Monster v 851 - which handles best ?

[phil_h]

Given that the monster frame is a direct descendant of the 851, I'm surprised that I've never heard anyone comparing their handling, cos I've often wondered why ducati bothered to keep the SS frame when the monster had the (better) 851 frame.
Any starters ?

[Redsps]

well then, having never tried a monster, but tried many of the 851/888 series and still got one , I have to say the 851/888 are far superior, so a totally unbiased answer from me;);)

cheers
Robin

[ali]

Originally posted by phil_h
I've often wondered why ducati bothered to keep the SS frame when the monster had the (better) 851 frame.

I don't see Geoff Spencer having much trouble with the SS frame! 'Tis a bit slow as standard though...

I would've thought the 851 would be miles better, but only because your weight is over the front. Lots of folk were complaining of lack of feel from the front of the monsters in the early rounds of DD, but I put most of that down to the lack of pressure on your arms during cornering, something exacerbated during acceleration when your weight shifts backwards.

As I understand it, you can make a monster's geometry mirror that of an 851, so they should handle the same, which might go some way to explain why Clint & Co aren't having too much trouble keeping up with Geoff! :lol:

Sorry. That's been no help at all has it....

Cheers,

Ali

[sparkin]

I think they kept the SS frame because it`s cheaper to produce than the rising rate frame on the 851/888`s etc.I like the handling of the SS`s with the direct cantilever suspension,you can really feel the road underneath you.

[phil_h]

Originally posted by sparkin
I think they kept the SS frame because it`s cheaper to produce than the rising rate frame on the 851/888`s etc.I like the handling of the SS`s with the direct cantilever suspension,you can really feel the road underneath you.

Erm ... bumpy back roads :o that's what I _dont_ like about it :P
The beast is set up firm (its that louigi bloke !), but I still stay on the seat much more than on effie.

[sparkin]

Yep,I agree with that.Change the spring to a Hyperpro and all will be fine,done that on both my SS and T8.

[philthy]

I ain't ridden a monster but on my 851 ( maxton fork conversion ) it's as if I can feel each stone on the road surface through the 'bars

[KeefyB]

Originally posted by ali
I would've thought the 851 would be miles better, but only because your weight is over the front. Lots of folk were complaining of lack of feel from the front of the monsters in the early rounds of DD, but I put most of that down to the lack of pressure on your arms during cornering, something exacerbated during acceleration when your weight shifts backwards.

Yeah,I agree with that.The 851 fram was designed to fit a watercooled sports bike with clipons,not an aircooled bike with high bars.The Monster front end is very light and can get a bit flighty on bumpy roads,......its fun tho!:devil: