+ Click to Enlarge STRIPPED SUPERBIKE: The Monster has a big L-twin engine, two wheels and the bare minimum of bodywork.

January 19, 2006
By Denis Droppa

Despite its name, Ducati's Monster isn't a mean-spirited beast that will bite you at the slightest provocation.

Except for having some much-appreciated teeth in the engine department, the Monster S2R is an unintimidating, easy-to-ride bike with unusual retro styling that makes it stand out in the breakfast run pack.

The one-litre bike (actually 992cc) is the latest addition to the Monster range of naked street bikes which includes a 620cc, an 800cc S2R, a 996cc S4R and the 998cc S4RS, though it's been around since 2004.

What you won't like about the S2R 1000 is its price; it retails for around R16 000 more than a more powerful rival such as a Suzuki SV1000S.

What you will like is its generally rider-friendly nature, compactness and low weight - its mere 178kg gives the Ducati a very easy, flickable nature that inspires great confidence.

You tend to feel instantly at ease on the Italian pony, a feeling enhanced by the comfortably high-set handlebars and the not-too-tall 800mm saddle which also makes the bike fine for shorter riders.

It has a fairly comfortable riding position and, if it weren't for the minimal wind protection, the S2R could make a practical long-distance tourer.

When tucked down behind the bikini-sized windscreen, I saw a maximum of 200km/h on the clock (a top speed of 220km/h is claimed) but trying to linger at this sort of pace will result in a stiff neck.

Best to leave high-speed cruising out of the equation and enjoy the S2R's torque delivery, with 94Nm available at only 6000rpm (see Tim Luckhurst's comments when he rode the bike in London early in 2005.

Engine power is a fairly modest 70kW (compared with the Suzuki SV1000's 88kW from its 996cc V-twin) but the Ducati's appeal is its user-friendly power delivery - no need to rev its socks off. Just turn the throttle and the bike will bound from a standstill like a startled hare.

The same goes for overtaking; the S2R has great spurts of energy without the rider always having to bang down a few gears. The six-speed box is smooth, though neutral is tricky.

A nifty feature on the Ducati, unusual on a motorcycle, is the one-touch starter - don't hold down the button, just jab it once and the rest is automatic.

Once fired up, this V-twin ain't exactly the smoothest operator. It vibrates enough to render the view in your mirrors fuzzy most of the time.

The sound could be better. The over-and-under exhaust mufflers strangle the growl and some aftermarket work will be necessary to liberate some hairy-chested acoustics.

Like its predecessors, this Monster is unadorned with fairing, but it's a rather untidy look as there are exposed wires that look messy and vulnerable. It looks more like a superbike stripped of its clothing than a bike originally designed as naked.

Nimble on tar

Nevertheless, it's quite an aggressive-looking thing with charming retro touches such as a large round headlight and a thick racing stripe.

The S2R is quite nimble on twisty tar, with a forgiving nature that should entice even less-experienced riders to flick it through turns at heroic angles.

More experienced riders will appreciate being able to twiddle with its adjustable suspension - upside-down Showa forks up front and a Sachs monoshock at the rear.

A 15-litre fuel tank gives the S2R a modst range but this isn't a major problem given the bike will chiefly be used in urban areas littered with petrol stations.

The Monster S2R is a gritty performer with an easy-riding nature and, in typical Ducati tradition, a bike with plenty of personality.

Test bike from of Rosso Moto, Johannesburg.

Go back 

Useful TOOLS

Email this article       Print this article       Search Prices       Repayment Calculator       Set as homepage

Free NEWSLETTER

The latest motoring news - 3 times a week. Preview Sign up