So I'm writing a review on this bike, the 2002 Ducati Monster 900 ie. because it is identical to the 2001 Monster 900S ie. There are some differences that I will cover but I felt that it was important to share my thoughts on this bike and the "S" version since I've owned one and ridden the other. As a basis all Monsters are the same... sort of. In the original idea they are the same. Are they a sporty cruiser? A layed back sport bike? A naked street fighter? All of the above. They can really be whatever you want them to be. That's really the beauty of the monster. It's a naked bike - meaning that it has no fairings on the sides obstructing the view from that signature Ducati Trellis frame. A design that's lightweight, very stiff and great handling.

It's a bike with a great upright riding possition with pleanty of room for a passenger. The handle bar is a dirt bike like design for great stability that allows for the upright seating design. Aftermarket or stock Ducati Superbike "clip-ons" can be used to give the superbike / cafe racer poise over the gas tank. But this is not the most comfortable way to ride a motorcycle.

The Monster comes (came) in many air cooled displacements. 750 was once the smallest motor size found replaced with a 800. While now a 620 is present for the persone wanting to get into a Ducati at a sane level. The 900 was also the top dog using the same 2 valve motor from the 900SS (super sport). Now a 1000 DS (dual spark) motor can be had and the oh-so expensive liquid cooled 996 motor in the Monster S4 (now S4R).

All this is so confusing. The 900ie is a 2 valve per head motor. The I.E. referes to it's fuel injection. The later models were carborated and as anyone knows with older bikes... carbs get gummed up, need to be sync'd and need adjustments made to them at different altitudes. The fuel injections is a set-it-and-forget-it deal. The dealer plugs in his computer and can custom map your computer for any parts you may want to add like exhaust pipes (a must in my opinion!). The stock pipes are very quiet and don't let a Ducati sound the way it should. Plus, I'm a believer in being heard for "safety" reasons. Getting the attention of other motorist. Don't get me wrong - you're not going to be as loud or obnoxious as a harley but you won't sound like a sewing machine either. The two main benefits of aftermarket exhaust is weight savings and a more even torque curve. After all - you did get a V-Twin for the forgiving tourque did you not?

The "S" I referred to earlier is the big difference between this bike and my bike. The regular model get's non adjustable forks while the S gets fully adjustable superbike forks. The rear swingarm is aluminum on the S model instead of steel to reduce that unsprung weight (very important for handling). And the rear wheel is a 5.5 inch allowing a 170 rear tire instead of the base model with the 4.5 inch rear wheel only allowing for a 160 rear tire. Again - handling.

Brakes are pretty much superbike equipement with dual caliper twin piston Brembo's with semi-floating rotors. The early 750's had only one brake on the front. The "Dark" models are the lowest end "price point" models leaving out any performace to meet a price that competes with the likes of a bike like the Suzuki SV650.

The lower Monters are 5 speeds while this 900 and other upper end monsters are 6 speeds. They also didn't get tachs while this 900 did. A lot of little things here and there.

Sooooooooooo........ all that being said... that do I think about the bike? Well the S model handles a lot better than the base model. With the adjustments on the forks especially. I felt that the stock non adjustable fork was squishy and a bad idea for anyone over 200 lbs. I'm 180lbs and felt the difference.

All the monsters are small bikes. The larging bulging tank makes the bike look large but it's quite small. I'm 6'3" and way too big for the thing. But it didn't stop me from having fun!!! I feel it's perfect for the 5'4" - 5'10" range. The seat height is quite low. My bike had aftermarket Arrow high mount pipes put on and the sound and power difference was very noticable. Here's a picture if you're intersted: http://www.motomille.com/Monster900/ .

The front headlight is a classic design but I feel is lacking in illuminating power. The geometry is tight and very steep for anyone coming from the cruiser world. You will find turning very easy... a little too easy.

Anyone thinking about the 900 as a first bike should think twice. The power and torque are impressive. You will spin the rear wheel if you're not careful. And the front end does want to wheelie if you throttle it. A perfect San Francisco / city caos causing bike though I wouldn't recommend it for any long freeway rides. The little front fairing is better than nothing but really doesn't do much about blowing the riding all around. Especially above 85mph - but you wouldn't be going that fast unless you're on the track now would you? Under a hour and you're fine. Over that and I think you need a sport touring bike or something with a fairing.

You'll get around 150 miles to the tank so it's not a distance runner either. A great bike for the back roads though. If you're planning on carrying a passenger a lot I would recommend upgrading the rear shock to a clicker type Ohlins that let's you set two weight settings. It will help the bike handle with that extra weight on the back.

Like all Ducati's. 6k service for a valve adjustment and 12k service to replace belts. I changed the oil every 1500 to 2000 miles and have had no problems.

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 10,000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2001