I'll throw my two cents in as well - I have about 15k miles on my EVO, and have been very happy with it! As far as the suspension goes, I know most people believe Ohlins to be the gold standard, but I haven't noticed any of the shortcomings that EEL reported - granted I haven't don't have an S to a/b against, but i'm ~175 and have always found it communicative, comfortable and confidence inspiring in the stock form - as always, your milage may vary. that being said, it's quite likely that i ride slower than EEL does

I'm very hard on my bike as seen below but getting sag close is a must in my opinion regardless of riding style.  I was not able to do this for my 180lb weight.

https://youtu.be/IyuAAm8Ix-Y

Thank you EEL and Barney for your input. We're definitely getting an 1100 EVO. I need to do it soon because we're already arguing over who gets to ride!

Test ride an Evo just to be sure you like the engine character. I love mine (Evo Hyper) but the 1100DS is smoother and easier when there is less grip. Good to know what you are signing up for, just sayin'. I guess the Evo Safety Pack mitigates all that and it is adjustable so you can dial it up at first until you get accustomed to the immediacy of response (which I love) .

enjoy!

Right now I've got my eye on a 2012 Monster 1100 EVO-4K miles. Belts done at 3k (work receipts are a girls best friend) Some farkles-  it's been tough for me to locate an 1100s anywhere nearby.

I am just not a huge fan of how the newest Gen Monsters look/feel/ride. And the 959 Panigale was beautiful but I still don't dig the dynamics. (Or the high cost-and insurance) And let's be honest- I'm more familiar/comfortable with the monsters! (09-14?) didn't know when this Gen "ended".

the new 4 valve monsters, to me at least, lose some of the personality that makes me love my bike so much.  i test rode a 1200s twice when they first came out, with the ohlins - it's comfortable, really good power, suspension felt good, etc etc.  A better bike on paper for sure, but it didn't speak to me. plus I still think they're ugly.  I know a lot of the guys didn't like the looks of the 696/796/1100 when they came out, but i think they look way better.  s2r/s4r are the best looking bikes to me.

The older monsters are sexy as all hell- but I'm just more familiar with the (09-14) Monsters. I had my 696 for six years and it never left me stranded. Also- I don't know if I could get used to the sound of a dry clutch!

Quote from: nheaney696 on July 28, 2016, 08:23:25 PM
Also- I don't know if I could get used to the sound of a dry clutch!

You could, quite easily. It just becomes a part of the bike.

Mark

Quote from: Mhanis on July 29, 2016, 03:25:56 AMYou could, quite easily. It just becomes a part of the bike.

Mark

This.

After 20 years on Hondas, the sound of the Monster dry clutch, at first, was certainly different.

Now, it's just part of my bike's awesome character and something else that gets motorist's and other onlookers' attention. I certainly don't mind that! ðŸ'ðŸ»

What did you get in the end?

We got a 2012 Monster 1100 EVO. 4500 miles. She's got some aftermarket bits. Pics soon.

Cool .
Evo motor is a little beastie . Love it.

My husband is very happy with his new baby. It's really a beautiful bike. I'm hesitant to get on it- because then I'll want one too!