What are your thoughts on the SF 848?

[ItalianRider]

I was in Italy in vacation for Christmas and needless to say, the dealer had the SF 848 on the showroom ... so I had to sit on it of course.

Bottom line it doesn't feel that much different than the bigger brother, ergonomically ... and just sitting on it on the showroom that is.

how it rides is another story. The guy didn't have any test model available so I couldn't take it out.

Bottom line is, I'm debating between the SF 848 and the Monster 1100 Evo (yes I know .. they are different beasts) ...

Anybody here has given any thought to the 848 at all? anybody looking into it or interested?

[AMGnDuc]

All the mag reviews are positive so far. They say it's just a bit more streetable than the 1098.

I was looking between a Monster Evo and SF (which at the time was only the 1098) and went with the SF because it had the combination of features I was looking for.

It's going to be a great bike, you can't really go wrong with it. It's got plenty of power for the street, longer service intervals, improved ergos, and should turn a touch quicker.

[****]

Originally Posted by ItalianRider

I was in Italy in vacation for Christmas and needless to say, the dealer had the SF 848 on the showroom ... so I had to sit on it of course.

Bottom line it doesn't feel that much different than the bigger brother, ergonomically ... and just sitting on it on the showroom that is.

how it rides is another story. The guy didn't have any test model available so I couldn't take it out.

Bottom line is, I'm debating between the SF 848 and the Monster 1100 Evo (yes I know .. they are different beasts) ...

Anybody here has given any thought to the 848 at all? anybody looking into it or interested?

If you're a newer rider, hands down, get a Monster. If you're an advanced rider, get the SF. If you're going to do a lot of track miles, the Streetfighter might be better, but that doesn't mean the Monster wouldn't be fun either.

As far as ride goes between the Streetfighter and the Evo 1100, they are miles apart. At least the 1098 is. Haven't ridden the 848 streetfighter yet. I have ridden the 848 Evo, and let me tell ya, that thing pulls pretty damned well. Good luck with your choice.

[TallyRex]

I bought the SF because I wanted superbike performance AND comfy ergos, so that would take the 848 out of the picture for me.

What matters is what YOU are looking for. The Monster has a very different look from either SF. Which one sings to you? Have you test ridden the Monster, or the 1098SF?

[ItalianRider]

Originally Posted by TallyRex

I bought the SF because I wanted superbike performance AND comfy ergos, so that would take the 848 out of the picture for me.

What matters is what YOU are looking for. The Monster has a very different look from either SF. Which one sings to you? Have you test ridden the Monster, or the 1098SF?

They both do from an aesthetic point of view.

Not just that but also from a performance point of view as well. I know that the Monster is easier to handle and I know the SF has a lot more kick.

They both look "muscular" and they are both fun in their own way.

I haven't had a chance to test ride either of them and I'm waiting for my dealer to have test bikes for both of them available so I can take them both out ... hopefully on the same day ...

I really want to take them both out for a test ride before I decide for no other reason that this is a big decision for me.

I don't get to buy a new Ducati every month and whatever I buy I want to make sure it "fits" me and I can keep it around for a long time.

the only thing I absolutely despise of the Monster is the gas tank size.

You guys have NO IDEA how much it bothers me that the gas tank is 3.6 or whatever it is. It gives it a pitiful range.

The SF has a bigger tank and comparably same MPG which means it's got at least another 40-50 miles on it over the Monster ...

I find that the Monster's apparently huge tank area which hides a pitiful little real tank is just stupid.

It's like a beautiful woman ... with perfectly shaped but fake breasts.

And I HATE fake breasts.

In the absence of an a opportunity to test ride both bikes ... right now the SF is winning in my mind ...

PS: I am not an expert rider ... I'm not a new rider either ... the SF would require me to use extra care while riding it ... but then again, what bike doesn't?

[FlyingQ]

Originally Posted by ItalianRider

the only thing I absolutely despise of the Monster is the gas tank size.

You guys have NO IDEA how much it bothers me that the gas tank is 3.6 or whatever it is. It gives it a pitiful range.

The SF has a bigger tank and comparably same MPG which means it's got at least another 40-50 miles on it over the Monster ...

I find that the Monster's apparently huge tank area which hides a pitiful little real tank is just stupid.

Something to consider with the fuel tank: The Monster's tank, while it may be smaller it will not cause you any expansion issues. The SF's tank WILL expand and you WILL have problems with it. This may become a very sore point with you after a while.

