“My previous bike was a Triumph Street TripleR 675; a wonderful bike, with perfect weight and handling for a 9 stone (57kg) female, but I’d always hankered after a Ducati Monster. They were always a little out of my price range, but I waited and waited.
Last year all the planets were aligned and I managed to pick up a Monster Evo 1100, for a great price from a local dealer. I was allowed to take it for a test ride first; I had to as this was a very different ride to the Street Triple; a lot more power for one thing! Once I got used to the fact that this Monster does not like to chug along at low speeds in 3rd or 4th gears, I was set.
I found the handling and balance of this Italian machine to be amazing. The Street Triple engine is set a little higher and further forward, whereas with the Duke, you sit almost above the engine. It’s much more centrally balanced. Unbelievably, a Monster Evo 1100 is almost the same dry weight as the Triumph Street TripleR 675 (179kg compared to 168kg).
So with a better riding position and feeling of the bike under me, I instantly had more confidence riding it, than I did with the Triumph.
On a girlie note (sorry fellas!), the whole body kit (fuel tank cover and panels, huggers etc) are changeable, so you can change its outfit! No spray-job required! C’mon what woman doesn’t want to accessorise!?
This bike not only rides beautifully, it looks fabulous and sounds gorgeous too. I’ve wanted a Ducati Monster for at least two decades and OMG! I’m so glad I’ve finally got one!”
