Road Test: Ducati Monster 1100 (2009) – King Prawn

Article review of the ducati monster 1100evo motorcycle

Today we will talk about the crown of evolution of all “Italian monsters” - the Ducati Monster 1100evo motorcycle. This is a limited edition in which Ducati tried to emphasize safety. What is it expressed in, you ask? The new safety package (DSP) includes ABS and a new 4-level traction control (DTC). All these new products are aimed at improving the handling of Ducati motorcycles. Both systems are cutting-edge equipment today and cannot exist without each other. They provide rider safety that previous models could not provide. Let's talk more about this highlight.

The DTC can be controlled by the switch located on the left side. The status of this system is displayed on a special display. As we said above, there are four levels that determine the degree of intervention. For example, the highest fourth, turns on the system even with a slight slip. And the first, the lowest one intervenes in control only in an emergency. This level of protection is suitable for sports driving. When DTC is ON, the display shows the selected level. The wheels are equipped with sensors that should compare the rotation speed and detect slippage. The system also offers various options for solving a particular problem. In the first stage, the DTC creates rapid ignition adjustments and gradually reduces engine speed. Also worth mentioning here is the latest APTC wet clutch. It will make the motorcycle work quietly and will serve you for many years.

This motorcycle can be classified as a factory naked motorcycle. Although in appearance it looks like a classic Japanese bike. By the way, they released the model in order to make Ducati more affordable. And this method of reducing the cost is worth attention. After all, usually, manufacturers in such cases save on components and materials. And here Ducati simply took the best that is in the line and put it all into one model. Yes, the manufacturer removed excess plastic and some miracle gadgets, but he did not sacrifice the quality of the brakes, forks or tires. At the same time, the motorcycle has not lost its signature “Dukatiev” lines, which attract the attention of all road users.

A special feature of the model is the new exhaust system, which is designed according to the 2-1-2 scheme. It increases the power of our hero several times. Also, thanks to lambda probes, gasoline is consumed very accurately.

If we talk about the chassis, then a classic steel tubular frame is installed here. It is very light and welded into a lattice design that gives away Ducati's signature style.

The engine of this motorcycle is perhaps the most outstanding in the history of the famous Italian brand. It revs higher and has a more linear torque curve. The engine is a high-power, air-cooled two-cylinder L-Twin with an advanced valve timing system, which is most often found in MotoGP bikes (we talked about it in detail in our previous article). Essentially, this motorcycle has the same problems as the Ducati Hyper Motard 1100. The only “good” difference is that the “Monster” does not have the famous dry clutch system. Perhaps this is why the model has become the best-selling model in the entire Ducati range.

The Marzocchi fork here is a 43 mm “upside-down” one, the same as on sports bikes. It is short-stroke and cannot be used anywhere except in the city. The rear swingarm system is also classic. The Sachs brand shock absorber has rebound and preload adjustment functions. That is, in essence, you can customize the suspension as you like to suit your riding style and what is called “feel” the motorcycle on the road. At the same time, the rear shock-absorbing unit is installed at a high angle, which improves the performance of the suspension and makes it easier to access its settings. And since there are no hinge mechanisms, the suspension weighs little.

The rear swingarm of the Monster 1100evo is the real highlight of the bike. He is incredibly handsome and respectable. At the same time, it is very rigid, lightweight and has improved wheel-to-road traction. This unit is made of die-cast aluminum. Actually, it is this alloy that gives the device the above listed characteristics.

The landing is classic vertical, the legs freely touch the ground, there is room for maneuvers. It's perfect for a city motorcycle.

In conclusion, it is worth saying that the Ducati Monster 1100evo is an excellent iconic motorcycle for the city. It looks great, rides and sounds even better. Stylish, powerful, practical, safe. He's not trying to be faster, taller, or stronger. Most likely, he won’t even be able to “break the Japanese buzzer,” but that’s not what this bike was created for. Such a vehicle is bought by true connoisseurs who, like an expensive Ferrari, will only drive it on weekends. The Monster 1100evo is worth owning not because of specific features, but simply because it is a Ducati - a timeless symbol of style and quality.

Engine Ducati Monster 1100 EVO (Ducati Monster 1100)

The Desmodue Evoluzione engine was the first of Ducati's 2-valve engines to produce 100 hp. Its distinctive feature is an excellent level of power at high speeds while maintaining stable traction in all ranges, and a system with 2 valves per cylinder has significantly reduced the overall weight of the engine. In the manufacture of engine parts, innovative Vacural ® technology is used - vacuum injection molding allows us to obtain high-precision parts with an excellent safety margin.

The Ducati Monster 1100 EVO motorcycle reaches a maximum power of 100 hp. at 7500 rpm. and maximum torque of 103 Nm. at 6000.

TEST DRIVE – DUCATI Scrambler 1100 2022

We bring to your attention a detailed report on the test drive of the DUCATI Scrambler 1100, which was published on the British motorcycle insurance website CAROLE NASH.

A short excursion into the history of DUCATI Scrambler

The DUCATI Scrambler gained its fair share of fame right after its debut prototype in 2015, with over 46,000 units sold. The number of models has gradually grown from four to nine, but the overall style of the series remains the same - a friendly, airy V-twin with a retro twist.

At the same time, such success also has a downside - many buyers, attracted by the popularity of the Scrambler, already want more: more speed, power, drive. There are also those who, from the very beginning of the series, believed that 800 “cubes” were not enough!

Fortunately for DUCATI, the company already had a worthy answer ready. Four years ago, the “air” Monster 1100 received a new water-cooled power unit with a volume increased to 1,200 cubic centimeters. The previous engine, a well-proven and very successful 1,079 cc V-twin, was a perfect fit for the “grown up” DUCATI Scrambler 1100 model. Of course, a lot was done to adapt the engine to the new technical specifications. An updated ride-by-wire gas control system with three modes has been installed, and a slight deboost has been made for better performance in the lower and middle speed range.

