Credited for saving the brand, here are the most significant Monsters ever released by Ducati.
The Monster was and remains a phenomenal success for Ducati - allowing the Bolognese brand to stay afloat during crucial financial years, minimizing blows from the industry and competition, and giving Ducati a strong brand association with the word Monster. It is undoubtedly one of the most important models for Ducati, and it is also extremely popular and well known around the world. Known as " Il Mostro " to the Ducatisti, this motorcycle saw the light of day in 1993, and was designed by Miguel Angel Galluzzi, perhaps his most successful and memorable design. The Monster was famously described as " Everything you need: a saddle, a tank, an engine, two wheels and handlebars ," by Michael himself, referencing the bike's minimalist design philosophy. Here are ten Monsters across the Monster timeline and history that we feel are more than the sum of their parts.
No. 10 - Ducati Monster 821
Introduced as a new member of the Ducati Monster series in 2015, the 821 borrowed its engine from the Hypermotard and also the Hyperstrada 821 of the time. As a result, the 821cc liquid-cooled L-twin delivered 107 HP at 9,250 rpm and 86 Nm of torque. It also introduced the Ducati Safety Pack to the Monster series, adding a set of electronic rider aids and safety features like ABS and traction control. This version was particularly successful, finding buyers among a more diverse age group, thanks to its accessibility for both young and older riders.
No. 9 - Ducati Monster 1200 R
Drawing its engine from the Ducati Diavel and Multistrada series, the Monster 1200 R was a real powerhouse , very fast for its class. The 1198 cc Testastretta, a liquid-cooled L-twin, produced a staggering 152 hp at 9,250 rpm and 125 Nm of torque at 7,750 rpm. With the Ducati Safety Pack included, along with Öhlins suspension and big brakes, this Monster has become one of the ideal track naked bikes to own and experience.
No. 8 Ducati Monster M900
The original Monster, designed from an assortment of components from the 900 Supersport and based on the 851/888 trellis frame series, gave birth to one of the most iconic motorcycles in history, destined for glory since its first appearance at the Cologne Motor Show in 1992 - The Monster 900 was born. Launched into production the following year, it was a pioneer in its segment, redefining the class of naked sports cars. Its 904cc L-twin engine delivered 73 horsepower and 76 Nm of torque. The Monster has subsequently been modified and revised over the years, but there is something unique about the original that none of the subsequent versions have quite managed to emulate; they were their own interpretations.
#7 Ducati Monster M600
A more accessible alternative to the Monster 900 at the time, the M600 was launched to be a tamer version of the mighty 900, alongside the Monster 400 aimed at entry-level riders in countries with restrictions on the apprentice class for motorcycles top of the line. Its engine delivered 53 HP and 48 Nm of torque, providing riders with sufficient power for sporty driving and the ability to also travel longer distances at higher speeds.
6 - Ducati Monster SP
The 2023 Ducati Monster SP draws inspiration from previous "SP" models , benefiting from several performance upgrades over the standard Monster. It is designed for circuit enthusiasts who will certainly appreciate the features and equipment offered by this motorcycle, while wanting an Italian naked suitable for the city for other occasions. The engine is powerful, with 111 horsepower and 94 Nm of torque transmitted to the rear tire. The front trellis frame of previous years has been replaced with a Panigale-inspired aluminum section frame, and the suspension is fully adjustable and, overall, 2kg lighter than the standard bike.
5 - Ducati Monster 1100 EVO Diesel
The Ducati Monster Diesel results from a special collaboration between the styling departments of Ducati and Diesel. Technically identical to the standard model 1100; but launched more as a styling and branding exercise – a unique matte paint in “Diesel” green accompanied by blacked-out parts was used to redefine the look of the bike. The Steel Trellis frame, swingarm, front fender, front fork, and various other components of the motorcycle have all been finished in black. For an added color, the rear shock absorber spring and front brake caliper have been coated in a bright yellow. The 1,078 cc air-cooled, fuel-injected, four-stroke V-twin engine that powers the 2013 Ducati Monster 1100 EVO Diesel, develops 100 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 103 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm .
4 - Ducati Monster 796 Rossi MotoGP Replica
This version of the Monster certainly turned heads with its flashy racing livery sporting a massive '46' on the tank, unmistakably a bike associated with Valentino Rossi. There was also a 796 Nikki Hayden edition, with its own livery. We'd put them up against each other in this list, as they both look equally striking. This 796 also featured lightweight aluminum wheels, a single-link swingarm, and an 803 cc air-cooled V-twin engine, which produced 87 horsepower at 8,250 rpm and 79 Nm of torque at 6,260 rpm.
3- Ducati Monster S4RS Tricolore
This distinctive and elegant livery in the colors of the Italian flag on the tank and rear covers, combined with the matte gold frame and forks, makes this Monster S4RS a remarkable and elegant model, in addition to being high-performance. The S4RS was a much more powerful variant than the S2R, as it was equipped with the Testastretta of the 999 superbike, a liquid-cooled V-twin pushing 130 horsepower at 9,500 rpm and 105 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm . Certainly one of the most exciting and sought-after interpretations of the Monster.
2- Ducati Monster 400
The Monster 400 was the smaller engined alternative to the Monster 600, with the same body and mechanicals as the 600 but with an engine having a reduced stroke and smaller diameter pistons, resulting in a displacement of 400 cc . One of the smallest V-twin bikes in production at the time, the Monster 400 managed to generate excitement among motorcycle enthusiasts when it was launched. Power levels were decent with 44 horsepower and 33 Nm of torque. The 400 accelerated hard to 60 and sounded adequate while doing so. It reached a solid top speed of 100 MPH, which was acceptable for a smaller displacement engine.
1-Ducati Monster 620ie Matrix Edition
This motorcycle was powered by a 618cc air-cooled V-twin, which generated 60 horsepower at 9,500 rpm and 53 Nm of torque at 6,750 rpm. The difference between the Matrix edition and a normal 620ie was limited only to the color scheme and cosmetic levels. Nonetheless, still a cool motorcycle, and it's a lesser known version that we thought more people should know about.
