Hi all,
I'm planning to buy a Monster or Hypermotard (either a 796 or 1100) within the next few months.
I've been riding for about 7 years and turned 38 last month. I've been living in the U.S. since 2000, although I grew up in Canada.
My current bike (which I'm keeping) is a 2010 BMW R1200RT. Great for long rides, but not exactly a hooligan bike! I bought it new last fall and I've ridden 24,000 miles on it this year. My longest trip was the 2011 Iron Butt Rally, which I managed to finish (hit all lower 48 states on the ride plus a lot of great roads in California on the way home).
My RT. Great bike, but it seems to lack a "soul."
(http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh178/D-Mac2008/IMG_0188.jpg)
Until a couple of weeks ago, I had a second "around town bike." A 1970 Honda CL-350 Scrambler. Craigslist special, but after two years of work on this basket-case I finally got everything perfect (so I thought). Then, within site of my driveway, the top end literally exploded and that was the end of it (a cam bolt backed out of the sprocket somehow and shot through the engine....tearing up the entire top end.......holed the motor......oil everywhere it shouldn't be.....bent valves.....scored pistons......bad valve guides.....you get the idea). So the Honda is now out of the picture and I want something to bomb around town on.
Here's the old Honda. RIP.
(http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh178/D-Mac2008/finished%20bike%20fall%2009/IMG_2617.jpg)
While on a ride a few days ago, I spotted a GT-1000 sitting outside of a Ducati dealer. I took a ride on it and fell hopelessly in love. So now I'm thinking about getting a new Monster (nothing wrong with the GT, but I'd like a new bike and the styling on the Monster is more my style). I've ridden lots of bikes but I can honestly say that NOTHING compares to the feel and sound of an L-twin. Wow!
My plan is to use the Monster for blasts around town, commuting, and longer rides when I have time to take back roads. I'll use the RT mostly for longer highway rides or hauling crap around.
Welcome [clap] You just can't beat a sporting 90 deg V2 for street duty - just such a perfect design with great sound and a visceral feel.