The Legacy of the Ducati Monster
Berts Mega Mall | Powersports Hub
It has been 25 years since the popular Ducati Monster was first introduced to the world in 1993. The Ducati Monster is the motorcycle responsible for generating the new “naked bike” category we all know of today and possibly saved Ducati from a rough financial period in the 1990s that almost got them in imminent bankruptcy. Luckily the Ducati Monster received a passionate community of fans and enthusiasts that made it become the single largest selling Ducati model and continues to lead the naked bike sector. The Ducati Monster has definitely come a long way since it was first produced in the early 1990s. With its muscular looks, features, and characterized by the exposed engine and steel trellis frame, the Monster's design has definitely evolved. Let’s take a look at the iconic naked streetfighter motorcycle over the years.
The 1990s:
The history of the Monster began in the 1990s when Ducati introduced three models in its first generation: M600, M750, and M900. As it became an instant success, Ducati continued to release new models while also improving the previous ones.
1993: The first ever Ducati Monster
- The Ducati Monster 900 was introduced in 1993. It consisted of simple ergonomics with a flat handlebar and snappy sportbike handling. The Monster 900 rapidly became a popular bike among motorcycle fanatics and it was such a success that it created a loyal following worldwide. Even though it became a popular bike many believed it was too expensive.
1994: The Ducati Monster 600
- Ducati decided to release a smaller motorcycle nicknamed “the Mosterino.” It had a smaller engine than the Monster 900 and inexpensive cycle parts that made the bike more cost-effective for riders. It also had a lower seat height which made it accessible to riders of different build and height.
1996: Ducati Monster 750
- The price difference between the Monster 900 and Monster 600 left a significant gap to be filled by Ducati. They launched the Monster 750 which would be in the “middle” of the Monster 900 and 600, but it did not reach the level of popularity of the previous two bikes.
1998: Ducati Monster 900S (Dark and Chromo Models)
- Ducati upgraded the Monster 900 by bringing in two epical editions – the Dark and Chromo models. The dark model had improving changes like black frames and tanks while the chromo model has a reflective fuel tank. In the same year, Ducati introduced the Monster 900S which included carbon side panels, fenders, and a fly screen.
The 2000s:
For the most part the Ducati Monster remained unchanged until the 2000s came along then Ducati really went to work. It upgraded the M900 once again by adding fuel injection giving a completely different feel to the bike. However, Ducati decided to produce new models to add to the Monster family.
2001: Ducati Monster S4
- The Ducati S4 became the first liquid-cooled four-valve Monster model; making it the sportiest monster model at the time.
2003: Ducati Monster S4R and Monster 1000 and 1000S
- Ducati released the Monster S4R, with a bigger 996cc engine than the previous S4 as well as single-sided swingarm and twin stacked pipes.
- In the same year, Ducati released the M1000 and M1000S giving these motorcycles more power than ever before.
2005: Ducati Monster S2R 800 and S2R Desmodue
- Ducati introduced the S2R 800 and S2R Desmodue to the Monster family. These motorcycles were styled similar to the S4R, but with simpler two-valve motors.
2006: Ducati Monster 695
- The M620 was replaced with a new and stronger engine- the 695 cc, air-cooled Desmo L-twin.
2007: Ducati Monster S4RS Testastretta
- This top-of-the-line model had a 999cc engine with Ohlins suspension in the front and rear, as well as radial front brakes. This bike became the most aggressive Monster to date, boasting of manic performance.
2008: Ducati Monster 1100 and Monster 1100S
- This was the year the Monster models received a complete design upgrade. The M1100 and M1100S grew to 1078cc and as well as a single-sided swingarm. The M696 may only have had a conventional double-sided swingarm, but it too came with radial brakes and a sharp new attitude.
The 2010's:
2011: Monster 1100 Evo
- Ducati released an ABS model to the Monster 1100 calling it the Monster 1100 Evo. It adds traction control and a wet clutch to the Monster 1100.
2014: Ducati Monster 1200 and M1200S
- These bikes represented a new generation to the Ducati Monster because the two-valve SOHC engine and air-cooling were eliminated. The models received the very latest technology, including ride-by-wire and a full electronics package.
2015: Ducati Monster 821
- Ducati replaced the Monster 795/796 models with a brand new model: the Monster 821. This is the smallest model in the Monster family. It is a modern motorcycle with ride-by-wire, traction control, ABS and a slipper clutch.
2016: Ducati Monster 1200R
- Ducati released the Monster 1200R making it the most powerful motorcycle in the Monster family to date. The M1200R makes more than twice the power of than the original M900 did.
2017: Ducati Monster 797
- Ducati decided to take a few steps back and make a bike for new and inexperienced riders in mind. In terms of riding aids, it just gets the basic ABS so no traction control and no riding modes. What you do get though is a fairly decent, inimitable Monster which is easily accessible to riders with little experience or beginners.
The Ducati Monster is credited for kicking off the “naked bike” category in the motorcycle world and even though it was first released 25 years ago, it continues to be one of the most popular bike models today. To this day the Ducati monster has sold over 300,000 bikes and as it continues to be a hot seller for Ducati we don’t anticipate the original naked bike going away anytime soon
Related:
- Why You Need A Motorcycle In Your Life
- Finding the Motorcycle that Fits You Best!
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