Right from the git-go in 1992, when Ducati first showed the Monstro (So aptly named at the time), this naked family has led the way for the industry when it comes design and appearance of to reasonably priced and well equipped naked models.

Photo: Ducati

The 2011 Monster family has just gained a third sibling with the arrival of the 1100EVO, the top of the line model alongside the stylish and less expensive 696 and 796 brothers.

There is much standard equipment to love on this new Monster:

· Standard ABS and the admired.

· Right on 100hp from the most advanced air-cooled L-Twin from Ducati, the 1078cc Desmodue Evolusione. The two-valve per cylinder mill gets more power (And presumably more torque) from cylinder head improvements for better breathing, more aggressive cam profiles, new pistons and a compression ration increase from 10.7:1 on the 2010 to 11.3:1.

· A new lowered exhaust system.

· The Ducati Safety Pack (DSP), made up of ABS and the much admired Ducati Traction Control (DTC) system available for the first time on a Monster.

· New 10-spoke wheels wrapped with Pirelli Diablo.

· Brembo braking system: 320mm rotors in front clamped by radial-mount, four-piston calipers, and a single 245mm rear disc and two-piston caliper.

· A 43mm compression-rebound-preload adjustable Marzocchi fork, and Sachs monoshock at the rear, adjustable for preload and rebound.

Dry weight is claimed at 169kg, and the Ducati Data Analyzer (DDA) system is available as an accessory, an excellent tool to collect riding data, download it to your PC for analysis, and help improve riding skills at track days.

Canadian pricing and availability of the 2011 Ducati Monster 1100EVO will be announced at the Toronto Bike Show in early December.

Photo: Ducati