[op48no1]

I'm a new Monster 1100 Evo owner, with a bit more than 1000 miles on the bike now in the past month. My gut tells me the Evo is not the right choice for you.

I'm back into riding after about twenty years. When I was young and single living in California I was a big BMW twin fan. My favorite bike of all time was a 1985 BMW R80 with an 'S' fairing, 1000cc cylinders, a sport cam, Dellorto carbs, and upgraded suspension. Sporty and light, powerful enough, supple over bumps, great luggage, good for two-up, and comfortable for sport touring.

The Evo is a fantastic bike. Back in the early eighties this would probably have been characterized as a full-on supersport bike. Nowadays, IMHO, the main reason the Monster is marketed as a "general purpose" bike is because the sport bike segment has become so highly evolved toward the track.

The Monster is a blast to ride in the twisties. It is light and quick steering and very confidence inspiring. That said, it is not relaxing to ride the way my BMW was. The suspension is relatively stiff and in city riding the leaned-forward riding position puts some strain on the wrists. I can think of a lot better commute/tourers. Like your Guzzi, for instance!

I recommend you take a little more time and do some more thinking and research before making a switch.

Just my humble opinion...

-Henry


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[op48no1]

@op48no1: I understand where you are coming from. The Guzzi is great..but it doesnt - to quote His Clarksoness - put a hand down my trousers and have a rummage

As a tourer it is perfectly capable but I am looking for a little more excitement in my ride. The other factor is, I am moving apartments to live downtown and I have very little parking space, which means I need a compact motorcycle. A long wheelbase tourer like the BMW is totally out of question

I agree. Recent BMWs just don't appeal to me the way the older bikes did. The Ducati is light, compact, simple, and has loads of character. The only thing I would consider changing is putting on slightly higher bars to give my hands a break from the battering they get on bumpy city streets.

Engine-wise, it's very strong but the power band is very linear so you don't get that sense of rocket ship acceleration. I haven't ridden the SF, but it would probably be worth your while, as you say, to consider that one as well.

-Henry