Ducati M600 Monster
Engine size 583cc
Power 53bhp
Top speed 116mph
Insurance group 13
A mini version of the highly-successful Ducati M900 Monster, the 600 has always been a hit with ‘first big bikers’, women especially. It looks fabulous, sounds even better and offers sprightly, spirited performance. What’s more, the Ducati M600 Monster is an affordable way in to the sought-after Ducati motorcycles brand.
Engine: The Ducati M600 Monsters has a toned-down version of the Ducati 750SS engine, it gives out loads of low down and midrange grunt, making it perfect for urban riding or some naughty weekend scratching. It’s comfortable up to around 80mph but around the ton mark it gets a little wheezy: that, plus the motorcycle’s nakedness, mean the Ducati M600 Monster is less at home on the motorway.
Ride And Handling: With its little body, grunty engine and sporty Ducati 888 geometry, the Ducati M600 Monster is great fun for hurtling around corners. The suspension works well and the brakes are more than capable of bringing you to a halt. Slow speed work on a Ducati M600 Monster is hampered by a lousy turning circle, however, and the mirrors shake like a virgin on her wedding night.
Equipment: Marzocchi forks and Brembo brake calipers signify a certain high standard of workmanship but the Ducati M600 Monster is, otherwise, a relatively simplistic motorcycle. A lot of owners add aftermarket screens and carbon fibre bodywork to spruce things up. The low seat makes it extremely popular with female/smaller bikers.
Quality And Reliability: The Ducati M600 Monster’s build quality is good enough and it certainly looks fabulous. Reliability, however, is a touchy subject: some seem to go on forever, others suffer lots of little setbacks. Electrics, especially, are temperamental. Overall, though, the Ducati M600 Monster is a pretty trusty little motorcycle and definitely worth a try.
Insurance: Insurance group: 13
Model History: 1993: Ducati M600 Monster introduced.
1994: A few minor tweaks, such as some gold on the frame and wheels and a silver side stand.
1999: New regulator and a braided clutch hose added.
2001: Ducati M600 Monster discontinued. It was reborn as the Ducati M620 Monster, with fuel injection and a bit more bhp.
Other Versions: Ducati M600 Monster Dark: all black, budget version of the standard Ducati M600 Monster. Matt black tank, no seat cowl. It was introduced in 1997 and discontinued in 2002 when a Ducati M620 Monster Dark version superseded it.
This article was taken from: Motorcycle News