Reading an old review of the 1100EVO (2012) and the claim is made that its got a "nervous" front end. Never heard this about the bike in the past. Does the suspension need a proper setup to alleviate this, is a steering damper a must have or is this total BS?

here's the comment from MotorcycleUSA.com


"The Monster 1100 EVO’s wonderful cornering prowess has a trade off on the interstate, however, as on the freeway the front end is busy and borderline nervous. A constant wiggle comes from the bars as the front tire follows rain grooves and seams, and any gust of wind or turbulence from a nearby tractor-trailer makes the shimmy even worse. This condition is frustrating, but you’ll forget all about it the minute you reach your favorite winding road. A steering stabilizer would be a must have if you were planning on using the Monster on the freeway frequently. It’s a shame that the long distance riding is compromised by the flighty front-end, because the cockpit would allow for extended stints."

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/103/10913/Motorcycle-Article/2012-Ducati-Monster-1100-EVO-First-Ride.aspx

Don't know about the 2012, my 2013 is rock solid.

My 2012 is also rock solid.

So in answer to your question... total BS.

I couldn't feel any wobbliness as I cruised at 80+ mph during a run from DC to RVA today... passing the tractor-trailers I did not feel any turbulence.

Mine feels fine.  Maybe the steering head was a little loose on the test bike they were riding?

They are definitely a little soft as they are setup from the factory, maybe a little more pre-load would have helped clear that up?

Pre-load has nothing to do with wobble or a perceived tendency to follow rain grooves. The test bike may have had an "off" front tire though.

Check the radial tires.  Compared to my bias ply shod Guzzi my monster squirms a bit but not a wobbling front end. I also go over some steel gratted bridges occasionally.