FZ and Monster Shootout

My new bike is a Ducati Monster 821. So far, I love it (I'll probably write a review, but I'd like to get a little more time on it). Yesterday, I had a conversation with a guy who just bought a Yamaha FZ09. These bikes are really similar in styling, power, and overall performance. Our conversation turned to the differences between these bikes and we came to a conclusion that I have mentioned before (here). Small differences in performance should not be a big factor in choosing a new motorcycle.

The Yamaha has 115 horsepower and the Ducati has 112. The Ducati has a little better suspension and brakes. There is no arguing these facts, but there is also no arguing that both are ridiculously fun to ride. The decision to buy either of these bikes should be made from a financial and aesthetic perspective. This means, pick the one you can afford and if you can afford both, pick the one you think looks better. If you have a chance to test ride a bike, riding comfort should also be a factor in your decision. However, a test ride isn’t always possible and chances are that bikes in the same class are pretty damn close in that respect also.

Everyone, including myself, loves the shootout articles in bike magazines - determining which bike in each class reigns supreme. Do you know what usually happens? Read three different magazines and you'll get three different verdicts (not always, but it's common). This all is a pretty subjective thing, so I say figure out what type of motorcycle you like and pick the best looking one if you can afford it. This is exactly what pushed me to the Monster (for the second time).

On a side note, I would like to mention that if you ever have the chance to demo an entire product line (shops will do this on occasion), I would strongly recommend it. Comparing models side by side is really the only way to know for sure if you’re a cruiser, sport, or other bike rider.

“Share our similarities, celebrate our differences.” - M. Scott Peck