2009 Ducati Monster 1100

The arrival of the new 1100 and 1100 S now increases the size of the Monster family, a family that redefines the naked motorcycle and stakes its claim as the new icon of Italian excellence. Dedicated to those who want to make the ultimate expression, this jewel of style and performance is powered by the charismatic two-valve 1100cc Desmodromic twin-cylinder engine, famous the world over for its legendary torque and acceleration.

When you choose to ride the Monster, you are not simply choosing a bike but an entire lifestyle. It is an extension of your own character, something that can be shared or kept for yourself but either way, a desire to experience the exhilaration of naked power as you ride this international motorcycling icon.

With its new single-sided aluminium swingarm, high level of componentry, race-oriented chassis and 15 years of evolution, the Monster 1100 now takes its place at the head of the Monster family.

The ‘less-is-more’ philosophy behind all Monsters underlines Ducati’s never-ending pursuit of genuinely compact, high performance motorcycles, but these new models have succeeded in being even more ‘pared down’ than their predecessors. The Monster 1100 weighs a whole 8kg (17.6lb) less than the already lightweight S2R 1000, making it by far the lightest bike in its category. Every single component has been redesigned and redeveloped in order that form would follow function. With any details detracting from the Monster concept being eliminated, the ‘less-is-more’ also means ‘less-is-Monster’. Less weight plus more torque equals fun-filled riding.
Today’s Monster family is the result of constant evolution in design and technology. The new, powerful and breathtaking top-of-the-range models boast attractive ergonomics and present pure style and charisma, while preserving the essence of the original naked bike concept.

Ducati Monster 1100

The new Monster 1100 design perfectly balances sports performance, riding pleasure and stunning looks. Its seductive line is the product of a Ducati philosophy where form and function combine to create the naked bike par excellence.

Its essential yet painstakingly perfected design is the result of the all-Italian motorcycling tradition of creativity. The new Monster 1100 is the bike for motorcyclists who know exactly what they want and whose lifestyle revolves around their love of riding.

Pure riding pleasure is guaranteed with super-light and agile handling characteristics combined with the exceptional torque of the Desmo engine and the dependable competition-level braking system. The Monster 1100 is more than just a bike, it is an extension of your own personality. The Monster’s essential design and unique sound sets it aside from all others.

Chassis Set-Up

In search of the perfect corner

At just 169kg (373lb), the Monster 1100 is the lightest bike in its class.
The exceptional handling, combined with 10.5kgm (75.9lb-ft) of torque from the Ducati Desmo engine, results in a pure, adrenalin-filled ride.

Every single component has been created to satisfy a Ducati rider’s needs and provide unrivalled agility and handling. That is why Ducati engineers, designers and testers have aimed for the best possible set-up and the Monster is able to ensure the best handling of all naked bikes.

With a 40mm higher ride-height than the 696, the increased ground clearance of the Monster 1100 enables impressive lean angles, letting you explore the sports side of this new naked bike to the full. The extremely lightweight aluminium alloy five Y-spoke wheels reduce unsprung weight and improve agility. The 3.50x17 front wheel is fitted with a 120/70ZR tyre while the rear 5.50x17 wheel has a 180/55ZR. The result is lightweight, precise steering that is extremely responsive at all speeds while giving the vehicle exceptional stability.

The steering lock has been improved to a considerable 64 degrees overall by using the extra distance allowed by cleverly shaped air ducts in the fuel tank covers which feed the new ten litre airbox. The sports feel of the bike is further accentuated by the new aluminium tapered handlebars.

Suspension

The 43mm fully adjustable Showa forks and Sachs rising-rate rear suspension unit, with adjustable spring pre-load and return damping, offer sufficient personalisation to suit all riding styles and provide that perfect ‘feel’. Using the proven ‘cantilever’ system, the steeply angled rear unit compresses in a movement non-linear to the rear swingarm radius, thus achieving a progressive action. This enables easy access to the spring pre-load and rebound damping adjuster, while eliminating the weight of the rocker-arm mechanism.

High performance Trellis frame

The Trellis frame, developed in conjunction with Ducati Corse and using the Desmosedici short frame concept, uses the same tube diameter and thickness as the 1098 R. The rear subframe is also derived from Desmosedici RR technology using cast aluminium to create a sturdy and yet lightweight structure for rider and passenger. The lightweight Trellis frame not only boasts unequalled rigidity, but its simple and essential lines perfectly link up the aluminium footpeg assemblies and single-sided swingarm in pure Ducati style.

Maximum control braking

The power and charisma of the new Monster 1100 can rely upon a best-in-category braking system that provides excellent, precise and controllable braking performance.

The vigorous Brembo system is the direct result of Ducati Corse racing experience, featuring radial pumps with adjustable levers feeding four-piston radial calipers which grip twin 320mm discs. The rear brake uses a 2-piston caliper operating on a 245mm disc.

