2001 Ducati Monster 900 i.e.

[TT]

Here she is, home already, earlier than expected.

http://www.jabbasworld.net/pictures/cars_registry/TT3.jpg
(Lame custom shot. Sadly no user manual was provided)

http://img189.imagevenue.com/loc374/th_86492_001_122_374lo.jpg (http://img189.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=86492_001_122_374lo.jpg) http://img166.imagevenue.com/loc1021/th_86498_005_122_1021lo.jpg (http://img166.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=86498_005_122_1021lo.jpg) http://img107.imagevenue.com/loc1187/th_86504_040_122_1187lo.jpg (http://img107.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=86504_040_122_1187lo.jpg) http://img17.imagevenue.com/loc971/th_86505_002_122_971lo.jpg (http://img17.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=86505_002_122_971lo.jpg)
http://img120.imagevenue.com/loc807/th_86511_044_122_807lo.jpg (http://img120.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=86511_044_122_807lo.jpg)

So far the record was the 944 as between the moment I first saw it and the moment she came home, little more than a week passed.

With the Ducati it was 6 days and I didn't even tested or taken it outside the showroom!

And you know what? I don't regret the move a single moment.

I am usually like that: I buy something and NEVER think it could have been a mistake.

And this bike really is spot on what I was looking for.

In 1994 when it was launched, I fell in love with the Monster, then a couple of years ago I was sort of fed up by it, mostly because of the fact naked are everywhere...
Then, last week, I saw this sweet lady staring at me from behind a window, fell in love again, put down the money and decided we'll have become a couple!

Today when I got the call, I almost fainted, and even if I was of course there with my suit and no jeans with me (planned to take some normal clothes tomorrow for the occasion), I ran to the dealer, jumped on it, and off I was.

Too early (did 80 km only) and too excited to give proper impressions, but so far, HELL YEAH!! It's a blast!
i often find bikes a bit too big for me, but the Monster seems to be built around a 170 cm tall man, not a single cm more, not one less!
The riding position is totally perfect for me. Comfortable yet sporty enough to put you in control. The handle bar is good enough, don't think I'll need to change anything there.
This shade of pearl blue is IMO interesting. Could be tiresome on the long run maybe.. in that case, matte black for sure!

No, for the riding impression... well, as said, everything is perfect. Maybe the clutch handle is a bit too far for me. Would like to have slightly longer fingers at times :)
Feet position is very good althouhg I'll need some time to get used to the rear brake. HDs always have big pedals while this is much smaller.

Operating the clutch needed some min to get used to. no more huge torque like in the Electra or Dyna, so you need some gas to avoid stalling it.
The gears selector is very sensitive too. You caress it, not kick it. Finding neutral is very immediate, even when the bike is hot.

I adore the Desmo sound :love: so special! When you're low in the revs it seems the engine is suffering, but it's just an impression and anyway it quickly picks up.

I tried some small mountain roads behind home just for the hell of it and well, again, I'll need some time to trust myself as I was doing when I was 18-20 years old. Let's face it, I am an old fart now, and throwing myself into corners requires some more practicing. But the Ducati is a peaceful companion if you want it to be, so it will be nice to learn again with it.

As for engine grunt, fuck me, 76 hp maybe, but when you open wide, the thing really flies. If you never rode a bike you can't understand the totally different level on which they play, but I am sure you were overtaken at least once by a pretty average bike with no fuss at all when you were charging at full throttle down a straight road.

I didn't dare to rev it to the limit, partially because the bike spent some months in that garage, so it need to slowly get the hang of it too, and also because I was simply too scared to just do a wheelie :)

I tried some 3rd gear accelerations to have an idea, and it's impressive.
Below 3000 rpm there isn't much to do... when you get to 3000 the engine starts to come on boil and at 5000 rpm hell break loose. It's a V-TECH effect, but much stronger. like a turbo from the 80s. You really have to grab the handle bar if you want to stay with the bike.

I didn't try to pass 6000 rpm but I think there should be another step a bit higher in the revs.

