Motorcycle specifications Ducati800 MONSTER S2R 2006 A more prestigious name

the S2R is a pleasant surprise. It picks up on the S4R 's highly successful styling and a number of its features to appeal to bikers charmed by the ultimate Monster, but put off by its cosmic price tag. It's true that this twin 996-powered bitch costs almost as much as a GSX-R 1000. But there's a story behind the birth of this machine...
In fact, it replaces the 800 Monster. This roadster was the unloved member of the family. The aura of its sisters(620 and 1000) overshadowed it, and the public shunned it. Yet, more powerful than the 620, almost as efficient as the 900 and less expensive than the 1000, inheriting the same hellish looks, it represented the best compromise. Nobody saw it, but the 800 was in fact a chrysalis waiting to wake up. In 2005, the butterfly was born.
Welcome to the S2R. It takes its frame, engine and fork from the mid-monster. But its dazzling fenders are its big sister 's charm: the single-arm, the rim attached to it, the 2 raised side exhausts, the small colored stripe running lengthwise across the bike, the windscreen... These are the attributes of its predecessor. The reward: she's gorgeous. Let's not forget the Magura handlebars and footrests of the S4R, plus the APTC system found on the 620. Thanks to it, the clutch is much friendlier.
What does the S2R need to succeed? It lacks nothing. It has the name, the charm, the spirit and the character. So, big success in sight?

mhhhggnnniiieuuu... That was the effort to hook up with the old Ducat'. The Italians needed a firm grip. But with the new version of the APTC system, which softens the clutch control, you no longer need to have 50 kg of pressure in your left hand. So much the better, as you'll need to juggle the gearbox on city trips. The final drive pulls too long, and you often find yourself "between 2 waters" when it comes to gear ratios. Nonetheless, selection is easy, and you're ready for it to make passers-by gape. The melody of the twin desmo, very similar to that of the S4R, is already turning the heads of future admirers. But don't be fooled into thinking that the Monster has become a gentle beast that's easy to tame. You have to accept its impracticality, and would you believe it, customers love it. Bitchy or rebellious, it's your choice. With a seat that's two fingers high, a turning radius that's still unattractive and a definite lean on the forearms, the S2R starts by showing its teeth before surrendering itself to the rider.

destination the road, the real one, the one that turns. The first few minutes of winding on the torque, which is very respectable at the usual revs, allow both machine and rider to appreciate each other. Confidence grows. Then, quite naturally, you want to know what it's like to pick up the pace. The twin accepts being revved up to 9,000 rpm, but doesn't really enjoy it. There's no need to work it like a supersport engine, it prefers and offers you pleasure in the mid-range. You don't have to worry about it being sluggish. You can go hard into corners and hold the brakes, then throw the bike on the corner. In fact, the S2R can take even more than the 800.
The new Monster S2R doesn't disappoint, with its more enticing plastics, exciting engine, quality brakes and clutch, and fresh Italian style of living. It takes care of its looks and leaves the big watts to others. It's up to you to decide what appeals to you most.

note that a 'Dark' version is available for €500 less.

M.B - manufacturer's photos