All Duels – Duel F800R Vs Monster 821: two Twin motorcycles, but not twins – In the Roadster family, MNC would like …

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Duel F800R Vs Monster 821: two twin motorcycles, but not twins

All Duels - Duel F800R Vs Monster 821: two Twin motorcycles, but not twins - In the Roadster family, MNC would like ...

The family of mid-capacity roadsters welcomes two new members in 2015: the new BMW F800R and the Ducati Monster 821. Site has therefore brought together these two twin-cylinders – one parallel, the other in L – for an unprecedented duel. Comparative test.

In the Roadster family, MNC would like…

Two new motorcycles arrive this year at BMW and Ducati in the – large but hypercompetitive – segment of "mid-size" roadsters: the new version of the F800R on the one hand, and the Monster 821, replacing the Monster 796, of the ‘other.

Both motorized by twin cylinders of around 800 cc, 8 valves and liquid cooling – yes, even the Italian mill is "water"! -, these two machines try to seduce bikers by differentiating themselves from the four or three cylinder roadsters of Japanese or English origin which currently dominate the market.

Regarding the price on the other hand, the German and the Italian are doing their best to get closer to the values ​​of the competition: the is currently worth 7999 € (500 € more with the optional ABS), the 8399 € (ABS + € 600), € 8,299 (ABS + € 500) and € 8,590 (standard ABS).

On this specific point, the brand is a first point facing the since it is displayed on the official BMW France site "from 8,500 €"with the ABS fitted as standard. The Ducati claims € 9995 for its" Dark "version, basic but still equipped with ABS and traction control.

Painted in red or white, the new Ducati sees its price rise to 10,495 €. And the latter even climbs to € 11,995 in the high-end version that Ducati West Europe has entrusted to the Journal moto du Net for this new duel..

Nicknamed "Stripe", this Monster 821 is decorated with a double white stripe which extends from the front fender to the seat cowl, including the nose screen and the tank. It is also distinguished from the "short" Monster 821 by its fully adjustable fork, "identical to that of the Monster 1200"according to Ducati France.

Our Germany-Italy match is not, however, too unbalanced because BMW Motorrad France has provided us with a "full options" F800R with a total invoice of € 10,100, according to the simulation carried out by MNC on the configurator. Bmw.

Included in this price are the blue and white color (billed at € 50 …), the dynamic pack at € 310 (seat cowl held by simple rubber bands, white indicators and LED rear light, engine guard), the Touring pack at € 515 (center stand, on-board computer, heated grips, luggage rack, electrical outlet, case supports … without the cases!) and the Safety pack at € 725 (ASC traction control, ESA electronically adjustable suspensions, RDC tire pressure sensor).

It is therefore a duel between two "top models" which looms … But by comparing these two roadsters at a standstill, Site quickly noticed that if one is indeed very "beautiful", the other play it more "stupid".

This more massive, almost masculine look, the BMW owes it to its imposing – and false! – tank, with the black tint of its mechanics and its cycle part (the pretty design of its swinging arm could have been highlighted), as well as its optional equipment: luggage rack and luggage rack, in particular.

On the F800R 2015, we find as standard a new inverted and golden fork – bitte schon! -, Brembo brand calipers (front and rear radials) controlled via braided hoses and carefully machined parts such as footrests or adjoining aluminum controls.

But we also find on its engine large fixing bolts and casing screws a little too "rough stripped" which would benefit from being painted. Not modest for a penny (nor for € 10,100 …), the F800R also exhibits between the frame and the engine its ABS unit, its ignition box and unsightly electrical terminals. This is not without evoking a certain GSR750, an excellent bike from a dynamic point of view but with a passable finish….

Likewise, the new face of the F800R is reminiscent of that of the 600 cc model of the Suzuki roadster (it was by crossing one during our photo shoot that MNC had this reflection) or the memorable face of the and his muscular shoulders.

At Site, we finally consider that although the asymmetrical headlight of the old F800R was indeed not the most aesthetic, it at least had the merit of further distinguishing the small BMW roadster from the Japanese production (end of the "subjective parenthesis" ") !

However, the German is clearly different from other roadsters – Monster 821 included – by keeping its tank under the saddle and its plug placed on the right side of its rear part: an arrangement which requires getting off the bike to refuel but which improves the distribution of masses. Lastly seen from behind, the new F800R this time looks like a GS with its semicircular brake light, its big silencer and its optional luggage rack.

The Behème tab is also clearly perceptible on the dashboard: two superimposed analog meters are next to a liquid crystal window, as on the – old – or. This F800R may have been born in 2015, it does not succumb to digital fashion at all.

On the Ducati, the display is fully digital. We read the speed better, but the engine speed less well. Unlike the F800R, the Monster 821 does not have an engaged gear indicator … Curious – not to say disappointing – because according to a Ducati mechanic interviewed by MNC, the transplant of this very practical equipment was possible since "the crankcase is the same as that of the old Multistrada"…

The Italian fully convinces in terms of finish and all its parts are beautifully refined: from the front light which is at the same time simple, elegant and modern with its LED trim, to the tip of the Ducati footrest rubbers..

The Rouge – whose paint quality seems superior – seems lighter than the Bleue, in particular thanks to its small butt, its much smaller rear part and its pretty passenger love handles, very convenient to hang on. Much more worked than on the BMW, the exhaust – double – of the Ducati, shorter and of a dark tint, further lightens the appearance of the Monster.

Although replacing the Monster department in the Ducati catalog, the 821 plays it small arm … or rather double oscillating arm, like the! Fortunately, its sturdy appearance can be considered reassuring while its surface treatment in "sand" color – matched to the low engine – is the most beautiful effect..

Discreet, the small Italian flag that adorns the rear shell of the Monster is in itself an undeniable charm asset, even essential for some. However, the Site looks good: no trace of the German flag on the F800R … Would the "Deutsche Qualitat" make people dream / sell less than the Italian "passionate" ?!

What makes you dream less about the Monster, however, are the raw black plastic covers of the engine and the radiator, as well as the hoses of the cooling circuit and its ugly clamps on the left side … The most fussy will note even that the horn of the Ducati is – even – more exposed than on the BMW.

Despite this, the Ducati Monster 821 wins the second round of this duel against the BMW F800R. German is certainly cheaper than Italian, but it is also less well finished and less sexy. Now remains the most important: the test of the road … In the saddle !

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