Ride review - Monster 1200S, liquid concrete grey

"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion) 09/04/2019 at 16:36 • Filed to: None

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Gggg

I rode the thing.

Spoiler alert, I’m in love. The bike is playful, although not quite to the degree that a stock Miata is. I suppose it’s a big bike, but it never *feels* big, and while it has more HP than 80% of the cars I’ve owned, it seems like a calm easy ride first and a balls-to-the-wall sport bike second, as apposed to vice-versa.

While I'm still on team red, that liquid Grey paint job is drop-dead gorgeous. If it was anything other than a Monster, I'd get the Grey in a heartbeat. 

Cons:

It’s... Quiet? Don’t get me wrong, it sounds great, but it could really use a bit more volume.

Definitely the hottest bike I’ve rode. Not too bad when it’s 70, but probably not super fun when it’s 95.

Foot controls are a bit tight. My heel hits the rear pegs or the exhaust if I go on the balls of my feet. Seems like a common complaint, with no good solution unless you want to pay like $2k for a relocation kit.

The mirrors suck.

Pros:

For a 1200cc bike, it’s somewhat rediculous how rideable the damn thing is. It’s not particularly intimidating once you’re going through the gears, and my novice ass felt in control at all times. Which I can’t say for the downright terrifying experience that was the Hypermotard. More on that later. HP f igures are up at 150, which is ludicrous. There’s power absolutely e verywhere, but it never feels overwhelming. Leave it in the low r ev range on urban mode and you’ve got a calm riding experience reminiscent of my old 250 ninja. Put it into touring mode and you’ve got access to all the ponies, but it’s still easily manageable. I’ll admit I did not try sport mode.

I can flat foot it quite easily on both sides.

The quickshifter is pretty trick. I never thought I’d enjoy anything that takes away the shifting experience from me, but hey. What can I say. Lightning fast clutchless up shifts are fun.

The engine is a peach. Now that I think about it, this is the only naturally aspirated engine I’ve ever had the pleasure of driving that was legitimately fast. All the other fast cars I’ve been behind the wheel of had a turbo or supercharger. The linear nature of the Ducati made me giggle like a school girl, and it just pulled like a freight train.

The aforementioned riding modes make a huge difference, and I love that I can customize all of the safety features, choosing levels for abs, traction control, e tc.

bob and john > AestheticsInMotion 09/04/2019 at 17:03

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and those ‘modes’ are what made this a pussy cat 1200.

go back 5, 10 years and if you hopped on a 1200 ducati after being on a ninja 250....you and I would be having a very different discussion right now. 

fintail > AestheticsInMotion 09/04/2019 at 17:05

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Never seen/noticed one in that color before, but really, probably haven’t seen many on the road at all.

Do it, but keep your head on a swivel around here.

Decay buys too many beaters > bob and john 09/04/2019 at 17:27

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TBW makes modern big bikes ridable.

For real, I rode a 1290 SDR with a custom 1:1 throttle plate mapping (throttle plate map approximates a cable throttle) it was not an enjoyable experience. I hear KTM came to a similar conclusion in development and dialed back tip in , even in race mode.

Decay buys too many beaters > AestheticsInMotion 09/04/2019 at 17:30

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So when you buying one? :)

What was the issue with the hyper? For me the throttle mapping felt way off, in every mode, to such a degree that it took away from riding enjoyment 

AestheticsInMotion > Decay buys too many beaters 09/04/2019 at 17:38

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I still have more bikes to try! XSR900 for sure and maybe another KTM 390 duke ...

Very jerky, all the controls felt like on-off switches. I bet it would be a blast riding around at 11/10ths, but I’m gonna hold off on that!

AestheticsInMotion > bob and john 09/04/2019 at 17:41

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We probably wouldn’t be having a talk at all, as I’d be smeared over the pavement. I’m happy to have the ability to choose riding modes that go from super manageable to batshit crazy. If at least at this point in my riding skill level!

Decay buys too many beaters > AestheticsInMotion 09/04/2019 at 17:42

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Why not a 690? It’s only like 20 lbs more than the 390 in reality. Only real reason to go with a 390 over the 690 is because you want a more beginner oriented bike (which seems to go out the window when the other bikes include an XSR9 and monster 1200). It’s one of the best street oriented middle size engines on the market.

No triumphs? 

AestheticsInMotion > Decay buys too many beaters 09/04/2019 at 17:50

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690...are you talking about KTM’s supermoto? My main draw to the 390 Duke was the looks. It was a blast riding around on too, and if there was a slightly more powerful version I’d probably pick it up immediately. Unfortunately t he medium-sized D uke is a lot uglier in my eyes, and I’m not crazy (or wealthy) enough to consider a Duke R.