Single-sided swingarm

The beautifully shaped single-sided swingarm gives the Monster a ‘tough’ look while ensuring higher rigidity, reduced weight and enhanced road holding. The swingarm is chill-cast using aluminium in its most noble form. Gravity cast and heat treated, the component achieves the best mechanical characteristics as well as reduced final weight for improved handling.

Innovation and Style

The Monster 1100 takes its place at the top of Monster family, inheriting and developing the groundbreaking features that took the 696 to the top just weeks after its launch.

The new colour schemes have elegant combinations including grey with red frame while the racing gold wheels of the ‘S’ version accentuate the sports side of the new, naked Ducati.

Headlight: The triple-parabola headlamp uses the latest optical technology to provide a deep, wide beam which makes riding at night both easier and safer. The highly advanced construction of the assembly provides one of the most compact headlamps available.

Airbox and Fuel Tank: The use of advanced moulding techniques have not only enabled greater fuel capacity but also a larger airbox. The new fuel tank now holds 15 litres (3.8 US gal) while the airbox contains a power-enhancing 10 litres of air.

Mirrors: The rear view mirrors have been completely redesigned, making them lower, smoother and more aerodynamic while ensuring a clear view to the rear. Their design accentuates the curves and lines of the handlebars and fuel tank.

LED Rear Light: The minimalist spirit of the Monster and the desire to reduce weight to a minimum were the reasons behind the choice of an LED lighting system for the rear.

Gull-Wing Fork Clamps: Just like the race-winning Ducatis, the Monster 1100 is fitted with extremely robust fork clamps. Their ‘gull-wing’ shape design achieves exceptional torsional strength.

Instruments: The digital instrumentation enables you to keep an eye on your Monster 1100’s performance at all times, thanks to the many viewing options offered by the on-board computer. The display, which is scrollable from the left-hand switch gear, is made even more attractive and easier to read thanks to a new white screen back lighting. Information includes: service reminders, oil temperature, air temperature, speedometer, lap time, fuel reserve warning light, low oil pressure warning light, indicators, over-rev warning light, neutral position and immobilizer. The instrumentation is also ready to accommodate the DDA (Ducati Data Analyser) system.

Engine

Desmodromic charisma

The Monster 1100 power unit is the legendary 1100cc, air cooled, Dual Spark L-Twin engine whose 95hp gives it that unmistakable Ducati sound. Developed for an incredibly flexible power delivery, the 1100 Desmodromic engine provides the rider with enough torque to exit the most challenging of corners. The impressive 10.5kgm (75.9lb-ft) of torque, typical of the Ducati L-Twin engines, will excite with every twist of the throttle.

The two-valve engine on the new Monster 1100 features an all-new crankcase which significantly reduces overall engine weight. They are produced using the same innovative Vacural? technology that Ducati previously applied only to Supersport models such as the 848.

This method of production relies on vacuum die-casting, which improves the quality of the casting by avoiding porosity, air pockets and oxidation. This enables greater dimensional accuracy and higher ductility for the aluminium alloy. Ducati designers have drawn upon the benefits of this innovative process, redefining the conformation and thickness of the sides on the new crankcase using finite element simulations (FEM) and tests, which resulted in achieving the required reliability standards as well as attaining a significant weight reduction of 3kg (6.6lb) compared to previous versions of the 1100cc engines.

The new geometry of the crankcase, their black cylinders and the new carbon grey finish on the cam covers give the Monster 1100 engine a brand new look.

To help control the 95hp of powerful twin-cylinder engine, an entirely new engine control system has been adopted based on a combined alfa-n and speed-density strategy for carburation adjustment.
Used alongside the traditional alfa-n system, the speed-density strategy makes it possible to optimise engine carburation, in particular when using small throttle openings. This ensures a greater control over the torque delivered and improved control of harmful emissions.

The 1100 engine boasts a 98mm bore and a 71.5mm stroke, delivering 95hp at 7500rpm and an impressive torque of 10.5kgm (79.5lb-ft) at 6000rpm.

The excellent torque and power values of the most advanced air-cooled L-Twin cylinder engine ever designed by Ducati combined with the exceptional light weight of the motorcycle accentuate the riding pleasure and charisma of the new Monster 1100.
To underline the sports side of the bike, the new Monster 1100 is fitted with Ducati’s very own dry clutch.

Exhaust system

The Monster 1100 has a specially designed exhaust system which features an electronically controlled exhaust valve that enables the use of silencers similar to those of the 696. The exhaust system on the 1100 has one Lambda probe dedicated to each cylinder, enabling precise fuelling for a smoother power delivery as well as complying with current emission regulations. The routing of the exhaust system enables optimum footpeg positioning.