Ducati Monster 1100 vs Harley-Davidson XR1200 Review

[admin]

Nothing says "motorcycle" like a naked air-cooled sporty bike. They are little more than an engine with a couple of wheels tacked on at either end. No unsightly radiators and their attendant plumbing, and no plastic fairings hiding the mechanical bits – they're the epitome of elemental motorcycling.

But in this slice of moto-dom, there are a few different philosophies. Ducati's Monster 1100 represents an Italian school of thought, with eye-catching styling that befits its country of origin. One of the originators of the naked sportbike movement, this new Monster's abbreviated trellis frame pares down the bike's visible components to a level that an untrained eye might wonder how the thing is held together.

The North American viewpoint is provided by Harley-Davidson's new XR1200, an homage to the most American form of two-wheel motorsport, dirt-track racing. Other than its modern aluminum swingarm and triple-disc brakes, the XR appears as if it could’ve rolled off the pages of a Cycle News race report from the 1960s.

What we have here are two machines that are literally half a world apart in origin, and probably a galaxy apart in styling philosophy. Yet the commonality of simplicity – the simplicity of a no-nonsense air-cooled Twin as a power source – make the Harley-Davidson XR1200 and Ducati Monster 1100 brothers in arms

More: Ducati Monster 1100 vs Harley-Davidson XR1200 Review on Motorcycle.com

[freezerburn]

Find it hard to see any reason for a comparison between the XR1200 and the Monster. Maybe the Buell XB 12 Lightning, definitely not the XR1200. Although much fat has been trimmed of the sportster to make it, it is still a pig. A more nimble and svelt pig, but still a piggie.

This is so apples to oranges.

[MadRiverRider]

I will agree with Freezerburn that this is a bit apples to oranges. But it is what is...and I got to say that the XR is pretty cool. Looks fun as hell.

[DucmanST3]

I think they are both pretty cool if not a lot alike, must say first Harley to give me a semi in a long time

[gatuths]

IMHO, Monsters and XR1200 are the core and the jewel in the motorbike world. They are both are air cooled, twin cylinder, and naked.

[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.

[Ironbutt270]

Originally Posted by Montducati

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.

Not sure what you mean by that, but I'd venture that's not true. Neither bike is decidedly easier or harder to bolt together from available parts. The Monster is probably easier.

[buellxb12s]

I would agree the monster is a easier bike to assemble. any rate a bike is a bike is a bike as far as a tech is concerned, some have certain quirks ortechniques but they all come apart. The XR was european market bike from day 1 as a prototype in 06. only 750 was released in the US. heres a cool video for the xr
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6AjrVqyU5s

[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.

[carlspackler]

I like both of them for what they are - the harley would probably be more fun around town and the monster would be great in the twisties or on the track - now if they would just get rid of the fuel injection and electronics and put some big 'ol flatslides on 'em!