Looking at a 2012 Monster 1100 EVO

[raymondh]

I've been off of bikes for about 10-years (I sold them when my son was born) and now plan to get a new one. In the past (1990's and early 2000's) rode crotch rockets. My last bike was a Honda CBR 1000 and I enjoyed it.

I stopped into the Ducati Dealer last week and fell in love with the black Monster 1100 but before I pull the trigger, I wanted to get some advice.

I'm 6'4" and weigh 215 and plan to use the bike mainly for commuting into the city for work (10-miles). My wife (5'5', 125) and I will ride on the weekends for fun and I hope to join in on some group rides with just me on the bike.

Like I said, I've been off of two wheels for some time but have signed up for classes so I want to make sure I have a bike that will forgive a beginner but be fun for growth.

Most of my rides will be under a hour with the occasional 3-4 hour trip mixed in.

For those of you who have this bike, would you say that it is the right choice given what I've said?

Thanks!

Ray

[GrandpaDuck]

If you've got past experience with powerful bikes, and you're judicious with your right hand, I don't see why an 1100 Monster wouldn't be fine.

[raymondh]

The "powerful bikes" thing is what I'm thinking about the most. The reason I jumped right to the 1100 is because of my height but it looks like the 796 is the same size. I'm wondering if that would be a better choice (plus the $2000 savings).

I would be giving up the hp and some safety features but is that all?

[rickmillertx]

I rode the two 796 and 1100 Monsters this year. Fun bikes, but I would definitely get the 1100.

[whippersnapper]

With your experience it sounds like the 1100 would be the way to go. Here is my review of the 1100S which is almost the same machine (better suspension, 5 less bhp)

Ride Report: 2009 Ducati Monster 1100S | Ducati News Today

[flynbulldog]

You just can't go wrong with the Monster, they are fantastic bikes.
Having said that, Ducatis are not Hondas. Make sure you know what you're getting into and that you can live with it.

Its not much of a ride and forget type deal - lots of people do that but the bike will respond much better to someone who likes to look after things.

[GP1152]

My GF has a 696 and it's fun but at your size I would definitely say to go with the 1100. Especially if you plan on doing 2-up riding. The 796 has a little more power but not too much more. The 1100 EVO is a great deal too. Something like $13,000 and it has traction control and ABS.

[raymondh]

Originally Posted by flynbulldog

You just can't go wrong with the Monster, they are fantastic bikes.
Having said that, Ducatis are not Hondas. Make sure you know what you're getting into and that you can live with it.

Its not much of a ride and forget type deal - lots of people do that but the bike will respond much better to someone who likes to look after things.

Some of my favorite times have been spent in the garage working on vehicles. I'm an engineer and have a strong admiration for the design elements of the Ducatis. I'm looking forward to garage time only slightly less then road time!

That said, I am very unfamiliar with Ducati so if there are mechanical issues that need to be paid close attention to, I would love more detail.

[flynbulldog]

Originally Posted by raymondh

Some of my favorite times have been spent in the garage working on vehicles. I'm an engineer and have a strong admiration for the design elements of the Ducatis. I'm looking forward to garage time only slightly less then road time!

That said, I am very unfamiliar with Ducati so if there are mechanical issues that need to be paid close attention to, I would love more detail.

In that case you should find Ducatis quite enjoyable - I know I do.
For specifics about the 1100 go to the monster section of this forum and spend a few days browsing and asking questions.