en most people think
of Ducati motorcycles,
the first bikes that probably come to mind are
models like the 916, 998
and 999 range of Superbikes, After all,
these are the bikes that spend the most
time in the public's eye through Ducati's
W
participation in racing. Ducati's years of
World Superbike domination and the new
high-profile presence of the Austin Ducati
team in the AMA Superbike Championship
continues to contribute to this. But when it
comes to the business of selling motor-
cycles at the dealership, the bread and butter for Ducati on its showroom floors is the
Monster,
Bikes such as the Monster 620 and the
Monster S2R 800 have been selling in great
26
numbers worldwide for years. Their relative affordability, classic styling, and cool
image have proved to be a recipe for success, not to mention that they have proved
to be great platforms for customization
(see sidebar).
The Monster range is diverse, with the
entry-level Monster 620 Dark ($6995) at
the lower end of the spectrum and the
996cc Testastretta-powered Monster S4R
($13,495) the premium offering.
Last year, Ducati introduced the
Monster S2R with its 800cc air-cooled
engine, and the bike was an immediate
success. But something was still missing
from the product range - and that was an
updated and affordable air-cooled 1000cc
Monster.
For 2006, Ducati has met the demand
NOVEMBER 23, 2005 • CYCLE NEWS
by plugging the hole in its range with the
new Monster S2R 1000. The bike slots in
perfectly between the Monster S2R 800
and the four-valve S4R, and at $9995 it's a
bargain - priced in the same range as
new Triumph Speed Triple.
As a matter of fact, Ducati North
America is excited to have such a competitively priced bike in their lineup for 2006.
Here is what Ducati North America's CEO
Michael Lock had to say when asked about
the importance of the model in their 2006
range: "The new S2R 1000 Monster finally
blows away the old notion that Ducatis are
fancy 'posing pouches' [weightlifter-type
Speedos!J for elitists. This is a real motorcycle that combines great performance,
handling, and Italian style rolled up in a
package that only Ducati could put togetlh-
(Ij---"
