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Ducati Monster? Ducati Monster?
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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 2 May 2009
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Ducati Monster?
Why is there no Ducatic setion? No i am not being serious.

Although this is probably not the right forum does any owners former or current of the ducati monster have any positive or negative feedback?

Not thinking of it for a RTW, most likely around UK and Europe.
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  #2  
Old 3 May 2009
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I used to ride a Monster 1000S.i. (that's the version with 1000cc, two valves per cylinder and air cooling). If you like the ergonomics the monster is just a great fun ride, especially in the twisties.

The only downside I could think of is if you're planning to take a lot of luggage. Just ride light, ride fast and you and the Monster will be friends!
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  #3  
Old 5 May 2009
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I did a 2000mile trip to the alps and back in a week in a Monster 1000S a couple of years back. The bike is easily capable and reliable enough to do these sorts of trips. I fitted soft panniers and a tank bag.

The downsides are it is quite a tiring bike to ride. Heavy clutch, no fairing. Also it can take some cranking to turn over when it gets cold, it snowed in the alps and I only just managed to start it on the last gasp of battery power. BTW after market pipes make it breathe easier, and I found made it easier to start. I think they run a tad rich from the factory.

But the biggest PITA is its small tank capacity. The specs say 15 litres, but as there is a fuel pump in there so actual fuel to dry is 13 litres. I know! So every hundred miles you are looking for a petrol station. Think twice about going out on a Sunday....

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  #4  
Old 11 May 2009
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thanks for info and good pic
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  #5  
Old 11 May 2009
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Just go for it!
I used to have a 1993 900SS, and rode it to Ukraine, Moscow, St. Pete and back (1996) and Istanbul and back (1997) with my daughter on the back.
It was brilliant, reliable, and attracted great company en route.



My luggage was Nonfango rack and box (no longer available but was like Givi, and my Nonfango top box is still going strong on long journeys), Oxford soft panniers and a Baglux tank bag.
The bike was faultless and didn't even complain about Ukrainian petrol the colour of mud!
Enjoy!
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  #6  
Old 21 May 2009
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I just swapped my Monster 695 for a V-Strom DL650. I found I was getting rather uncomfortable on the Monster after doing as little as 50 miles. My wrists would be aching, my hands would be numb and have pins and needles and then my bum would start hurting too!

These are all things that could probably be fixed but in the end I felt the V-Strom would be the better choice for me and I haven't looked back since! :P
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  #7  
Old 21 May 2009
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Ever see one of these?
Terra Mostro - Mixed Terrain, Touring Machine
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  #8  
Old 21 May 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by petefromberkeley View Post

It looks great. And I'd vouch for its pedigree.
But needs a bigger tank and some luggage facilities.
If any turn up secondhand in UK I might be interested.
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  #9  
Old 23 May 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by petefromberkeley View Post
never seen that before - looks great.

i'd love to get this done to the bike then take it to the dealership and try and make a warranty claim and see their faces!
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  #10  
Old 18 Dec 2009
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Thumbs up m600 is the way to go
When you love your bike you will overcome any obstacle.
I rode my m600 from Holland to Portugal and back, 6000km without problems. I made my own sub frame to hold the bag, somehow Ducati just doesn't design travel gear for long distances. It rides perfectly through the nice Spanish mountains although it's not so comfortable on my long Dutch legs.


This picture was taken in Andorra at 2250meters, it was idling real nice and slow, lost about 40% of it's power but I made it over the hill.
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  #11  
Old 21 Dec 2009
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This is a real Ducati.
I am going to show you a real Ducati. The legendary 900 SS Desmo. The longest trip I ´ve done with that old beautiful lady was 100 km far from Madrid. It was enough to catch

I am not going to ride her further. I have a heavy and ugly BMW GS to do the dirty job. But my Italian Princess was born to ride fast and making a lot of wonderful noise. Once you hear her, you will never forget. I am sorry to say, but new Ducatis (and I had a S4RS) are silent toys.

I got that perfect jewel from my father as a family treasure and, of course, is a real 900 SS Desmo with less than 11,000 km on the clock and no accident at all. And of course (Do I have to say?) it is not for sell. Is just for loving her.

I do.

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  #12  
Old 21 Dec 2009
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Miquel, that is a gorgeous machine, and as you say, the modern Dukes cannot even compare to the character and soul of the 900 SS Desmo.

You have a good balance of classic bike for fun and a newer bike for the touring.

Do you have any video (with audio) that you can post for us?
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  #13  
Old 22 Dec 2009
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Oh, that is a very good idea.Thanks, Pigford. I will try to make one. Right now I am in Johannesburg, South Africa, but as soon as I am back home I will record that music for you all.
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  #14  
Old 23 Dec 2009
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Here's one I saw at the 2007 Australian HU Travellers Meeting, gotta love the long range tank. I love it, it does the job!
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