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

[lawbreaker]

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.

+1 on what Ducpainter said...

I too own both

[Statler]

the 1098 I rode turned like a bus and wouldn't finish corners happily on the gas.   

at our level it's more important to have the bike set up for the rider than any fine points of frame design.

an 'individualized' monster will feel better handling than an sbk out of the crate and not set for you.

go with the ergos you like unless you're doing lots of track time.

[DRKWNG]

If you have the bug, and it sounds like you do, then just get the superbike. It'll be better in the long run.

Listen to His Macness, he speaks truth.

[El Matador]

+1 on what Ducpainter said...

I too own both

owning both is the way to go....

[ducpainter]

I should probably clarify.

My SBK is track only.

My monster is set up well enough for any street riding. I don't ride on the street much anymore.

[stopintime]

YESSS

Today I tested the 848 for an hour, so I'll answer some of my own questions.

Wow - this was entertaining. I haven't been on a 4v and it was very smooth, dare I say bordering on boring(?) Above 6-7k revs it was really aggressive and red line appeared quickly. Under 6k revs it wasn't impressive. Maybe it needs to loose the stock exhaust.

Compared to my S2R 800 the brakes and suspension are of another world, steady and controllable.

Ergonomics:
Once again I was surprised how comfortable I felt.
The seat is fine, not even close to making my butt hurt. There is plenty of space for me, but I would be embarrassed to offer a passenger a ride. Working the core muscles felt natural and there was absolutely no fatigue. One of the best experiences was that the loose grip and relaxed elbows felt natural. The gearing isn't catastrophic for city riding and the wet clutch is light and smooth.

Mod wish list:
Rearsets - I would want the pegs further back. Screen - taller. Exhaust - the full package please. Kriega backpack or a hip pack for any luggage.
Mirror wideners - I had to lift my arm to see anything behind me. I'm sure there would be a lot more.......

What I learned about my Monster:
It seems to me that one of the main obstacles for a "correct" grip/arm position is the lack of handlebar sweep. My hands hurt if I don't point my elbows out a bit, and that is not good for the required "loose elbows, loose grip" concept.  S2R 800 brakes and suspension are close to garbage, at least for a heavy rider. I immediately adjusted my rearsets way back, it helps me work the core muscles better.

Conclusion 1: (for now)
My price tag (trading the Monster) for the 848 with required mods will be about $ 18,000 - and the 1098 will be about $28,000.
At this point - a no brainer; it's not worth it for me. Although I will not forget the feeling and it will happen some day.

Conclusion 2:
Improve my Monster with new suspension and brakes, playing with the bar rotation, maybe removing my risers, maybe a Rizoma bar for added sweep or raised clip ons if there are any (clearance issues?). I will keep the Monster for another couple of years. It is plenty powerful and will be a race machine (compared) once I do the upgraded brakes/suspension.



Thank you all for listening, helping and commenting

[DRKWNG]

Good write up.  A friend of mine just bought an 848 about two weeks ago and he keeps trying to get me to test ride it.  I am holding off for two reasons: 1) because I want to wait until he has the bike fully broken in and 2) because I don't really want to do anything that will get me traveling down the road of selling my Daytona for an 848.   

[MadDuck]

and 2) because I don't really want to do anything that will get me traveling down the road of selling my Daytona for an 848.   

You lie like a rug. 

[DRKWNG]

You lie like a rug. 

SHOOSH Gixxer boy!