Ducati Monster 1000 (2003 - 2005) review

A good bike that is rapidly becoming a classic
Good looking in a classic way and top engine
Looks a bit dated and the riding position isn’t great

The Monster is a classic that has been around in one shape or another since 1993, which is probably why it is starting to look a bit dated now. Although that doesn’t seem to hinder sales.

The 1000 uses the latest version of Ducati’s air-cooled V-twin motor, which is a beauty with almost as much power as the early water-cooled ones, although the gearbox is a bit clunky. The handling isn’t bad but the riding position always feels wrong. It’s a kind of feet back, arms forward crouch that just doesn’t work unless you have the physical build of a gibbon.

The Monster is a classic that has been around in one shape or another since 1993, which is probably why it is starting to look a bit dated now. Although that doesn’t seem to hinder sales.

The 1000 uses the latest version of Ducati’s air-cooled V-twin motor, which is a beauty with almost as much power as the early water-cooled ones, although the gearbox is a bit clunky. The handling isn’t bad but the riding position always feels wrong. It’s a kind of feet back, arms forward crouch that just doesn’t work unless you have the physical build of a gibbon.

Seats0
Suspension FrontShowa 43 mm
Suspension RearProgressive linkage. Aluminium swing-arm
Adjustability FrontUpside-down fully adjustable fork
Adjustability RearSachs adjustable monoshock
Wheels Front3.50x17
Wheels Rear5.50x17
Wheels Made Of3-spoke light alloy
Tyres Front120/70 ZR 17
Tyres Rear180/55 ZR 17
Brakes Front2 x 320 mm discs, 4-piston caliper
Brakes Rear245 mm disc, 2-piston caliper
ChassisTubular steel trellis
Cubic Capacity (cc)992
Valves4
Max Power (bhp)84
Max Power Peak (rpm)8000
Torque (ft/lb)62
Torque Peak (rpm)5000
Bore (mm)94
Stroke (mm)71.5
Valve GearDOHC
Compression Ratio10
Valves Per Cylinder2
CoolingAir cooled
Fuel DeliveryElectronic
Stroke TypeFour Stroke
DriveChain