New Ducati Monster

Looks good, @Hobnail. But I love my Triumph Speed Triple and will stick with my British bike over the Italian one. And I'm not a fan of those wheels--a bit over the top for my tastes.

 

They've always been the same class of bike, though. They even gave me a Speed Triple as a loaner when my Monster went in for service shortly after I bought it. At the end of the day I think their differences aren't as great as their similarities.

I fully admit to being a Ducati fan (am on my third Duc now). I've always loved the dry clutch, the twin engine with tons of torque on tap, and the aesthetics - stylish, tasteful, and very Italian (but almost a little too fancy sometimes).

This new Monster looks to be loads more powerful than my first Monster, great styling, way better specs, and probably similar ergos and handling. Don't get me wrong, I love both Triumph and Ducati for their own reasons, but I'd probably take this new Monster if it was sitting next to a Speed Triple.

 

Nice bike. like the new Speed Triple, those bikes are definitively selfish ones. The pillion is .. a punishment .

 

Hobnail
Yes do like that. Can't afford it though.
Joe.

 

I like that a lot. I did test the 821 a while back and found it a little underwhelming - I suspect that this lighter and more powerful version would be a completely different ride. The ergonomics seem better for those of us that enjoy the classics too.

 

The last couple times I've test ridden Ducatis they had the rider mode locked in a lower power output position, so the ride was kinda boring. I wonder if they're doing the same with this model.

 

I'll be the lone voice of dissent here...as a long-time Ducati rider and cult member, I think the new Monster has lost the plot entirely.

The Monster is supposed to be clean, elegant, minimalist, honest, pure. What I see is none of these things, at least as far as style is concerned.

If I had a choice, this or the current Speed Triple? Speed Triple > New Monster...all day long, and twice on Sundays after I get a cappuccino. I'm sure it will sound and ride amazing, as nearly all Ducatis do, however.

 

I think it's a great looking bike. Except for the wheels. But over the Triumph I don't think so. I would buy a Ducati scrambler. If my brother was a Ducati mechanic.