Ducati is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its now legendary and still popular ‘Monster’, arguably the start-point of the modern ‘Naked Style’ motorcycle concept and a landmark for any model series.
The first production ‘Monster’ left the factory in Borgo Panigale, Bologna, in 1993 after making its debut at IFMA, the then ‘Cologne Show’ that was ultimately replaced by INTERMOT in 1992. Designed by Miguel Angel Galluzzi, and initially touted as a “muscle bike”, “Il Mostro” (as it is known in Italian) is widely regarded as the bike that saved Ducati, accounting for around half of annual production by 2005.
In contemporary terms, 2014 saw Ducati introduce the Monster 1200 and 1200 S, with a water-cooled four valve 135/145 hp 1198 Testastretta 11 engine to replace the Monster 1100 Evo. For 2016 the monster family included the 1200 R - a more track-oriented version that was claimed at the time to be the most powerful Monster ever with 160 hp (120 kW) and a claimed 97 ft lb (132 Nm) of torque and +15 hp more than the Monster 1200 S - the same Testastretta 11° DS, 90-degree V-twin used in the Multistrada and Diavel.
The Monster 797 was unveiled in 2016 at EICMA and launched in India last year. This entry-level Monster is powered by an 803 cc Testastretta twin-cylinder, air-cooled engine that makes 73.9 hp (55.1 kW) and 69 Nm (51 ft lb). The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
Ducati says that “since its presentation to the public and the press in 1992, this iconic Ducati model has brought a radical change to the world of motorcycles, creating a brand-new sector, the naked sports bikes, and generating one of the most devoted communities of enthusiasts”.
It's an important anniversary for Ducati. An original Monster 900 MY1993 is on display at the new Ducati Museum (as seen here), and a programme of activities and initiatives that will reach a crescendo at this year’s biennial 2018 World Ducati Week, the world's largest Ducati rally, held on 20, 21 and 22 July 2018 at the Marco Simoncelli Misano World Circuit in Misano Adriatico.
