Twenty years ago, Ducati released what’s become an icon in the world of two-wheeled beauty. Known for its exposed engine and frame, the Monster is considered a “naked” bike because of its lack of fairings. Having consistently accounted for a large portion of Ducati’s sales, it holds an area in many riders’ hearts and, to us, has always hit the sweet spot.
In celebration of twenty years of Monster mayhem, Ducati released the Monster 1100 Evo 20th Anniversary Edition, along with a 796 and 696 option as well. The 1100 Evo is the one, offering the Monster family’s full package of sport, functionality and design.
It packs a 100hp punch at 7500rpm and generates 76 lb-ft at 6000rpm, in addition to Marzocchi front suspension, a minimalistic tail-end and the Ducati Safety Pack (DSP) which gives you ABS and four levels of traction control. All this in a bike that weighs only 373 lb, making the Monster 1100 Evo the lightest in its class. It’s a bike that could surely kill you but, fortunately, it doesn’t want to!
Once you’re past its stunning Ducati red paint, exposed bronze trellis frame and gold Brembos, you hop on to find the seating position feels homely, no less than for my 5′ 9 frame. The upright bars are exactly where they should be and, as I inserted the key to awaken the twin-cylinder animal, my ears were met with pure metallic glory; the clutch chattering, and anThe exhaust about this Monster wouldn’t need changing; it’s quiet enough to avoid your neighbors loathing your existence, but loud enough to cause bystanders to salivate. It sings a glorious tune of Italian heritage and brilliance.
Around town, the Monster isn’t particularly comfortable. It wants to be ridden hard, as its name suggests. The L-twin is relatively rough below 3000rpm, causing a bit of hesitation on throttle input. This can sometimes be expected on a Ducati, although it’s something you learn to love. A change of habit, leading you to hold onto gears to higher revs at low speeds is all it takes to get ridden smoothly.
Riding up Pacific Coast Highway in the early morning fog towards Malibu at speed, with bursts of second to fourth gear rips, the Evo is idyllic. 000rpm limiter because you just don’t want the acceleration to stop, not for a second, you hit the 10. This bike is really a drug I found myself addicted to within the 300 miles I rode it, and in its absence I’m still in withdrawal.
I can’t get over its versatility. Quite often, a bike is geared toward track or touring, and bikes that claim to do it all fall short. Yet the Monster suffers no weakness. It’s strong across the board. Into the canyons, there’s torque everywhere, spitting you out of turns with all the balance of your ballerina. The ABS light shouldn’t be flickering at you, nor in case the traction control, but knowing they’re in attendance undoubtedly increases your level of confidence.
Down a long highway, cruising at triple-digit speeds (sorry, LAPD), the 1100 Evo is comfortable, stable and agile. With 20 years under its belt, it’s hands-down one of the most seductive, greatest and impressive performing bikes of our time, though the Monster’s evolution is definitely not complete.
2013 ducati monster 1100 evo headlight