Possibility of Monster S2R 1100

[Shiftless]

I've been considering picking up an '07 S2R 1000 but am wondering if it would be worth waiting for the 1100 version. With the Multistrada and Hypermotard packing the 1100 DS engine it would seem that the next logical step in the progression of the Monster series would be to replace the S2R 1000 with an 1100 version. I don't know however when is likely to happen, but seems that it would make sense to think it would be the next model year. Also whether the difference in power is even worth putting off the purchase for.

Would like to hear what you think.

[fasterdammit]

Good question, definitely, considering the 1100 is finding its way into more & more bikes. It stands to reason they'd build it, but how soon is the question. I've heard no mention of it, which makes me think 2009 if at all. It does have slightly better power output, but I wonder if it wouldn't make too great a spread across the 2v Monster range, in terms of buyer perception. It might create some confusion in buyers: compare a Monster S2 1100DS (with less power, a smaller price tag and larger capacity) to the Monster S4R - how does that work? I think people (the non-technical and those unfamiliar with the brand) see $ signs and equate that to displacement - so that might be a sticking point with Ducati's marketing.

However, here's what I see: figure the 620 is gone, replaced by the 695. The Monster range has always covered the most ground (400cc-900cc in the '90s; 695-998cc 4v now), and the trend towards bigger is obvious. Look at the numbers: the 800 is good for maybe 75hp, and figure the S21K uses the DS engine (992cc) and puts out around ~90hp. The S4R uses the Testastretta lump (998cc) and pumps out like ~125hp? So the current line-up has a real leap from the big 2v Monster to the base 4v, yet maybe ~15hp difference between the two 2v's. Replacing the 1k w/ the 1100DS engine would average that gap between the 800 and the S4R a little better: a 75hp 800, to a ~100hp 1100DS 2v, to a 125hp S4R.

I wonder that if Ducati produces the 1200R (the next step in the 1098 evolution?), there's a chance that the 1098 lump will find its way into the next-gen S4 model, if slightly de-tuned. The 1098 puts out ~150bhp according to most of the articles I've seen. Won't that be a stonker in a Monster? The REAL über-Monster!

Extrapolate that a little further ... naked Desmosedici, anyone? Might as well check directly into the hospital, or jail ... LOL

[Montana82]

It is a good question. But the only thing I know is that for 2008 I'm thinking that the s2r1000 will get at least radial brakes. What I would love to see is a S2RS with top line components for those of us that want an air cooled 2v engine but with the best suspension like the S4RS. Anyone agree?

[duc_748]

I would not wait for 1100 version of S2R1000 unless you have a current bike you are happy riding until then. To be honest, my S2R1000 is stunning as it is, and all I have done to it is full arrow system and tailchop. Oh wait, the BT014's Bridgestones suck, but I think some came with Pilot Powers, just not mine. Could it use radial brakes, sure, that would be great. But it is truely a brillant street bike, ridden hard, it begs for more. Plus you should be able to get on under MSRP!

[Shiftless]

Going with the general consensus that you can never have enough horsepower (after all someone actually does make a turbine engine powered motorcycle) dropping the 1098 powerplant into the S4R would seem a logical next step for the S4R. Maybe though they won't wait until then next gen motor comes out for the 1098. Maybe some forward thinking (but sly and shifty) engineers will sneak an upgrade past the suits and "mid-night requisition" some of the 1098 motors off the 1098 line and drop them onto the S4R line. It could happen

In any case, the S4R, from what I've been reading, is more of an open road bike where the S2R1000 is a comfortable get around town bike, and that's why I'm more interested in the S2R. The 1100DS motor would give the S2R a bit more scoot but not to the point of being more of a pain then a gain for commuting and urban surfing (no plans on my part for any unadulterated mayhem ... and no point in telling me I'm a down-right biker bore, I already know I am).

A naked Desmosedici!!! The thought is enough to make one swoon! However, if Ducati wanted to create some real buzz in the motorcycle ranks, that would certainly do it.

[Shiftless]

Answer me this (or just call me dense), why is it that for a bit less then $11K you can buy a 160 HP water cooled, 4 valve, inline four Japanese crotch rocket with radial brakes, slipper clutch, computer controlled exhaust backpressure adjustment device (whatever they actually call it), and even a computer adjusted intake tract (adjusts the length of the intake tract depending on RPM) but for close to the same cost the S2R 1000 has none of the high tech stuff and comes with a 95 HP, air cooled, 2 cylinder, 2 valve motor? I know Ducatis go for a premium due to their uniqueness and relative exclusivity and also due to the Ducati name itself, but there seems to be a somewhat large discrepancy here.

Now having wined about the cost, the look of the Monster still makes me weak in the knees, but it would be nice to get a bit more for one's hard earned (and harder to hold onto) Federal Reserve Notes. Now if the S4R would be going for $11K that's what I would call getting a serious bang for the bucks.

[Rush749]

""Answer me this (or just call me dense), why is it that for a bit less then $11K you can buy a 160 HP water cooled, 4 valve, inline four Japanese crotch rocket with radial brakes, slipper clutch, computer controlled exhaust backpressure adjustment device (whatever they actually call it), and even a computer adjusted intake tract (adjusts the length of the intake tract depending on RPM) but for close to the same cost the S2R 1000 has none of the high tech stuff and comes with a 95 HP, air cooled, 2 cylinder, 2 valve motor?""

Well, actually you can negotiate a good deal and get a Japanese liter bike for under $10k and be closer to 180HP than 160HP.... just think about Japanese cars, I am a very loyal Honda Accord owner, with a goal of getting over 250,000 miles on my 01 Accord LX ( I drive alot). We should all look up to the Japanese in many ways. But motorcycles are far more about passion and emotions than 4 wheel cages for most, so enter LOVE.....Ducati. My wife says that if I could have sex with my Ducatis, I would divorce her. HHmmmm she may be right. I am on my 3rd Ducati, the 2V supersport sold and missed. The 2V motor is a classic and I want another one to park next to my superbikes. I dont care that its old tech. It has a soul that comes to life everytime you start it.

[duc_748]

its difficult to compare jap bikes to say a S2R1000, totally different in every way. If you want the most performance for your dollar, do not buy a Ducati. If you want a great performing bike, with tons of style, character, and better parts, get a Ducati. Its all personal taste really.

[fasterdammit]

Originally Posted by Shiftless

Answer me this (or just call me dense), why is it that for a bit less then $11K you can buy a 160 HP water cooled, 4 valve, inline four Japanese crotch rocket with radial brakes, .... blah blah blah

Well, you answered it for yourself, but ultimately because "people will pay for it". I do.

Another reason, which has been argued over again and again, is because there are some who buy their motorcycles with their brain, and those who buy with their heart. Personally I don't measure my motorcycle satisfaction by calculating "most HP per dollar spent"; I throw my $ at whichever gives me a chubby. And HP numbers on paper isn't the whole picture, for me.

[Shiftless]

I've always been a real stickler for getting the most for my money (I'm still driving a '91 Accord myself Rush749) so it somewhat bothers me that for the price asked you don't get some of the nicer things that are found on other bikes in the same price range, however, the draw of lust does (eventually) overcome the instinct for thrift, and I guess especially so when it comes to motorcycles. I think in my case it just took a little longer for the brain to realize that the heart had already won out. And I guess the desire is strong enough to probably not wait for the 1100 version to show itself (although I'll probably get a sudden feeling of inadequacy when it does).

Now the question is, who's the best dealer to buy from in the central/southern Ohio area.