from 1994 to 2020P'tite Ducat' - from the 600 to the 797 Monster

600 monster 1994-2001.

the Bologna-based brand's flagship roadster, designed by Galuzzi and featuring timeless lines, was launched in 1994. The M600, for Monster 600, has the same features as its big sister, the M900, except for a 583cm3 twin-cylinder, air/oil-cooled engine. The gearbox features 5 speeds. The result: 53 hp and 5.10 mkg of torque, a very pleasant bike for beginners on 2 wheels. It features an oil-immersed clutch. Braking is all Brembo, with a single 320 mm brake disc on the front wheel, clamped by a 4-piston caliper, sufficient to stop the beast... The fork is a non-adjustable 40 mm Marzzochi. Its featherweight (175 kg) makes it remarkably agile and easy to ride.... As long as the road isn't too bumpy. The trellis frame, while formidably effective on smooth asphalt, makes you realize that this rigor pays off as soon as road conditions deteriorate. You wanted a Ducat, you've got it; we call that Italian rigor! For this 1st model, the little Ducati is a huge success, accessible to young licence holders thanks to the 34hp bridle which will not be available until 2000. This first version of the little Monster was discontinued in 2001, with the fuel tank reduced from 18L (1994) to 16.5L from 1995.

620 Monster 2002-2006.

the little one grows up and becomes the 620 Monster. The heart of the Italian beauty gains 8 HP, electronic fuel injection, 618 cm3 to meet EURO2 anti-pollution standards, and 2 kg in weight. But the new features don't stop there. On the chassis side, a new Sachs shock absorber and a longer wheelbase provide greater stability, making it easier to ride, and somewhat less of a ball of nerves. The instrumentation becomes more complete, with the arrival of a rev counter and a digital display for the odometer, oil temperature and clock. It wasn't until 2004 that a 320 mm double front disc with 4-piston calipers came as standard (later upgraded to 300 mm with 2-piston calipers the following year), but above all a 6-speed gearbox equipped with an anti-drible clutch, resulting in a 2 kg weight increase. More power, greater stability and better braking, the 620 Monster has evolved in all areas. The fuel tank has been increased to 15L, and the dry weight is 177 kg.

695 Monster 2006-2007

a hefty ladle of horsepower: the stable gains a displacement of 695 cm3 and 13 horses, torque that rises from 5.4 to 6.2 mkg, and a completely revised engine that can claim the best performance of any air-cooled twin, with a service interval that increases from 10,000 to 12,000 km. Ducati is also announcing a 30-mm lower seat, making it more welcoming for smaller riders, an improved finish, and a featherweight of 168 kg dry weight (down 11). The Bologna company's best-seller is even more of a benchmark, with sales figures of 170,000. No change on the braking front, with 2-piston calipers still acting on 300 mm discs.

696 Monster 2008-2014.

an extra 1 cm3 on an engine may not seem much, but the gain is substantial: 7 hp (+9%) for a total of 80 hp, and 0.8 mkg (+11%) for torque, which now stands at 7 mkg. The cylinder heads are of the same type as those on the 1100 Hypermotard and Multistrada. But these are not the main new features of Ducati's latest model. Let's start with the look: the exhausts have been moved to either side of the seat in a raised position, and air scoops have appeared on the sides of the tank. The chassis gains a king-size swingarm to cope with the increase in cavalry, and the frame is now in 2 parts: the rear section of the traditional tubular trellis has been replaced by a molded aluminum part for the rear loop, and the brakes are upgraded with radial-mount 4-piston calipers and 320 mm discs. As for the instrument panel, the needles have been replaced by a double-window digital display. On the scales, 5 kg less for a dry total of 161 kg.

797 Monster 2017-2020

ducati had to wait 3 years to renew its entry-level model in the Monster family. Now it's done with the 797, an 803cc air-cooled engine (tradition obliges), meeting Euro4 standards! 75hp, 7mkg at 5,750rpm, it's close to the values of a 696. This Desmodue, more supple than in the past, even if it retains the characteristic roughness of the twin, is very lively, erasing the preconceived notions of the figures announced. On the chassis side, the one-piece tubular trellis frame/rear frame and rigorous aluminum swingarm are back. Suspension is handled by a non-adjustable 43 mm Kayaba fork and a Sachs shock absorber. Aesthetically, it's all in the Monster spirit, with a touch of modernity. The shock absorber is positioned on the left-hand side of the Italian, the exhaust descends to wheel level, the tank scoops disappear, and the lines are smoothed out.... A real success story. To put a stop to all this, new 4-piston radial front calipers clamp 320 mm discs, yet another tried-and-tested recipe. A bike that's beautiful, efficient and endearing.