2017 Street Triple RS vs. 2017 Monster 1200 S

Domo

Domo

Domo

Soldato
Joined
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Indeed two very different bikes but I'm faced with an unusual dilemma here - it is a lot of money for something on two wheels (as friends and family are reminding me) but this is a once-in a-lifetime thing where I can realise my dream of owning a great bike.

The Monster and Street Triple are the two bikes which after weeks of reading reviews, watching YouTube videos and touring dealers I find the most appealing, mainly in terms of aesthetics and tech.

I need to take both for a test ride but would like to get some honest thoughts on here. Most of the media stuff is bound to be a little bias.

Links:

Monster 1200 S
Street Triple RS

Just wondering which you might pick and why. I keep switching minds on a daily (and sometimes hourly!) basis.
 
I've read too many reviews and I'm now worst off in terms of deciding.
They are different, and I was expecting a bit of a backlash on here because there's so much between them - thankfully you lot are understanding. I wasn't aiming for a particular engine size or even budget - the only criteria was it has to be reasonably upright (in my 40s - riding with my bum in the air whilst laying across the tank isn't for me).

You won't believe how many bikes I started out with. I began with a very conservative budget but then circumstances changed and so did the ceiling price.

The Street is less expensive, looks nice and is loaded with high performance components like rear Ohlins and quick shift (though upward only). Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa tyres and a TFT display. On YouTube I watched riders put it through its paces at Catalunya and in terms of power you wouldn't need any more than what's on offer.

But then I look at the Ducati. Ohlins front and rear. Quicks shifter up and down. That drool-inducing single swing arm coupled with a twin exhaust, although I would almost certainly switch to Termignonis depending on what deal I could get. It is a cash purchase so might be able to haggle something.

I'm 70/30 Ducati right now. But I can't help but wonder if that extra £5k can be put to better use. So I guess the money is the real decider for me. If they were both £10k I'd pick the Monster in a heartbeat.

@Freeman - having or had? What happened in the end?
 
Onlins on the rear only + limited to upward quick shift. Diddums made a valid point, every other bike is a Triple. Something I've noticed. Dont see many Monsters (or Ducatis come to think of it). Especially not the 1200 in grey.

Know what you mean about real life. The time will present itself again. Kind of what happened here.
 
Yeah I think the 1200 S in grey is a bit of a head turner. I really like the Brutale but MV are in serious decline, I don't want to pay over £10k for a bike which is unlikely to have dealers let alone parts in the not too distant future.

Screen_Shot_2017-05-07_at_18.37.31.png
 
Yeah but as I said - buying MV now carries a lot of risk. Last time I checked they're verging on bankruptcy. They are beautiful bikes, no doubt.
 
I won't lie - I did take a look, that is a bit too bling for me! And the price is mega! You at least get the point of this, not necessarily after practicality or even what's sensible.
@Kreeeee, the RS retails at £9900. So not quite the £10k mark. Does come pretty loaded in terms of spec though.

Anyway - expect this thread to come alive again in the coming weeks. Just need to test the bikes out then I'll make a purchase. TBH, I'd bet on the 1200 S :)
 
TallPaul_S said:
Is it the new 2017 monster you're looking at? or a used older model? The new one has a load more features over the 2016 model. Old monster 1200s vs new street triple RS is a hard choice, no QS on the Monster and less modern electronics.
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Yeah the 2017. Oddly there's no 2017 R model. Just basic and the S.

This guy makes it look easy pottering around Monaco during rush hour. Appreciate he does this for a living won't assume it's that easy below 30. Also worth adding this won't be a commuter. I train it to London when not overseas.

 
Still torn, however I'm booked up for a 1200 S test ride on Thursday, although the dealer has said it won't happen if raining. Fair enough, it's an expensive bike. Street test is not till Saturday unless I can bring it forward. That's simply work getting in the way.

Triumph: Local dealer which is < 10 mins away, solid reviews online, nearly £5k cheaper than the Monster in liquid grey, sounds great, looks great.
Ducati: Tons of power/150 bhp, 1200cc, looks amazing, as you say - it's a Ducati.

Funnily enough, when I told my Dad I was in the market for a new bike, the first thing he asked? "Will it be a Ducati?". I'm beginning to assume the Ducatis are the Ferrari of the biking world, the Street is perhaps more like the 911. A safe bet. For me, heart says Ducati, brain says Triumph.

BTW, to those who made the recommendations - I did look at Aprilia and Super Duke. First one is too sporty, and KTM is simply not my cup of tea in the looks dept.

Anyway - will post an update after testing the Monster and RS.
 
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Quick update. Took the 2017 1200 S for a test ride yesterday. Seriously impressive. As with most bikes, looks much better in the flesh, even the red looked OK although think I prefer the exclusive grey colour. It's a big bike, looks like a force to be reckoned with.

