Hyper vs new Monster... advice needed

[breakdown]

Hey guys,

I was hoping that I could get some advice from everyone here. Right now I own a Hyper 1100S which I'm pretty happy with. I really like riding the bike, it's a ton of fun but it's pretty narrowly focused.

I've been tossing around the idea of trading it in for the new Monster 1100S.  I really like the way it looks.

As for my riding, I do a lot of city riding to and from work and just for getting around. I get out to the canyons and back roads almost every weekend. I don't take too many trips on my bike but that's something I would like to change. I could see myself doing a few trips in the upcoming seasons that are maybe 3-4 nights long.

Does anyone have any comments or suggestions?  This decision has been killing me!

[MadDuck]

How much Monster time do you have? (Time in type) I like the Monster position better but then I'm old school Monster and word is the new one might not be as comfortable on longer rides. (?) Why don't you take the Hyper out for one or two longer trips and see how you like it?

[Big Troubled Bear]

The monster will suit your riding better IMO

[mattyvas]

M1100s for me, just deciding if I want that before buying a track bike.

[kopfjäger]

I would solicitate opinions only from people who have ridden both bikes for an extended period.

[ptooey]

Having test ridden the 696 and currently owning an HM-S as a daily rider, as well as brief stints owning M620 and Multistrada, here's my considerations:
- Seating position: HM obviously more upright. May be a factor for those with bad lower backs, and also takes a bit of load off your wrists.
- Tank size: HM's 12.4L vs Monster's ~16L. If you're planning longer trips around the outskirts the HM's range is very limited. And from what I've read on this forum the M1100's engine may be tuned to be (significantly?) more thrifty (but less grunty) than the HM. (Re: tank size though, on another forum there's a Californian company taking orders to manufacture a new larger custom HM tank)
- Load capacity. The HM may already have been out for coming on 2yrs, but it has still a poor showing for luggage accessories. No doubt Ducati Parts and other accessory makers would have more demand for Monster accessories, so in about the same time period you'll have a greater variety of parts to choose from.
- Looks: 696/1100 not my bag.
- Riding style: Do you like to back it in?
- Ride height: Monster is pretty cramped for taller people, taking into account pedal position and such
- Weight: About the same
- Ride clearance

You're right though, the HM is really narrowly focused. I'm not completely happy with its limitations either, but I'm willing to live with it, only due to the fact that I completely and utterly love that nothing else on the street looks as good as the HM.

I personally wouldn't be picking a 1100 over a HM on account of being barely more suitable for 3-4 day trips. But I take that opinion because I'd like to think I can get another bike that'll serve that purpose. (2010 MTS )

But, if you want to cover your bases, then I don't see why you shouldn't consider it..

[Ivan]

As for my riding, I do a lot of city riding to and from work and just for getting around. I get out to the canyons and back roads almost every weekend. I don't take too many trips on my bike but that's something I would like to change. I could see myself doing a few trips in the upcoming seasons that are maybe 3-4 nights long.

Does anyone have any comments or suggestions?  This decision has been killing me!

Keep the HM for local rides, buy an Aprilia RST1000 for the road trips.  You can pick up a clean RST for less than $5k.

[Scottish]

Haven't ridden the new Monster... but from what I've read it would make a fine longer ride machine.... with the addition of a new saddle. I hear the stock one crushes your man peaches against the tank.

[mxwinky]

The new M1100 is significantly larger/taller than the 696 and the saddle to tank relationship has been changed dramatically so that it doesn't squash your man grapes.  The 696 has been very much directed at the entry level and female rider, though it's still a great bike for those of us with more experience.  The taller seat for the 696 does a world of good for that issue too.  The new Monster 1100 also features an electronic exhaust valve that's supposed to enhance low to mid power, which should add even more grunty fun to an already great motor.  The new bike also has an easier reach to the bars, which is getting rave reviews from testers who all report an improved riding position and greater all-day comfort.  There's no doubt the new M1100 will be able to go farther than the Hyper on a tank of gas so that should add to its sport-touring aspirations.  I think you'll find tons of us Monsterphyles love our bikes and do all kinds of trips on them, with some of us knuckleheads even venturing cross country.  With a bit of soft luggage I wouldn't hesitate to take my Tricolore anywhere.  And I firmly believe the new one will be even more comfortable.  The bonus of having a bike with a tubular handlebar is that it gives you options to tailor its riding position to each rider, thus ensuring all-day comfort.  I'd say go for it.  But then again, I'm crazy.  BTW, the Multistrada is an awesome bike too so don't necessarily knock that one off your list.  It is, after all, the bike that gave birth to the Hypermotard.

