SX? Monster 1200 looking much better

[thrstrmech]

Now that I've ridden the RX, which the platform isn't much if any difference to the SX. Has given me a better feel of what the EBR has to offer, which has me leaning towards the Monster 1200. Three factors influence my decision: looks, price, and performance. EBR gives me the performance, but falls short with looks and price. Another issue was with the gear shift being somewhat tucked in, had me hunting a couple of times. For me being an average Joe, 16k is a bit out of my league for the SX. The exhaust and hideous front end of the SX just doesn't do it for me either.
I'm not willing to over extend myself, though only a $2500 separates the cost between the two bikes, it comes down to my three factors mentioned above that's got me leaning towards Ducati. To each his own, right? Now this may or may not happen for a couple of months, but my '03 Lightning will be up for sale or traded in for the Duc.

 

[Sirius815]

Did you see the SX in person? If not, I encourage you to...I thought it looked much better in person. Not to sway your decision any.

The Monster 1200 is definitely a sweet bike as well!

 

[thrstrmech]

Have not seen it in person yet, our local dealer only has the RX.

 

[oh9bolt]

[up] Sirius

I saw the SX at NJMP, it looks way better in person!

 

[Enemy Zero]

I wasn't sold on the SX until I saw it in person and sat on it. They look so much better in person and the feel of it is so good. Its way more comfortable than any xbs/r or 1125 models I've been on.

I love them now and if I were in the market for that type of bike in that price point it would definitely be top of the list closely followed by the Super Duke.

 

[go cytocis]

EBR gives me the performance, but falls short with looks and price....only a $2500 separates the cost between the two bikes,

Looks are subjective so I can't argue there, but the Duc is no slouch in the performance category. It's not a super-bike but it still gives 1/4 mile times under 11s & I'm sure it'll carve up back roads with the best of them.

$2500 will buy you a pretty nice set of new riding gear too!

 

[Theycallmecrash]

First dibs on the xb9

 

[mrlogix]

First dibs on the xb9

that didn't take long

 

[thrstrmech]

Jacob, you got it!

Made the appointment for Saturday morning to test ride the Duc.

 

[nicholas900]

You'll like it. The M12 has a similar mill as my Diavel. I believe it's detuned a bit though, but a lighter bike. That motor is a treat. It's intense.

Worth mentioning though. Replacement parts from Ducati can take ages. Warranty claims are a slow, slow process. Make sure the dealer is excellent. Desmo Valve adjustments are pricey also. But at least the interval has gone up.

 

[thrstrmech]

Read the adjustments were at about 18,000 miles and oil changes about 9000 miles...

 

[nicholas900]

That sounds right. They have more than doubled in the last few years for the Testastretta style engines. The other monsters are considerably less I believe.

If you do go Ducati. Look up Shift tech for carbon or exhausts. His exhausts are real nice and he is an awesome dude.

 

[go cytocis]

Replacement parts from Ducati can take ages. Warranty claims are a slow, slow process.

^^THIS^^ is worth considering. I understand that Ducs are more reliable now than ever, but I've seen riding buddies on them lose literally the WHOLE riding season waiting for a tow to the shop, diagnosis, parts & repair after inexplicable breakdowns that left them stranded in the worst possible places.

 

[theoctopus]

^^THIS^^ is worth considering. I understand that Ducs are more reliable now than ever, but I've seen riding buddies on them lose literally the WHOLE riding season waiting for a tow to the shop, diagnosis, parts & repair after inexplicable breakdowns that left them stranded in the worst possible places.

Are you suggesting it would be better with EBR? Call me crazy, but I have a feeling there's a larger dealer network for Ducatis than EBR.

 

[Sirius815]

I haven't talked to any EBR dealers lately (none close by), but if nothing has changed since 2 months ago, I'd agree with octo. The parts guy back in NC still did not have a good way of ordering parts or getting warranty work done. I think they waited over a month to part of a mirror for a RX.

 

[go cytocis]

Are you suggesting it would be better with EBR?

Nope, not making any suggestions or speculations about EBR; don't have any experience with them other than with their line of XB aftermarket parts (which BTW, they off superb sales & service on!).

If reliability is the OP's priority (which I don't read above), then I recommend a CB1000r. That way he'll also have performance, price & , ahem, looks!

 

[GregoXB]

I haven't ridden either the SX or the RX, but from the reviews I've read and watched, they are saying the SX offers a shorter rake and is considerably more nimble on the street than the RX. Also, the gearing is supposed to be MUCH more practical for commuting and street use, and the seating position is more street friendly.

That being said, I don't understand why EBR is only releasing these monster power machines. Why don't they release a bike with similar specs to the 1125CR/R? It's still the helicon, just detune it, and offer something for the guys looking for something a bit more practical.

The Monster 1200 liquid cooled is essentially at the level of the 1125CR with a few less ponies. I am attracted to the Ducati for that reason as well.

 

[Sirius815]

I thought the SX and RX had comparable gearing. When I rode the SX, I would not call the gearing practical... It does like 60 or 70mph in first gear....but then again the SX would be a complete handful if gearing was more "commuter" friendly.

I talked to a Duc dealer a few months ago and said that Ducati should be coming out with a smaller Monster that's about 2-3k cheaper which would make it much more attractive to consumers. He and I both agreed that EBR should eventually do the same with their line of bikes as their prices are a bit out of people price range (at least around the military installation).

I don't foresee EBR bringing out a smaller cc/detuned bike until after the introduction of the AX at a minimum. I think they need to reel in some profits and establish the company some more before offering another flavor.

 

[Fatty SS]

Hero needs a middleweight just as badly as EBR. I'm not exactly holding my breath, but it wouldn't surprise me if they dropped an 800ish series at the 2016 aim expo.

 

[okey]

I hear there is even a café style to come in a couple of years . These bikes really show how much HD fucked Buell over and what a great investment they could have enjoyed .