Questions re: moving from Monster to Sportbike

[tommys67]

As much as I love my Monster, the amount of time and money I've spent on it, the miles of smiles it's given me, it's just not the bike I expected it to be. 

How much of an adjustment is it to go from a Monster to a Sportbike of some sort?  Aside from a swtich in ergos, and a likely big difference in power and speed, how long did it take to get used to the difference in the riding experience?

Just asking because I'm toying with the idea of replacing the Monster to keep the ability to ride the twisties, ride around the city (which sucks on ANY motorbike) but not get beat up on the highway.  Maybe do 1 trackday a year, FWIW.

Oh yeah, my 695 is my first bike . 

[Odeccut]

Well funny you should ask, my brother! .  I have just traded my 2006 620 (my first bike) for a 2001 996 (huge smile comes across my face as I am typing) in bright happy sunlight yellow.   I've been riding my Monster for about 3 years and picking up the new steed tomorrow.  So I will let you know all about it -- the ride back home is about 72 miles so I should be able to get a decent feel for the new bike.

[Statler]

what characteristic do you want to be different?  What did you expect it to be that it isn't (for you personally that is.....ignore all the folks who are about to tell you your Duc is perfect for everything).

sounds like you are saying the highway beats you up.


So looking for a faired bike with some wind protection but still sporty handling?

[Duc L'Smart]

How much of an adjustment is it to go from a Monster to a Sportbike of some sort?  Aside from a swtich in ergos, and a likely big difference in power and speed, how long did it take to get used to the difference in the riding experience?

Not toooo long, but it is an adjustment. Are you thinking about an 848 or 1098?
An SBK will haul ass, stop on a dime, & dive into the corners... Is that what your looking for?

[tommys67]

what characteristic do you want to be different?  What did you expect it to be that it isn't (for you personally that is.....ignore all the folks who are about to tell you your Duc is perfect for everything).

I've taken the Monster with luggage to a school reunion - it worked, but I don't think I'd repeat it.  I've tried  just using the bike to take quick trips (60 - 100 miles) to visit people.  However...

sounds like you are saying the highway beats you up.... So looking for a faired bike with some wind protection but still sporty handling?

That pretty much sums it up.  The Dart flyscreen works, but I just don't get super comfortable on the highway.

[The Usual Suspects thing in my avatar is a name a bunch of the NYMMC guys call themselves as we typically ride together... 350 - 600 mile Sunday rides, 1/2 -3/4 technical twisties, 1/2 - 1/4 slab.]

[Statler]

There are quite a few sporty bikes with luggage that are heavier but fun...  triumph sprint, honda vfr800,  some ST3s still around at Duc dealers.

That's the direction I'd go if highway trips were on the agenda.   Still quick and still just fine in the twisties.  We have a local with an ST and if anyone is leaving him behind it's because they went off the road into the woods.

[Triple J]

I'd recomend to really give a thought to what you're looking for in a moto.

I went from a Monster to a Multistrada, and now have an 848 as well.  Switching between bikes is no big deal...probably take a week at most to be very comfortable on a new one...maybe quicker.  The MTS is my daily ride, and the 848 is my toy.

Personally I wouldn't own a SBK as an only bike (unless I only rode close twisties on the weekends, or only had a track bike).  My experience (limited to 848) is:

1.  Their suspension is stiff, so while you gain wind protection on the freeway, the suspension will beat you up more...especially construction joints on concrete freeways.

2. Comfort is relative and personal.  I put Heli bars on my 848 and now find it pretty comfortable as long as I'm moving.  It is horrible in traffic, as it seems to be impossible to not lean on my wrists and the bike puts off a lot of heat at a standstill.  Traffic on the MTS is no biggie...it's miserable on the 848.

3. It can carry very little gear...just enough for a day ride, and backpacks are very uncomfortable due to the riding position.  I modified a tail bag to fit on the pillion seat, and that works nicely though.  It would suck to try and commute on if you had to carry anything other than lunch.

That said, the handling is friggin' awesome, and the power is as well.  On the right roads it is an absolute blast, and I can't wait for my first track day this coming Thursday.

Anyway, tht's my opinion...some (probably Silentbob) will surely disagree. But, if I could only have one bike, the 848 wouldn't be it.  

[Xiphias]

I had no problems adding a CBR600 to the stable.  The meat of the power band is 4,000 rpm higher. The biggest problem I have is transitioning back to riding the monster...the brakes on the CBR are great.

Rob

[tommys67]

I'd recomend to really give a thought to what you're looking for in a moto.

Thanks, 3J, that's exactly what I'm in the middle of!

[cshadow2]

this won't make any sense but diffrent monsters ride diffrently. I upgraded from a 620 to an S4RS and the diffrence is night and day. I'm not just talking about power that is obvous but the RS is much more comfortable on the slab as well I can ride 150 miles to raliegh and back and feel fine. the same ride on the 620 is a chore. I assume that this is due to the suspension components working beter for my weight (207) but I am by no means an expert. i also ride with sportbikes pretty regularly and we are well matched in the twisties and backroads. I dont ride to work very often because I am to lazy to get up extra early to put on gear then have to change once I get to work (I am in the army and required by contract to wear certan gear when on a motorcycle) But any way that is just one obseveration for what its worth. I also ride my friends GSXR and it is fun but having my ass up and head down does feel weird at initaly but I get used to it quick..

