Less is Monster

The 'less-is-more' philosophy behind all Monsters underlines Ducati's never-ending pursuit of genuinely compact, high performance motorcycles, but these new models have succeeded in being even more 'pared down' than their predecessors.

Every single component has been redesigned and redeveloped so now more than ever, form follows function. With any details detracting from the Monster concept being eliminated, 'less-is-more' also means 'less-is-Monster'. Less weight plus more torque equals fun-filled riding.

Monster Story

In 1992 Ducati unveiled a new prototype that was to become an icon. Ducati's creation awed the crowds and the world’s media of that year’s Cologne International Motorcycle show. The 900 Monster was a motorcycle that created a truly new niche – dramatically styled, minimalist in stature yet bristling with innovative engineering solutions.

The Monster’s radical styling has also provided the inspiration for an entire after-market sector specialising in hot-rod parts for this legendary machine. For this reason, rarely do you see two Monsters the same. This radical and refreshing design departure also influenced other manufacturers but, as the old adage states: imitation is the highest form of flattery.

The Monster is characterised by a long and successful history, by its introduction during the years of numerous cylinders and uncountable colour options, but above all by a constant technological evolution that this year brings us to the birth of two new versions: the Monster 696 and the Monster 1100, representative of a new era of Monster.

Exhaust System

Providing a deep and rich exhaust tone within current noise and emissions regulations is no mean feat, but the Monster definitely provides the L-Twin sound famous of Ducati. Its bold, high-level twin mufflers also make a striking style statement.

The exhaust system on Monster 796 has one Lambda probe dedicated to each cylinder, enabling precise fuelling for a smoother power delivery as well as complying with current emission regulations.

Desmodromics

The incredible valve performances of our engines are only possible because of Ducati's unique Desmodromic system, where valve closure is activated mechanically.

At high rpm it would be almost impossible for the valve to follow the steep closure profile of the cam lobe if it were relying upon a normal valve spring. With the Desmo system, the valve is closed mechanically with the same accuracy as it is opened, enabling steep cam profiles and radical cam timings.

This system is used on every single Ducati power unit including our world-beating Superbike and Desmosedici MotoGP engines.