Legendary bikes: Ducati Monster

La Ducati Monster was born 25 years ago. The first model was released in 1992. But her success was such that she was abandoned in several versions. Since then, the Ducati Monster has evolved into a legendary lineup with more than forty models today. And they have sold over 300 units worldwide.

Its greatest asset: the wide range of models that make up the range. There is something for everyone here: from a simple motorcycle with basic performance to sporty, powerful and modern. Even potency has evolved over time! Discover the legendary Ducati Monster motorcycles without delay.

Ducati Monster – for the record

It all started in late 1992, when an Italian brand, whose finances were not in the best shape, launched Mostro. It was a fairly simple and unpretentious two-wheeled vehicle, both technologically and mechanically. It was equipped with the famous trellis frame typical of the brand, a low engine and a powerful engine, as well as a rather modest power!

The design was not exceptional either. In addition to the small nose screen, which was only found on a few models, Mostro received a stripped-down, almost simple design. And still! Still weighing 185 kg, the little monster was quick to succeed. Carrier air small roadster, but rides like a real sports car - no flaws - it was unanimous among the general public. This prompted Ducati to retire their products after less than two years. Thus the Monster Ducati line was born.

Ducati Monster 1992 - present

From 1992 to the present, Ducati has produced no less than forty Monster motorcycles.

Monster Ducati motorcycles

Following the success of Mostro in 1994, Ducati released a second model. The Monster 600 was designed in the same vein as its predecessor. This is a rather modest V-Twin in both functionality and power. But, as always, there is one small detail: it only has a single disc brake at the front. And here again the risk pays off because the Monster 600 is also very successful.

It was followed by the Monster 750 in 1996. And since there was no more success, in 1999 an improved version was released with the "Dark" models. The 600 and 750 Dark, even more simplistic and discounted, exploded like hotcakes. Such was the success that many other models were produced: 620, 695, 800, 916, 996 and 1000 were sold.

The 400 version was also released to the Japanese market around 1995 and was produced until 2005. On the same day, the Italian manufacturer released an improved version of the M1000: the M100 S2R. It is followed two years later by the M696; then in 2008 on the M1100. The M796 was then released in 2010, followed by the M1200 and M1200S, which were presented at the EICMA exhibition in Milan in 2013.

Evolution of Monster motorcycles

Learning from the past and from every model released, the Italian manufacturer has continued to modify, improve and innovate over time. If the first Monster was a bit minimalistic, then over time, its models have evolved. Small improvements were made each time, which were greatly appreciated each time. Following the example M400, released in 2005... The small V2 has 43 horsepower on board, enough to seduce more than one biker!

One of the most notable changes was the switch to fuel injection in 2001. Indeed, after 8 years of loyalty to carburetors, Ducati switched to electronic fuel injection at the launch of the 916 Monster S4. And to accompany this change, a new, even more powerful engine that has increased from 43 to 78 horsepower; then up to 113 horsepower for the Monster 996 S4R in 2003. In the same year, Ducati also introduced new clutches: the famous APTC with anti-dribbling function were installed on the M620. The ABS braking system will appear just a few years later, in 2011, with the release of the M1100 Evo.

Not avoided changes and the appearance of the motorcycle. It began in 2005 with the release of the M800 S2R, the first to definitively retain Mostro's historic look with its loose one-way control arms and twin stacked exhaust pipes. And it was effective in 2008 when the M696 and M1100 were released. On the menu: new frame, new headlight, radial brake calipers, dual exhaust, and later a liquid engine. In other words, the change was radical and the effort paid off!

Monster Ducati today ...

The Monster Ducati line has not yet sunk into oblivion. If today most models are considered legendary motorcycles, then new generations remain very popular. Latest new: Monster 797.

Signed by Monster, no doubt it looks compact and sporty at the same time. With its wide handlebars, famous trellis frame, low seat and reduced weight, it is powered by a 73 horsepower Desmodue twin-cylinder engine. The M797 has all the flaws of a sports car, but no flaws. Driving is not only easy. It is also a modern motorcycle with an LCD dashboard and front and rear LED headlights.

And the little touch of the monster: Flange version 35 kW available to A2 license holders.