The original naked bad boy gets some extra bling and even more fire in its belly. Jon Urry braves an Italian hill climb course on the new Tuono Factory
Passing their bike test was the easy bit. Now our band of intrepid new bikers have been set the task of choosing a first bike from five models aimed at new riders
Want pose without a Harley? Want performance without pain? With the cosmopolitan cool of a night at the opera alongside the open road potential of your average sportsbike, Ducati's Monster S4 and Aprilia's Tuono could be just what you need...
Dead simple idea (remove Mille’s bottom fairing, fit high bars) becomes a sophisticated machine. It’s great for most roads, despite snatchy throttle and firm suspenders
Now matured into bikes that deliver what they promise. Yes, they are pricey, the clutch is heavy and the gearbox crap, but if you’ve got the cash and like the looks, take one for a test ride and try not to have fun
The old style is still very much in place on the Ducati Monster S4R but, with that alloy single swinger and those hi-level pipes, it’s got a much racier attitude
The 620 Sport was launched this year as an alternative to the Monster 620ie for the rider who wants a bit more weather protection than the naked Monster offers as well as a slightly sportier edge.
Definite hit, this one. Not as much anarchic fun as a Bandit 1200, but far more sophisticated. Huge amounts of midrange torque mean you just roll the throttle on and off, and it looks the business. Could well become a cult bike