Ducati Monster 1100 EVO

The Monster 1100EVO further enhances the Monster family’s defining concepts of functionality, style and sport with a full evolution of the flagship model. Taking its name from the Desmodue Evoluzione engine, which now delivers a milestone 100hp, the 1100EVO proudly rolls out with a new exhaust system, comfortenhanced ergonomics, Marzocchi front suspension and refined tail-end in addition to the new Ducati Safety Pack (DSP) of ABS brake system and new 4-level Ducati Traction Control (DTC). The Monster 1100EVO also breaks new ground by being the first ever Monster equipped with DTC. Ducati’s application of the “EVO” treatment now runs deep throughout the Ducati range and its introduction to the ever-improving Monster family was inevitable. It completes a stylish family of lifestyle motorcycles with high attention to user-friendly and safety-conscious detail, while ensuring the Monster’s cult status as a design icon of hand-built, naked motorcycles remains as authentic as ever.

The brand new Monster 1100EVO takes everything great about the new generation Monster family and adds an evolution of upgrades that take the Monster concept to the next level. The Desmodue Evoluzione engine is Ducati’s first 2-valve motor to hit the 100hp mark and its super-smooth power delivery is sure to delight riders the world over. Add to that a fully redesigned, power-enhancing exhaust system with low level cannon-style, vertically stacked silencers that leave the tail-end looking sharp and minimalistic and the introduction of DSP, consisting of a new user-friendly, 4-level DTC that supports the ABS system in enhanced rider control, and it’s plain to see that this really is an “evolution” model. But it doesn’t end there.

Part of Ducati’s approach to Quality improvement was to blend owner feed-back into the design process of new models, and the Monster 1100EVO is an iconic example. Ergonomics have been totally revised with the a reshaped seat and 20mm higher bar-risers for the rider and a rear sub-frame ready to accept the confidence-inspiring Ducati Performance grab-rail kit for the passenger, whose comfort is further enhanced with a lowslung, rerouted exhaust system. Add to these enhancements rubber-mounted rear indicators and a more compact number plate holder with LED lighting, and it is clear that Ducati have listened to every last detail.

The ‘less-is-more’ philosophy behind all Monsters underlines Ducati’s continuous pursuit of genuinely compact, high performance motorcycles and with the EVO’s dry weight at 169kg (373lb) it represents the lightest, most compact bike in its category. The Monster 1100EVO is the result of constant evolution in design and technology. The powerful and breathtaking topof- the-range model boasts attractive ergonomics and presents pure style and charisma, while preserving the essence of the original naked bike concept. The EVO design perfectly balances sports performance, stunning looks and safety-conscious riding pleasure and its seductive lines are the product of a Ducati philosophy where form and function combine to create the quintessential naked bike.

The Monster 1100EVO is the first model to introduce the new Ducati Safety Pack (DSP), configured to enhance rider control on Ducati’s lifestyle models. DSP consists of the ultra-dependable Brembo-Bosch ABS braking system and brand new user-friendly 4-level Ducati Traction Control (DTC). Both systems are now supplied as original equipment and complement each other to provide a major contribution to safer motorcycling. Accessible from the left-hand switchgear and displayed on the digital instrumentation, the DTC system offers a choice of four levels, each one programmed with an increasing level of interaction graded from one to four. While level four administers a confidence-building, high level of interaction from the system by activating upon the slightest amount of wheel-spin, level one offers a lesser amount of intervention for more competent, sport-oriented riders.

When the level is selected and DTC activated, the level is displayed on the instrumentation. Front and rear wheel sensors then compare speed differential to sense when rear traction is being broken (wheel-spin) and DTC decides the best combination of two different types of instant electronic adjustment, calculated with data supplied from multiple sources. The first 'soft' stage of system interaction is executed by high speed software that makes instant electronic adjustment to the ignition timing, administering varying amounts of ignition retardation to reduce the engine's torque.

If the DTC software detects that the first 'soft' stage of system interaction is inadequate to control the wheelspin, it continues to administer ignition retardation and, in addition, instructs the engine ECU to initiate a pattern of constantly increasing injection cuts until, if necessary, full injection cut. During all stages of interaction, the two warning lights – normally used to signify the over-rev limiter – illuminate to indicate that DTC is being applied. As soon as the system recognises the gradual return of equal wheel speeds, it incrementally re-establishes normal power delivery. This seamless interaction is key to the super-smooth operation of the system and represents a considerable increase in performance safety during mid-corner acceleration.

The Brembo-Bosch ABS developed by Ducati is one of the most sophisticated versions available for motorcycles and combines with top quality brake system components to deliver outstanding performance and confident control. Designed to reduce the risk of wheel-lock under heavy braking or when braking in low grip conditions, the system reads wheel speed data from phonic wheel sensors to detect potential wheel lock. If the wheel speed differential falls below a specific safety limit, the control unit immediately reduces the brake system pressure to the appropriate calliper to avoid wheel lock. The pressure reduction on each individual braking circuit is activated by electronically controlled valves, which then close as the wheel speed differential moves away from a locking scenario.