Ducati unveil 2009 Monster

The new Monster takes its cues from the Monster 696 launched earlier this year, but includes the 1078cc V-Twin from the Multistrada and Hypermotard as its motivating force. Like the 848, it uses a crankcase formed by the vacuum die-cast method for less weight. The two-valve-per-cylinder, air-cooled Twin is said to produce 95 hp at 7,500 rpm, with a wheelie-popping 79.5 ft-lbs of torque at 6,000 rpm. A traditional Ducati dry clutch also sets the powertrain apart from the 696.

Ducati brags about its latest naked bike being even more “pared down” than its previous Monster platform, and the claimed dry weight of 373 lbs backs up this assertion – that’s nearly 18 lbs less than the outgoing Monster S2R. A short-style trellis frame uses the same tube diameter and thickness of the 1098R, and the subframe is constructed from die-cast aluminum. Its wheelbase is stretched 0.4-inch to 57.1-inches. Unlike the 696, the Monster 1100 uses a single-sided swingarm and has a 40mm (31.9 inches) higher seat. Suspension consists of a fully adjustable 43mm Showa fork and a Sachs shock with preload and rebound adjustability. It will arrive in three colors: red, silver and black.

Both versions of the new Monster 1100 use a Brembo brake system with radial-mount, 4-piston calipers and 320mm rotors up front, actuated by radial-pump master cylinders; the S version offers the added benefit of aluminum disc carriers. Digital instrumentation is comprehensive, and it’s underlined by a tapered aluminum handlebar.  Like the 696, the fuel tank is rather small at 3.8 gallons. Optional accessories include different tank covers, Termignoni exhausts and a 20mm-lower seat.