Rona - congrats on the bike purchase! I really enjoy mine. Ride safe.

Hey man! I live in Herndon VA I’m riding a 2014 696. Was looking for places to ride out west of Leesburg. Would love to get together sometime

Alex - my apologies. I just noticed your post as YT didn't notify me. I'd be happy to connect if you're still interested. We have some great roads in the area.

Glad you enjoyed it and the Monster is a joy and pleasure to own. Like yours, it is potent too. Happy and safe riding!

Rodger - great to hear you had a wonderful ride today! Yes - the Monster does all of that in a sporty package w/o being over-the-top. Ride safe and enjoy!

Martin - you're welcome. I still own and thoroughly enjoy my 1200s, so if you find a nice one w/a full service history - pull the trigger. And outside of a fuel level sensor going south - I've had not issues w/the bike. Happy hunting!

Thank you for commenting. The 1200 has three mappings and Sport is sharp. I use Touring most of the time and enjoy it with the Panigale Spacers addition. For a daily, I think would enjoy the throttle response and fuel delivery - even w/the stock exhaust. With the full Termi system, you can expect a 12 hp power spike. Happy hunting!

Hi Donna. They do a great job and are worth a visit if you're ever in the area. Great baked goodies too.

I haven't tried it myself but I don't see why not. A simple sprocket change to get you there earlier if needed.

I've been following your rain - thru Harry Metcalfe - and bike life is tough. Back in 1991 I worked in Swindon during the winter months. I can see why you folks spend a lot of time at the pub. I've got snow and salt on the roads here, so no bike riding. You're welcome on the other channels. There is definitely quality to be found here on YT.

That's true.

Juan Jose - thank you for the kind comment. I've had some friends tell me to visit Costa Rica, so I'll put it on the to-do list. Happy New Year!

Thank you. I find the bike pretty comfortable for longer rides and do 150 - 200 miles easily. The bike fits riders between 5'6" to about 5'10" well. Taller riders can feel a bit tight. Should you go for an R - which is always a good idea - have the suspension setup the way you'd like it via the dealer or an indie. The Ohlins are excellent and benefit from a bit of tweaking. Happy hunting!

@@atastefortheroad4475 thanks for that Scott. I'm off to test ride a Monster and Miltistrada 950S back to back this week. Decision time ahead ...

@@Back2TheBike This good problem to have as a holiday gift for one's self. Enjoy!

Hi Rafal - while it's true the 1200s has about twice the hp of the KTM 690, the 1200s is very manageable. The rider modes are differentiated and in sport mode in the upper 1/3 of the rpm band the bike rips. But at lower revs in touring or rain mode the 1200s is very reasonable w/some throttle control. There is the 821 as well. I'd recommend take one for a test ride and seeing what you think. Happy hunting!

Both the 821 and the 1200s are excellent choices. I think the 821 at 110 hp is a real sweet spot for the street, while the 1200 does have that top end rush. The current gen 821 wasn't ready when I bought mine. I'd recommend testing both and seeing which one you enjoy best. There should be some end of the year deals and some low mileage used ones - perhaps w/a few goodies. Welcome back to riding and happy hunting!

EP - I haven't ridden the current 821. My previous bike was a Gen 1 Monster 750 and it was smaller and fit me very well - so I definitely hear what you're saying on the size. Often w/bigger versions, the motor dominates everything and you can't use all of it. The 821 is the same physical size as the 1200s. I would agree around 115 hp for the street is about perfect and the 821 Ducati motor is great for road use. And you get to use all of it. A newish 821 w/a few goodies would be a great ride. To get the very best out of it and yourself have the bike setup for your weight and if needed swap the springs front/rear. Doing so made a big difference for me across a broad spectrum of riding. Happy hunting.

Yes - I took it on a several hour test ride. The SSS has a lot to offer and it was tempting for its all around abilities. I was particularly interested in it because of the luggage option. The SSS rides well and the fueling in touring mode is just fine. But as a long time Ducatisti I felt it lacked a bit of Ducatiness - that special feeling. Sport mode fixes that problem, but the fueling/mapping off the line made it feel like the bike was going to stall (it doesn't). Fixing this would have required a full system + remap - which was fine. However, the SBK like exhaust system would have meant no bags and that defeated the purpose for me as a sports tourer. Keep in mind I tested a 1st year bike and the fuel mapping may have changed in year 2 and now in 2019. They haven't sold well after the 1st year so I'm sure there are deals to be had if you'd like one. Definitely worth a test ride. I hope this helps and thanks for stopping by the channel.

