  I would go to the garage with a nice scotch and just sit in a chair with a rag...and do nothing.  My wife would laugh at me...asking if I wanted a blanket to keep the bike warm.  

I have never looked at the GS that way.  Never looked at the S3 that way.  Never looked at the ZX11 that way.

I just took a break, the Monster was calling me.  That tank needs a polishing.  Don't mind me.  I need to spend a bit of time in the garage now...








In the end, my wife said it best.  "You need the experience of an Italian Mistress in your life.  And I'm willing to accept this one as long as she's red."

[Lawn Dart]

PS:  Traction control:  I currently have it set on 4 (most invasive) and it hasn't gone off yet on the street.  I ran a pretty respectable Palomar run and never felt it.  I'll let you know more after my first track day.  

Veefer: The power is...well, the 1100 will pick the front up in first and second readily on the torque.  For street riding it feels superb with instantaneous power.  On a big high speed track (willow springs big track) the Monster's gonna get eaten alive by any 600 on the market.  On a tighter track (willow short track, etc.) the Monster will hold it's own just fine I'm sure.  Yeah, 85 hp at the rear (100 at the crank) isn't much...but the whole bike weights around 420-436# wet (373 dry) depending on which article you believe.  

It's freaky light and responsive and the massive torque curve is really forgiving (*as long as you're over 4k!)

[veefer800canuck]

Keep a firm grip on your license now Y'hear?  

[Lawn Dart]

Keep a firm grip on your license now Y'hear?  

I have no idea what you're talking about.  



(*err second from the left...)

[nevinfs327]

Thanks for the thorough and detailed.  These are 3 bikes that really interest me, largely because I have the same limiting "need" for a sporty naked with ABS.  I've got a Street Triple to wear out first though.  Speaking of which, I've found that the 675 engine is much more enjoyable than the 1050, but it is hard to beat a twin that likes to rev.  2-up capability is probably where the Monster takes the biggest hit for me.  

Look forward to your impressions as you get some miles under your belt on it.

[Tyrroneous]

Awesome.  Glad to see you're back on the road.  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

You crack me up, Robert  

[atadaskew]

The Duc wins because it FEELS like what MOTORCYCLING is all about.  

Exactly.
That is what made me buy my St4s after I demoed the VFR Vtec.  

Welcome.  And you may want to look into getting a larger rear sprocket.  All these Ducatis come with way too tall gearing from the factory.

[NoGear]

   brought tears to my eyes......  I loved my Duc and lost her.....

[Lawn Dart]

I've been farkling.  

[Lawn Dart]

   brought tears to my eyes......  I loved my Duc and lost her.....

egads!  How?

[Rincewind]

I've been farkling.   

Nicely installed.  Thanks for the detailed response on your bike buying process.  I'd be curious what kind of miles you get on a tank.  The 3.6 gallon tank seems so small.  Otherwise I think Ducati has a great package with the EVO and it's priced well for a bike with TCS and ABS, and that is so lightweight and sexy like a beautiful female.  I will be curious what you do for luggage as well.

[falconati]

Great thread, thanks for your thoughts Robert!  Congrats on your purchase!  I'm jealous.  Are you getting an aftermarket exhaust?

I've ridden all 3 bikes and largely agree with all of your notes.  The only area where my opinion would be different is the Triumph.  I think the 1050 engine has a lot of character, just not in the same way the Ducati or BMW would.  As noted, the Duc is more viceral, and the BMW has the perfect amount of vibrations (as well as that fantastic kick upon start-up).  Also, I think a better comparison might have been the Street Triple R - which is a much more fun/dynamic/interesting bike in my opinion (though I understand it doesn't hit all your requirements).  I'd be torn between the M1100evo, Hypermotard (all models), and Street Triple.  I'd like to replace my MV Agusta with one of those models, but the market just isn't interested in pretty race bikes, I guess

Have fun on that thing!

[Lawn Dart]

Nicely installed.  Thanks for the detailed response on your bike buying process.  I'd be curious what kind of miles you get on a tank.  The 3.6 gallon tank seems so small.  Otherwise I think Ducati has a great package with the EVO and it's priced well for a bike with TCS and ABS, and that is so lightweight and sexy like a beautiful female.  I will be curious what you do for luggage as well.

