Ducati Monster 1100 (2008 - present) review

Mental engine and a great, fresh, new Monster look.
The motor is a bit too much for some.

Ducati have added another fantastic bike to their already very good range. Replacing the S2R1000 the new 1100 has made use of the trellis frame and sub-frame from the 696 and the 1078cc air cooled DS engine from the existing range. Hypermotard heads mean 95bhp and 73ft lbs in a bike with a claimed dry weight of just 169kg.

The suspension felt firm but not annoyingly so. The brakes a little lifeless unless you were braking from high speeds. Its only when you ride the 1100 out of town and up the pace that you realise what the bike is all about. High street poseurs are better off on the 696 as the bigger, faster brother is only really happy when you give it a bit of a pasting. Its comfortable, looks good and goes like the clappers.

Better than an S2R1000? Definitely. Better than a Speed Triple? Debatable, on track the Monster would leave the Triumph for dead. The rest of the time the Triumph would have the edge. Never the less the 1100 is an awesome tool and deserves your attention, head along to the NEC and have a look for yourself.

Price is expected to be £7,800 and the standard version will be available in Silver, Red and Black. The S version costs £9,200 and is also available in White.

Read more: http://www.visordown.com/road-tests-first-rides/first-ride-ducati-monster-1100/5634.html#ixzz0xcXyzzBZ

Ducati have added another fantastic bike to their already very good range. Replacing the S2R1000 the new 1100 has made use of the trellis frame and sub-frame from the 696 and the 1078cc air cooled DS engine from the existing range. Hypermotard heads mean 95bhp and 73ft lbs in a bike with a claimed dry weight of just 169kg.

The suspension felt firm but not annoyingly so. The brakes a little lifeless unless you were braking from high speeds. Its only when you ride the 1100 out of town and up the pace that you realise what the bike is all about. High street poseurs are better off on the 696 as the bigger, faster brother is only really happy when you give it a bit of a pasting. Its comfortable, looks good and goes like the clappers.

Better than an S2R1000? Definitely. Better than a Speed Triple? Debatable, on track the Monster would leave the Triumph for dead. The rest of the time the Triumph would have the edge. Never the less the 1100 is an awesome tool and deserves your attention, head along to the NEC and have a look for yourself.

Price is expected to be £7,800 and the standard version will be available in Silver, Red and Black. The S version costs £9,200 and is also available in White.

Read more: http://www.visordown.com/road-tests-first-rides/first-ride-ducati-monster-1100/5634.html#ixzz0xcXyzzBZ