What have they done to the beloved Monster?

[ScottRNelson]

I was just looking over this article in Cycle World magazine. They've seriously changed the Ducati Monster. Should they still be calling it the Monster?

The Ducati Monster was the bike that got me back into motorcycles after taking nine years off. This is what I always thought of as a proper Monster:

So, the new one is has a 33cc bigger engine, about 40 more horsepower and is around 40 pounds lighter. But the price is not that far off from what it was back in 1997 when I bought my first one. It's now water cooled, has no trellis frame (aluminum and glass reinforced polymer), and barely has any of the styling cues of the original. Unclear if it even still has desmo valves. It is most likely a better motorcycle in every way than the original.

But does it still have the soul that the original had?

 

[PaleHorse]

looks like every other naked style bike out there other than the name on the tank. Haven't been a fan of this styling by any manufacturer since it was introduced.

 

[Maddevill]

The early generation 900 Monster with pipes are one of the best sounding bikes ever.

Mad

 

[N4teTheGreat]

It doesn't arose the same desire in me that I felt when I first saw a monster back in 2000 or so, but it is 40lbs lighter, produces more power and supposedly handles better due to changes in the chassis. I think it looks like every other naked because that's the segment they're chasing. I'm not so sure about the price point on the base though as it lacks adjustable suspension

 

[stratslingr77]

Remember when Suzuki revamped the SV650 and called it the Gladius? How'd that work out? ��

 

[ejv]

Looks like a Gladius made a baby with the current gen monster.

Its still a Monster. I don't see any reason to change the name. Any bike that changes over time is not the same as those it has replaced but I don't think they should be given new names because of it. Is the current Goldwing the same soul as the original, or the current R model GS.

 

[mrzuzzo]

I think it looks like every other naked because that's the segment they're chasing.

Yeah. It doesn't really have a "ducati" look to it. To me looks like something between an Aprilia and a Japanese naked. I actually feel like a lot of the new Ducatis aren't as good looking as the previous gen.

That said, performance-wise, the new Ducs are really something.

 

[antwon412]

Ugly then. Ugly now.

Just like me!

 

[Johndicezx9]

I'm diggin' it.

Maybe they'll do a version of the old one the next time they do a "Sport Classics" line.

(Yes, it's a Desmo, per the intro video.)

 

[JakesKTM]

I am discovering the M900 for the first time. I love this bike

 

[novaks47]

I think the most egregious act of that design is hiding the engine behind plastic covers. Might as well just make a faired bike at that point! Has anyone ever liked nakeds, and said "Gee, this bike is almost perfect, but I really hate that I can see the engine."?

 

[auntiebling]

aluminum and glass reinforced polymer frame?

sounds unrepairable?

 

[VicTim]

It definitely looks more like a Japanese naked. A higher end naked. I think it looks ok but not really monster like. It still says Ducati on the tank though.

 

[Johndicezx9]

Hasn't it been a couple of generations since the motor has truly been exposed? :dunno

Kinda dig the Termis that are available for it....

 

[GAJ]

Side view.

I'll take the slower original any day.

 

[CDONA]

All that plastic side panel, kinda pushes the looks to an electric

 

[Karbon]

414lb wet 108+ hp. That's a fun bike.

 

[gixxerjeff]

Side view.

I'll take the slower original any day.

Same here. I'll stick with the original.
Besides, without a trellis frame it needs to be called something else. Anything else other than Monster. They should call it the Ducati Chad or Ducati Trevor because those will be the guys buying it. I wonder if it will come with a logo'd tennis sweater to drape over your shoulders. (paging aftermarket)
That crew-cut front fender looks like a buzz killing afterthought too.
The comment about the SV650/Gladius was spot on.
RIP flagship hooligan vehicle.

 

[Map8]

414lb wet 108+ hp. That's a fun bike.

Agreed. And I like the looks.

 

[GAJ]

Same here. I'll stick with the original.
Besides, without a trellis frame it needs to be called something else. Anything else other than Monster. They should call it the Ducati Chad or Ducati Trevor ...

:laughing

Looks easy to work on too.