But well, it's quite hard to practice such things on the open road. A short 3rd gear blast to 5800 rpm takes you above 140 km/h in a glimpse!

All in all, an amazing day today, and can't wait for the WE to come to fully enjoy the lady!!!

[dutchmasterflex]

Damn. I think that's the bike for me, great compromise between race and cruiser. Ducati Monster, would be the perfect match for my friends Ducati 749.


Congrats TT! Great idea to spend the rest of these summer months.

[sameerrao]

Cool! Looks like the Azzuro California color from Ferrari. :)

You got a 2 wheel Ferrari. :)

[TT]

Next step: Termignoni exhaust :)

[Ghostbat]

Congrats dude. Very nice bike and the color is perfect.

[yg60m]

Nice ride Matteo !! And like thamar suggest, a full suit would be welcome :wink:

[RAMMIUS]

Not a big fan of the colour, but I love the Monster since I saw it for the first time in the mid 90`s. :mrgreen:
In black should be a killer. :P

Live to ride, ride to live Matteo

[ARMAN]

Hehe nice writeup :P I can see that its a very emotional bike you bought :D Drive safe ;)

[MartijnGizmo]

Congrats old fart, the Monster looks really good in this color!

[gangajas]

Congratulations for your new bike, it is a beauty.

[TT]

Happy to see almost everybody likes the color so far! Actually it's even growing on me as I realize my Monster is unique. There are plenty matt black ones around afterall, but only one in some sort of Azzurro california ;)

TT, next step should be full suit ;)

Friend of mine, who's riding for 7 years now, fell at 140km/h. The exact reason I don't know yet, it was a straight road...
But exept for his head, hands and right leg he is completely packed in bandages due to scrapewounds and burns.
He only had to go pick something up and didn't wear his outfit...

I always was a Sunday-biker I guess. leather bike jacket even when it's 35C like today, but never stood the full suit. you end up pathetically sweat and as soon as you leave your bike, you look like an asshole and you're not comfortable.
I already had such bruises myself and it's a PITA, and yet, I can't stand a full suit!


She's a beauty. Congrats Matteo for the new ride! :D You've had two Harleys before the Italian? Any similarities other than 2 wheels? :D

Only had a Dyna Glide. The second HD I drove was the Electra rented some days ago.

Similarities, 2 wheels apart, the big soul that fill such bikes. The riding experience is totally different, and yet, they are so similar: passion, sould, heart...

[sentra_dude]

Nice write up TT. I really get the feel of what this bike is like from your descriptions. I'm not too sure about the color, but I guess it could have been worse. :mrgreen: Ducati's always have a sound all to their own, that must be half the fun right there! Stay safe and please post a few more pics when you get a chance... :D

8)

[RC45]

You know what we call bikers?
The perfect organ donors, most of them are young, in relative good shape and mostly have deadly injuries.

There are all kings of suits, or pants/jackets combo's...


And every biker falls, sooner or later. It's not the question "if" but "when".

This is one time I have to side with the naked bear.

Bike riding is a one way ticket to crash - not if - but when.

The bike rider has a simple choice to make - "Do I want to sweat or bleed?" - then based on that choice choose some clothes.

Congrats on the bike TT, but the the "I dont liek to sweat" and " don't look to look like a Power Ranger" excuses are very poor.

If you love your family (after all they areht eones who would have to keep you alive after you go through the asphaslt cheese grater) then wear the appropriate gear :)

You might settle on a 2 piece suit, with black or dark blue leather biker pants with padding and reinforcements, proper riding boots with ankle protection and shin gurads, and stylish poserlishess proper RIDING (not fashion) Ducati leather jacket. :)

Then some decent road race gloves and helmet.

How ever you might choose to do the blue jeans tennis shoes and leather jacket thing - its up to you, but when you fall I kno wfor sure there will be one setup you will either be thanksful for wearing - ro wish youwere wearing :)

Goodluck and enjoy your new bike - it has got to better than a Harley at least ;)

[TT]

I know I am wrong and sounding irresponsible guys, and I know I am the first swearing against all those fuckheads riding their bike these days (35 C) with shorts, no shirt at all and most of the time, stupid swimming pool apparel...
I don't want you to misunderstand me and think I am a total idiot. Bikes scare me, as cars do. And yes, despite that, we can't just shut ourselves home and never leave in fear something will happen.

