Ducati marked the 20th anniversary of its air-cooled naked Monster line at the Intermot show in Cologne, Germany, the exact site where the M900 was first unveiled back in 1992. For 2013, Ducati is offering an anniversary edition version with bronze-colored highlights reminiscent of the original M900.

Available for the Monster 696, 796 and 1100 EVO, the 20th Anniversary Edition adds a steel trellis bronze frame, gold brake components, champagne front forks, gray swignarm, engine outer casings and lower triple clamp and chrome headlamp support. Other features include ’90s-styled mirrors and seat fabric and retro font on the tanks and seat covers. The Monster lineup is otherwise unchanged from 2012, except for new color options. Continue Reading »

Ducati is issuing a recall on several 2012 models because of a problem with the rear brake. The models included are the 848 EVO, the Streetfighter 848, the Hypermotard 796, the ABS-equipped versions of the Multistrada 1200, and the Monsters 796 and 1100 EVO.

According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the friction material on the rear brake pads may detach from the backing plate, resulting in a drop in rear braking efficiency and increased stopping distance.

The problem affects a particular batch of rear brake pads from supplier Federale-Mogul. Internal testing by both Ducati and Brembo determined the problem is with the adhesive used to attach the friction material to the backing plate of the affected brake pads. The problem Continue Reading »

Ducati launched a special edition Monster as part of its partnership with fashion brand Diesel.

The Ducati Monster Diesel is based on the Monster 1100 EVO and features a military-inspired theme developed by the Ducati Design Centre and Diesel Founder Renzo Rosso. The design uses a “Diesel Brave Green matte” livery set against a black trellis frame, wheels, engine covers, exhaust and forks. The dark colors are set off by yellow Brembo front brake caliper and Sachs monoshock.

“The Monster Diesel, and the collection dedicated to it, reflect the ‘coolness’ of this iconic motorcycle and our brand in general,” says Gabriele Del Torchio, president of Ducati Motor Holding. “The collaboration with Diesel, underlines our focus on the style and trends that shape the market and I am delighted to associate our world with that of fashion and, in particular, with Diesel. Both brands globally represent technology and innovation in pure Italian style.” Continue Reading »

Ducati is recalling the 2011-2012 Monster 1100 EVO because of potential cracks developing on the rear wheel spokes. The affected units have rear wheels labeled “DU6-RR“. Rims with the code “DU6N-RR” are not included in the recall campaign.

According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the spokes the rear wheel of some units may crack after intense use or after logging a lot of mileage, estimated by Ducati to be equivalent of six years’ worth of average use.

The problem was first identified in November 2011 during development of a different model which uses a similar wheel design (possibly the Streetfighter 848 which uses a similar 10-spoke 5.50×17 wheel). Ducati examined its Monster 1100 EVO test units and found one with 26,888 miles on it with cracks on two spokes.

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Ducati is issuing a recall on its entire 2012 Monster and Hypermotard lineups due to internal cracking of fuel lines.

According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Ducati‘s quality control department discovered micro-cracking on the four-layer extruded fuel lines. The cracks occured on the inner surface of the line that comes in contact with fuel. As a result, fuel may seep from the connection between the fuel lines and fuel pump flange on the affected units.

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If there’s one thing Ducati’s good at doing, (well, besides building motorcycles that is), it’s making the showroom premieres of its newest models an event.

That holds true with the North American dealership premieres of Ducati‘s newest Monster, the flagship of the company’s naked roadster lineup, the Ducati Monster 1100EVO.

The Ducati Monster 1100EVO, now listed as Ducati’s first 2012 model, arrives in participating showrooms across the United States and Canada May 27-28.

The new EVO-lved version of the M1100 is the first air-cooled Ducati to claim over 100hp. The Ducati Monster 1100EVO also got a new tail section, revised suspension, a slipper clutch and the new Ducati Safety Pack (traction control and ABS brakes).

As Pete Brissette writes in his review of the Ducati Monster 1100EVO: “all the updates on the EVO only serve to make a bike we liked before even better.”

The most impressive thing is Ducati has priced the Monster 1100EVO at $11,995, the same MSRP as the 2010 base Ducati Monster 1100.

Related Reading
2011 Ducati Monster 1100 EVO Review

Press release after the jump.

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Pete says, ‘Grrawarsnarlke grmble  grmble!’  He’s become a monster for this new Ducati.

Salve, from Catania, Sicilia!

It’s always nice meeting up with an old friend you haven’t seen in a couple years. And how much more fun is it when you get to connect at your friend’s place?!

I had last saddled up to the biggest of Ducati’s Monsters, the Monster 1100, more than two years ago. This always admirable naked roadster has recently been made extra enjoyable in its new EVO trim. To get a taste of this newest Monster, Ducati invited the motomedia to Catania, Sicily (Italy), for the bike’s world launch.

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