Monster vs SBKs ergonomics - what will it be like if I switch?

[stopintime]

For the first time I (just) sat on a 848 the other day. (I'm 6'4") I always thought the SBKs would be too cramped for me even to consider, but it didn't feel too bad. I'm thinking about how much more fun the twisties/track might be, but I'm also worried about how the longer rides I love so much will be like.

I'm going for a test ride on a 1098 to see if the ergonomics are possible to accept. (Yes, I will be cautious)

In the meantime - maybe you guys with experience on both bikes can tell me what to expect in terms of every day use, especially ergonomically.

[ducpainter]

If you typically ride in wide open spaces the sbk will be fine IMO.

If you are city bound I'd stick with a Monster.

Yes...

I own both.

[ryandalling]

The 848 is wonderful if you ride it like it was designed. Flipping it through the corners. It does have a tad bit of room to scoot up against the tank if you are on a longer straighter ride. But if you hit rush hour... don't expect your wrists to be too happy. Mine went numb trying to get home at rush hour.

[rockaduc]

My unasked for $.02:
You have done a bunch of "touring mods" to your S2R (bar risers, touring windscreen, etc.)...now you are thinking SBK???  If you weren't happy w/ the monsters ergos, what makes you think you will be happy with the SBK ergos?  Not to sound like a jerk, but just asking.

[stopintime]

My unasked for $.02:
You have done a bunch of "touring mods" to your S2R (bar risers, touring windscreen, etc.)...now you are thinking SBK???  If you weren't happy w/ the monsters ergos, what makes you think you will be happy with the SBK ergos?  Not to sound like a jerk, but just asking.

I'm gradually getting to enjoy a more spirited riding pattern/position where the rearsets go rear and the bars might very well be lower, plus raising the rear. I'm still undecided on the comfort issues - on the "touring modded" Monster I'm happy in city traffic and when "cruising". These days it seems my pattern is shifting away from the comfort and into a little more active riding. If a SBK will be too much is what I'm curious about. A test ride will hopefully answer that.

If my situation is unclear you might also look here (if you have the time):     http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=13009.0

[stopintime]

The 848 is wonderful if you ride it like it was designed. Flipping it through the corners. It does have a tad bit of room to scoot up against the tank if you are on a longer straighter ride. But if you hit rush hour... don't expect your wrists to be too happy. Mine went numb trying to get home at rush hour.

In that situation (rush hour or similar), are your arms straight and you lean on them?

[Bbrent]

Keep your bike and bet the 848.

[Desmostro]

The 848 is wonderful if you ride it like it was designed. Flipping it through the corners. It does have a tad bit of room to scoot up against the tank if you are on a longer straighter ride. But if you hit rush hour... don't expect your wrists to be too happy. Mine went numb trying to get home at rush hour.

+1

I went from the Monster to the 848.
You have to get used to that riding position. The SBK's are quite different and less versatile than the Monster. They're bikes made for racing. Out in the hills, they're a dream. In traffic its sucky. But I ride mine daily in traffic.

You should not be keeping a lot of weight on your bars. Use your core muscles and your legs, keep your forearms horizontal, elbows bent, & your wrists straight, head down, neck/back straight. It takes some getting in shape. Its ridiculously fun riding though if you can get into it.

Side note: IMHO
Where one is difficult the other makes up and vise versa. The SBK is harder to stay in a good riding position, but way easier to throw around from side to side. Way more aerodynamic and easier to navigate against the wind - especially on the freeway or just going really fast. etc etc. I liken them a bit to a road bicycle verses a mountain bike.

[sugarcrook]

My opinion on the 848 changes depending on my last ride.  If I had to commute down 101 for an hour, I'm ready to sell it and buy another Monster.  If it's through the hills, I can't say enough about it.  It's wildly impractical for anything other than what it was designed for. 

[Mr Bread]

It will be more fun!

With adjustable rearsets and some risers you will still be a Little cramped....

Me-
6'2 - 190

I went from an S2R w/clip ons, to a 999 this spring.

The 999 has some FBF clip on risers- and with the adjustability of the rearsets, I have found the 999 to be more comfortable than my S2R.

As many people already stated - its no fun in stop and go, or slow riding (under 40 mph) - unless you change the gearing.

If you live in a place with lots of corners, not many LEOs, and fresh pavment - or if you plan on doing track days- a SBK is THE choice.

Deciding to acquire the 999 was the best decision i've made in a long time. It has helped me take my riding to the next level. ( finally got my knee down, got a full race kit (suit, helmet, boots, gloves) and took it to the track,  bumped to blue on my second day- now i'm crunching numbers for racing, or a lot of track days next summer)

[Statler]

I am much more comfortable on the 848/1098 than the stock monster.   Only problem with the 1098 is my legs are too short to lock my knee into the tank crease (you should be fine).   I'd need rearsets an inch and a half up to be able to tense my calf and lock in.


But low and close bars for me are nicer than farther and middle or high.   Hold yourself up with your core and flap those arms in happiness.


But I am apparantly a fluke and my opinion should be taken as such.... so go with the masses.

[killaimdie]

The SBK is obviously a lot more aggressive than a monster as far as posture but I'm not really cramped at all on the 848 or 1098. I've had the opportunity to ride both and I've been exceptionally comfortable other than sliding forward into the tank. I'm 6'4" and 250 so I wouldn't worry about it if I were you. But sliding onto the tank does require some adjustment.

[El Matador]

Get the 848, Keep the monster as well. It's my philosophy that everyone should have a monster and a SBK

I'll tell you right now that the superbike is no fun in the city. Your ass feels like it's being roasted within 10 mins and the  clutch is so hard, even with aftermarket plates and cylinders that you start getting a left forearm to rival Popeye's.  The monster, On the other hand, is the perfect city bike.

But the second you hit a corner in the SBK and let it rip for all it's worth, you're transported back to when you were a little kid and without knowing it you've just done 3 hours of twisties and you've had the most fun you've ever had while still wearing your clothes. 

[ellingly]

I think you'd be fine. I've gone the other way, and I still sit myself like I'm on a sportsbike - forearms parallel to the road, holding myself up with lower back muscles and stomach muscles (not that I have many of the second - you have met me, way too many  for me to have a sixpack, I just have a keg). Obviously I'm a touch shorter than you, but if you sit in the right position then a superbike riding position is very comfortable.

Most of the complaints come from people either resting too much weight on their wrists or trying to keep themselves upright. For the more rotund amongst us, like me, you can even relax the back and stomach muscles and using your gut on the tank as a prop!

[stopintime]

Get the 848, Keep the monster as well. It's my philosophy that everyone should have a monster and a SBK

I'll copy and paste this into my bank loan application