Ducati Monster 1100 Diesel

OK, so we'll come clean; it's not really a diesel-engined Ducati but an extension of the firm's sponsorship tie-in with the Diesel fashion brand to create a limited-edition version of the Monster 1100 Evo.

Whether or not the matt green, faux-military look still creates interest (coming after the similarly-hued Triumph Steve McQueen Edition Bonnie, the same firm's Scrambler and Speed Triple, Moto Guzzi's Griso SE and plenty of specials sporting the same theme) is debatable, but the “Diesel Brave Green Matte” finish makes a change from the usual red. It's 'urban military chic', apparently.

Here's what the firm had to say about the new bike and the clothing range that accompanies it:

Introducing an exciting new phase in the partnership, which started in 2011 with the sponsorship of the Ducati Team in MotoGP, Ducati and Diesel now launch the Monster Diesel with a dedicated Capsule Collection. The brand new customised model is an ‘urban military chic’ interpretation of Ducati’s iconic naked motorcycle and will be unveiled alongside the new collection at the Diesel stores of New York-Soho (15 March) Rome (22 March) and Tokyo-Shibuya (29 March).

“The Monster Diesel, and the collection dedicated to it, reflect the “coolness” of this iconic motorcycle and our brand in general,” said Gabriele Del Torchio, President of Ducati Motor Holding. “The collaboration with Diesel, underlines our focus on the style and trends that shape the market and I am delighted to associate our world with that of fashion and, in particular, with Diesel. Both brands globally represent technology and innovation in pure Italian style.”

Stefano Rosso, Project Leader and son of Diesel founder, added:  “When we had the opportunity to work with Ducati, with last year’s MotoGP sponsorship, we discovered a whole world of shared values and common roots. That brought us the desire to create something new together, and we made it in the only way we know: taking the great know-how of both companies and mixing it with passion and creativity. The results are unique products, characterised by a great mix of design and technology.”

The collaboration is celebrated with a Capsule Collection reflecting the brands’ DNA and common roots of creativity and innovation, the key elements that enabled the two companies to become renowned icons of the “Made in Italy” tradition.

With Ducati’s flagship Monster 1100EVO providing the canvas for the new motorcycle creation, Diesel’s founder Renzo Rosso and the Ducati Design Centre guided stylists to a military inspired theme, expressing the core values of the partnership and realising an avant garde choice for connoisseurs of lifestyle motorcycling.

Set against the black treatment of Ducati’s Trellis frame, wheels, engine covers, exhaust system and forks, the exclusive ‘Diesel Brave Green matte’ livery delivers a rugged military vehicle feel, while front brake callipers are finished in shocking yellow to make a strong reminder of the model’s performance heritage.

The dual-branded collection is dedicated to addicts of life in the fast lane and devoted enthusiasts of these two great Italian brands. Composed of eleven different styles, the range includes essential slim-fitting biker jackets, sweats, tees, a unique five pocket in raw denim and a set of accessories.

All pieces are characterised by pure biker attitude, clean technical details and bold Diesel graphics, such as the treated rubber prints recalling the burnt rubber of the motorcycle’s tyres. Colours for the collection are black, grey, white with pop up red inspired by logos from both brands, while the range of fabrics goes from treated nylon and cotton to denim and overdyed jersey mix with leather and metal applications.

Inspired by the technical wear and perfectly combining design with a strong biker style, the new collection is identified by a brave and irreverent touch, and will be available starting from mid-April in the Diesel Stores, the Diesel online store and a selection of the best Ducati dealers.

The Monster Diesel will be available at Ducati stores around the world from late July onwards. More information is available at Ducati.com from where the desire to own can be relayed direct to local dealers.