Range?  Well, I'm seeing around 40 mpg for the first couple tanks:  So, 140 miles per tank is my current expectation.  I've filled up three times so far at the 120 range.  Good news is that "Gas and Go" stops barely take a couple minutes...  On the other hand I'm rather used to 200+ mile tank ranges plus reserve...

Luggage?  None for normal use.  i plan to use just pockets and keep it light and simple.

For longer distance stuff I plan to use my Bags Connection "Reverse" bag as a tankbag.  In the short term, I'll just go with a myriad of other stuff.  I have a set of Wolfman Enduro Saddlebags that actually fit perfectly and can use a Tourmaster Cortech Tailbag if needed.  Plus, I have some Wolfman tank panniers that would work.  

Long term I'm thinking Bags Connection CargoBag.  What I like about the Cargo-Bag though is that it rides low and comes off as a single unit - that's just super for hotels and such.  

PS:  on the gas range, I'll drop a 1 liter MSR bottle in a bag somewhere just for safety.  Lord knows running out of gas sucks!  We won't go there again...  

I just fired up the Duc and ran up and down the street.  Damn I love the sound of this thing!    (I'm rather convinced my neighbors on the other hand...)

[Lawn Dart]

Great thread, thanks for your thoughts Robert!  Congrats on your purchase!  I'm jealous.  Are you getting an aftermarket exhaust?

I've ridden all 3 bikes and largely agree with all of your notes.  The only area where my opinion would be different is the Triumph.  I think the 1050 engine has a lot of character, just not in the same way the Ducati or BMW would.  As noted, the Duc is more viceral, and the BMW has the perfect amount of vibrations (as well as that fantastic kick upon start-up).  Also, I think a better comparison might have been the Street Triple R - which is a much more fun/dynamic/interesting bike in my opinion (though I understand it doesn't hit all your requirements).  I'd be torn between the M1100evo, Hypermotard (all models), and Street Triple.  I'd like to replace my MV Agusta with one of those models, but the market just isn't interested in pretty race bikes, I guess

Have fun on that thing!

Fal,  the Speed Trip is a GREAT bike and a great package.  You are right about the character.  It certainly has character...  A better way to say it is that it's just not a character I'm attuned to.  It just doesn't resonate with me.  

The Hyper - oh man, you can get a 6 gal aftermarket tank for that thing!    I sooo wanted that bike in the running but...cannot be had with ABS.  That part pushed it right out of the running without ever starting.  Total bummer there.  

I sat on a Street Trip - it just felt too small.  That's actually quite the funny comment when I think about it.  

PS:  come on out to SoCal for a test ride with me?

PPS:  Exhaust.  Oh man...maybe one day!  I love the idea of knocking another 10-12# off the bike but I'm really not that sure the extra noise is worth it.  But the sound...oh man, the SOUND!    I may not be able to resist!  

[nevinfs327]

Funny comment about size.  I preferred the reach to the bars on the Monster and constantly think about getting Suburban Machinery or other clubman style bars for my Street Triple.  Main reason I haven't is because the uprights bars are better for 2 up riding, especially around the city.  The hand guards have grown on me as well and probably wouldn't work on lower bars very well.

Regarding luggage, I've been really happy with the Kriega US40 set up (1 US 20 and 2 US10 bags) on my Street Triple.  They are like part of the bike and do not shift at all.  The straps are a little big of a pain the first time you put them on but are easy to use once set up.  Not a great pic since it is crammed in with my tent/tarp on the luggage rack, and has my rain gear bungeed to the top, but gives some sense of how small it packs.

[Orson]

The Duc is raw.  It judders and shudders and vibes and twitters...you can hear the valves tapping and rattling through the cam covers and the belts grind and roar with the exhaust.  

 

That pretty much sums up the appeal of eye-talian bikes for me.

I could care less about horsepower figures or weight.

I want a visceral ride  

[st2sam]

Thanks Robert, IMHO you missed your calling.  

