2012 DUCATI MONSTER 1100EVO
The Monster 1100EVO further enhances the Monster family’s defining concepts of functionality, style and sport with a full evolution of the flagship model. Taking its name from the Desmodue Evoluzione engine, which now delivers a milestone 100 hp, the 1100EVO proudly rolls out with a new exhaust system, comfortenhanced ergonomics, Marzocchi front suspension and refined tail-end in addition to the new Ducati Safety Pack (DSP) of ABS brake system and new 4-level Ducati Traction Control (DTC). Ducati’s application of the “EVO” treatment now runs deep throughout the Ducati range and its introduction to the ever-improving Monster family was inevitable. It completes a stylish family of lifestyle motorcycles with high attention to user-friendly and safety-conscious detail, while ensuring the Monster’s cult status as a design icon of hand-built, naked motorcycles remains as authentic as ever.
MONSTER 1100EVO – The ultimate Monster
The brand new Monster 1100EVO takes everything great about the new generation Monster family and adds an evolution of upgrades that take the Monster concept to the next level. The Desmodue Evoluzione engine is Ducati’s first 2-valve motor to hit the 100 hp mark and its super-smooth power delivery is sure to delight riders the world over. Add to that a fully redesigned, power-enhancing exhaust system with low level cannon-style, vertically stacked silencers that leave the tail-end looking sharp and minimalistic and the introduction of DSP, consisting of a new user-friendly, 4-level DTC that supports the ABS system in enhanced rider control, and it’s plain to see that this really is an “evolution” model. But it doesn’t end there.
Quality by design
Part of Ducati’s approach to Quality improvement was to blend owner feed-back into the design process of new models, and the Monster 1100EVO is an iconic example. Ergonomics have been totally revised with the a reshaped seat and 20 mm higher bar-risers for the rider and a rear sub-frame ready to accept the confidence-inspiring Ducati Performance grab-rail kit for the passenger, whose comfort is further enhanced with a low-slung, rerouted exhaust system. Add to these enhancements rubber-mounted rear indicators and a more compact number plate holder with LED lighting, and it is clear that Ducati have listened to every last detail.
The ‘less-is-more’ philosophy behind all Monsters underlines Ducati’s continuous pursuit of genuinely compact, high performance motorcycles and with the EVO’s dry weight at 169 kg (373 lb) it represents the lightest, most compact bike in its category. The Monster 1100EVO is the result of constant evolution in design and technology. The powerful and breathtaking top-of-the-range model boasts attractive ergonomics and presents pure style and charisma, while preserving the essence of the original naked bike concept. The EVO design perfectly balances sports performance, stunning looks and safety-conscious riding pleasure and its seductive lines are the product of a Ducati philosophy where form and function combine to create the quintessential naked bike.
Ducati Safety Pack (DSP)
The Monster 1100EVO is the first model to introduce the new Ducati Safety Pack (DSP), configured to enhance rider control on Ducati’s lifestyle models. DSP consists of the ultra-dependable Bosch-Brembo ABS braking system and brand new user-friendly 4-level Ducati Traction Control (DTC).
Both systems are now supplied as original equipment and complement each other to provide a major contribution to safer motorcycling. Accessible from the left-hand switchgear and displayed on the digital instrumentation, the DTC system offers a choice of four levels, each one programmed with an increasing level of interaction graded from one to four. While level four administers a confidence-building, high level of interaction from the system by activating upon the slightest amount of wheel-spin, level one offers a lesser amount of intervention for more competent, sport-oriented riders. When the level is selected and DTC activated, the level is displayed on the instrumentation. Front and rear wheel sensors then compare speed differential to sense when rear traction is being broken (wheel-spin) and DTC decides the best combination of two different types of instant electronic adjustment, calculated with data supplied from multiple sources.
The first 'soft' stage of system interaction is executed by high speed software that makes instant electronic adjustment to the ignition timing, administering varying amounts of ignition retardation to reduce the engine's torque. If the DTC software detects that the first 'soft' stage of system interaction is inadequate to control the wheelspin, it continues to administer ignition retardation and, in addition, instructs the engine ECU to initiate a pattern of constantly increasing injection cuts until, if necessary, full injection cut. During all stages of interaction, the two warning lights – normally used to signify the over-rev limiter – illuminate to indicate that DTC is being applied. As soon as the system recognises the gradual return of equal wheel speeds, it incrementally re establishes normal power delivery. This seamless interaction is key to the super-smooth operation of the system and represents a considerable increase in performance safety during mid-corner acceleration.
