796 vs 1100 8hp difference ???

[Italiatwin]

Can this be right ? Is that correct ? 796 = 87hp and 1100 = 95 (non evo)
796 is slightly lighter, is there much difference in real world on the road performance ?
Does the 1100 have loads more grunt ?
Better suspension (non S) ?

As a perspective Monster buyer soon please tell me why I should shell out the higher price for an 1100 ?

[slob]

Because after a couple of 900s & a 1000 Duc plus a Tuono, you'll miss the low down grunt?
Not a huge difference in performance, 1100 has bags of torque, 796 is a little more 'flickable'. Suspension is similar (non S), wet clutch on 796 may be a little lighter to pull.

[Italiatwin]

You thing there is a big difference in low and mid grunt then ?

[slob]

Less than 10% more power but about 25% extra torque, quite noticeable. Get down to a dealer with some second hand stock and ride a couple so you can make your own mind up. I'd say not huge difference in overall performance though (it's a couple of years since I've ridden a 796 but I rode an 1100s last year)
Personally I'd be looking for an 1100s, since even the 'budget' Ohlins is a worthwhile spend IMO and I love the dry clutch sound, I do quite a bit of distance riding with a pillion and the extra grunt is worth having there. Living in a city, I'd probably choose the 796 for commuting.
If you just want to do some weekend scratching, the 796 will be just as much fun, cheaper to insure too I imagine and you can spend some of the saving on a new exhaust (unless you get an evo).
My only gripe with MkII Monsters is the underseat pipes can cook your legs a bit at a standstill, which is probably why they changed to the stacked pipes on the evo.

[jonzi]

My low single sided pipe on the 796 is still a bit toasty at standstill.

[slob]

...and that goes well but would still lose a drag race against a seven stone rider on an 1100 ;-D