[goldenchild]

The biggest difference I felt was the razor sharp handling (was on a 749S at the time). I'd find myself apexing too early, having correct my line mid corner only to have go through the whole scenario on the next corner. Once I finally got used to it, it became very addictive to the point where I was screaming down the twistys like never before.

As stated above, the improvements in the braking department was amazing as well. You'll have the ability to dynamite your brakes (if you need to) with one finger, and you'll also be able to brake later/deeper than what you currently have.

Position-wise, I can't really say I've noted a huge difference, probably for a couple of reasons; for one, I'm short and the reach to bars on my monster was always on the long-side for me. Also, I had my monster set up pretty aggressive, my clip ons were about as high as the top triple.
On my RC, the position is similar with the exception of the rearsets. They're set up as high as possible and while that's great for the twistys, it's not so great for all day comfort (by "all day" I mean our 20+ hour days), that's why you'll see "US" with our legs dangling every chance we get.

Also stated above... suspension. For the most part it'll be stiffer which will transmit more of the road's irregularities, BUT, keep in mind that a sportbike will handle quicker and will require a lot less effort on your part to make the bike go around a corner. Over the course of a day, all that lack of effort will add up and keep you fresher. Regardless, you'll probably have to have the suspension reworked anyhow.

On the highway, there's nothing better than a fully faired bike IMO. No wind and no turbulence from 18 wheelers. My only complaint is the heat. It seems as if the heat creeps out of every gap in the fairings and it in traffic the bike ROASTS me. The 749 was much worse because of the undertail exhaust.

You already know how I feel T... if most of your riding is with the Usual Suspects, I say go for a sportbike. If touring is a concern of yours, my Dowco tailbag and saddle bags work great on my bike. Even w/o luggage, my RC has more than double the storage than my monster did. Living in my trunk 24/7 I carry - a full compliment of tools (though they're miniatures), 2 tire plug kits (mushroom and the string kind), spare fuses, advil, a spare bandana, a flashlight, an aging pack of honey roasted peanuts, a mini air compressor (and all it's cables), and 6 18gram CO2 carts. Also stuffed back there is my Power Commander and my Vizalert module.

Did you PM Pete about this? He goes back and forth between the monster and the RC all the time...

[clubhousemotorsports]

I moved in the other direction .... sort of
I have ridden all kinds of ducati superbikes 851/888/916/748/996/998/749/999/999r/1098 and for me it is simple.
If you want to go fast and have the ease of handling of a superbike you will love the change. superbikes can be beautiful tools of speed. Great to admire or what they are.
I Personaly own a 851 that i have put 40,000 miles on and love to ride. It has been sitting for the last 7 years because I prefer my m750. Odd? well After a while I figured it was not in my best interest to be traveling everywhere I went at 100mph, The bike was just not much fun to drive slow. superbikes run VERY hot so city driving has been known to blister riders. Mirrors are a joke. Passenger comforts are worse than monsters. headlights are also poor in comparison.

This is not to discourage anyone from owning one of these fine bikes as I hope to own at least a couple more. For looking at or track riding or going warp speed there is little better. Everyone should own one at one time I wish more police would own them so they would understand that it was not my fault that the bike needs to go 165mph everywhere.
55mph? does the speedo go that low?

I like My little monster because I can beat the tar out of it and it feels fast (even though I know it is not fast). and the lack of a full fairing means I will spend very little time above 100mph.
Heck I get more kicks from scaring myself silly on my 65 lambretta scooter at 45mph
good luck

[tommys67]

The biggest difference I felt was the razor sharp handling (was on a 749S at the time). I'd find myself apexing too early, having correct my line mid corner only to have go through the whole scenario on the next corner. Once I finally got used to it, it became very addictive to the point where I was screaming down the twistys like never before.

As stated above, the improvements in the braking department was amazing as well. You'll have the ability to dynamite your brakes (if you need to) with one finger, and you'll also be able to brake later/deeper than what you currently have.

Position-wise, I can't really say I've noted a huge difference, probably for a couple of reasons; for one, I'm short and the reach to bars on my monster was always on the long-side for me. Also, I had my monster set up pretty aggressive, my clip ons were about as high as the top triple.
On my RC, the position is similar with the exception of the rearsets. They're set up as high as possible and while that's great for the twistys, it's not so great for all day comfort (by "all day" I mean our 20+ hour days), that's why you'll see "US" with our legs dangling every chance we get.

Also stated above... suspension. For the most part it'll be stiffer which will transmit more of the road's irregularities, BUT, keep in mind that a sportbike will handle quicker and will require a lot less effort on your part to make the bike go around a corner. Over the course of a day, all that lack of effort will add up and keep you fresher. Regardless, you'll probably have to have the suspension reworked anyhow.

