Ducati Monster 620 i.e. Dark reviews

I just bought a 2011 Ducati M796 yesterday and have only put 200 miles on it, but in that time I've fallen in love with the bike - it is truly an amazing machine with excellent handling and performance. It is a straightforward, naked bike, simple to ride, but with beauty and style, and its weight is perfect, very easy to handle in all situations - great in town, on the interstate or a curvy road. It is a great all-around bike, and although it is a smaller Ducati, it has plenty of power with a very snappy response. After a couple of hours of riding I noticed the seat, but that's to be expected. It has a small fuel capacity - nevertheless, I'd recommend this bike to anyone interested. It is worth every penny, and I suspect I'll be keeping it for some years. It is a delightful ride - totally blissful and playful, and the look of the bike draws many positive comments. Show less

After 5000 miles, I've come to a realization that the Monster 1100 is pure joy. It's spunky, easy, and wholesome. Coming from other naked bikes, the Monster is not the best bang for your money. But I do like Ducati's mantra: keep it light, keep it simple, keep it fun. It's easy to flick around town and in the canyons; you're guaranteed an enthusiastic ride. It isn't overly complex; no crazy bells and whistles. Reliability has been good since I've had it. No problems with electronics nor mechanics. The simplicity of an air cooled, dry clutch motorcycle appeals to me. The Monster 1100 is not super-powerful, but the near 100hp is quite enough to ride dirty. I'm a city rider, and the relatively soft suspension is excellent for everyday riding (I heard that the "S" version's Ohlins suspension can be a bit too firm and jarring, and is more appropriate if you regularly take it to the track or canyons). Brakes are superb; I've handled emergency stops with much confidence. Comfort is good. The riding position is not sadistic. Seat firmness is actually tolerable, but angled to the front, causing discomfort with hard braking. I rode the bike from L.A. to Phoenix during a weekend (a little under 1000 miles total in three days), and she did cause butt fatigue after 5 hours of riding. Quality is good. The bike is quite plastic, but built well. Everything has been solid since purchase, and I'm very happy. Quirks: stock mirrors provide good visibility, but are quite large. Mileage range is about 150 miles in one tank (light goes on after 120 miles I wish for more. Seat angle can be more neutral for comfort. And I wish there were more available accessories for touring, such as bag options and GPS. Show less

Third Ducati, and best by far. Great handling and super performance. Outstanding dealer. Rides like it is on a rail, first time I have not had to adjust suspension when I got home. Owner of dealer did great job setting up. Show less

After years of riding motorcycles, I decided to do something that I had never done before, actually buy a new one. I had recently sold my beloved BMW R1100R for something more sporty. I sat on an Aprilia Shiver, which I thought sounded and looked awesome, but it was way too wide between my legs and a bit tall for an average man. Next the Speed Triple, it was ok, but it was a bit heavy with a high center of gravity, then I sat on the 696, I was pretty impressed. After owning it for almost a year now, I can not say anything but good about it. A small oil leak that was promptly repaired and a nail in the rear tire...but otherwise seamless. I feel like the 696 is a bit understated in the performance reviews. It is head and shoulders above any 600 class four cylinder I've ridden and torque is availible much much earlier than the typical four banger. There are faster bikes for the money in a straight line, however, on the track and in style, I would be surprised if any could keep pace. If you are looking for a new bike that inspires you, just do me a favor and test ride one, it won't take long for the infectious Ducati to prove what performance and Italian style are all about. Show less

I moved from the UK to the US and couldn't find a suitable alternative to my UK owned and riden Honda SP1 sportsbike. Having researched and visited a lot of bike showrooms in Houston I found this baby. It's the best ride and the best bike I have ever had. It's comfortable, it's easy to ride and it molds itself around you. Perfect. You'll not regret buying this bike. Show less

I love these bikes. There is simply nothing like a Ducati. The sound, the feel are very special. Not only have I continually loved these bikes but people stare at them constantly because of their beauty! They are very reliable as well. Ducati has come such a long way simply because they have produced so many bikes and become more and more popular in the past 5 or so years. I would recommend a Monster to anyone! It's like a sport bike without the uncomfotable ergonomics. Show less

My first bike for 30 years - awesome difference in handling from bikes of that era. I'm still getting used to its capabilities but find the acceleration fast enough for me - an occassional head shake under hard acceleration when the front wheel gets light and hits a bump. Cornering is supurb as you would expect from a Ducati. I kind of like the gurgling the engine makes on ownshifts - like you are dealing with a living animal. Long distance rides (more than 3 hours) gets a bit tiring and hard on the wrists. AND its a Ducati - a bike I dreamed over but couldn't afford in the 20s. Show less

I bought the 2006 S2R 1000 Monster in August 2007. I had not owned a bike in 32 years and was wanting a new Triumph Bonneville since I had owned a 1974 Triumph Trident (3 cylinder). The guy I worked with told me to trot on over to the Ducati dealer before I made a decision on what to buy. I fell in love with not only the looks (white wheels, red body), but the test drive sold me in a heartbeat. Nearly two years later, I still enjoy riding the bike and look forward to using it more often this year. Handling is pure Ducati; stable in turns and high winds, and a joy to do the winding roads. I have no problems recommending the S2R 1000 Monster to anyone. The bike is as clean as the day I purchased it (white wheels and all). Show less

Getting back into the street bike scene, my friend suggested the Monster. My first consideration was the 696 but I was a little concerned about the power and the slipper clutch. I opted for the 1000 and am very happy with the decision. Plenty of power for me and very stable. The most confidence inspiring bike I've ever ridden. Riding position is not full-on sport position but forward enough that it takes its toll on my old body. After an hour of riding it is time for a rest. I'm toying with the idea of adding a Multistrada to the collection for longer rides, but for fun rides near home, the S2R 1000 is perfect. I also like the air cooled engine for reduced maintenance and the valve adjustment on the 2-valve seems like it will be a bit easier than the 4-valve. Show less

THIS IS MY FIRST VENTURE INTO THE AMAZING WORLD OF ITALIAN MOTORCYCLES AND LET ME TELL YA... I AM HOOKED! THE MONSTER S2R1000 IS A FUN BIKE TO RIDE. THE UPRIGHT SEATING POSITION, COMBINED WITH THE SPORTBIKE STYLING, MAKES THIS BIKE FUNCTIONAL AND A BLAST TO RIDE. Show less