Look at this beauty

Triumph is downtown Seattle, and I don't want to ride in that  any models you'd reccomend looking at? 

Decay buys too many beaters > AestheticsInMotion 09/04/2019 at 17:54

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Ahh gotcha, yeah I was talking about the midsize dukes. They don’t have the same neato styling as the 390/1290

For Triumph, and considering what you are already looking at, try a Street Triple (should be comparable to a xsr/monster800)
And a Speed Triple (should be comparable to the monster 1200)

AestheticsInMotion > Decay buys too many beaters 09/04/2019 at 18:01

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Part of me says save your money, and tool around on a Craigslist dirt bike for a year or so to gain some more experience and live the offroad life . I think I’ll be indecisive about the next bike up until I write the check haha

Decay buys too many beaters > AestheticsInMotion 09/04/2019 at 18:03

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That’s the smart play. But I also love helping people spend money ¯\_()_/¯  

MM54 > AestheticsInMotion 09/04/2019 at 18:05

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That is a good color, but it is not the color of freshly poured concrete. Needs more green/blue.

AestheticsInMotion > Decay buys too many beaters 09/04/2019 at 18:06

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Seems a lot easier to just walk in and get a test ride in the motorcycle community than the automotive one. Whatever I do I’ll definitely keep bugging as many dealers as possible to try out new bikes!

The diavel is pretty neat too

AestheticsInMotion > MM54 09/04/2019 at 18:08

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So we sue Ducati for false advertising and split the profit? 

Decay buys too many beaters > AestheticsInMotion 09/04/2019 at 18:10

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They realize that pretty much anyone can afford pretty much any bike with the right financing. For the price of a mid spec Nissan econothing, you can buy a high spec Ducati.

I was impressed with the Diavel, but it was a little heavy for me (for reference, my heaviest bike is 400lb wet) 

slipperysallylikespenguins > AestheticsInMotion 09/04/2019 at 18:14

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Perhaps try the Husqvarnas, they are mid sized and gorgeous. 

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > slipperysallylikespenguins 09/04/2019 at 18:32

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$$$ for what you get though

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > AestheticsInMotion 09/04/2019 at 18:38

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I disagree about quiet. It’s hard to gauge when you’re at the dealer. Get into a neighborhood at 7am and it feels plenty loud.

Bar end mirrors on a monster are the first upgrade to do. You can actually see what things are that way! Factory mirrors shouldn’t even be called mirrors. Frankly your intuition does a better job of telling you something is back there than the factory mirrors.

Sport mode will make you shit yourself the first time you open it up. Be ready. After throttling it a couple times though you get the hang of it and it’s fucking awesome. I only use it on roads I’m very familiar with when I know traffic is light and conditions are great. Otherwise, touring is plenty.

When are you riding the XSR?

slipperysallylikespenguins > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 09/04/2019 at 18:42

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Not really. Tacoma Motorsports has them priced at $4599 for the 401s and $9499 for the 701s. That is about 2500 less than a Monster 821 and about 8000 less than a Monster 1200S.

AestheticsInMotion > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 09/04/2019 at 18:46

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Hmm, my helmet does form a super tight seal. Maybe that’s why it felt it so quiet? I did get a fair number of looks when downshifting around town...

A fter tucking my elbow in, bending over and cranking my neck down just to get a view behind me, I came to the same conclusion. Are manufacturers not allowed to sell bikes in the US with bar end mirrors?

I’ll go check out the Yamaha tomorrow. Maybe swing by the K awasaki dealer too

Decay buys too many beaters > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 09/04/2019 at 18:48

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Shhhhh 

TBH, They aren’t that much, and there is no direct competition.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > slipperysallylikespenguins 09/04/2019 at 18:52

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What I mean is if you spec it against other things in the same class. Specifically XSR9/700. But those prices you found are excellent. I think MSRP’s were quite a bit higher, and advertised prices last time I looked (last year) were close to MSRP.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > AestheticsInMotion 09/04/2019 at 18:55

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They’re definitely muffled pretty good. And a slip on will make it work a bit louder. But being at the dealer, with lots of other bikes running, maybe even some with akra or termi pipes, skews your perception. You definitely won’t hear it that much while riding, but I promise other people do. Much louder and you just start pissing off your neighbors.

No idea 

Can’t wait to hear what you think! Is there any chance you'll have one for this weekend?