Monster ABS
The Bosch-Brembo ABS developed by Ducati is one of the most sophisticated versions available for motorcycles and combines with top quality brake system components to deliver outstanding performance and confident control. Designed to reduce the risk of wheel-lock under heavy braking or when braking in low grip conditions, the system reads wheel speed data from phonic wheel sensors to detect potential wheel lock. If the wheel speed differential falls below a specific safety limit, the control unit immediately reduces the brake system pressure to the appropriate calliper to avoid wheel lock. The pressure reduction on each individual braking circuit is activated by electronically controlled valves, which then close as the wheel speed differential moves away from a locking scenario.
The Desmodue 1100 Evoluzione
The lightweight, L-Twin stands at the pinnacle of more than three decades of Desmo air-cooled development and its torquey power delivery has excited riders worldwide. Its latest evolution combined with the Monster’s airbox capacity and new exhaust configuration marks a milestone for Ducati’s two-valve engine as the first to reach 100 hp. The 1100cc Desmodue Evoluzione power unit continues to use a bore and stroke of 98 x 71.5mm, but its long list of refinements have boosted its power to 100 hp (73.5 kW) at 7500 rpm with 76 lb-ft (10.5 kgm) of torque at 6000 rpm giving it smooth power delivery from city-like low rpm to exhilarating open road performance at redline. The 1100's crankcases are vacuum cast using the same Vacural® technology employed for the Superbike engines, a process that achieves significant weight saving and ensures consistent wall thickness and increased strength.
But the crankcases are only one part of the evolution. In addition to the new magnesium alternator cover, the 1100 now has a lighter crankshaft assembly, using an 848-style Superbike flywheel and the search for further weight reduction even went as far as using lightweight rare-earth magnets for the generator assembly. Power gains have come not only from the new lightweight crankshaft assembly, but also from an evolution of the top-end of the Desmodue power unit. The cylinder head, which now has improved lubrication and cooling performance, also has a redesigned inlet port shape for optimum flow and a modified combustion chamber shape for improved burn efficiency. This improved efficiency is the result of increasing the compression ratio from 10.7 to 11.3:1 and the change to a single spark per cylinder ignition now managed by high-speed Siemens electronics. Ensuring a sufficient feed and maximum volumetric efficiency to the higher compression set-up is a 5% increase in inlet valve lift and 4% for the exhaust, safely enabled by Ducati's unique Desmodromic system, where valve closure is activated mechanically. At high rpm it would be almost impossible for the valves to follow the steep closure profiles of the cam lobes if they were relying upon normal valve springs. With the Desmo system, the valves are closed mechanically with the same accuracy as they are opened, enabling steep cam profiles and radical cam timings. This system is used on every single Ducati power unit including the race-winning Superbike and Desmosedici MotoGP engines.
The Monster 1100EVO uses a new style of slipper clutch specially designed for the “wet” clutches of larger capacity engines. It features an oil bath system with ‘slipper’ function and super-light feel at the lever. Its design uses a progressive self-servo mechanism that presses the plates together when under drive from the engine, enabling the reduction of the clutch spring rates. This results in a much lighter clutch lever at the handlebar, ideal in traffic or long journeys. When the drive force is reversed (over-run), the same mechanism reduces the pressure on the clutch plates, enabling them to provide a race-like ‘slipper’ action which reduces the destabilizing effect of the rear-end under aggressive down-shifting and provides a much smoother feeling when closing the throttle or down-shifting under normal riding conditions. An additional cush-drive damper mechanism also smoothes the repeated transition from drive to over-run during stopstart traffic. The clutch and alternator covers are finished in a sophisticated looking carbon grey.
Monster quality
With more experience in twin-cylinder high performance engines than any other manufacturer, the air cooled L-Twin remains central to Ducati's philosophy of motorcycling. This experience, plus constant investment in quality by design, advanced materials and engineering techniques has enabled a distance between service intervals of 7,500 miles (12,000 km) making Ducati ownership even more enjoyable.