Yes, I know every biker has to fall, and already had some bike-bruises myself.

I was also remembered how hard bad luck can hit you, last year in december when I crashed in the 944.

I'll probably get some protection sooner or later, but definitely can't use it when going to work in the morning anyway. I'll have to be carefull and stay away from distracted car drivers I guess :bah: BTW, there were several bike accidents this week around here, with several casualties and most of them were wearing full suits. Sadly at a certain speed, there is Robocop's suit that could protect you :(

Now, for the funny part, the We is gone, and many km piled up, up and down mountain roads, on lake shores, on the highway, in town... and everywhere the Monster feels spot on :love:

http://img149.imagevenue.com/loc681/th_44707_007_122_681lo.jpg (http://img149.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=44707_007_122_681lo.jpg) http://img40.imagevenue.com/loc1145/th_44713_012_122_1145lo.jpg (http://img40.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=44713_012_122_1145lo.jpg)

Can't wait to have the new mufflers, because, even if the sound is already 10 times better than any naked japanese bike around, it needs some more grunt!

[TT]

Couple more pics form today
http://img146.imagevenue.com/loc992/th_77662_018_122_992lo.jpg (http://img146.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=77662_018_122_992lo.jpg)http://img156.imagevenue.com/loc730/th_77689_015_122_730lo.jpg (http://img156.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=77689_015_122_730lo.jpg)

It will have its own indepth on my website obviously, and actually I am wondering if I'll have a bike indepths section one day...

[sentra_dude]

Excellent pics TT, it looks like you are having a blast with your new toy. 8)

[Pimp Racer]

Damn dude you got my dream bike! very badass!

Although that optional seat is better then the stock its still badass. (Forgot what the name of the seat was. :( )

[TT]

Today I finally picked up the new "silencers" :D

I'll try to install them already this week, and of course I'll remove the db killer stuff to have the proper "race" soundtrack, hoping it won't be too loud :)

[TT]

And here they are, installed and booming around town!

Holy shit, they are very loud with the db killers removed, and probably totally unlegal now, but the bike is transformed, with a mad soundtrack now!

really booming, and even below 3000 it's now a loud symphony making heads turn everywhere! Almost embarassing in town, but so good while on the roll!

Sadly it was raining very heavily today, so I had to ride quite slowly and wasn't able to take any picture ....

[TT]

Here is the new look!

http://img124.imagevenue.com/loc1198/th_72599_10_08_2007-059_122_1198lo.jpg (http://img124.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=72599_10_08_2007-059_122_1198lo.jpg) http://img107.imagevenue.com/loc841/th_72605_10_08_2007-063_122_841lo.jpg (http://img107.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=72605_10_08_2007-063_122_841lo.jpg)

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l306/ttsib/carbon1.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l306/ttsib/carbon2.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l306/ttsib/carbon3.jpg

Crappy, and I mean CRAPPY vids giving a vague, and I mean, VAGUE idea of the new sound ... sadly couldn't do better with the shitty material I've got :bah:

[saadie]

looking awsome ... 8)

haha .. seems like a really 'big guy' .. would drive soemthing like this :lol: :prr:

[TT]

They look awesome Matteo, way better than the original aluminium ones!! :D

BTW - where are the vids? :wink:

:oops:

:arrow:

http://rapidshare.com/files/48202920/Revving.MOV

http://rapidshare.com/files/48204222/Leaving.MOV

[TT]

Well, here we are, 5'500 km into the Ducati experience! Since I took her home, I only drove one of my cars to attend the Porsche meeting the other month, and never again. Every single day I went to work on the Ducati, cold, hot, rain, doesn't matter, I can't get tired and I'm falling in love more and more! The fact I average 100 km per day since day 1 should mean something, shouldn't it?

