Ride Report: 2009 Ducati Monster 1100S
Today, ducatinewstoday reviews the Ducati Monster 1100S. Is the new, big engined desmodue Monster the ultimate streetbike or is 95 bhp not enough in the modern world of 180bhp superbikes? Read on to find out!
I took advantage of the Duc Truck being in the Atlanta area to ride the new Ducati Monster 1100S at NPR Ducati. When I arrived a shiny lineup of delectable Ducati delights awaited and, without hesitation, I made for the newly released red Monster 1100S. The new Monster is based on the 696 chassis released last year and blends elements of the old Monster’s styling with a fresh, more modern design and a shorter wheelbase.
The first thing you notice is just how light (at 168kg, 370lbs) and short the bike is compared to the previous generation Monster’s. You sit well forward and the bike seems to disappear beneath you as you look forward. You can’t see any of the bike unless you look down to see the digital instrument pod. The riding position is still more sporty than a typical standard but far more comfy than a sportbike racing tuck and with less of a need for the gorilla arm stretch that Monster riders have become accustomed to.
My bike was fitted with the optional Ducati Performance termignoni slip on exhaust system along with a vented clutch cover and a smattering of pretty carbon pieces and responded to the starter with a crisp bark from the twin underseat carbon cans. While the engine was colder there was a quite noticeable off idle flat spot that blunted throttle response but it improved as the engine warmed. The desmodue engine has reached maturity and delivers a smooth, unintimidating rush of torque from as little as 3,000 rpm. The engine will pull smoothly and quite strongly from this level in 6th gear, endearing the bike with a relaxed, easy going persona when commuting or whiling away the time on a country lane. However raise the pulse a little and the 1,078cc twin responds, pulling strongly from 5,000 up before the ECU kills the fun at a fairly low 8,000 rpm with its abrupt cut-out.
Despite the expectation for a large air-cooled twin to have a wide powerband the grande Monster actually requires some fleet footwork in the twisties, since serious thrust is concentrated in a narrow, 3,000 rpm band. At a more relaxed pace, it simple doesn’t matter what gear you are in but be prepared to row the slick feeling, 6-speed box if you are hauling.
The Monster steers directly and accurately, the Ohlins suspension on the S model soaking up bumps admiredly and providing solid chassis control without the need for a firm choppy ride. Turn in is faster than the old Monster and it is easy to correct the line mid corner if the need arises. The brakes on my bike, required too much of a squeeze to generate real power and were a little lacking in feel. However I have ridden with enough radial Brembo setups to pass this off as the peculiarities of this particular example rather than a problem with the Monster range per se.
95 horsepower is truly more than enough in the real world and a skillful rider would comfortably be able to hang with just about anything down your favorite piece of twisty road. Riding the Monster brought a smile to my face because you can enjoy just cruising along at 65mph in 6th, enjoying the ride without feeling that the bike would prefer to be cutting a lap for pole position. This is an important feature to consider when you contrast what riding the average sportsbike is like, most of the time, out of its element.
Yet despite this clear rational argument, I couldn’t quite help but feel that I would prefer it if the bike had a wilder side that could be tapped into from time to time. At US$13,995 for the S model (the base model is available at $11,995) I would prefer the access to another 20 horsepower for the not inconsiderable asking price, even if in reality it would rarely be needed or utilized.
In the end, the new Monster brings the range into the 21st century without destroying the essence of the brand identity. If you want a stylish, naked roadbike to ride on real roads, the Ducati Monster 1100S should definitely be on your consideration list.
This bike is for you if:
- You have an eye for Italian style
- You want a bike that is comfortable to ride to work and can still hold it’s own on the backroads
- You want just about the perfect overall performance envelope for the street
You want to keep looking if:
- You prefer a truly standard style riding position
- You want to enough power to frighten yourself occasionally (cue the Streetfighter!)
Ducati Monster 1100S in a sentence:
For most people, almost certainly the perfect road bike combining a stylish look with enough performance to keep up with the pack at all but silly speeds.
The Ducati Monster 1100S and fuel was supplied by Ducati North America.
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