AestheticsInMotion > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 09/04/2019 at 19:01

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Unlikely. My Miata buyer wants to fly up in 3 weeks , I’ve got another guy who put his car up for sale and will get back to me when it sells, and another guy who’s trying to secure a loan. I don’t want to buy the bike until the Miata has sold, because something something responsible choices...

Although I guess there's a killer rental deal going on for XSR900's right now. Something like $40/day through a local group. Maybe I'll look into that

slipperysallylikespenguins > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 09/04/2019 at 19:02

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I know, but nobody buys euro bikes for their value. The Japanese bikes will always be cheaper and more reliable, they just lack the style.

Full disclosure: I have 3 motos, all 3 are Japanese for the reasons listed above.

Decay buys too many beaters > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 09/04/2019 at 19:14

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I wouldn’t call the XSR competition, lighter of the two is 70lbs heavier than the 701. The 701s are the only thing right now doing small bike weight with middle bike power.

My 701 feels worlds more maneuverable than my street triple.

CaptDale - is secretly British > AestheticsInMotion 09/04/2019 at 19:14

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I am officially jealous and upset there aren’t more pictures or one in my driveway. 

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > AestheticsInMotion 09/04/2019 at 19:22

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Finance, then pay off when miata sells, then big credit bump!!!

40/day for that bike is crazy cheap. Do it.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > slipperysallylikespenguins 09/04/2019 at 19:25

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XSR, Z900, and SCR would like a word.

I think the Huskies can be equally priced and have less power. Or higher price and same power. But not less power and a higher price. But at the prices you found, they're perfect.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Decay buys too many beaters 09/04/2019 at 19:28

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Yeah I get that. But it’s the closest I could think of and I don’t think it’s worth a $2k premium.

Sumo vs. sport bike... Yeah of  course the 701 is more maneuverable. Sport bikes aren't exactly known maneuverability, particularly at low speed. They just don't have the geometry for that.

Decay buys too many beaters > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 09/04/2019 at 19:34

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But something that says Yamaha is never going to get you the hipster cred of something made by a Swedish arms manufacturer turned sewing machine company turned chainsaw maker....

slipperysallylikespenguins > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 09/04/2019 at 19:37

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I think the Z900 is straight up ugly. While the Yamahas look nice, you would never confuse them with an Italian bike. The details aren’t quite right.

That XSR in Yellow and black is something else though.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Decay buys too many beaters 09/04/2019 at 19:45

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Fuck you're right. Hipster cred is worth so much more than $2k!

Decay buys too many beaters > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 09/04/2019 at 19:46

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// ducati guy

Checks out!

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > slipperysallylikespenguins 09/04/2019 at 19:49

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I don’t like the Z or SCR either, but they sort of fit the same mold. Frankly I feel the same about the classic yellow XSR. But the aluminum color with reddish brown seat XSR... Hhnnnnggghhh.

I totally get what you're saying. I love that the Huskies exist and would love to have one myself. But looking at their spec sheets, then getting to the MSRP is a little shocking, even if it is easy to justify the price for some.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Decay buys too many beaters 09/04/2019 at 19:51

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Hey at least I'm not riding a Triumph [Thruxton R]! That's where the hipster cred is at!

slipperysallylikespenguins > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 09/04/2019 at 20:00

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I forgot about the Aluminum one. Very nice. I really like the Huskies too but would only consider buying the 701 SM/Enduros as they really are in a class of their own(with KTM obviously).

AestheticsInMotion > Decay buys too many beaters 09/04/2019 at 20:00

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If nothing else, I'll continue to buy their chainsaws and backpack blowers. 

Decay buys too many beaters > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 09/04/2019 at 20:01

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* cough* ducati sport classic *cough*

But yeah, I can’t think of a more hipstery bike sold today than the thrux. 

AestheticsInMotion > CaptDale - is secretly British 09/04/2019 at 20:02

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Ha! I chose a picture that showed off the grey just to drag you in.

Feel free to order one from Seattle. I'll happily drive it to you! 

Decay buys too many beaters > AestheticsInMotion 09/04/2019 at 20:05

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I want a husky mower , just so I can take “family pics” with the 701

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Decay buys too many beaters 09/04/2019 at 20:08

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That Duc isn't far from actually being a classic at this point.

AestheticsInMotion > Decay buys too many beaters 09/04/2019 at 20:10

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Perfect. I’ll bring my 580BTS and show you what real power is all about

Manny05x > AestheticsInMotion 09/04/2019 at 20:22

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Xsr 900 in anniversary edition thats the way to go.

CaptDale - is secretly British > AestheticsInMotion 09/04/2019 at 23:00

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If I had the cash I would buy one there and come up and drive it down myself