M600 Monster (1995 - 2003) review
Let's start with the 600. In fact starting is something you might be forgiven for thinking you haven't done when you first let out the clutch and wind the throttle back.
The motor might show all the signs of life with its pleasant vibes and exhaust note. But the scenery around you seems to move so slowly, at first you'd swear you'd forgotten to put the thing in gear. Actually that's a bit harsh, but make no mistake this Ducati was not built to get you anywhere fast.
Let's start with the 600. In fact starting is something you might be forgiven for thinking you haven't done when you first let out the clutch and wind the throttle back.
The motor might show all the signs of life with its pleasant vibes and exhaust note. But the scenery around you seems to move so slowly, at first you'd swear you'd forgotten to put the thing in gear. Actually that's a bit harsh, but make no mistake this Ducati was not built to get you anywhere fast.
The broad spread of what little power there is will suit the novice or anyone else with less of a sense of urgency in their lives. There's a seamless and smooth build up of power and torque which means using the slick six-speed box isn't critical. Though to get the little 43bhp 90¡ V-twin scooting along up to its 105mph maximum you'll have to be willing to hammer it hard through the rev range.
The real secret to satisfaction from a ride on the 600 Monster is choosing the right route. Avoid fast A roads and motorways where you'll get harassed by traffic, feel bored and inadequate. And instead stick to quiet twisty backroads, where the deprivation of speed feels far less bothersome and where the excellent chassis feels far more at home.
The underpowered Monster's saviour is its handling. The taut and stiffly suspended 600 really shows style in corners. Agile and stable in equal measure, the Ducati can howl down backlanes with competence and confidence. Only the limited ground clearance hinders cornering heroics.
Of course riding in town is also a good place to appreciate the virtues of the Monster 600 - after all it's a place where the Ducati was specifically designed to work well. And so it does. Fluid throttle response makes for prompt departures from traffic lights and swift overtaking. On the downside, the sidestand is too short and the turning circle is way too wide.
The basic story of the way the bigger Monster behaves is much the same as its smaller brother. It's slightly heavier and needs a fraction more muscle to haul around, but like the 600, the 900's handling is a strong feature. Carving through corners is a sharp, responsive and secure affair, with only the low slung silencers clattering off the road curbing the fun. Knocking off speed is easier because of the extra braking power, though in fairness the lighter 600's single front caliper is up to the job.
Let's start with the 600. In fact starting is something you might be forgiven for thinking you haven't done when you first let out the clutch and wind the throttle back.
The motor might show all the signs of life with its pleasant vibes and exhaust note. But the scenery around you seems to move so slowly, at first you'd swear you'd forgotten to put the thing in gear. Actually that's a bit harsh, but make no mistake this Ducati was not built to get you anywhere fast.
The broad spread of what little power there is will suit the novice or anyone else with less of a sense of urgency in their lives. There's a seamless and smooth build up of power and torque which means using the slick six-speed box isn't critical. Though to get the little 43bhp 90¡ V-twin scooting along up to its 105mph maximum you'll have to be willing to hammer it hard through the rev range.
The real secret to satisfaction from a ride on the 600 Monster is choosing the right route. Avoid fast A roads and motorways where you'll get harassed by traffic, feel bored and inadequate. And instead stick to quiet twisty backroads, where the deprivation of speed feels far less bothersome and where the excellent chassis feels far more at home.
The underpowered Monster's saviour is its handling. The taut and stiffly suspended 600 really shows style in corners. Agile and stable in equal measure, the Ducati can howl down backlanes with competence and confidence. Only the limited ground clearance hinders cornering heroics.
Of course riding in town is also a good place to appreciate the virtues of the Monster 600 - after all it's a place where the Ducati was specifically designed to work well. And so it does. Fluid throttle response makes for prompt departures from traffic lights and swift overtaking. On the downside, the sidestand is too short and the turning circle is way too wide.
The basic story of the way the bigger Monster behaves is much the same as its smaller brother. It's slightly heavier and needs a fraction more muscle to haul around, but like the 600, the 900's handling is a strong feature. Carving through corners is a sharp, responsive and secure affair, with only the low slung silencers clattering off the road curbing the fun. Knocking off speed is easier because of the extra braking power, though in fairness the lighter 600's single front caliper is up to the job.
