Chaps. I’ve read a few reviews blah de blah. Some seem to contradict themselves. So, what are the real pros and cons between the 800 and 1000?
@Yoozy , I`ve had both and currently still have my second S2R1000. Its all relative of course but the 800 is easier if mainly low speed urban riding is what you do. The clutch is lighter, the engine is much smoother at low RPM and at low speed its a better all round proposition. It rides well, is a little happier to rev but lacking in torque by comparison. I think is a little lighter and more manoeuvrable too . The suspension is definitely not as good on the 800 as the 1000, less adjustment possible I think. Good out of town too of course but just not as good as the 1000 which comes into its own on open roads and at higher speeds. Not mad speeds, it is after all a 90odd bhp naked so out of town A and B roads and keeping below 3 figure speeds. Obviously it is not the fastest, best handling etc etc but there is something about how it all comes together that makes it way more than the sum of its parts. It is the most communicative bike I`ve ever ridden and the sort of bike that when I get off at the end of my ride it makes me want to stand next to it listening to the engine ping while I smoke a cigarette. And I dont even smoke. Between my first and second S2R1000 I`ve owned an 1100 2 valve and 1200 4 valve monster. Both were better in every measurable way but neither were any where near as satisfying to ride or own for me. I`m sure owners of 1100/1200 monsters will have different opinions that are equally valid.
I can highly recommend the 1100S, if you can find one. . Last of the big air-cooled ones, comes with Ohlins front & rear, and if you can find one with the straight through Termis and ‘race’ chip even better. An appreciating classic nowadays.
There is a huge difference in brakes, the S2R 800cc ones are crap, they used to do a conversion kit of the 996 kit for them, did that to mine, was a million times better, the 1000 gets that brake set up from the off.
Not light but not a problem. I do very little heavy traffic riding so that helps but I generally only use the clutch when changing up under 40mph and I try the odd clutch less down shift too. Have you got your eyes on one?
Agree entirely with dukesox on this, the 1000 is good at the out of town stuff and now Blackadder and me have bonded I am having great fun. Handles great,loads of grunt.my mate Col has the 800 and he loves it.for me the twin spark motor and better suspension swung my choice to the 1000, let us know what you choose.
Put a deposit down on a 1000 today. Reminds me of my old Falcos. I’ve only been on newer ones and didn’t like them tbh. Very cramped, hard and snatchy. This seems much more spacious and suited to the stouter gentleman. Pics on Thursday
Very nice. Can I recommend taking off the standard mirrors as they create a surprising amount of noise and turbulence. I only realised how much when I changed them for bar end mirrors. Its worth looking for a replacement part for the udder in the exhaust too as that improves performance a little and looks much better . Gratuitous pic of mine below :-
I agree about the mirrors and the donkey box exhaust, here's my lowly 800 version, I also modified the airbox and fitted a Pipercross filter, makes nearly as much intake noise as the exhausts now and runs sweeeet!
Oh and painting the cam covers black rather than the sickly grey makes a massive visual difference in my opinion!