Anywho, I'll be trading my C14 this winter for a, well you described my wants to a tee.  
I have owned two Ducati ST bikes, a 2000 ST2 and a 2005 ST3 that I put a total of almost 50,000mi. on.  I have owned many bikes (45yrs. riding street) and the only bikes I regret selling are the two Ducati's, so I know what your saying...
I'm looking forward to reports, updates and most important pictures about the new bike...........

[Mr Sunshine]

Welcome to the fold.....the Italian one.

[Lawn Dart]

Second Farkle plug added.    

Oh, and I've discovered two bolts that have rattled free.    

[rgbeard]

I'm just glad this idjut made a decision, finally!!!    

Not only did we burn cell phone minutes discussing each bike in nauseating detail, while we were flying, he couldn't stop talking about it either!!

Here we are, short final for Temecula, and while I'm setting up a nice landing, I hear more "Ducati..... (____), and BMW ... (___)".  When will it ever end, I ask.


 










(all in jest, of course! This has been the most fun new-motorcycle talk in a long time.  Especially in the light that I just turned a new one down from my boss.)

[Mookie]

Congrats Robert!  She's a beaut!

[atadaskew]

Oh, and I've discovered two bolts that have rattled free.    

Those are spares.

[slowduc]

Oh, and I've discovered two bolts that have rattled free.    

wait till you start finding rubber "pucks" on your garage floor and start wondering "what the f...?"  
do they still put those in between the fins on the cylinders?

[Lawn Dart]

oooooh, packages arrived!  Ram Balls, Garmin Power Connector...and Symtec's!  

A Farkling I will go...A Farkling I will go!  

[falconati]

http://youtu.be/5xRXRZHBibs

oops, how'd this get in here?

[M.Brane]

 Comgrats on the new bike my friend! She's a beaut!

[viffergyrl]

Ooooooo I am so envious.   I've had the small nekkid thing nibbling at me as well. Soaking up your comments on your three test rides.


Of course I have one other concern. I see passenger pegs in the first photo. Is Mrs. Lawn Dart going to be joining you on the back once in awhile? I'm thinking that won't be the most comfortable pillion seat.....

[Lawn Dart]

   I've had the small nekkid thing nibbling at me as well.

Errr, Ummm...Errr...YEAH!    

 

(PS:  come on by and take the Monster for a ride.  You got the address!)

[M.Brane]

 I'm laughing too hard to post anything witty.

[viffergyrl]

 

It just wouldn't be right if I didn't leave a little bait for y'alls...  

However I might have to take you up on your offer, Robert....  

[Kootenanny]

The Duc wins because it FEELS like what MOTORCYCLING is all about.
I hear ya--exactly my reason for buying my Buell.  Like Gil says, it's about the experience, not the specs...

Congrats on the Monster.  One of my riding buddies has a '95 M900...beautiful!




(BTW, a few years ago I got to demo a Monster 696 and Street Triple R back to back--the Street III is the logical preference, but I enjoyed riding the Ducati more strictly because the engine is so much more raw...)

[Orson]

The Duc wins because it FEELS like what MOTORCYCLING is all about.

Udo Gietl, the man who built the AMA superbike winning R90S back in the 1970s, rides a Monster and said in a recent article that,"an air-cooled v-twin is all the motorcycle he needs"  

[atadaskew]

Udo Gietl, the man who built the AMA superbike winning R90S back in the 1970s, rides a Monster and said in a recent article that,"an air-cooled v-twin is all the motorcycle he needs"  

This is why Harley does so well.
And to a slightly lesser extent, Moto Guzzi...

[Lawn Dart]

Right!  So it's time for a 900 mile review!    

I've managed to put down about three rides so far - two pie runs and a midnight run to burn off a few miles to get to my 600 mile service.  

So here are my thoughts.  The bike is light, way light.  It handles like a DREAM!  It's almost too light - diving into corners so much faster than I ever expected.  I've really had to slow down my motions and reduce my steering inputs dramatically.  Body weighting the pegs and hanging off really moves the bike around a lot so getting super smooth in my motions is really the name of the game.