Since a while I just leave a suit at the office and I switch clothes there in the morning and evening, so I can ride comfortable...

So many mountain passes, lakes, regular commuting trips... and it's so nice to see, every time I stop somewhere, ppl taking a look at it, at the weird color, the muffler, anything else. No idea what it is, but even where there are many bikes around it, it never cease to drag attention. Impressive.

In the meanwhile I got rid of the tires and got a new set of Dunlop, somewhere between sport and touring. very happy with them and finally I am confident enough to take some respectable angles.

Some recent pics, including some trips, some friends, new tires and a detail of my Tom Tom installed in quite an amateurish way this morning for a very tricky trip, impossible to do without a sat nav IMO. Was damn funny actually!

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l306/ttsib/15_08_2007-060.jpg
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l306/ttsib/15_08_2007-033.jpg
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l306/ttsib/16_09_2007-001.jpg
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l306/ttsib/22_09_2007-001.jpg
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l306/ttsib/22_09_2007-002.jpg
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l306/ttsib/22_09_2007-005.jpg

[sentra_dude]

It sounds like you are having a lot of fun with this bike TT! :D How many months ago did you get it? It seems like you just got it and now you are saying you've passed 5,500KM! It must be nice if you are choosing it over the car every day. :P Great pictures, the first one with the dark sky in the background is really neat. Thanks for the update TT. :D 8)

[RC45]

Since a while I just leave a suit at the office and I switch clothes there in the morning and evening, so I can ride comfortable...


See how easy it is to enjoy motorcycling 110% ? :) ;)

[TT]

It was at the top of the Nüfenen, coming back from a 4 passes rampage. Gotthard, Susten, Grimsel and Nüfenen :) 250 km of pure heaven, especially the Susten :)

It sounds like you are having a lot of fun with this bike TT! :D How many months ago did you get it? It seems like you just got it and now you are saying you've passed 5,500KM! It must be nice if you are choosing it over the car every day. :P Great pictures, the first one with the dark sky in the background is really neat. Thanks for the update TT. :D 8)

Well, basically two months ago. As said, after 52 days I was at exactly 5200 km, that's a 100 km / day average :D

Today I took it to the shop for a quick checkup: everything's fine, they just had to put some oil in it... 60 swiss francs and I was back in business!

[TT]

Here we are, 2008 is almost there and the Ducati is still kicking! Bloody cold around here (well, for my region at least), and this mean, at 7 am when I ride to the office, I can see temperatures from -5 to +2 C, which isn't that fun when you have some 15 minutes of highway to do. With no wind protection whatsoever, it ain't that cool, but well, it is to ride my baby, so, till there won't be snow on the ground, I won't put it away :)

The bike is still running smooth as the first day. I might have rode 8'000 km myself, but let's not forget the total km under its belt is more like 18'000, with no major problem so far (fingers crossed).
Only did a single service so far (15'000 km), and it only needed some oil. Next one is due in 2'000 km, just in time to open the warm season probably.

I am pretty happy with the Dunlop tires, which are maybe not hyper fast as far as waming up goes, but still have good grip on the wet and on cold days.

Apart from that, I got myself a supercool Ducati by Dainese leather jacket, Ducati red of course, which might not go perfectly well with my Monster's color, but looks damn nice!! ;)

So here, we are, that's about it. Sadly the next two days I am at client's offices nearby, and this mean I can't take the bike (as I won't go to the office where I usually switch jeans with suit) but will have to become slightly girly and use the car.

The car... damn, still need to change the 964 clutch, which is really done now (slipping even in 5th gear under medium acceleration)... I took it out for a spin the other day, to get sure the battery wasn't flat, and it's quite delicate... will do that ASAP before spring I hope...

The A4 on the other hand is the only vehicle I have that got winter tires this year... only use it once a week to go to the tennis court, poor little thing...

