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5,704 Posts
Man, what a great bike!
I took the bike down Valley Parkway past Lake Hodges a little while ago, this bike turns in well, has plenty of power and is light and flickable. It is partly cloudy and in the low 70s here, perfect riding weather.
Specs:
2009 Ducati Monster 1100 S
1100cc L-Twin engine, 2 valves per cylinder
370lbs dry weight
Ohlins adjustable forks and rear shock
Brembo brakes (twin 4 piston calipers up front)
First thing I noticed is that the handlebars are a bit wider than on my SV and the riding position is a bit more aggressive (forward leaning). The seat is angled towards the tank which facilitates a weight forward riding position (which is good because this bike will lift the front wheel easily under acceleration). Controls are standard layout and were easy to use with gloves on.
The engine is lumpy at idle with a noticeable vibration but once above 3,000 rpms it really smooths out. The engine is so sweet and the sounds it makes when you get up above 5,000 rpms are soooo nice. What a great power plant. Gobs of torque and it just revs so willingly. I didn't take it up past 7,000 rpms because the bike only had 100 miles on it but it was pulling strong when I shifted and I was already breaking the 55mph speed limit by a good 20mph.
There was one point where I started out from a light and got on the throttle and was quickly rewarded with a nice wheelie. I probably had a good foot of air under my front wheel. It wasn't intentional...honest. ;D
Brakes and suspension are top notch. I really only needed 2 fingers on the front brake and found myself hardly using the rear half the time.
I want one! Badly!
This is my next bike...no doubt about it.
My SV felt slow on the ride home...:'(
I took the bike down Valley Parkway past Lake Hodges a little while ago, this bike turns in well, has plenty of power and is light and flickable. It is partly cloudy and in the low 70s here, perfect riding weather.
Specs:
2009 Ducati Monster 1100 S
1100cc L-Twin engine, 2 valves per cylinder
370lbs dry weight
Ohlins adjustable forks and rear shock
Brembo brakes (twin 4 piston calipers up front)
First thing I noticed is that the handlebars are a bit wider than on my SV and the riding position is a bit more aggressive (forward leaning). The seat is angled towards the tank which facilitates a weight forward riding position (which is good because this bike will lift the front wheel easily under acceleration). Controls are standard layout and were easy to use with gloves on.
The engine is lumpy at idle with a noticeable vibration but once above 3,000 rpms it really smooths out. The engine is so sweet and the sounds it makes when you get up above 5,000 rpms are soooo nice. What a great power plant. Gobs of torque and it just revs so willingly. I didn't take it up past 7,000 rpms because the bike only had 100 miles on it but it was pulling strong when I shifted and I was already breaking the 55mph speed limit by a good 20mph.
There was one point where I started out from a light and got on the throttle and was quickly rewarded with a nice wheelie. I probably had a good foot of air under my front wheel. It wasn't intentional...honest. ;D
Brakes and suspension are top notch. I really only needed 2 fingers on the front brake and found myself hardly using the rear half the time.
I want one! Badly!

My SV felt slow on the ride home...:'(