Comparison: SF848 versus Monster 796?

[Steve Theodore]

Hey guys/gals,

I'm looking to pick up our first Ducati and have only test ridden the Monster 796 at this point, which is an exceptionally comfortable bike (with ridiculously tall gearing stock). I kind of overlooked the SF848 and have been re-examining it as well since the difference in price is not significant enough to rule it out, and clearly there is a lot more performance on tap.

Can anyone give me a quick pros/cons discussion regarding the SF848 versus the Monster 796? Comfort is an important part of this too, since we're replacing a Triumph Daytona 675 with the bike and want something a LOT more comfortable. I definitely realize the SF848 has a lot more performance on top by the stats alone, but would love to hear from those who have ridden or owned both if possible.

It's a record raining June up here, or else I probably would have ridden one already!

[Gadgetech]

I had an S2R 1000 that I traded this week on an 848 and the 848 is more comfy. Now granted I haven't put any serious mileage on it yet but right away the 848 seems better. If you can, look at the bikes from the side kind of level with the seat and bars. I think you'll notice the seat on the SF is lower than the bars whereas the monster seems to be more even. Something else to consider is how far apart the seat and bars are.


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[defrang]

For ergonomic info on the bikes try http://cycle-ergo.com/


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[TallyRex]

Ducati dealers usually will alllow you to test ride. Go for it

[CanadianEh?]

Friend has a M796 (set up for touring) and I originally owned a M696 that has since gone to the wife. Monsters are fairly comfy, look fantastic and are a great fun bike. I thought they were pretty comfortable till I got my SF1098.
The streetfighter, to me, is so much more comfortable, so much more fun, so much more everything. To me the streetfighter looks fantastic in a different evil awesome way I call it MC art. Just beautiful.
Take the SF848, you won't be disappointed.
I could last 1-2 hrs on either monster before needing to stretch my legs, I can ride a whole tank out on the SF.

It really depends what you want out of a bike. Try both, but I'm puttin money on you choosing the SF848
Good luck.



2011 Monster696 Gave it to the wife
2010 SF1098

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[Steve Theodore]

Hey, thanks for all the feedback so far. To be clear, I did test-ride the Monster 796 at my local dealer about a month ago and did find it very comfortable and fun to ride (just needed a different gearing combination...crazy tall gearing). I didn't really pay that close attention to the SF848 until reading some online reviews of it just recently. I will absolutely go back to the dealer and test ride both bikes back to back before making a purchasing decision...just wanted to get the feedback of others who had experience with both bikes.

The SF848 sounds like a really terrific bike, so I cannot wait to check it out and see if it might be a better overall choice. We (my wife rides too) were just completely Monster focused last time we were there and didn't explore any other bikes at the time. I'll keep you guys posted!

[EagleRider]

Steve, if you are coming from a Daytona 675 (and own an 954RR) you will likely be happier with the SF848. The air-cooled 796 motor will have completely different characteristics than your Daytona, but the 848 will be closer to your expectations, especially with regard to rev overhead. The 796 will behave better in slow traffic if you plan to commute, and is simpler with less to go wrong if you worry about reliability; otherwise the SF848 would be more enjoyable for someone used to the power and handling of a sportbike.

I am curious whether you've looked at the insanely popular Street Triple, which uses the Daytona engine. It would seem the logical choice when looking for comfort after a Daytona.

[Shamone]

Recently test rode both the Monster 1100 EVO and 848 Streetfighter back to back. Much more weight on your wrists on the SF and kept having to push my groin away from the tank.

But, out of the two I would take the SF - loved the engine which was a lot less agricultural than the vibey air cooled Monster's.

Oh and I stalled the Monster twice pulling away, but I guess you get used to slipping the clutch.

Both handled superbly.

[Steve Theodore]

Originally Posted by EagleRider

Steve, if you are coming from a Daytona 675 (and own an 954RR) you will likely be happier with the SF848. The air-cooled 796 motor will have completely different characteristics than your Daytona, but the 848 will be closer to your expectations, especially with regard to rev overhead. The 796 will behave better in slow traffic if you plan to commute, and is simpler with less to go wrong if you worry about reliability; otherwise the SF848 would be more enjoyable for someone used to the power and handling of a sportbike.

I am curious whether you've looked at the insanely popular Street Triple, which uses the Daytona engine. It would seem the logical choice when looking for comfort after a Daytona.

We have certainly checked out the Street Triple for the reasons you suggest, but 2 things have led us to Ducati. The first is our extreme distaste for our local Triumph dealer...they really aren't friendly and good to their customers there. The second is the dream of owning a Ducati, as both my wife and I have always wanted one. Good points about the SF848 as it compares to the Daytona though, which I've always enjoyed from a powerband perspective. The Ducati will be shared by my wife and I (she'll ride it when we ride together, I'll ride it occasionally when I ride alone and am not using my Honda). I don't mind having 2 bikes that are reasonably diverse though, and the main goal is for my wife to be comfortable and have fun.

Originally Posted by Shamone

Recently test rode both the Monster 1100 EVO and 848 Streetfighter back to back. Much more weight on your wrists on the SF and kept having to push my groin away from the tank.

But, out of the two I would take the SF - loved the engine which was a lot less agricultural than the vibey air cooled Monster's.

Oh and I stalled the Monster twice pulling away, but I guess you get used to slipping the clutch.

Both handled superbly.

Thanks for your feedback. The point that concerns me is the weight on the wrists, which is something we want to avoid and is the biggest reason we're selling our Daytona. We bought the Daytona from a close friend, but it has turned out to be pretty much the least comfortable motorcycle that I have ever ridden to date...so hard to build up your skills and confidence on. My 954RR is a true pussycat in comparison, ergonomically speaking.

[EagleRider]

Originally Posted by Steve Theodore

... our extreme distaste for our local Triumph dealer...they really aren't friendly and good to their customers there...

Damn, Steve, that's too bad. Otherwise, the Street Trip would be just what you were after: great handling, decent power, and no stress on the wrists.