2009 New Ducati Monster : Reviews and Specs

Even more ‘pared down’ than their predecessors and now weighing in at a trim 169kg (and 168kg for the S version), both the 1100 and 1100 S are the lightest bikes in the category. After 15 years of evolution and refinement, and powered by Ducati’s two-valve 1100cc Desmodromic twin (bore/stroke 98mm x 71.5) delivering 95hp at 7500rpm and torque of 10.5kgm (79.5lb-ft) at 6000rpm, the new Monsters promise impressive on-road performance.
Soon as we can herd one into the TMR cave, we’ll let you know.

2008 Ducati Desmosedici

We get by with a little help from our friends at MCN, who tested the performance claims of Ducati's lust-worthy MotoGP replica - the Desmosedici. It certainly looks the part, but does the MotoGP-based Desmosedici live up to its high-performance claims. That all you got? At least that's what our test rider felt the Ducati was saying after he managed to cross the 190 mph barrier.Based off the 2006 MotoGP rides of Loris Capirossi and Sete Gibernau (above) the production Desmosedici is very close to the real thing - a true replica.Taking into account the power loss transfer to the rear wheel, the 177 horsepower dyno reading is right in line with Ducati's claims of 200 hp at the crankOkay, so it's too late to get one and you couldn't afford it anyway. So this article is the closest you'll get. Don't be sad, maybe you can become best friends with Tom Cruise and he'll let you take his Desmo for a spin!

Performance Test:
Ducati Desmosedici
Top Speed: 190.78 mph
Distance covered: 1606.85 meters (0.998 miles)
Time taken: 25.40 seconds
Standing start quarter-mile: 10.26 seconds @ 146.87 mph
Top gear roll on: 40-120 mph12.70 seconds over 461.95 meters
The Competition
Two other bikes that have impressed with their performance were a 2006 speed de-restricted Kawasaki ZZ-R1400 and a MV Agusta F4 1000, both powerful lumps and fast with it. Here's a quick comparison against the Desmosedici RR:

2008 Ducati Monster 696

With its Monster 696 Ducati is aiming at big sales from those who want the Italian lines but don't need the top-shelf performance and pricetag from the 1098.In style and performance, the Monster 696 does exactly what it needs to do, give owners a beautiful machine that is also capable out on the weekend joy rides.They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but what kind of crotchety beholder would find the sleek Monster 696 an ugly beast?Do you have to be a mod 20- or 30-something with a full head of hair to appreciate the Monster 696? Our test rider, who is neither, says no!The lightweight Monster 696 won't disappoint out on the road, with the Showa suspension and Brembo brakes delivering solid performanceOne flaw in the Monster 696 design is the amount of heat coming off the underseat exhaust, with the temps making a potential pillion ride a hot one.Not forgetting the largest growing demographic in motorcycling, Ducati's Monster 696 has a light weight and low seat height for the lady riders out there.

Ducati 1098R reviews

Ducati literally rewrote the rules to get its 1098R into the World Superbike ranks and we tested the 1198cc Twin at Alabama's Barber Motorsports Park.How does the new Ducati 1098R hold up on the racetrack?Adorned with carbon fiber and number plates the Ducati 1098R looks the part of a ready-to-race superbike weapon.Tipped over into the corners, the Ducati 1098R is a stable ride which utilizes the MotoGP-derived DTC (Ducati Traction Control) when powering out of the turn.With eight different settings, the DTC system uses sensors to detect wheel-spin and alters ignition timing to restore traction for improved drives out of the corner.Assisting in the Ducati 1098R's excellent handling are the top-line Ohlins suspension components, including the TTX36 shock out back.The larger-displacement version of the Evoluzione engine does not disappoint, with the lighter Twin dishing out ample horsepower and torque.The Ducati 1098R sports an aggressive riding position, with the superbike a committed track tool.It promises to be a fierce competitor on the World Superbike track, but with its elite $39,995 MSRP and a limit of 300 units here in the U.S., you won't see many Rs out on the road.