What do you think of the ducati monster?

[roadkill]

Never ridden one, but they look pretty nice. To anyone who has ever ridden one, how do they compare to the speed triple?

[beers2u]

I rode one briefly earlier this year. It was a 900 but not sure which one. Seemed smaller and a wee bit lighter than the Triple. Handled well, nice brakes. The engine was torquey but no comparison to the S3. Overall, it gave a gave me a feeling of unrefinement compared to the Triumph (any Triumph, that is) but I think that is part of it's appeal to the Duc folks.

If I were a rich man, I'd consider one but never would I replace my S3 with it.

[Lom]

Any Monster other than the S4R (which is powered by the beautiful 996 engine) is totally out of league when compared to the S3.

S4R vs. S3 would probably be a matter of personal choice but the spec. comparison goes something like this:
Ducati has about 10 fewer horses, 10 ftlb. less torque, more weight, similar (slightly inferior) standing-start and top speed figures, a lower seat height, equally good handling (from what I read), a bit dated looks (classic if you're a fan), and a higher price tag (but ofcourse). In short, it's also a gorgeous bike.

[DwarF]

I have ridden the monster. It is lower in the saddle and less powerful. The riding position is more comfortable if you are not used to the aggressive S3 position. The s3 position feels more like a (don't hate me) Buell, though the Lightning felt like a total toy compared to the S3.

I just got my S3 home today. I love it.

[AaUuuuGaa]

The S4R comes the closest to the '05 Speed Triple in terms of performance, but still falls short of it. Ducati fans would argue that it has the classic looks & style to make up for it's comparative short-comings, and for them, that might be true. Obviously not for us Triumph guys, though.

The lower models of the Monster are not anywhere even remotely close to the Sp3.

[Celt]

i had a 620ie dark version of the monster for two years and it was great.
lovely sound and sweet handling. brakes were good and loads of aftermarket bits.

i wanted something more powerful and the new spd x3 looked brill. after the first test ride i was smitten.

[AH-1]

rode one but a S-3 (04) is in my garage :-D

[PowerhouseS3]

I started with a 99' 750 dark. Great bike, easy to ride, and it looked great, always got a lot of comments. However, after a while it started feeling small and underpowered. Thats when i found my S3. I don't think I'll be switching back.

[Lom]

Roadkill, also see this month's Motorcyclist for a comparison of the two (and 2 others). Saw it at the news stand today...

[PragB]

I am also a member on ducatimonster.org, and I really was pleased to see that there was no real "bashing" of the Ducati product on here, when I am over there, they "bash" most other motorcycles including Triumph :evil: and I really hate it. This post makes me proud to be a Triumph rider. :hammer: