The 620 Sport was launched this year as an alternative to the Monster 620ie for the rider who wants a bit more weather protection than the naked Monster offers as well as a slightly sportier edge. But what many riders will find appealing is that for the same price as the Japanese competition you can own a Ducati.
As the third speed-bump slapped the rock solid Ducati's seat against my well-padded but now becoming rapidly raw bum that I considered mugging one of the other riders at the next set of traffic lights and pinching the keys to another bike off them. If you commute on a 620 Sport then you are a harder man than me, or you just enjoy the slap of hard leather on you arse cheeks. Either way you're not right. The Sport is truly horrible to take anywhere near traffic. The suspension is set incredibly firm and every pothole and bump in the road is transmitted with what feels like no damping at all straight to you bum and wrists. And speaking of wrists, the riding position feels exactly the same as a 999 superbike with the very low-set clip-ons feeling as though they are aimed at a 45-degree angle downwards. It's about as suited to comfort as cinema seats.
The Ducati's motor is also a bit of a disappointment. Like most Ducatis its sounds ace, but lacks the grunt. Also at low revs it stutters and shakes a bit.
The 620 is harsh, uncompromising and difficult to master. Everything a Ducati should be and everything an entry-level model shouldn't.
The 620 Sport was launched this year as an alternative to the Monster 620ie for the rider who wants a bit more weather protection than the naked Monster offers as well as a slightly sportier edge. But what many riders will find appealing is that for the same price as the Japanese competition you can own a Ducati.
As the third speed-bump slapped the rock solid Ducati's seat against my well-padded but now becoming rapidly raw bum that I considered mugging one of the other riders at the next set of traffic lights and pinching the keys to another bike off them. If you commute on a 620 Sport then you are a harder man than me, or you just enjoy the slap of hard leather on you arse cheeks. Either way you're not right. The Sport is truly horrible to take anywhere near traffic. The suspension is set incredibly firm and every pothole and bump in the road is transmitted with what feels like no damping at all straight to you bum and wrists. And speaking of wrists, the riding position feels exactly the same as a 999 superbike with the very low-set clip-ons feeling as though they are aimed at a 45-degree angle downwards. It's about as suited to comfort as cinema seats.
The Ducati's motor is also a bit of a disappointment. Like most Ducatis its sounds ace, but lacks the grunt. Also at low revs it stutters and shakes a bit.
The 620 is harsh, uncompromising and difficult to master. Everything a Ducati should be and everything an entry-level model shouldn't.
SPECS - DUCATI
TYPE - SPORTS
PRODUCTION DATE - 2003
PRICE NEW - £6549
WEIGHT - 177kg
SEAT HEIGHT - 815mm
FUEL CAPACITY - 16L
TOP SPEED - 132.2mph
0-60 - n/a
TANK RANGE - N/A
ENGINE CAPACITY - 618cc
POWER - 60.9bhp@8500rpm
TORQUE - 39lb.ft@6200rpm