The power is just about perfect for the street.  Once again I'm looking for a couple extra RPM's but the gearbox is quick and smooth shifting.  It's simply a matter of adjusting my riding style to reflect the bike.  What I do like a lot is how communicative the engine is.  The power peak signs off at 7500 RPM and hits the limiter about 1k later.  The good news is that you can feel the sweet spot and just know exactly when to shift by feel.

For the record, the 85-ish HP at the rear wheel is plenty adequate with a 430# bike!  

Traction control - heck, I've set it on Level 4 (the most intrusive) and haven't set it off yet.  Granted, I'm not exactly peg dragging at the track, but it's not going off on normal riding.  Seth (riding friend) did have it go off in conjunction with ABS and an accidental stoppie and said it was pretty harsh.  Unexpected might be the better word.  Regardless, I'm glad to have it and will report more when I know more.  

The OEM tires (Rosso II's) appear to be quite decent and have plenty of traction.  No problems there.

The seat is plenty comfortable for 325 mile days and my knees aren't  showing any issues.  I think 500 mile days as a stock bike/saddle are fully doable.  On the other end, the tank range is barely 140 miles and I'm filling up around 120.  With no tank bag to worry about gas and go stops are super fast.   It's delivering a super consistent 40mpg and I'm not really being nice on the throttle.  Gotta break then engine in right ya know!

I’ve changed to a 14 tooth front (OEM 15 tooth) and it’s made a HUGE difference in the rideability of the bike.  It spins up much quicker and the power is spot on.  Big plus that 6th gear is actually useable now.

The bike surges.  I’m sure this is a part of the super lean Euro-3 emissions that are strangling the bike.  A lot of people are recommending either a power commander or FatDuc O2 module.  I’ll have to figure out if these things affect warranty.  If not, I’ll do a FatDUC and see if that helps.  Regardless, under 5k you can definitely feel the bike hunting around on maintenance and partial throttle.  

The looks:  this bike has massive garage appeal.  I constantly find myself walking into the garage to look at the bike and wonder “what will I do next”.  It’s a dream machine and I can’t wait to start doing some longer distances (500+ mile days) on it.  

So, I’ve read a lot about people complaining about tank range on the bike.  Really, it hasn’t been a problem.  I’m sure it’s going to limit me in some ways (round trips to out of the way places and the Haul Road come to mind).  

Suspension is quite decent but certainly not up to maximum pace standards.  It needs stiffer springs (I’m already maxed on spring pre-load up front and it’s still 10mm too much static sag) and there’s a lot of stiction in the sliders.  On the other hand it’s fully adjustable up front and I’m sure a solid track day will work wonders on settings.

The rear shock is ideally suited sag-wise right off the shelf for me…but is only rebound adjustable.  I “think” it’s ok about 1 click soft of mid-setting for street riding but I suspect it’s going to lack on the track and move around a lot.  I’ve managed to put Ohlins or something on each one of my bikes for the past 12 years so it’s not like I’m expecting this one to be any different.  I’m leaning towards a Penske shock this time around…and some kind of diamond slicking/springs on the forks…perhaps a lighter fluid…gotta play the track game first!

Other miscellaneous notes:  This bike gets LOOKS.  Great looks from people all over the place – it’s a fine looking bike and actually quite easy to ride.  Ducati increased the steering lock quite a bit and it’s not been a problem (like a specific previous edition I rode once…).  Rev limiter is not the brick wall the previous gen was.  The exhaust has a great raspy snort to it that just sounds great at stoplights and starting up.

Wind management:  notice I said Management and not protection!  The wind is smooth, the seating position works with the wind, and I didn’t feel tired or beat up in spite of 180 miles of Orange County freeway speeds (ie:  that’s called moving fast!).  

Biggest single drawback to the Monster?  I feel the horrible need to buy leather and ditch the ‘Stitch!  But finding some kind of slightly classic looking leathers…with knee sliders is a challenge!

Next big ride should be a Monterey Run and about 1100 miles on a weekend.  




