Quick Ride
Quick Ride
DUCATI M900S More of a good thing
DUCATI BUILT ITS REPUTA tion on large-displacement sportbikes, but its most profitable models are allarounders, such as the current Monster series. Last year alone, the naked V-Twins accounted for a staggering 43 percent of production. This success has, of course, spawned many knockoffs, most recently the Suzukipowered Cagiva Raptor and Laverda Lynx. But as revealed by the new M900 S, Ducati still has a few tricks up its sleeve.
Borrowing from the fully faired Supersport 900, the Monster’s sohc, 904cc V-Twin is now fuel injected for better allaround performance. That, plus higher-lift, longer-duration cams, bumps peak output slightly to 73 horsepower at 7750 rpm, with 53 foot-pounds of torque at 5750 rpm. A closer-ratio, sixspeed transmission sourced from the 748 ensures those ponies are used effectively.
Among the less obvious changes are a larger oil cooler and pump, and new cylinders. The latter no longer employ oil galleries, instead relying on slightly thicker finning to satisfy both cooling and noise requirements. Oil continues to circulate in the cylinder heads, and small jets deliver lubricant to the undersides of the pistons.
New mufflers have increased volume and reduced backpressure, yet are quieter.
The 851/888-based chassis was upgraded to keep pace with engine mods. Topping the list
are the fully adjustable 43mm Showa fork, aluminum swingarm and reservoir-equipped Öhlins shock. Front brakes comprise floating 320mm rotors mated to four-piston calipers actuated by a new master cylinder. The clutch, too, has a lighter-effort master cylinder. Stainless-steel lines replace rubber hoses for more precise feel.
Altered ergonomics offer greater comfort. The seating position feels more natural, thanks in part to the .4-inch-taller handlebar, streamlined gas tank and upgraded saddle. The rear fender, seat cowl and license-plate bracket are more neatly integrated, as well.
These changes have made an already wonderful bike even more so, whether you’re idling around town or full speed ahead on a twisty backroad. At 419 pounds dry, the S is very light. And with the engine’s fatter torque curve, wheelying is a snap. The quartermile rushes past in 12 seconds flat, with a terminal speed of nearly 120 mph. Top speed is 132 mph, up 7 mph.
If you love naked bikes, the $10,995 M900 S is at home just about anywhere. Nimble, sure-footed and able to take full advantage of its power source, this bread-and-butter Ducati offers performance that is always within reach.
Bruno de Prato
