Monster compared to HS?

I have both granted my Monster is merely a 696 not a grand like yours but fit and feel none the less. I much prefer the HS to the monster, wind protection is better and I prefer the more upright seating position of the HS. My 09 Monster feels clunky in comparison to the HS, clutch, shifting handling and acceleration are all lacking. I am concerned with you inseam length and being comfortable on your tip toes riding the HS even with the low seat.

I sold my 06 Monster S2R 800 for the Hyperstrada. I was worried I would miss the Monster. Well I haven't, the Hyper is sooo much fun to ride. I'm 5'-6" and on my toes with the tall version and the optional lower touring seat. I still love the looks of the Monster though.

Wait for the 1200 monster ....

I have both the Hyperstrada and a Monster 659 (Australian learner compliant 696, so the wife can also ride it). I am also vertically challenged at around 5'5"
I have the low version with the low seat option which I use for round town and day rides (bit like a plank), I use the stock seat on any long runs.
I love the Hyper and if I had to choose it would be the keeper.
Ducati sent me decals to affix warning that the low version has less ground clearance, yet I find with the preload on the rear shock at maximum, I have enough clearance to get over to the edge of the rear, albeit with the centre stand and foot pegs giving off a few sparks.
No doubt the new Monster will be an absolute hoot with similar electrickery as the Hyper and en extra 380cc, but I do enjoy the flexibility of easy fit panniers and a little bit of protection from the screen. Most of all I love that Testastretta engine.

I had an S2R800, I found it better around town. The clutch is a bit of a nightmare on the 821, it has a really sudden take up which makes it hard not to stall in traffic, and the fly by wire is a bit rough at traffic speeds.

The 821 is a hoot on the open road though, lots more go.

GuyW said:

The clutch is a bit of a nightmare on the 821, it has a really sudden take up which makes it hard not to stall in traffic, .

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You need to adjust it at the perch so it dosent do that anymore.

jerdog53 said:

You need to adjust it at the perch so it dosent do that anymore.

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Done that, installed 14 tooth front sprocket too. Still hard to get it right.

Gets better with practice

It takes a while to get used to the clutch as well as the 1/5 turn throttle. Turning the initial throttle response down to 'Touring' helps, too. Then you get the 'warp drive' hit when the revs come up...addictive.

I found the Hyper to be easier to take off than the Monster. The Hyper to me just felt smoother.

Hi, I am 5'7" and I can tell you the Hyper is quite tall even for me. You will find that swinging you leg over, will be a challenge. It's easier to get onto the left footpeg first, and then swinging your leg over. Riding the bike, I find a lot better than the Monster, especially around town where the Monster always felt like it was in the wrong gear. The 4-valve engine is a lot smoother than the 2-valve lump in my Monster. Longer trips, (400+km) riding at speeds well above the 120km/h speed limit is a breeze on the Hyperstrada. On the Monster, trying to cruise above 140km/h was basically impossible due to the wind buffeting threatening to pull one's head off one's shoulders! Except for the crap grabby clutch, the Hyper is the better bike. (IMHO)