IMO the 2-valve motors make for better street bike motors. More than enough power, simpler design, better power/torque band. But, if you want pure, nasty, scarey performance, get the F1098S. To me, the 848 SF fills a price point need more than anything else. I guess if you like the SF looks, but don't want the 1098 power...then maybe it makes sense, but I still think the 2V motor is better for the street.

[CHIEFBATLAX]

Haven't rode 848, but i did ride the 1100 monster. it was a good bike but the feeling of loosing steam happens quick. After ridding the 1098sf i didn't want to get the 848sf and wonder were was all the power. My main resoning was is that the 848sf is so new and hot you'll pay the premium. her in cali your looking close to 16.5 OTD. I found my new '10 monster for less than the 848sf. No freight, no setup = my 7500 mile service wont be an issue until 15000 mile service were they will be close even in maintenance $. BUT the low rpm on the 1098sf is kind of bugging till after 4k then it smooths out considerably. If your not coming off a liter bike than 848 or 1100 monster is plenty fast. But once you go up its hard to go down.

[ItalianRider]

Originally Posted by CHIEFBATLAX

... If your not coming off a liter bike than 848 or 1100 monster is plenty fast. But once you go up its hard to go down.

The bike I'm riding right now is a 650 ... so my current bike is quite mellow.

Both bikes would be a significant upgrade for me, no question.

Originally Posted by FlyingQ

if you want pure, nasty, scarey performance, get the F1098S. To me, the 848 SF fills a price point need more than anything else.

Hum ... I didn't think about that. Nasty, scary performance is interesting but I don't need it.

Let's be honest: I'm old and I don't have a lot of interest in pushing a bike to its performance limits on a track.

Will I track the bike one day? sure ... but just for a few fun turns ... and really more to practice pushing the envelope and practicing how to ride.

No interest in racing and I wouldn't take a SF into a race anyway: I'd buy a used Japanese beater so that if I drop it (which I can see happening) I wouldn't give a hoot.

My mission objectives are really as follows in order of priority:

1 - fun (riding around country roads alone or with others ... )
2 - reliable (no big mechanical problems)
3 - commuting (80 miles total round trip)
4 - show off to friends (who doesn't ... )

What bothers me about the Monster is the size of that tank because it makes me think that if I'm in a group with other people I'd be the guy with the small bladder having to stop more frequently to refuel ... plus commuting 80 miles round trip means I'd have to gas up every one and a half days.

I didn't know about the fuel tank issues of the SF and also the other thing you guys just made me realize is this: the SF 848 is a whole new model ... hence untested ... hence potentially rife with unforseen technical issues, and yes you are right, running into frequent technical issues would sour me to the bike rather fast.

Ah ... what a dilemma.

Then again ... this is the kind of tortured decision I love to have to make:

Monster of Streetfighter?



What a wonderful dilemma.

[threepac3]

Originally Posted by CHIEFBATLAX

Haven't rode 848, but i did ride the 1100 monster. it was a good bike but the feeling of loosing steam happens quick. After ridding the 1098sf i didn't want to get the 848sf and wonder were was all the power. My main resoning was is that the 848sf is so new and hot you'll pay the premium. her in cali your looking close to 16.5 OTD. I found my new '10 monster for less than the 848sf. No freight, no setup = my 7500 mile service wont be an issue until 15000 mile service were they will be close even in maintenance $. BUT the low rpm on the 1098sf is kind of bugging till after 4k then it smooths out considerably. If your not coming off a liter bike than 848 or 1100 monster is plenty fast. But once you go up its hard to go down.

If you're paying 16.5K for the new 848SF your getting robbed.You should be able to purchase brand new OTD for nothing over $14,500. That's including taxes and fees for me.

PS. I'm planning to get a 848 SF also but in year 2. Hopefully a 2013 848 SF.

[Godspeed]

@ItalianRider,
Racy Rentals in California will have an 848 for rent in March and I think they have a Monster, as well. I have had a great experience with their branch in Venice - I think they are also in San Diego, San Fra and Orange Co. area. I have rented a big SF from them about 2 years ago. It was an eye-opening experience. The bike is absolutely fantastic,except after I got stuck in traffic on my way back to Long Beach from Mullholand curves. Having realized that I live in the big city and 75% of my riding is there, I have been waiting for 848 since.Just for the record - I owned an Aprillia back then.
Back to the point - treat yourself to the nice vacation from Jersey winter,rent both and then decide...