Hornet to Monster

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mcatrophy

Privileged to ride a 2018 FJR1300AS
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Son has changed his Hornet ...

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... that he's had for six and a half years, 5400 miles (though not riding for something like three years due to breaking ribs and a leg, separate incidents, both involving snow).

He's got himself a nearly-new Ducati Monster 821, it's about six months old, a demonstrator with 117 miles when he got it. He got the garage to cut the seat down (he's five foot three). They've also dropped the fork yolk by 8mm or so.

Pleased as punch. He's obeying the running-in rules, says he's already having trouble keeping the front wheel down.

He brought it round ...



.... and we fitted crash bars. He's getting side bags (Givi, the Ducati ones are ridiculously priced) and a screen, hopefully over the next week.

My Better Half was less impressed.

"It's LOUD." "It's a Ducati."

"It's RED." "It's a Ducati."

"It looks like a skeleton." "It's a Ducati."

I'm not convinced she found the explanations totally adequate.

I've got a feeling he'll be giving me quite a run for my money. We'll find out in a couple of weeks, off to Wales, Ireland and Scotland. (That's if my ankle is sufficiently mended.)

Anyone compared a Monster 821 with an FJR?

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Not an 821, a 800.

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Love this for day rides, instant response to rider inputs, light just at 400# wet. When you find a crooked road wave him by, cause he's gone.

I find 200-300 mile days on the monster quite doable depending on weather of course.

I have a friend who has had an 800 monster and now rides an 821. his take on the 821 is bit longer wheel base, smoother ride, more HP, always better.

 
I thought a Hornet was a BSA, that's how much I know. First hot rod bike I rode.
Yes, it was a BSA, but that was back in 1964-7. Perhaps you're showing your age ;) .

Honda started using that name in 1994 domestically, exported in 1998. Still for sale in various guises, CB600F or something.

 
I remember the hornet, or CB600F, and the larger CB900F, aka the Hornet 900 aka the 919. They were nice bikes, but just didn't take off in the US Market.

Over here it's gotta either look totally sport, or look like a Harley. If not no one knows what to make of it.

 
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