DUCATI MONSTER 900
By
Alexis Bachofen
Upon first mounting the Italian retro bike, I was unsure what I was going
to be writing about the Monster but as it turns out, looks aren't
everything and in the Monster's case not even nearly.
1992 marked the launch of the Ducati Monster and a new benchmark for all
other manufactures to compete against. Few have! Ducati seized a sliver of
the motorcycle market and released a striped down aggressive looking
street bike unto an unsuspecting public. The Monster was an instant
success, proving there was a large market for retro-style muscle bikes.
Now revamped for 2000 with digital fuel injection, providing quicker and
smoother power delivery and various other features the Monster is sure to
remain a firm favourite with all riders from all walks of life.
Can you think of a better way to enjoy a beautiful winter's day than to
ride through the hills of Rolleystone? A couple weekends ago, when it
wasn't raining, I took the opportunity to enjoy a couple twisty roads
through the hills and really put the Monster through its paces. The 900,
with its improved shock absorbers float's through corners. As if riding on
a cloud the Monster feels stable and will push your enjoyment to new
heights. Approach a bend. Release the throttle and hear the V-twin
decelerate. It's bliss! Power delivery is smooth and once in the corner
you can apply throttle and propel through, motoring along on a knife-edge.
No, it's not as fast as riding an R1, Ninja or GSXR but it is just as much
fun. What more do you need?
In the city the Ducati is ecstasy. Its riding position is extremely
comfortable with the rider's weight perfectly placed for optimum
distribution. It never feels heavy, whether stuck in lifeless traffic or
going around slow corners the Monster never twitches or makes you nervous.
Even in the wet I found the Monster well behaved. Being noisy it also
offers the added bonus of safety. A friend of mine once said" loud pipes
save lives", and he's not wrong. Drives hear you coming from miles away
and are even polite enough to sometimes move out of the way to let you
buy. I put that down to the annoyance of the loud pipes rather than
motorcycle curtesy. As all bike riders will know, an Australian Car
Driver's perception of a motorcycle doesn't rate much higher than
kangaroos on the road.
Admittedly for the rider it's a little windy on the freeway, but a stylish
front faring piece, that will help, is available.
The simple fact remains, the Ducati Monster turns heads! Whether booming
down a suburban street or parked in a city centre, young and old alike
stop and gape at the Ducati dream-machine, gazing in awe at an untouchable
fantasy un-affordable by most. What a good thing it is that those
beholders have no idea that the Monster 900 sells for only $15,300 - Now
for the prestige attached to owning a Ducati that's not a lot of money to
be paying. In addition to receiving a respectful nod wherever you go you
also get the added bonus of fun and performance attached to owning an
Italian sports bike. Many thanks to Ken at Fraser Motorcycles in Dainella
for the test bike, "I want one!"
Available in red, yellow, blue, silver, black, Metallic Dark, Matt black -
(Special red, yellow, black).
Engine Type: Air-cooled, L twin cylinder,
2 valve Desmo distribution.
Bore & Stroke: 92 x 68mm
Displacement: 904cc
Compression: 9.2:1
Carburetion: Dynamic Fuel Injection
Starter System: Electric
Lubrication system: Dry sump
Transmission: 6 speed with straight gears
Frame type: Tubular steel trellis
Suspension Front: 43 mm Showa upside down forks
Rear: Progressive linkage with adjustable monoshock
Wheels: Front: Three spoke light alloy, 3,5x17"
Back: Three spoke light alloy, 5,5x17"
Brakes: Front: 2x320mm discs
Rear: 245mm disc
Tyres: Front: 120/70 Vr 17
Rear: 170/60 V 17
Fuel Tank: 16L (3L reserve)
Wheelbase: 1.430mm
Ground clearance: N/A
Dry weight: 407 lbs.
Top Speed: +220km/h
Horse Power: 72 bhp
Alpinestars clothing: www.alpinestars.com
Arai Helmets: www.araiamericas.com
