For those of you that have riden all 3. Comments, things you like or don't like and which one you would choose to stay with after riding all 3. Asking because I'm looking to switch from the 696....fun but, not enough power.

I just bought an S4RS but had ridden and 1100 (no S) but it really didn't matter because 1) I didn't like the seating position for me (felt like I kept sliding forward which can be "fixed") and 2) I don't like looking forward and not seeing anything out in front (no wheel, fender, etc.) - Just my preference. I LOVE the power/acceleration on the S4RS but to be honest it's really hard to make a decision about performance until you take one for a 50-75 mile test ride and get used to it first before pusing it at all. Find someone to lend you one of each (hard to do) and go ride with them and see.
just my 2 cents

Get the S4RS.

Are you concerned about maintenance? If not the s4r.   Loads of fun

Put simply, they're VERY different bikes.

One's a 2 valve, air cooled beast that will feel like it's just coming on to power when, Uh, you have to change gear.

The other's a 4 valve 'monster' that'll rev out to 10,500 rpm and has way more power than you will really need, unless you are on a track, and well skilled, and like to be scared shitless..... 

By the way, I did ride the 1100S & an S4rs.

I bought the S4rs.

Enough said.

S4RS has it's peak torque at 7,500 rpm
Both 1100 has theirs at 6,000 rpm

...... and it's the same torque!


This means that the 1100 will match/beat the S4RS up to 7,500

From there the 1100 won't be able to keep up.

If you're able to use all that high rev power, I'm sure the S4RS will make you smile.
To me, it just feels stressful to 'have to' flog a bike over 8,000 revs in order to get my moneys worth.

It doesn't feel like "flogging" to me over 8,000rpm...

The motor pulls like gangbusters from 4,000rpm up to 7,500rpm...

...and then it just takes off above that! 

The reason I say it doesn't feel like I'm flogging it, is the motor doesn't really get tired or run out of breath.  It just keeps pulling right into the rev limiter @ 10,500rpm.

Plus, the S4RS is just a way prettier bike than the new style Monsters IMHO. 

the way i see it, btwn 2v and 4v its the choice between power vs character.  the 2v's have way more character than the 4v's and support a more relaxed way of riding, but the 4v's are a lot smoother and have way more power.

also keep in mind that the 4v maintenance is literally 2x the price of the 2v's.

and btwn the evo vs the 1100s... it's a total toss up.  the evo has way more safety features and the s has ohlins bling.  unless you reall plan on tracking the bike, the evo prob has a slight edge.  the dtc/abs/slight hp increase will prob be more useful on a everyday basis than the suspension.

also keep in mind that the seat and risers are totally different from the evo and the 1100s.  the evo is a lot more comfortable with a flatter seat and higher risers.

I have done short rides on a S4R and 1100S.  They are both monsters and you can not make a wrong choice, it is personal preference.

For the street the 2 valve is glorious, up to 100 mph don't expect a HUGE difference in speed.  On the track the 4 valve is my preference but not in a Monster Chassis.  Looks wise I think a S4Rs (white with red frame) is about as good as it gets.  Each are plenty fast for the road.

I would decide based on your preference for--Looks, Maintenance, and power.

Case

Also note that depending on the year of your S4R you may have to Caswell your replacement tank.  Not a big deal, but know it is coming.

FYI--The new monster may not be 100% impervious either so it could be a wash.

Case

Quote from: stopintime on December 06, 2011, 04:13:17 AM
If you're able to use all that high rev power, I'm sure the S4RS will make you smile.
To me, it just feels stressful to 'have to' flog a bike over 8,000 revs in order to get my moneys worth.

No flogging required.  The engine on my S4RS LOVEs reving over 6500.  It's easier (smoother, quicker, more torque-y) going from 6500 to redline then to go from 0 to 4000 RPM.  The top end power is very usable.

Quote from: stopintime on December 06, 2011, 04:13:17 AM

If you're able to use all that high rev power, I'm sure the S4RS will make you smile.
To me, it just feels stressful to 'have to' flog a bike over 8,000 revs in order to get my moneys worth.

Mine has never felt like it was being flogged - I've run high revs into corners and out and also gently cruised thru between 4-5,000 rpms - actually anything around 3-4,000 feels like it is bogging.

I've owned the S4RS and currently own an M1100EVO. I'd go the evo given the choice. Ideal would be a SF848S w/ ABS.

Summary for me is the S4RS has great power (had race ECU, open airbox and exbox on mine) and sounds amazing. It also has the bling factor. The EVO handles a lot better than the S4RS IMO. I say I want the SF848/S because I'd prefer a smaller/lighter(?) bike with a bit more power that also handles well.

I can't speak to the M1100S but that would have been a really difficult choice if it'd been an option. I'd probably have gone for the M1100S over the EVO if it had ABS. Mostly because of the dry clutch.

Quote from: stopintime on December 06, 2011, 04:13:17 AM
S4RS has it's peak torque at 7,500 rpm
Both 1100 has theirs at 6,000 rpm

...... and it's the same torque!


This means that the 1100 will match/beat the S4RS up to 7,500

Hmm, I was going to say that the S4Rs would surge ahead shortly past 6000, but having chased up relevant dyno charts, maybe not.

Here are the curves (sorry, couldn't find same source for both but hope these close enough).

1100 EVO:



And the S4Rs - torque first, green curve is stock:



And now power:



The 1100 really does look as good as the stock 4Rs all the way to 7500, with more down low from the extra 100cc.

By 8K tho, the stock 4Rs is doing another 10hp.

And the red curves, DP ECU and Termis, tell a better story again.


Sources: Evo, Motocycle USA; S4RS, Bike Boy

I owned an s4rs. I rode a 1100evo for about 10 minutes and thought the riding position, felt like you sat over the forks felt weird. No thanks on the evo. Found a beautiful s4rs for sale with only 4k on the clock, called the dealer and had to wait for the new tank. When I  arrived at the dealer we talked about the 1100 EVO. He mentioned that a 10 min ride would'nt be long enough to make a good decesion. I rode both and yes, the s4rs has more top end, but it's heavy, a sexy beast but compared to the EVO, a tank. To my surprise I bought the EVO, and every time I ride it , I love it!!