I'd like to hit the market again, as I have plenty of ideas for another car to add, but I totally lack the time.. I'd like to finally find a good 993, but also a 3.0 911, and what about an original Beetle? Elise Mk I... dang, who knows, maybe I'll stumble upon something nice as it happened for the 944 and 964 :D

[sameerrao]

How about a nice 328/348???? When are you coming over to the dark side. Remember man, once you go Italian you stay Italian. ;)

Good to hear you are liking your bike and that it proven itself to be the opposite of an Italian built object in terms of unreliability

[TT]

Yes, since a while I keep my eyes open for a 308 GT4 in fact, but damn hard to find the right one, and my budget is probably just too small for the moment for a Ferrari.

I also still keep an eye on the Biturbo featured on my indepths.

But well, there are so many car out there. Too bad the 914 I testdrove didn't spark love at first sight in my, god knows why :( it was there waiting for me :(

[sameerrao]

Out here in the US the 993 base model costs about 10-15% less than a 348 and avout the same price as the 328 with reasonably high miles on it.

[TT]

Yes, pretty much the same around here. And that's probably why I didn't manage to snatch a 993 neither :D

[RAMMIUS]

The bike is still running smooth as the first day. I might have rode 8'000 km myself, but let's not forget the total km under its belt is more like 18'000, with no major problem so far (fingers crossed).
Only did a single service so far (15'000 km), and it only needed some oil. Next one is due in 2'000 km, just in time to open the warm season probably.



Pfffff, stop lying around :thumbdown:, everybody knows what piece of craps Ducati are. Poser`s bike, worthless machines that break down every 2 miles aaaa kilometers.
You probably keep it all day long in the service.


;-)

[TT]

Hehe, no fucking way :)

Honestly, I didn't really rode 1000 bikes in my times, but in a way or another, tested quite a few, and none is so damn spot on as the Monster is. Feels like a glove (already did 350 km straight without putting a foot on the ground and had no pain at all in legs, butt or arms), goes already fast enough to make you happy (at least the 900cc) and it has one of the best shapes ever IMO.

Since the launch of the future model, I must admit I am wondering if I will switch to it or what when the big capacity engine will be unveiled, probably in 2009... no idea really, but I am 99% sure my next bike will be another Ducati.

In fact, I was also wondering: why not having two bikes at once? Hell, since I started working, I have had two cars, so the same should be possible with two wheelers, shouldn't it?

[RC45]

Glad to hear thet Ducati works as if it was new!! :D especially when you've heard so many times how unreliable they are... :wink:


I would guess the reason TT's is proving to be reliable is because he is riding it a lot... the ones that people buy to pose on at Starbucks and ride 100km per month tend to be the ones that are always breaking and proving to be unreliable :P ;)


you must be really addicted to it riding it a -5ºC LOL! :laugh: I'm sure I would take the booring A4 instead!!

I think TT is just enjoying the freedom of motorcycling in a country with great roads and scenery in general.

True motorcyclists ride just to ride, not ride because it is good weather ;)

[T-Bird]

I would guess the reason TT's is proving to be reliable is because he is riding it a lot... the ones that people buy to pose on at Starbucks and ride 100km per month tend to be the ones that are always breaking and proving to be unreliable :P ;)


I think TT is just enjoying the freedom of motorcycling in a country with great roads and scenery in general.

True motorcyclists ride just to ride, not ride because it is good weather ;)

hell yeah my one teacher rides his bike through the winter as long as there is no snow actually falling on the roads. he is a biker at heart he even bought his daughters bikes as soon as they had their licenses.

And TT the bike is looking good as always. My cousins Ducatti doesn't give him problems either. Any mods coming for it?

[sentra_dude]

Dang TT, you are hardcore to ride when its that cold! I'm glad to hear its not giving you any problems. You should definitely get another Italian, just save up until you can get a nice 328. 8-)

[TT]

I would guess the reason TT's is proving to be reliable is because he is riding it a lot... the ones that people buy to pose on at Starbucks and ride 100km per month tend to be the ones that are always breaking and proving to be unreliable :P ;)


I think TT is just enjoying the freedom of motorcycling in a country with great roads and scenery in general.

