I, like many if not all of UK bikers, cut their teeth on naked motorbikes. Ironically after learning to ride, my first bike was the half faired Hornet, but I have always liked naked and especially super nakeds. The 1100 Evo is, at the time of writing, the most powerful Monster in Ducatis range and it looks the bees knees, especially in black. For me, there wasn't any problems reaching for the flat bars and there was plenty of room for legs and bum. The Monster really is a bike that loves attacking corners and its very easy to hold a desired line. The Monster has always interested me, but seeing as I have a Superbike in my garage the idea of riding the smaller 696 or 796 didn't really appeal. After the ride I was left feeling that even the 1100 needed more power. Yes it was reasonably fast off the line, but at the top of the rev range and when speeds started getting about 80mph, I found the bike struggling for any significant shove. Maybe I was spoiled by my previous experience with the Diavel, which to me is just a Monster on steroids. That has loads of grunt and I was left not wanted any more power at all as it sat quite easily in the three figure bracket. During the ride I also noticed just how vibey the Monster was, especially through the footpegs. Like all naked, super or otherwise, their natural habitats are either the City or the back lanes, where they provide excellent entertainment and practicality. Would I buy one? Probably not. If I wanted that Super Naked fix and wanted a Ducati badge on the tank, I'd be looking towards the Diavel before I look at a Monster, which is a bit of a shame.
Strangely, I've come away from Supersports bikes, Sports bikes, Large off roaders and Paris Dakar reps to a Monster. Ok I have the S4R so power is all I really need but I like the way it feels like a motorcycle. It vibrates, it accelerates hard, it handles well, and keeps me at or about the legal speed limit. The last point is key for me, the Sports bike and Supersport bikes, weren't really happy below 100mph, you could just feel that they were getting interesting as they crossed the 90mph barrier. The Large off roaders and Dakar reps were great but started to handle oddly at 65mph +, I'm guessing it was the 21" front wheels and on the off roader high front guard. The S4R keeps the speed within normal limits, has loads of grunt at those speeds and will happily take you to trippple figures for short periods. And feels like a real motorcycle, I feel part of the mechanical magic not isolated from it, which to me is important. Large singles and Vee Twins will always interest me more than anything with more pots.
Sounds to me like you've overlooked the Streetfighter, much closer DNA to the Monster than the Diavel
I have yet to ride the Streetfighter, but that is a bike I am very interested in. In regard to Diavel vs Monster, for me that depends on the type of riding I would have to do. If the longest journey I ever had to do was 50 miles, I'd go for the Monster, otherwise I'd be looking more towards the Diavel......at the moment :smile:
In terms of ridability when its twisty. I wonder whether the diavel can be chucked about and carry the kind of lean angle you can on a monster
I had a M1100 a few years back, loved that bike but I too wanted more power from it. Ended up with a 1098 Streetfighter and never looked back. A little disappointed with the announcement of the 1198 Monster, I wanted a 1199 based Streetfighter.
I've just bought an EVO after selling the Diavel. Personally both bikes are equal IMO on handling but I just feel more confident on the Monster, its lighter and you can hang off it and move around more, the Diavel handles brilliantly but it doesn't feel very natural. There's obviously no comparison in power but for the majority of the time, short, sharp blasts on the right roads the EVO is Just great. The vibration on the EVO is noticeable but quite endearing, the fluid pots are shaking and sploshing about everywhere, I can't take my eyes off them.
True - they may but its not likely to be next year now. Looks like they've declared this new Monster as their big super-naked for 2014. I cant see them adding a new SF at the same time.
Yup - you may well be proven correct. And that's a shame, to me, as I like brutal naked's and fear that my 1098SF is going to get chucked in for that new KTM.
Change them to Rizoma pots and you'll not notice them. Never ridden a Diavel and have no desire too either tbh. Both the Monster & Diavel do different things in my opinion The Monster is for short, fast and fun twisties. Where the Diavel is for longer runs on A-roads, it'll do some of the twisties though. However not to the same extent as the Monster. I feel the Diavel needs a lot of Man-Handling, having observed this following 3 Diavels in the Lakes in August 2012.
Don't discount the Monster for trips over 50 miles! I've had sports bikes for years, the Monster is so much fun. 90mph on a Monster is 160mph on a sports bike. Now where did I put my license??? Did a 5 days riding down to Germany on M1100s and was absolutely fantastic! Really comfy and a blast round the twisties. The B500 near Baden Baden on a Monster :biggrin: still grinning Going upto Scotland this weekend
Sunday morning riding back down from Skye. Stopped for a cuppa riding through Glencoe. The Monster never missed a beat and was immense fun through the twisities!
great post ^^^ and shows why a Monster is a great alternative. Where'd I'd be doling 130 on 848, you can do 90 and its just as fun. maybe I should try one instead of a multi
Got an M1100S for short runs, pootling , commuting and hooning - sure it ain't anywhere near as pokey as my 749R or 916SPS but it is still immense fun. Difference is: you can get up, chuck on kevlar jeans n' jacket and jump on the Monnie and go for a ride...I'd never do that on the other bikes as they require all the planets to be aligned and zen like mental preparation to have big fun on. I s'pose what I'm trying to say is: the Monster is for "Fun Riding"....the Superbikes are for "Serious Riding". Diavel...nah...it's more ugly than an old Multi... R XX
I havn't read all the posts , so sorry if I'm repeating, if you want a faster Monster just waite till next year when they are releasing the 1198 & 848 Monsters, the aircooled Monsters will eventually be discontinued due to EU emissons law.
If you want a fast Monster S4RS (130bhp) more than enough for a naked bike. Why wait for Ducati to play catch up with themselves...
