Ducati Monster 1100 vs Harley-Davidson XR1200 Review

[kek]

a better comparison would be the new Guzzi Griso with the Harley.

[atomic]

Originally Posted by Montducati

The XR1200 is one of the nicer Harley's to roll off the assembly line; however, I don't believe the writer was completely accurate in describing the difference between the Harley and the Ducati.

It is not just styling that set the two bikes apart, it is just as much the advanced technology of the Monster that sets it apart from the XR1200.

IMO, most of us that can turn a wrench can order mail order parts and build a bike similar to the Harley. I don't think you can say the same for the Monster.

What advance technology. The bikes are pretty similar. Nissan Brakes vs Brembo is the biggest difference. Steel parts instead of plastic. Both are air cooled naked bikes that make around 90 hp. Both have fuel injection. Both are v-twins with two valves per cylinder.

Neither have anything advanced like anti-lock brakes, traction control, heated grips.

The difference in weight is because Harley uses steel where Ducati uses plastic.

[cgociferS4R]

Nissin brakes.

As someone else said, a better comparison would have been the Buell XB12S. I had one and it was the best motorcycle I've ever owned once you consider the handling, sound, looks, gut wrenching torque, and minimal maintenance. I don't know why I sold it. As for the wannabe XR, for those of you who follow flat-track racing, the dimensions are all wrong for it to look like a true XR750. Yes, they still race them. Chris Carr still runs one as do most of the pro riders.

[MOTO BISTRO]

Originally Posted by kek

a better comparison would be the new Guzzi Griso with the Harley.

+1

[knucklexyz]

Originally Posted by sugarhillctd

According to Sport Rider magazine's April issue, the H-D is somewhere between a sport bike and a cruiser. Maybe it is for the "sporty Harley" rider- you know, that means they could go through corners without dragging everything.

But it is the best looking Harley since the late 70's cafe racer.

Wrong about one thing. It will still drag parts. Specifically, the exhaust on the right side. Owned one, take my word for it.

Larry

[Gio999]

I never rode one, but I liked the looks of the XR1000 that came out around 1983-84. If I remember correctly it had twin carbs. Military obligations prevented me from proper support of my motorcycling passion. So I'm making up for it now

[kek]

I was getting closer to my first Harley (XR1200)...glad I didn't; the way they screwed their best talent last week (Erik Buell), I will NEVER buy ANYTHING from HD!!!

It seems like a "C" movie plot; the underdog finally succeeds (AMA Pro Sportbike championship - WITHOUT factory sponsorship) and the weenie-beenie-counters give the whold thing the axe.

It's hard to overestimate the blatant stupidity of Corporate Executives!