In the photo: style and power of the DUCATI Scrambler 1100

Driving impressions of the DUCATI Scrambler 1100

It feels like the motorcycle is already moving from 3,000 rpm, and it accelerates quickly, smoothly and predictably. Perhaps this goes against the expectations of fans of large-displacement desmodromic V-twin engines with their sharp and explosive character, but this particular series was made to be as friendly and obedient to the rider as possible. The character of the motorcycle is very different from the old (and evil!) “Monster” 1100.

Pictured: With the DUCATI Scrambler 1100 you'll love cornering

DUCATI engineers have achieved something incredible from an air engine: it is capable of driving smoothly even at walking speed! It's all about the new engine presets, electronic control, wet multi-plate slipper clutch and a thousand other little things that help create this masterpiece. Otherwise, it’s still the same time-tested and connoisseur-tested motorcycle from Bologna, just with a slightly softened character.

The engine spins well up to 8,000 rpm, above that it doesn’t make much sense, because two-valve cylinder heads are primarily designed for the middle and lower rpm ranges.

In the photo: DUCATI Scrambler 1100 engine

The optimal “cruise” speed is about 120 km/h, the maximum is about 210 km/h. However, the wide handlebars and lack of wind protection hint that motorways are not his thing.

The Scrambler brakes, as is customary with all DUCATIs, excellently: the Brembo monoblocks know their stuff.

In the photo: Brembo monoblocs are the best choice for the braking system

DUCATI Scrambler 1100 suspension

Long-travel suspension (150 mm front and rear), dual-purpose Pirelli MT60 RS tires, rigid steel frame and aluminum swingarm, 18-inch front wheel, grippy steering wheel and sporty chassis geometry largely characterize the motorcycle's road behavior. The long wheelbase with well-thought-out geometry rolls into corners perfectly, and the “checkered” Pirelli tires hold up surprisingly well not only on the dirt road, but also when inclined on the asphalt.

Pictured: DUCATI Scrambler 1100 lets you choose your own path

The Scrambler feels solidly built overall, although the factory suspension settings make it uncomfortable for a light pilot - the front end seems a bit stiff on rough terrain, and the steering wheel doesn’t seem to be loaded enough. However, this can easily be solved by adjusting the settings for a specific weight and driving style, in this case by reducing the fork preload.

Ergonomics of DUCATI “Scrambler” 1100

Despite the significant suspension travel, the seat is not very high - only 810 mm from the ground, which is quite acceptable even for short riders and will allow you to calmly put both feet on the ground when stopping. But a wide steering wheel can make you drag and somewhat disrupt the straight landing, but again, everything can be decided by settings or tuning. The rider and passenger seats are wide and comfortable, with plenty of legroom too.

The instrument panel not only looks stylish, but is also very easy to read. There is even a fuel level indicator!

Pictured: DUCATI Scrambler 1100 dashboard

Additional parameters of DUCATI Scrambler 1100

The tank volume is quite a decent 15 liters, 1.5 liters more than in younger models, which makes a range of 190–200 km from refueling to refueling possible.

Double mufflers are raised almost to the level of the seat and, in addition to excellent sound, also provide some protection from dirt flying from under the rear wheel. Although mud protection is not the strongest point of the DUCATI Scrambler.

In the photo: double mufflers of the DUCATI “Scrambler” 1100 sound and look impressive

For the sake of style, the aluminum wings are too small in size to adequately cover the pilot's legs and the passenger's back.

In the photo: the wings of the DUCATI Scrambler 1100 are rather decorative in nature

Results

The DUCATI Scrambler 1100 deviated slightly from the general concept of the Scrambler series - simple and down-to-earth entry-level motorcycles, without unnecessary electronics and with the company’s favorite V-twin engine. This device is larger, more powerful and more expensive than the 800 cc models in the line. But without all of its advanced electronics, it wouldn't be as friendly, or feel as light and easy to drive as we know it. This is a motorcycle you can just ride.

Overall, the Scrambler seems like a great option for the city and dirt roads around it. Comfortable, practical, powerful and incredibly stylish - all this is about it, and the charisma of DUCATI is a pleasant bonus.

You can learn more about the technical characteristics in our reviews: “New generation DUCATI Scrambler 1100” and “DUCATI Scrambler 1100 Sport 2018”.

Safety

When developing the Ducati Monster 1100 EVO motorcycle, special attention was paid to ensuring safety in all road conditions. This model is equipped with the Ducati Safe Pack, which includes ABS and the proprietary DTC traction control system, which is used in sports motorcycles that compete for Ducati in the MotoGP and Superbike series. A special feature of this system is the ability to select one of 4 levels of “trust” for the pilot. If in normal mode the system intervenes in the operation of the engine and brakes at the slightest sign of danger, then in the “professional” mode it begins to act only in the most critical situations. The presence of such a system allows the Ducati Monster 1100 EVO motorcycle (Ducati Monster 1100) to simultaneously remain “friendly” to novice drivers and leave full control over the bike for professional pilots.

• Engine and transmission Engine type 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, 90-degree V-shaped 2-cylinder
• Engine capacity 1078 cc. cm.
• Bore and stroke 98 mm × 71.5 mm
• Cooling systemAir cooling
• Power99.93 hp @ 7500 rpm
• Torque103 Nm @ 6000 rpm
• Gas driveWith cable drive
• Valves Gas distribution mechanism SOHC, with variable valve timing
• Valves per cylinder2