Good to hear candid and objective comments. I had your same concerns, but after my time on the demo felt much more positive than you - then again, my diminutive size compared to you probably makes a difference, as I am much shorter. Sounds like you'll be on a not-too-shabby alternative. Enjoy the Monster!!
Ride Impressions
I put money down and have since twice demo'd the Supersport. I'll leave out observations concerning styling other than to say it is a beautiful bike. Likewise as to power: Enjoyably strong. I'll focus on the ergos. I'm an older rider and was looking for a sportier looking Ducati, but with a more relaxed riding position than a full-on sportbike. The Superport held promise in that regard. Unfortunately for me, I found that the riding position was too forward for me to feel comfortable/relaxed for any length of time. I found myself looking through the top third of my shield. When sitting upright while motoring in slower traffic, my arm was at full extension.
I bought a pair of Yamaha R3s for my teenaged sons and I figured the ride posture would be similar to the Supersport. However, while the R3s are comfortable for me, the Supersport put more weight on my wrists and required more bend in my neck. For reference, I'm 6' and 170lbs. with an average build.
The last demo I rode a 2017 1200 Monster back-to-back with the Supersport. I found the Monster to be substantially more relaxed in the ergonomics as one might expect. They're really not close at all in my opinion.
I would not recommend the Supersport as a Sports-touring type bike. For me, it's not relaxed enough to be compared to a standard bike. That throws it in with the sportbike genre where it's engine doesn't rate with a Panigale 959. Bottom-line is that it doesn't work for me, an older rider who is feeling the effects of a life vigorously lived.
I'll be taking delivery of a 2017 1200 Monster S next week. My riding experience extends over 30 years and includes various dirtbikes, Ducatis (996 and Hypermotard), inline fours (e.g., R1, GSX-R 1000, BMW K1200 rs, etc).
I bought a pair of Yamaha R3s for my teenaged sons and I figured the ride posture would be similar to the Supersport. However, while the R3s are comfortable for me, the Supersport put more weight on my wrists and required more bend in my neck. For reference, I'm 6' and 170lbs. with an average build.
The last demo I rode a 2017 1200 Monster back-to-back with the Supersport. I found the Monster to be substantially more relaxed in the ergonomics as one might expect. They're really not close at all in my opinion.
I would not recommend the Supersport as a Sports-touring type bike. For me, it's not relaxed enough to be compared to a standard bike. That throws it in with the sportbike genre where it's engine doesn't rate with a Panigale 959. Bottom-line is that it doesn't work for me, an older rider who is feeling the effects of a life vigorously lived.
I'll be taking delivery of a 2017 1200 Monster S next week. My riding experience extends over 30 years and includes various dirtbikes, Ducatis (996 and Hypermotard), inline fours (e.g., R1, GSX-R 1000, BMW K1200 rs, etc).
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Honest review. Much appreciated. Can't go wrong with the Monster. I had an 1100EVO. If I got another one it would be the model you're getting.
Thanks for the review! Tough choice but you still win...I love the 1200R in Black!. The Monster is a great bike!
The last demo I rode a 2017 1200 Monster back-to-back with the Supersport. I found the Monster to be substantially more relaxed in the ergonomics as one might expect. They're really not close at all in my opinion.
Americana_D, you are correct. If you look at the Owner manuals for both bikes you will find the following measurements:
Foot pegs - M1200 = 14.80 inches, SS939 = 14.09 inches
Seat height - M1200 = 31.30 inches, SS939 = 31.89 inches
Handlebar height - M1200 = 41.40 inches, SS939 = 38.04 inches
So, the distance between the foot pegs and seat height is M1200 = 16.50, SS 17.80. That means the legs are slightly less relaxed on the M1200
But then you look at the distance between the seat height and the handlebar height - M1200 = 10.10. SS939 = 6.15. WOW, yes the M1200 puts you almost 4 inches more upright!
Now if you really want relaxed look at the Monster 797 - foot peg to seat height gap = 18.15 inches, seat height to handlebar gap = 10.85 inches. Those ergonomics along with the 803 engine will make you believe you are riding a Full Throttle Scrambler disguised as a Monster.
Americana_D, you are correct. If you look at the Owner manuals for both bikes you will find the following measurements:
Foot pegs - M1200 = 14.80 inches, SS939 = 14.09 inches
Seat height - M1200 = 31.30 inches, SS939 = 31.89 inches
Handlebar height - M1200 = 41.40 inches, SS939 = 38.04 inches
So, the distance between the foot pegs and seat height is M1200 = 16.50, SS 17.80. That means the legs are slightly less relaxed on the M1200
But then you look at the distance between the seat height and the handlebar height - M1200 = 10.10. SS939 = 6.15. WOW, yes the M1200 puts you almost 4 inches more upright!
Now if you really want relaxed look at the Monster 797 - foot peg to seat height gap = 18.15 inches, seat height to handlebar gap = 10.85 inches. Those ergonomics along with the 803 engine will make you believe you are riding a Full Throttle Scrambler disguised as a Monster.
Fantastic synopsis, much appreciated that you took the time to conduct the comparison and shared it with the forum.:laugh: That 4 inches can make a large difference over a few 100km journey.Foot pegs - M1200 = 14.80 inches, SS939 = 14.09 inches
Seat height - M1200 = 31.30 inches, SS939 = 31.89 inches
Handlebar height - M1200 = 41.40 inches, SS939 = 38.04 inches
So, the distance between the foot pegs and seat height is M1200 = 16.50, SS 17.80. That means the legs are slightly less relaxed on the M1200
But then you look at the distance between the seat height and the handlebar height - M1200 = 10.10. SS939 = 6.15. WOW, yes the M1200 puts you almost 4 inches more upright!
You're welcome. One last comparison that I did. My previous ride is a 2007 Monster 696.Fantastic synopsis, much appreciated that you took the time to conduct the comparison and shared it with the forum.:laugh: That 4 inches can make a large difference over a few 100km journey.
Foot pegs - 14.47 vs SS939 - 14.09
Seat height - 30.31 vs SS939 - 31.89
Handlebar height - 38.58 vs SS939 - 38.04
So ya, I am SOOOOO excited about the SS939, I've been training for it for a long time:wink2:
That's a shame but you picked a great bike.........
Steeve, what part is a shame?That's a shame but you picked a great bike.........
:grin2:It's a shame that after testing the bike our man didn't go for the Supersport. It's a great bike but obviously not suitable for every one. It's a bonus that he didn't buy one without trying it, now that would have been a real shame.....
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