Current Farkle List:
1.  Gerbings e-Plug on the top of the gas tank (for accessories)
2.  Gerbings e-Plug on the bottom left corner of the tank (for actual e-vest hookup)
3.  Garmin Nuvi 500 on a quick-release RAM setup with a spliced Gerbings e-Plug connector (specifically, RadioShack N-Series male plug)
4.  USB plug spliced to a N-Series plug for any USB related recharging such as IPhones, etc.
5.  Spliced an N-Series plug into my Beltronics Radar power cord.
6.  Removed the Carbon Cannister (*with the intent of converting it into a flat repair storage kit because there is no room under the seat.)
7.  14 tooth front sprocket.  (Really, this should be standard.)
8.  Flat repair kit under the seat (and I’m not kidding, I can BARELY get 2 CO2’s under the seat.  It’s that tight.)
9.  Dual Ram Balls – one under each mirror stem.

Future Farkle List:
1.   Heated Grips.  
2.   Throttle lock of some kind.  My right arm is awfully stiff from the accident.  It seems to keep going WOT on my…
3.   Errr…that’s all really!

Luggage Plans:
1.  Bags Connection CargoBag for touring
2.  Bags connection Reverse bag on the tank for touring
3.  If I really need to, Wolfman Tank Panniers to load balance a bit and add some wind protection on the knees.  I’m not thinking this will be necessary though.  

There are no intentions to run any form of bags for normal day in riding.

It’s definitely not the right bike for everyone.  But it’s certainly the right  bike for me today!

[Rogue]

Congrats on the new Ducati Robert!  Nice one.    This is a big change from the GS, no?

I am guessing the Power commander will most likely have O2 eliminators included for your Duc.  The O2 sensors are the ones making it surge.  Any time you go to maintenance throttle or small throttle openings, the ECM reads the O2 sensors and leans the fuel mixture.  This leaning brings your power down so the bike slows down.  You compensate slightly with more throttle, to bring speed up, then you maintain, ECM reads O2 sensor again, leans, slow the bike down, repeat.  Very annoying.  Same issue with my VFR800.  The PC III solved all that at the expense of slightly lower fuel mileage.  But what a difference in throttle response!

120-140 mile range was the same for my Firebolt.  It won't hold you back but you will be thinking of topping up at 100 miles if you are doing, say the Fast 400.  For example, the distance from Frazier Park to Ojai is about 100 miles so if you are at 75 miles then encounter a detour, then it becomes an issue if there are no nearby gas stations.  If you are pushing it (like keeping up with Miles or Vernon for example), chances are good your reserve light will go on at 115 or 120 miles.  It's only a minor concern occassionally.  

I would be interested to know your thoughts about wind protection on a naked bike later on after you've made long trips on it.  Maybe on a ride across the 101 when it's really windy.  I wanted to buy a Speed Triple but the windblast was always a concern in the back of my mind.  

[Lawn Dart]

Jordan,

I guess the only real answer is for us to ride together so you can try the Duc out!  

[Rogue]

Your generosity will be a problem for my wallet!  I have near-zero self control when it comes to new bike purchases.  

[jsanford]

wait till you start finding rubber "pucks" on your garage floor and start wondering "what the f...?"  
do they still put those in between the fins on the cylinders?

No kidding.  My '08 is still dropping pucks.

Really enjoyable read.  I, too, wanted a leather getup when I bought my Monster.  There are other effects you describe that have a familiar tone to me.

The engine should have smoother power delivery once you break it in and/or remap it around the Euro3 emissions.

[JonS]

No kidding.  My '08 is still dropping pucks.

Really enjoyable read.  I, too, wanted a leather getup when I bought my Monster.  There are other effects you describe that have a familiar tone to me.

The engine should have smoother power delivery once you break it in and/or remap it around the Euro3 emissions.

It just amazes me that Ducati just keeps sending bikes here, with the wrong sprocket and lean mixture. My 2004 had the same things that had to be changed. Once fixed, the bike became wonderful.

[R Doug]

Sorry to chime in so late.  But, congrats on a great ride.  

[Lawn Dart]

Farkle Farkle Farkle Farkle...  

Farkles should be useful, powerful, idealistic trinkets that actually make some difference in the quality of a ride.  It can be a cup holder, or it can be something else.  For me, it's GPS...and, invariably, lighting.  

First things first, let's strips the lovely gal down to her true nekkid self!



