For various reasons I'm out of touch with the Ducati range, from about 1999!!! I have a vague awareness of some models since then but nothing in detail. The most significant thing that never appeared on my radar was the importance of the Monster to Ducati's revival as a marque, having just become aware that it saved Ducati and is their biggest selling model ever!! And to think, I hated it when it launched!! Fast forward to present day, I want a modern twin but not a sports bike, and looking at the Monster range to realise that there are some pretty potent and sophisticated versions, my interest is now focused there! So, here comes the question, with a budget of £6500, I'm looking for suggestions on which versions I should seriously check out. My preference would be an 8 valve engine, I'm not so keen on the air cooled units.
I’ve ridden most versions, and still own an original 1993 M900 as well as the 1200R. the 1000/1100 cc aircooled bikes are great fun and simple/cheaper to service but the 8 valve bikes are quicker Don’t buy an S4, not the finest of Monsters, IMO the 1000DS aircooled was better. The S4R versions however are cracking bikes, early bikes were 996cc but later versions had the 998 lump and are pretty quick. If you can find a S4RS then that would be the pick of the bunch but you might struggle to find a decent one without stretching your budget. you might find an early 1200 base model at that money but better to aim for the S version as better suspension and more giddy up.
@bevelhead At that price level you can take your pick of the water cooled monsters as there are now a few 1200s at that sort of price. Loads of 821s too . I you fancy something with a bit more character the S4R and S4RS from the last decade are worth a look although they dont have all mod cons like ABS or traction control.
Loved my Base 1200 monster, 2013 model put some Michelin pilot power 2ct’s on it and it flicks from left to right down twisty lanes just as sweet as a sports bike
S4R or if you can bag a bargain the RS. But the newer 1200 will be a better bike probably. But it’s not ‘old school’ if that’s more your thing.
I’ve owned many Monsters, great bikes. I’d go for the 1100 EVO, last of the air cooled, 100bhp and becoming very desirable. I’ve seen dealers selling nice low mileage ones for £7.5k which is about what they were new in 2012. Try and find a nice standard one I’d I don’t think you can go wrong..
The originals are: '93 to '99, no rider aides and carburettors. ''02 to '06 fuel injection, larger engines available including the Testastretta S4RS '07 single side s/arms added to Monsters '10 to current, MKII Monsters appeared with Ducati safety package standard (ABS and Ducati Traction Control). '16 1200s appeared in your rear view and soon disappeared over the horizon -160bhp. There's loads more differences than the few I've listed but you get the idea. The basic no frills bikes got more reliable and faster until they were replaced by much faster hi tech bikes which have all whistles and bells. Leaving aside cost the choice is simple, all toys or a simple no frills, you and the bike experience. I have really no idea about the latest version hitting the dealers now. My '02 900ie now with a fair amount of mods, is perfect for me. PS. I might be a little out here and there with the dates!
gotta be air cooled imho!! i'm biased as i own one, but the s2r 1000 has the classic monster with styling single swingarm and stacked exhausts of the s4r and the DS1000 lump (one of the best engines made by ducati) and no messy bulky mass of horrible plumbing and radiator its also Euro 3 compliant so you can still ride it in city low emissions zones if thats something you need to worry about the post 2008 models M796 m1100 are great and definitely handle better than the older bikes but the looks are not as good for me that said that 1100 evo on ebay looks very very nice indeed
