Few models have popularized the naked motorcycle segment like the Ducati Monster. It stood as a celebration of two-wheeled minimalism upon debut in 1993. In the words of its designer, Miguel Galluzzi, “All you need is: a seat, tank, engine, two wheels and handlebar.”
Three decades and 350,000 Monsters later, Ducati is celebrating one of its most beloved models with a special 30th anniversary edition that maintains its superbike-style chassis, wide handlebars and fairing-less style—even if the distinct steel trellis frame was eliminated in 2020 in favor of lighter aluminum architecture.
Immediately noticeable is the Italian tricolor livery, which renders the tank in red and white and the tail in white and green. The seat is embroidered with a 30-year logo, while the rims are color-matched to the Ohlins NIX30 fork especially for this model. Upon startup, a dedicated 30th-anniversary animation plays, and there is naturally a serialized plate on the upper clamp.
However, the special edition gets more than just a makeover. The liquid-cooled twin-cylinder “Testastretta” engine still churns out 111 horsepower, but the Ohlins fork cuts down on weight while decreasing ground clearance. The Brembo Stylema braking system’s front calipers, aluminum flanges and brake discs are also lighter than those on stock Monsters.
Performance is further improved thanks to brand-new forged rims, which reduce unsprung weight by 4.1 pounds, thereby decreasing the moment of inertia of the front wheel by 21.8% and the rear by 26.9%.
The bike also comes loaded with the Monster’s electronics suite, featuring standard ABS cornering, traction control and wheelie control, as well as Sport, Road and Wet ridinn modes, which can be selected on a 4.3-inch color TFT LCD screen.
Only 500 Ducati Monster 30th Anniversario examples will be produced, with just 100 hitting U.S. dealerships with an MSRP of $18,595 in early 2024.