@@atastefortheroad4475 thank you for the reply! I will be sure to test one. That is pretty silly the Akra pipes you can put on wont even let you put saddlebags on it. I think with the Monster SW-Motech makes bags for it which is nice. How does the 1200 handle compared to the SSS? And do you have a windscreen fitted? I imagine the wind being kind of an issue on highways but I guess I would just take back roads.

@@dancingmaryjane I found the 1200s to be more flickable and the SSS a bit more stable - which reflects their roles. To be clear the SSS turns very nicely. I don't have a windscreen on my 1200s so there is more wind against me. But with the shape of the headlight and shroud of the TFT screen there is some wind management. So, I've found at about 60 mph is where I start to "feel" it. There are quite a few bag options and I have an overnight bag from Ducati. The backroads are where the fun is for either bike. One thing to note - Ducati doesn't put a clearcoat on their bikes so the paint scratches easily for the "painted" bikes. The matt finish on some - such as a white SSS - is harder to scratch.

Hi Josip and thank you for reaching out. At 193cm/6ft3in you're going to struggle on the Monster. The 1200 fits riders from 5ft6in to 5ft10in well, but taller riders feel cramped given the bike's riders triangle. I would take a look at the KTM SuperDuke R or Aprilia Tuono as you'll probably be more comfortable. If you really want a Ducati - which I completely understand - I'd take a look at the Multistrada for comfort and power and the Hypermotard for blasting around. Happy hunting!

@@atastefortheroad4475 Thank's for the advice,ktm superduke was my second choice...

My pleasure. The KTM is a fine machine!

There was a TSB code update last year and in year one there was a recall on a part that is now escaping me. This affected multiple Euro brands and was a contractor part. Mine had no wear. I've got about 7500 miles on it now and I'm still very happy. If you're thinking of one - 1200 or 821 - I'd certainly go for it.

Gothy - I've never taken a pillion. My guess is that for short journeys it would be OK.

Rich - you're welcome and thank you for commenting. I've continued to be very pleased w/my 1200s. Happy hunting!

I recall their being a different map for the 1200r. The 1200s is 148 and w/a full system and a map you're looking at about 165hp. Marques have dealt with Euro5 by increasing displacement and variable valve timing.

Yes - it's definitely frustrating. I have two dealers that are closer to me, but I won't touch them. The brand is specialized enough that it requires a "feel" for the marque. While it's a hassle I hope there is a dealership w/in a few hundred miles of you to provide quality service w/o an attitude.

A Taste for the Road Negative - I never returned. Found a specialist Ducati service shop (basically just two guys that love Ducati’s) and never looked back. Passion is passion 👍🏻

@@tfre3927 That's true. Glad you found a specialist shop.

So far mine have remained black. Thanks for the tip.

@@atastefortheroad4475 The reason the hoses have the milky-white colour is actually from wax within the makeup of the hoses. The purpose of the wax is to stop the hose from cracking and fatiguing over time, so it's a side effect of this protection. If the appearance is an issue (which is is for a lot of people), Samco make aftermarket hoses for the 1200 in a few colours, and the quality of Samco products is legendary.

Good to know and thanks again.

Abhijeet - the seat height is 32.5 inches so at 5'4" that might be challenging. The 821 is about the same - seat wise. The Monster 797 has a lower seat height and the Scrambler series is more reasonable too. The Scrambler 1100 is a lovely machine I reviewed late last year. Another option would be something like the Daytona M-Star GTX boots - which provide some extra lift. Here is a link: www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/daytona-m-star-gtx-boots The best thing to do is call a local Ducati store - see what they have in stock and swing a leg over a few bikes and see what works. I hope this helps.

the seat is adjustable. it can be lowered by 1 inch

Fair observation. I don't like financing accessories and for a time there was some concern I might be downsized at work. So, I've been conservative. I have looked at removing the stickers but some are on like a vice grip. Recommendations? BTW - very much enjoying the bike.

@@atastefortheroad4475 I've removed them all on mine. Even the yellow reflectors on the forks. For the reflectors, I used some braided fishing line to slice down behind to cut the double stick tape. As for any residue from them or the stickers, I simply judiciously used CRC brake cleaner and a microfiber cloth to take it off. I agree, these Monsters are something else. (1200R rider)

@@ElementofKindness I hadn't thought of fishing line. The reflectors aren't the most attractive - that's for sure. Happy Riding!

Steve - thanks for commenting. As a 20 year Ducati owner I've not found this to be the case. Service pricing is comparable to BMW, KTM, and other premium Euro brands. Against the Japanese and other broader Asian brands - Ducati is more expensive.

I put this on to put my toddler to sleep