True motorcyclists ride just to ride, not ride because it is good weather ;)

True and true. I was missing a bike so badly lately, and now that I have it, I tend to make up "very important" errands every other sec.
This morning I was working at a client's office near my home, so I used the A4. Tonight at 6 pm, when done, I decided I could take my laptop and working papers at the office right away, so tomorrow I could ride with no heavy backpack.. and well, I obviously took them to Lugano with the Monster LOL :D

hell yeah my one teacher rides his bike through the winter as long as there is no snow actually falling on the roads. he is a biker at heart he even bought his daughters bikes as soon as they had their licenses.

And TT the bike is looking good as always. My cousins Ducatti doesn't give him problems either. Any mods coming for it?

No major mods planned. I still want some new and smaller rearview mirrors. Even bought some, but they looked crap and I dumped them (dumb move to buy them). There are some cool Rizoma, which are fucking expensive but nice.
I also got a new air filter but didn't pick it up at the shop yet.

And I am toying around with the idea of respraying it in white, with red accents, but how could I live without the bike the time they need to repaint it???

[T-Bird]

well luckily it shouldn't take too long since there is very little to spray.

[TT]

True, but will still take a couple of days I guess, and I am not really sure exactly how and what to paint, so I'll need lot more time to think about it...

[TT]

I went to Lugano to work a bit today, but when I reached the office, I realized your underground park was empty, and same for the little halley at ground floor...

So.. picture time for the Ducati (dirty as a bike is done to be used, not washed :D)

http://img191.imagevenue.com/loc158/th_30100_23_12_2007-001_122_158lo.jpg (http://img191.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=30100_23_12_2007-001_122_158lo.jpg)http://img190.imagevenue.com/loc248/th_30106_23_12_2007-008_122_248lo.jpg (http://img190.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=30106_23_12_2007-008_122_248lo.jpg)http://img207.imagevenue.com/loc364/th_30117_23_12_2007-012_122_364lo.jpg (http://img207.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=30117_23_12_2007-012_122_364lo.jpg)
http://img45.imagevenue.com/loc205/th_30126_23_12_2007-018_122_205lo.jpg (http://img45.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=30126_23_12_2007-018_122_205lo.jpg)http://img209.imagevenue.com/loc229/th_30133_23_12_2007-024_122_229lo.jpg (http://img209.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=30133_23_12_2007-024_122_229lo.jpg)

[TT]

Ok, the Monster is close to the 20'000 km mark (9'000 with me) and is booked for service next week.

In the meanwhile, a guy I know, offered me a bloody gorgeous 748 S:
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l306/ttsib/748S_RHS_Grey_700p.jpg

The price could be interesting, but it has 50'000 km (MY 2002)... I wonder if it's a wise choice.. afterall my Monster covered 20'000 km (MY 2001) with no problem at all so far...

[Igorionia]

Hmmm... :)
Try to have both!

[TT]

I won't sell the Monster, that's not planned. I just want a second bike...

[Igorionia]

TT there are always risk of buying not new stuff
but 748s - gorgeous bike!

ask him to drive it and u'll understend everything by yourself. Is ir your or not!
:thumbup:

[TT]

I really hope he'll be home tomorrow so I could take a close look and maybe have a short ride. Tomorrow I'll also be on an hunting mission for a white Fulvia (1968). Made an offer the other day and I'd like to have an answer already :)

if you think about it
The 944 had 100'000 km, never had a prob before the accident
The 964 had 140'000, never had a prob (ok, clutch to be changed now)
The 126 is 25 years old and no prob whatsoever
The Monster was 6 yo and had 9000 km and not a prob

pointless probably to be stressed about old cars being a PITA... and well, having several other options in the garage, it's not like I risk to be stranded afterall

[styla21]

TT, the monster is an absolutely awesome bike. I am tossing up between an MV Agusta f1000, and a Ducati Tricolour 1098s.

IMO, the Ducati's of late no longer have reliability issues. Looking forward to seeing you choice.

[TT]

Oh.. I'd like an MV Augusta aswell, but too expensive for now ;)

As for my choice, well, the guy's parents being at the hospital these days, I fear I need to wait some more before being able to check out the bike :( I don't like to wait!