For a long time, fit and finish have been the Achilles’ heel of Ducati -- but not anymore. Just look at the superb grey, red and black accents on the frame and fairing. Meanwhile, the generously-wide, 810-millimeter high seat does a good job of providing comfort to riders of all shapes and sizes.

The large twin mufflers under the seat add to the Monster's aggressive look, but do tend to heat up the underseat when it gets hot.

Spectacular styling and ergos
From a styling viewpoint, all I can say about the Ducati Monster 1100 is what an eyeful! Witness the single-sided swingarm that fully exposes the striking rear wheel, the high-mounted exhaust pipes and the tiny but aerodynamic windshield. It all makes for a unique visual punch.

The riding position tilts the rider forward a little and proves comfortable beyond 80 km/h, when the wind pressure helps to unload weight on the arms and wrists. Around town, however, taller individuals will likely feel a bit too close to the handlebar.

A comprehensive instrument panel featuring various indicator lights and a programmable display adds a racing touch to the Monster while providing all the necessary info.

A feisty, hard-working beast
Straddling this low-slung steed is an adrenaline-inducing experience. The barking exhaust and characteristic sound of the dry clutch together produce an amazing tune. However, the same dry clutch does not appreciate a little slip from a stanstill, which partly explains the machine’s lack of friendliness at lower revs. Once up to speed, though, the quick burst of gear shifts is exhilarating, and klics pile up in a hurry.

Due in large part to mass centralization efforts by engineers, the Ducati Monster easily leans into a corner and remains stable despite all the bumps and potholes in its way. When coming out of corners, especially around 4,000 rpm, the bike explodes forward and keeps pushing all the way to the ignition cutout near 8,000 rpm. And by the way, the small windshield is particularly effective at protecting the rider against turbulences.

The Monster remains stable on corner entry, behaving like a well mannered sport bike and encouraging the wild child in you to push a little harder every time out. Also note the small but very effective wind deflector just above the headlight.