It feels gnarly and angry and really does not enjoy sub 30 - but flip that throttle and the scenery is instantly blurred and delivery is smooth. However didn't even try sport mode, too chicken. Started in Urban then enabled Touring while zipping along. The cool TFT instrumentation panel confirming the switch and now displaying a rev counter.

The sound is fantastic, right from the moment you start it up. Most impressive was the quickshifter. Endless acceleration then the auto blipper matching engine revs when dropping down through the gears, such a great feeling - and again, that sound while dropping through the gears. All with standard cans.

The Triple RS has a lot to live up to, I can totally see myself going for the 1200 S.
 
Especially aimed at TallPaul_S.
Talk me out of the Panigale 959!! Forget the Triumph its now between the 1200 S and 959.
I've heard all about the heat + lack of comfort etc and so far I've done my best to steer clear, but at the weekend I did something silly and sat on both the Supersport and the Panigale 959. To make matters worst, the Tri Options 959 cup kit runs out June 30 which adds:
Akrapovic Racing Exhaust Silencers (i.e. underslung exhaust like the old 899 or current 1299, bye bye shotguns)
Lower Fairings
Brake and Clutch Fluid Reserviors
Ducati Corse Oversized Screen (Smoked)
Brake Lever Protection

All that for £1,500 on top of the bike cost - normally an extra 3k. I'm not going for Tri Options but the dealer said I could have it even when paying the full amount.

Truth is I've always ALWAYS wanted a Panigale. I'm in my 40s and as stated earlier had initially been put off / warned about leaning over a tank + pressure on the wrists + bad back but they just look and sound sooooo good. Surely the epitome of a sportsbike. My head says I'll regret it and go with the Monster. But my heart is saying Panigale.

I'll even keep my old 125 as a commuter should the need ever arise! :)

Clearly NOT doing a very good job of talking myself out of it. Perhaps someone with experience can add some sense.
 
I've read / watched every 959 review out there! Or petty damn close! Everyone says the heat is a pain, but I've researched better insulators which significantly reduce the heat emission from the looping exhaust under the seat - more investment though. Mixed reviews re comfort. Some people have actually toured on them.
I'm sure this is a fleeting curiosity which will soon die down. Or so I hope - and before Friday! :)

They just look so good in the flesh. Make a Monster look average.
 
Then I miss out on the Cup Kit offer which runs out Friday. Bummer is I'm fully booked at work so can't take a test ride - although might head to Metropolis in Vauxhall after work today - just to have another look and potentially make up my mind. Worst case, I could sell the 959 if its that bad and then buy a Monster. But that is literally throwing money away.

Impossible situation! Likelihood is I'll need more time and will either buy the stock 959 or Monster. Worth mentioning the stock 959 is about a grand cheaper. Silver lining and all :)
 
Quick update. I've ordered a 959 in red and getting aftermarket underbelly Akrapovic exhausts fitted.

Tried both the 959 and Supersport out recently. Couldn't stop smiling after riding the Panigale.

Will post pics in a couple of weeks.

Thanks for all the comments.

@TallPaul_S the white is just a little too bling for me! Plus red looks gorgeous in the flesh.
 
MatteH Oxford said:
I couldn't find fault with the 959 apart from the lack of a fuel gauge
Click to expand...
Didn't realise it didn't have a fuel gauge. Will be a little annoying. Still everything else is sublime. Just been reading some news that Ducati are planning to release a Corse special edition 959 in 2018. I just can't wait that long. Will be a bit gutted if it gets Ohlins, downshifter/auto-blipper or the TFT dash. Thing is, any of those will push the cost towards the 1299. Will see. Can always trade in! :)
 
MatteH Oxford said:
It rides beautifully, so far it is the nicest sportsbike I have ever ridden for fun and comfort on the roads. And I've ridden quite a few bikes over the years! (I'm 39).
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43 here. Encouraging to hear what you say, especially owing to my limited experience. I only passed my test March this year. Been riding a 125 for 4 years. So this is going to be a bit of a leap (in insurance and performance!). I already have the figures and yes it's eye watering.

RE TFT etc. Just a big fan of gadgets and I do like the dash on the Monster 1200 S which I think is the same on the 1299. The LCD on the Panigale was a little hard to read. Tiny digits. But I guess you get to know where all the info is.

And I do love a single swing arm! Not on the 959 but as before, I can live with that! The 959 is one beautiful bike.
 
Thanks for an entertaining thread and lots of good advice. Thought I'd post a pic of the new machine and its little sibling, which I will be keeping for when the back, wrists and neck are too achey! :)

IMG_3759.jpg
 
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