And then take a moment to strategically place a few desirable trinkets.



Strategically wire in a set of three fuses in a hidden and innocuous location...connect them all to a relay, run dual relay wires off the low and high beams (more on that later...)...



Test it all and then start running the wires in hidden locations.  Most importantly, set everything up on quick disconnects in a modular setup so that it can be removed rapidly with a minimum of fuss.



Button it all up...take a pic!



And here's a quality closeup.  



Welcome to the Office!




So, I've added the requisite GPS:  a Garmin Nuvi 500 in a Ram Mount.  And then I added a 2000 lumen quad Cree LED lamp...on a remote dimmer with dual triggers.  This setup rocks hard.  The LED Foggie has an adjustable output:  Low to obscenely high.  Moreover, I have it set to about 3/10 running in parallel to the low beam for added daytime visibility.  Flip the high beam and the Foggie goes into afterburner mode!  Full 2000 Lumens of power in blinding brilliance!  It's every bit as much light (and I think more!) than the hi-beam itself, with much, much better pattern and dispersion!

I'm super keen on the trigger!  It's adjustable power in 10 steps...via key fob remote!  And it's on a Ram Ball with a quick disconnect power attachment.  

I've also mounted in my USB recharger with IPhone connection and Gerbings heated vest plugs.  

This is, without a doubt, the cleanest install I've done to date.  I'm super proud of it!

Next up?  Heated Grips and Wireless Heat-Troller!   (*straight up pug and play into the existing setup by only removing the seat!)  

[squeezer]

Totally sweet. Nice job! 

[Justin]

Neat mounting idea for the LED   - I have mine mounted on my mirror stalks. Being able to swivel it and use it as a spot light is pretty cool.

[Lawn Dart]

Neat mounting idea for the LED   - I have mine mounted on my mirror stalks. Being able to swivel it and use it as a spot light is pretty cool.

Thanks!  I went with the Ram option mostly because both the GPS and Light are interchangeable to my WR250R.  But I did want to have a LOT of flexibility in how I aimed the light.

[Justin]

Thanks!  I went with the Ram option mostly because both the GPS and Light are interchangeable to my WR250R.  But I did want to have a LOT of flexibility in how I aimed the light.

Do you have a dimmer on both bikes as well, so you you can just switch the light back and forth?

[Lawn Dart]

Do you have a dimmer on both bikes as well, so you you can just switch the light back and forth?

For now it's just dimmer on the one bike (Monster).  I haven't quite reached that point on the WR yet, so I'm just going to slave it 100% to the high beam and call it good on the WR.  My goal on the WR is to use that light at 100% mostly for off-road conditions.  

[Justin]

Robert, can you give the exact model of that light? That looks like exactly the setup I've been envisioning. Thanks.

I am not Robert - but I know where you can get them

http://stores.intuitwebsites.com/hstrial-QualiRegResou/StoreFront.bok

I got mine from 24x7diy which is the supplier (at least according to them) - it seems ADVmonster just resells their stuff and bumps up the price and specs.

http://24x7diy.com/index.php/cPath/33

[Lawn Dart]

I am not Robert - but I know where you can get them

http://stores.intuitwebsites.com/hstrial-QualiRegResou/StoreFront.bok

I got mine from 24x7diy which is the supplier (at least according to them) - it seems ADVmonster just resells their stuff and bumps up the price and specs.

http://24x7diy.com/index.php/cPath/33

Yep.  

Had I known about 24x7 I probably would have ordered from them.  Regardless, I paid $80 for the M44.

http://stores.intuitwebsites.com/hstrial-QualiRegResou/-strse-2/Black-Model-44-LED/Detail.bok

And here's the dimmer.  It doesn't appear that 24x7 has the dimmer...

http://stores.intuitwebsites.com/hstrial-QualiRegResou/-strse-22/Waterproof-Wireless-LED-Dimmer/Detail.bok

In the end, I think I paid about $10 more going through ADVMonster.  Not that it really matters.    FWIW, ADVMonster has the M60 Quad 3000 (3600 lumen) for $120 vs. $190 at 24x7.  

