Ducati Monster
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| Ducati Monster | |
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| Manufacturer | Ducati Motor Holding SpA |
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| Production | Since 1993 |
| Predecessor | None |
| Successor | Current |
| Class | Sport bike |
| Engine | Multiple models based on the Ducati L-twin. Two valve air-cooled and four valve water cooled. |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Wheelbase | 1440 mm (all) |
| Seat height | 770-800 mm (depending on model) |
| Weight | 168-177 kg (depending on model) |
| Fuel capacity | 14 L (all) |
| Similar | Triumph Speed Triple, Buell Thunderbolt |
The Monster (informally called Il Mostro in Italian) is a motorcycle designed by Miguel Angel Galluzzi and produced by Ducati Motor Holdings in Bologna, Italy since 1993. It is of the naked bike style, which is characterized by a sport bike with a fully exposed engine and frame. In 2005, Monster sales accounted for over half of Ducati's worldwide sales. Ducati motorcycles are best-known for their L-twin Desmodromic valve engines (also known as a 90° V-Twin) and tubular steel trellis chassis, both features designed by the late Fabio Taglioni (1920-2001).
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[edit] History
[edit] 1990s
Ducati introduced three Monster models in its first generation: M600, M750 and M900 (the numbers denote engine sizes). The first, the M900, was shipped in 1993; the M600 shipped in 1994, and finally the M750 arrived in 1996. In 1999, to close out existing stock of Monster parts, Ducati released several limited edition Monsters many with different levels of accessories, the most notable was the Monster City, that came in a unique blue color, leather briefcase style saddlebags and higher handlebars.
From 1994 on a smaller displacement model, the M400 (31kW/43bhp@10500 rpm), was build for specific markets where the Tax system is particularly harsh on larger capacity or more powerful motorcycles. The M400 was mainly intended for Italy, Japan and Singapore but was also exported to countries such as Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines. The M400 was based on the M600 with the same basic engine components, but a shorter stroke crankshaft and smaller diameter pistons.
[edit] 2000s
The bike remained relatively unchanged until 2000, when Ducati added fuel injection to the M900 model. Perhaps more importantly, in 2001 Ducati also introduced the S4, which added the liquid-cooled 4-valve Superbike engine to the stable. Other technical changes that year included semi-floating front disc brakes with Brembo four-piston calipers, lighter Brembo wheels as well as 43 mm Showa inverted forks. 2002 saw the introduction of the limited, 300 edition, high-spec, S4 Fogarty
There are currently [1]six models: the 695, 696, S2R 1000, S4R Testastretta, S4R S Testastretta, and S4R S Tricolore. The Monster 696 is the brandnew model for 2008, announced in November 2007. The 696 uses the Ducati Desmo L-Twin engine to ensure power. For 2007, the M620 and M620 Dark were replaced by the M695 and M695 Dark, respectively. US prices range from $6,795 to $15,495. For 2005, Ducati added the S2R model to the Monster range; styled akin to the 4 valve S4R, but with the simpler two valve 800 cc motor. In 2005, the S2R1000 has extended the Desmodue (two-valved Desmodromic engine) S2R line.
In November 2005, a new top of the range model was also announced, the S4RS Testastretta. This new model uses the engine from the 999 Superbike with Öhlins suspension front and rear and radial front brakes. February of 2006 marked the announcement of the 2007 Monster 695. The 695 L-twin features the highest power output per CC of any Ducati air-cooled engine. It replaced the Monster 620 and was introduced June 2006. November of 2007 saw the announcement of the Monster 696.[1] It was officially launched in early April, 2008 in Barcelona.
[edit] Official Links
- Ducati vs Japanese Motorcycles Ducati compares their motorcycle offerings to those of Japanese manufacturers like Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki.
[edit] External links
- Ducati Monster Production & Distribution Table Complete Ducati Monster Production and Distribution numbers for the USA and Europe covering the years 1993-2004.
[edit] References
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