On the highway, there's nothing better than a fully faired bike IMO. No wind and no turbulence from 18 wheelers. My only complaint is the heat. It seems as if the heat creeps out of every gap in the fairings and it in traffic the bike ROASTS me. The 749 was much worse because of the undertail exhaust.

You already know how I feel T... if most of your riding is with the Usual Suspects, I say go for a sportbike. If touring is a concern of yours, my Dowco tailbag and saddle bags work great on my bike. Even w/o luggage, my RC has more than double the storage than my monster did. Living in my trunk 24/7 I carry - a full compliment of tools (though they're miniatures), 2 tire plug kits (mushroom and the string kind), spare fuses, advil, a spare bandana, a flashlight, an aging pack of honey roasted peanuts, a mini air compressor (and all it's cables), and 6 18gram CO2 carts. Also stuffed back there is my Power Commander and my Vizalert module.

Did you PM Pete about this? He goes back and forth between the monster and the RC all the time...

No, but I will PM Pete this weekend.

ANY bike I will ever have will need suspension work.  You should ride my Monster sometime, the bike is set up pretty stiff, and even with me on it, it's pretty tight.

I'll be able to make a wiser decision about this after the next US ride I can make - prolly July 6 if we're riding.  I need to be able to keep up better in the twisties, and that has more to do with me trusting my, and the bike's, abilities.  You saw what happened when my trust in my own abilities evaporated  .

[tommys67]

I moved in the other direction .... sort of
I have ridden all kinds of ducati superbikes 851/888/916/748/996/998/749/999/999r/1098 and for me it is simple.
If you want to go fast and have the ease of handling of a superbike you will love the change. superbikes can be beautiful tools of speed. Great to admire or what they are.
I Personaly own a 851 that i have put 40,000 miles on and love to ride. It has been sitting for the last 7 years because I prefer my m750. Odd? well After a while I figured it was not in my best interest to be traveling everywhere I went at 100mph, The bike was just not much fun to drive slow. superbikes run VERY hot so city driving has been known to blister riders. Mirrors are a joke. Passenger comforts are worse than monsters. headlights are also poor in comparison.

This is not to discourage anyone from owning one of these fine bikes as I hope to own at least a couple more. For looking at or track riding or going warp speed there is little better. Everyone should own one at one time I wish more police would own them so they would understand that it was not my fault that the bike needs to go 165mph everywhere.
55mph? does the speedo go that low?

I like My little monster because I can beat the tar out of it and it feels fast (even though I know it is not fast). and the lack of a full fairing means I will spend very little time above 100mph.
Heck I get more kicks from scaring myself silly on my 65 lambretta scooter at 45mph
good luck

Thanks for that perspective.

In NYC I had thought that I could use the bike to run errands and use it as a general form of transport.  Well, that doesn't really work.  Frankly, a scooter is the best tool for that - and that has more to do with traffic and the structure of the city - and doesn't count how hostile the Bloomberg administration has been to riders.  I can't commute on a bike - I could but there's no way I could keep my suits and shirts and ties looking presentable - I just know myself.

The things I have learned about myself as a rider in the past two years are I can ride in almost any weather.  I did a 15 degree F ride in January and a 93 degree F ride this past Sunday.  I ride all year round here in the NE, and most of those rides are epic rides with "goldenchild" and a bunch of other riders from the NYMMC forum. 

Every other weekend or so I have time with my sons, and I need a car for that.  Also - they don't need to know about my bike for a while - I have enough problems with the ex- that I don't need "Daddy's Motorcycle" as another point of contention.  The Monster really is a toy, and the realization that a bike will be a toy in my life is a lot of what's driving my decision making.  I didn't think it would be, but it is... sad to say .

[Odeccut]

Ok, so I just brought the new ride home.  Donnie at DucPond Motorsports is looking for a good home for my 620, and I am proud owner of a shiny, yellow, oh soooo sexy 996.  The ride home was about ah hour mostly highway, with a little traffic here and there. 

First impressions:

* The bike is less uncomfortable than I expected from reading people post about it.

* Handles like it is on a rail.  Requires a bit more effort than 620 to put into a corner (fatter rear tire, 50lb more weight, or more like 80 more, since I removed a bunch of heavy plastic from the Monster).  Once you're leaned over and cornering, it is super stable.

* Fast!!  (relative to a 620, of course)

* Hot!  I mean the temperature.  My legs got really hot.  This is something I will need to do something about, like wrapping the pipes, or getting some CF heat sheildging

* Sounds great!  Even with the stock aluminum termi pipes, the bike sings.  The idle note is just slooow music, kind of like a bit of really, really slow drum and base...

* My wrists were fine.  Even in traffic, although they did start to get tired.  The clutch is quite heave so clutching could have been more fun, but I'm sure I will get used to that quickly.

What an awesome bike!    Sorry if I went off on a tangent a bit...