[Justin]

In the end, I think I paid about $10 more going through ADVMonster.  Not that it really matters.    FWIW, ADVMonster has the M60 Quad 3000 (3600 lumen) for $120 vs. $190 at 24x7.  

24x7 is priced by the pair  

My shipment came directly from China   - just cutting out the middle man.

[Lawn Dart]

24x7 is priced by the pair  

My shipment came directly from China   - just cutting out the middle man.

No arguments from me, Justin.  You certainly found the better deal!  

PS:  heated grips are in.  I'm calling this farkling madness done...  Except maybe for that radar detector... and a suspension rebuild... and carbon fiber cans... and a power commander with auto-tune... and a DucEE eliminator... and a...  Oh hell.  It never ends!

[Justin]

No arguments from me, Justin.  You certainly found the better deal!  

Oh, I did not mean to rub it in - just not sure if you caught the pricing was by the pair. Hopefully will save you and other money down the road  

[Rincewind]

Why RAM mount the LED vs hard-mount?  

[Lawn Dart]

Why RAM mount the LED vs hard-mount?  

Mobility.  I have one light and two bikes to use it on.  Ditto the GPS.  

I have dual ram-ball setups on both bikes so both items can swap from one bike to the other in under 5 minutes.

[Rincewind]

Thanks.  Sorry for being a little slow on the uptake!  It's a new idea for me.  Pretty fascinating stuff.

I have done a Zumo mount, accessory socket, heated grips, and Widder outlet, but no lighting yet on my current bike. I can see this could come in handy at times.  22-watts is a lot less wattage than the old Motolight setup I have sitting around.

[Lawn Dart]

Father forgive me...but I've done something and it feels so...right...and wrong at the same time.

I...I washed my bike.  

Well, spritzed it down with Quick cleaner and gave it a quick polish.  

I feel...well, I don't know these feelings.  I haven't washed a bike in 50,000 miles!  

[atadaskew]

Father forgive me...but I've done something and it feels so...right...and wrong at the same time.

I...I washed my bike.  

Well, spritzed it down with Quick cleaner and gave it a quick polish.  

I feel...well, I don't know these feelings.  I haven't washed a bike in 50,000 miles!  

But man doesn't it look even prettier now?
 

In all seriousness, washing it helps maintain it which is a big deal when you eventually sell.  

[Rogue]

Agree with AT.

For me washing and keeping my bike looking as new as possible is therapy.  

For a Ducati Monster, I believe that's a requirement.  

[JonS]

Father forgive me...but I've done something and it feels so...right...and wrong at the same time.

I...I washed my bike.  

Well, spritzed it down with Quick cleaner and gave it a quick polish.  

I feel...well, I don't know these feelings.  I haven't washed a bike in 50,000 miles!  

I would call it love and btw, you are doomed.

[Lawn Dart]

Hmmm, what's this?  A piece of metal?





Hammer time!  

[Lawn Dart]

A little tweaking, a little bending...a bit of spray...

[Lawn Dart]

Viola!





The second lamp is in the mail...  

[Justin]

Sweet  

Just curious, how much excess stator power does the Monster have? I checked my quad cree T6 LEDs with an ammeter and they pull about 5.5 Amps combined on full (about 70 watts). The china LEDs seem to pull more AMPs then what they are advertised at, just an FYI.

[Lawn Dart]

Monster has a 350 watt generator.  

In other news, I'm running the 1800 lumen lamps, not the 3000 lumen lamps you are.  I went that route intentionally due to the smaller generator.

Here's the current count:

Heated Vest: 30 watts (55 w/ sleeves) - full heat troller control
Heated Grips:  40 watts at full - adjustable in 4 stages
Radar Detector:  10 watts?  
Garmin Nuvi:  5 watts
20 Watt Foggies:  40 watts (*list) - adjustable in 10 stages
USB Recharger:  5 watts.

Total output at max:  130 watts (155 watts w/ sleeves)

I checked full output with one lamp:  I was still charging at 14.1 watts at idle.  I should be ok with two lamps, or so I hope!  At the least, 4,000 rpm should charge just fine.

[Mr. Whippy]

Monster has a 350 watt generator.  

