March 2009 Monster of the Month

[Pedro]

From Walpole

(about time we had one of the new ones!!)

This time last year I had a 696 on order, my first Monster, my first Ducati, having been riding bikes for 20 years I have owned superbikes, super motards, off roaders, and mopeds!, but have always lusted after a Monster, so in January 08 I put my deposit on a White 696 having only seen a couple of photos I still knew I had to have one, nearly 6 months later it arrived, I loved it and got out at every opportunity, soon the termis went on and a few bits of carbon, I was hooked. But then Ducati decided to launch the 1100 model, even though my 696 had only done 1600 miles the single sided swing arm was saying buy me ! So a deal was done a new 1100S in now parked in my garage waiting for the first signs of decent weather so I can go in search of twisty roads and other Monsters. My 696 was great, it sounded great and looked great and had enough power to entertain, the only grumbles were for me the seat being a bit low and sloping to far forward. So far my 1100 has only done 15 miles but first impressions are,seat height much better for me and a much better shape,the adjustable levers a big improvement too and then there's the looks, oh my god this bike looks fantastic, the metallic white paint, the gold wheels and the Ohlins suspension, even the standard bike looks bling (no other bike manufacturer seems to be able to capture that) So far is is fairly standard having just recovered from paying for it! The tail chop is done a couple bits of carbon added. Over the next few months full termi system and cams should go on, some more carbon bits, rear sets if someone ever makes some! And of course open the clutch up as i want do hear that rattle ! Now please let the sun come out as I need to experience that torque once again.

John.