IMO the ohlins is more a cool factor.  Granted they are better than stock but how many max out their stock suspension regularly to justify the price? Personal decision but for me it's not worth it and I'm an "old" monster lover to boot 

It's not a question of maxing something out, IMO (having had Ohlins on an S4RS and not on my 1100EVO) there's a difference with the way the Ohlins feel over stock suspension. If the OP is able to have the choice (from a financial perspective) and we're not considering the aesthetics because they're so subjective then the M1100S wins without any question.

I average 6k miles a year on mine and another 12 to 15k on the Hardley.  Doing the internal work on the forks is far cheaper in most cases and an option to be had if he chooses the S2R line, I'm sure he'll choose whatever he likes most like we all have.  Oh, neither has ever failed me and I've pushed them both pretty hard.  Didn't you say we are not considering the asesthetics and then go on to say the M1100 wins?     His choice, in the meantime I'll hang onto my beloved S4R which is old and dated.     

anyone mention that these bikes have different ergo's, wheelbase, seat height, frames, powerbands, and rider triangles? (not to mention the aesthetics, price gap and availability of parts)

when you compare old monster vs new monster you arent comparing "monsters" so much as you are "naked bikes". you should really go sit on a few (do test ride where possible) and see what you like better, they are more different than they are the same.

True. Whatever bike fits you best and feels right.
Like boots or jeans, you gotta try it on.

I agree, getting your suspension set up properly (including respringing and valving) is a lot cheaper than buying Ohlins for your bike and, often cheaper than buying a bike with Ohlins as well.

Quote from: muskrat on October 30, 2011, 05:29:21 PMDidn't you say we are not considering the asesthetics and then go on to say the M1100 wins?     His choice, in the meantime I'll hang onto my beloved S4R which is old and dated.     

Yes, we aren't considering aesthetics which make the choice really easy IMO. He asked for opinions including aesthetics and then retracted the aesthetics part of the question because it's so subjective (I love(d) the way my S4RS looked, and my S2 800 for that matter). You chose and own what you love, more power to you mate.  [dolph]

If we were talking old S2R1000 vs a mythical new S2R1100S I would say new bike hands down. That is the only way I can think about it without taking looks into account since I like the old bikes better.

I was faced with this same dilemma in 09.  Slightly used s2r1k and new m1100.  Looks aside I liked the ergos alot better on the s2r.  I really didn't feel the 1100 offered much over the s2r in terms of performance and just was not as comfy.  The s2r1k fit me like a glove which is why I purchased her.  Go with what feels best to you. 

FYI, I have an 06 that does not suffer from the soft valve guides.  From the research I did avoid any 06 models with VIN *RAB026927* or earlier.