In other news, I'm running the 1800 lumen lamps, not the 3000 lumen lamps you are.  I went that route intentionally due to the smaller generator.

Here's the current count:

Heated Vest: 30 watts (55 w/ sleeves) - full heat troller control
Heated Grips:  40 watts at full - adjustable in 4 stages
Radar Detector:  10 watts?  
Garmin Nuvi:  5 watts
20 Watt Foggies:  40 watts (*list) - adjustable in 10 stages
USB Recharger:  5 watts.

Total output at max:  130 watts (155 watts w/ sleeves)

I checked full output with one lamp:  I was still charging at 14.1 watts at idle.  I should be ok with two lamps, or so I hope!  At the least, 4,000 rpm should charge just fine.

You need a new avatar...

 

[Lawn Dart]

You need a new avatar...

 

Changed it...but this one won't last!  

[Rincewind]

Nice job on those brackets.

[Justin]

In other news, I'm running the 1800 lumen lamps, not the 3000 lumen lamps you are.  I went that route intentionally due to the smaller generator.

Yeah - I was just pointing out mine draw more than advertised; would no be surprised if the others were the same. If you have a Harbor Freight nearby, this is a handy tool  

http://www.harborfreight.com/20-Amp-Automotive-Fuse-Circuit-Tester-67725.html

Plugs right into the fuse holder - It's nice knowing exactly how much power each acc. is pulling  

[hovmaven]

Changed it...but this one won't last!  

     

[Lawn Dart]

Yeah - I was just pointing out mine draw more than advertised; would no be surprised if the others were the same. If you have a Harbor Freight nearby, this is a handy tool  

http://www.harborfreight.com/20-Amp-Automotive-Fuse-Circuit-Tester-67725.html

Plugs right into the fuse holder - It's nice knowing exactly how much power each acc. is pulling  

Ok, that's one item that's gonna get bought!  Thanks!  

[Lawn Dart]

Now to add just a bit more emergency long distance fuel...



 

T minus 4 days...and something happens...

[viffergyrl]

[Lawn Dart]

And here's the (currently) finished product...  

[viffergyrl]

Hmmmmm.... looks like quite a ride from the map not too mention the extra fuel canisters.... hanging out with a bigger bike?

[M.Brane]

 Heading off to parts northeast with someone I know to watch some racing?

[miles]

Yes, yes, and no.

[viffergyrl]

Aha.... the usual partners in crime then....  
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Radar detectors strapped on?

[Lawn Dart]

Aha.... the usual partners in crime then....

You take that back!  There's nothing "usual" about us!  

[Lawn Dart]

Purchase date:  December 23rd, 2011.
Current date:  March 4th, 2012.  

Note to self:  I am now in need of new tires...  

[viffergyrl]

Miles? (On the tires...)  

[miles]

Nah, I don't need tires. I got a new set put on the bike Friday. They should still have another fifteen hundred miles left.



Edited to add:  See?  They look great.

[jsanford]

Do the fuel canisters stay put?  I'd worry about them bouncing out of the water bottle cages.

[miles]

The canisters had seat belts, too. LD secured them with Velcro straps through the caps, and they were rock solid all day Saturday.  Admittedly, most roads were pretty smooth, but I don't see them as having any problems.

[viffergyrl]

Nah, I don't need tires. I got a new set put on the bike Friday. They should still have another fifteen hundred miles left.



Edited to add:  See?  They look great.

 

Robert - how many miles did you get on your first set?

[hovmaven]

I asked him the same question -- LD said there was a strap attachment as well.  

[Lawn Dart]

I had a velcro strap on the cannisters just to be safe. 1,290 miles later, the cans did not move one milimeter.  The straps were unnecessary, but I still like the security of them.  Also, we never needed the cannisters.  

Total mileage for the trip, 1,290 in two days.  1,045 miles in 16 moving hours on Saturday.  

The Diablo Rosso II's lasted just over 3,200 miles and are on the wearbars.  I think I'm going to try some Q2's next.

PS:  Radar worked just fine, thank you very much!  

[Justin]

Bravo  

She is coming along quite nicely - good job on the farkling