M821

Here is my mini review following a ride from Pro Twins and to work today.

Overall it feels like a Ducati and I was very surprised how much like a Monster it felt, despite the water cooled engine.

Engine: The engine is brilliant, loads of power right where you need it and when you need it, but not so angry and powerful that you feel like it wants to rip your head off. It will happily pull from 2500 in top gear, with a decent amount of pace. At low revs there is a little shunting, but nothing noticeable or that a tiny bit of clutch won’t cure. The surprising thing is that where I’d expect my old Monster to tail off the power just keeps on coming. As I’m still running it in, I haven’t explored the top of the range yet, but the torque spread is very good so far.

The rider modes seem pleasantly different, but again the Sport Mode is still very useable, with "Urban" doubling up as a wet mode. This limits the bike to 75bhp, but the bike is still happy up to motorway speeds. The throttle spring is light, but still gives feedback, whereas the clutch (now cable operated) is a revelation for a Ducati!

I would say that the engine gets hot. Very hot and even on a 4 degree day out my inner thighs were pretty warm even through GoreTex, thermal liners and base layers.

Chassis/suspension/handling: A very good mid point, you can tell this has been built as a road bike with the riding position being upright and very comfortable. Coming from my Clip-On’d and rear setted M600 it is actually a nice change, although anything at speed becomes an exercise in neck muscles/strength. The common complaint of too close pillion pegs could become a reality if I had bigger feet.

I did find I wanted more weight over the front, but it is not unduly light and the bars give good leverage and the turn in is good. Being cold, I haven’t explored the lean, but the Rosso II’s are definitely not as good as the III’s and if I hadn’t just spent all my cash I would switch to a pair of PR4’s.

The TC is nice and progressive allowing a little slide on an off-camber, damp, uphill corner without any real dramas or violent intervention.

The suspension is fairly soft and the front absorbs bumps well, perhaps a little bit too much dive on initial bite, but it firms up fairly quickly. The back is adjustable and seems balanced for the road. I suspect it may get a bit overwhelmed on the track, especially after a few sessions.

Brakes: Brakes are excellent, great power and feel from the non-radial MC, if a little sharp on initial application. IMHO I don’t think a switch to radial would give any real benefit. The rear brake does work, but has about as much feel as an anesthetised Ketamine addict. Looks good though.