Monster revamp for Ducati

Ducati has released a “special edition” Tricolore S4R S Monster to head up its naked twin range.

The spectacular-looking machine boasts the tri-colour scheme of the national flag, matched to a gold-coloured trellis frame.

Technically the machine follows the familiar path of a superbike-derived V-twin – in this case a 130-horse variant of the 999 powerplant – shoe-horned into a light chassis.

This bike is a little distinctive in having a host of carbon-fire bits and a front end borrowed from the 999.

You’ll need a reasonably healthy wallet, though, as the price is listed at $23,995 plus ORC.

At the other end of the range, the 695 has been revamped as a 696 Monster (shown in red), claiming 80 horses from the engine, punting a machine that claims to have lost five kilos for a final dry figure of 163.

The machine has had numerous cosmetic updates, including what the factory says are easily-swapped colour panels.

Ducati says the redesigned engine, which includes similar heads to the 1100 2V series, helps to substantially reduce maintenance costs.

The machine is due here next April, at a price yet to be announced.

Link: Ducati.com