[Spidey]

You're right that the HM is more narrowly focused and that the Monster has a wider range.  If you're planning longer trips, ditch the HM.  Awesome bike, but not made for long trips.  (FWIW--I've only ridden one around.  I haven't spend a lot of time on a HM).  The new 1100 monster seems like it was designed to be more on the sporty side than the old monster in terms of ergos.  But I found it was still more comfy for longer trips than the old monster.  Maybe that's because I'm short?  While it's certainly capable of long days, like any monster it probably won't be an ideal tourer in stock trim.  Playing around with bars and risers may change that.  Also, because the 1100 is a very capable twisties-machine, if you switched from the HM to the M1100, you're not giving up the fun of the HM for an do-it-all bike that's just so-so in the twisties.  Alternatively, the suggestion to keep the HM and get a second sporting touring bike ain't a bad idea if you can afford it. 

If it helps, I spent a week with the new M1100.  Here's the thread, if you haven't seen it.  http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=13509.0

The new M1100 is significantly larger/taller than the 696 and the saddle to tank relationship has been changed dramatically so that it doesn't squash your man grapes. 

Maybe I just have huge man grapes.  That's probably it.   

[breakdown]

Thanks guys.

I really have to get a demo ride on the M1100S before I make my decision.

I'm looking at the Monster for a few reasons right now.  First is that the Hyper is a bit too tall for me.  I only have a 30" inseam so I have trouble touching the ground on the Hyper.  The Monster is an inch and a bit shorter so that would be nice.  I've test rode a 696 and found it to be quite comfortable.  The M1100S is susposed to be a bit roomier so that's great.  I think the slightly more tucked in riding position is better for the twisties too.

The second reason is that I'm just more comfortable with the riding position on the Monster.  The Hyper feels too much like a dirtbike and your entire body is sitting up in the wind.

The last reason is looks.  I really like the way the M1100S looks.  The Hyper is definitely unique looking but I think the Monster just has a classic look to it.

Which bike do you think would handle the twisty roads better?

[kopfjäger]

^^^^^

If you think the 1100 looks classic. You should have seen the 900 only thread. 

[duc996]

The Monster will never grow old on you,classic look 

[brix821]

^^^^^

If you think the 1100 looks classic. You should have seen the 900 only thread. 

oh hell yeah! Lets bring it back.

[hbliam]

No time on the '09 1100S (does anybody?). Owned a '96 M900, '02 S4, and '04 S4R. Currently riding '08 HM 1100S.

Comfort: No question that the Hyper is more comfortable most of the time. The only exception would be extended freeway trips. There are a few Hyper windscreens available but I'm not sure how well they work. I also have a 30' inseam but have no problem whatsoever with the Hyper. I also have the DP racing seat which made the bike much more comfortable for about $200.

Fuel: The stock Monster 1100S tank is only .5 gallons larger then the stock Hyper. My ca-cycleworks tank is going to be between 6 to 7 gallons. Flat out kicks the Monster's ass in that regard. Granted that's after a mod that is estimated to run $750 or so. Pre-production buy list will get you the tank for $100-150 less. Check ducati.ms tank thread for further.

Commuting: Hyper on top again. Full hooligan lanesplit machine. I removed the stock mirrors (stick out too much) and with the seating postion, brakes, and torque the Hyper is the ultimate around town commute machine.

Looks: To each their own. I love the old monster, like the Hyper, am undecided on the new Monster (hate the lack of trellis on the rear).

Touring: The Hyper has plenty of bags available and a better tailbag/tailrack option the Monster. And again with the new tank the hyper will have a 240-280 mile range. If there isn't a load of freeway I would prefer the hyper if set up correctly. If it was mostly freeway I would choose the monster.