Ducati Monster 797
From torrential downpour to scorching sun, our Monster has been out and about
THIS MONTH HAS been filled with a daughter temporarily back from her travels with tales of exotica and adventure. But for me, stuck here in the homeland, my little bit of Italian exotica has taken me on quite a few small adventures of my own.
The first of these saw us caught in a true Rutland County-style tropical storm, but despite this I had a great ride to the Aqua Park and then a long twisty ride home on greasy roads. The standard tyres (Pirelli Diablo Rosso II) didn’t give me one bit of cause for concern and my riding kit kept the deluge out too.
A ride out to see the specially painted knights in Lincoln was next and it proved to be one of the hottest days of the year, so well-suited to the Italian. Despite still not being able to easily find neutral on the Monster with the engine running, we coped pretty well in the heavy traffic around the city. The only overheating came from the rider. I think I managed to outdo Martin on his hunt for Britain’s Best Biking Burger too (August 2017 issue) seeing as my example from the
SPEC DUCATI MONSTER 797 £8035+ 803cc V-twin + 74bhp + 193kg + 16.5-litre tank + 805mm seat + Miles so far: 1395
Pimento Tearooms in Lincoln tasted absolutely delicious and no animals were harmed in the making of it!
I was slightly disappointed at the lack of interest in the Monster at the Boston Bike Night we visited, but maybe it’s a bit too pretty for an event more suited to rockers and customs. In this vein, I also ventured to Dirt Quake in Kings Lynn and saw the strange and whacky contraptions on show. It is definitely well worth a visit next year – ideally followed by an ice cream at the coast, of course.
Overall, it’s been a good month and we have more adventures planned, including a weekend camping in Wales – though after my poor showing in last month’s luggage challenge, I think I may just be sleeping under the stars in my bike kit… CAROLINE BARRETT