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Saturday, March 5, 2011
Credited as the bike which saved Ducati in troubled times the Ducati Monster was first launched in 1993 to critical acclaim. Sharing parts from several model ranges it took the frame from the 916 family, married to a carburetted aircooled engine ranging from the M400 through to the M900 (M400, M600, M750, M900). With bodywork designed by Miguel Angel Galluzzi it was an instant hit with its back to basics design remit, light weight, sportsbike handling and awesome exhaust note.
Early in 2000 Ducati added fuel injection to the M900 and in 2001 shoehorned the watercooled 916 engine from the 916 superbike into the Monster creating the S4, a brutally fast and fun naked bike. Adding premium components from the likes of Brembo, Marchesini, Showa and other manufacturers they created a bike which would become legendary for it's versatility and ability.
In 2005 it was all change again with the retirement of the famous 916 powerplant, only for the engine to be replaced with the Testastretta engine from the 999 Superbike creating the top of the range S4R. Adorned with Ohlins suspension, Marchesini alloy wheels and radial brakes it took the performance and handling of the Monster to the next level. At the same time coinciding with an all new engine range for the Super Sport range the Monster inherited the all new 2 valve 800 and 1000 engines becoming the S2R 800 and S2R 1000 respectively, although, it could be argued that the term "all-new" is incorrect as the engines were modified 750cc and 900cc powerplants from the Supersport ranges.
2010 Ducati Monster 696
All I kept thinking to myself, as I tried to blend in like a cat at a dog show was, "I guess Italians and Spaniards really are that good looking." That, and how important a humble little air-cooled two-valve roadster must be to Ducati.
For all the glitz, glam and exposure Ducati's renowned 1098 and its variants have received in the past year and a half, you could almost lose sight of the fact that the Bologna, Italy, bike maker has any other products. Accolades from prestigious motopublications to the average Ducatisti heaped upon the brilliant Twin are deserved; it is a machine that has ratcheted Ducati's name up to the stratosphere on the scale of all things desirable. A home in the South of France, private jet, fine wines, beautiful spouse, exotic automobiles, admiration by those we admire, high-performance Ducati sportbike. Yes, a bright red Duc 1098 (or Desmosedici!) is right at home in that imaginary life.
2010 Ducati Monster 696
2010 Ducati Monster 696
