Ducati Monster 797
Full of charm and flair, for Caz the Monster was close but no cappuccino...
MY DUCATI MONSTER was actually the first of our test fleet to go back. So have I missed it?
In all honesty, not really. I loved the thought of having a Ducati as it’s one of those iconic brands and there’s always so much talk and hype about them — but I’ve been a little disappointed with my experience of this particular one. Maybe I’m not part of the demographic or maybe I’m just not Italian enough!
The Monster 797 is a beautifullooking bike and has been styled with traditional Monster features like the rounded headlight and the single-piece steel-tube frame. I love the look of it and its aggressive stance but it’s just missing a few ingredients to make a full-on satisfying Italian delight for me. One of those is a lack of neutral position. Well, of course it has a neutral but finding it is nigh-on impossible. I don’t think it’s just this particular bike as I’ve heard other people mention it and I’ve had a few emails with advice on how to work around it from readers. I’ve mentioned it a couple of times in my reports this summer and it’s this that has made me not gel with the bike or desperately enjoy riding it, which is a shame.
The dash has lots of great features and gives all sorts of information but not a gearposition indicator. This is something nearly all bikes seem to have nowadays and the lack of this and, especially, a fuel gauge feels remiss. Another practical omission is somewhere to mount bobbins for a paddock stand as my method of having to put a bar through the rear spindle is just a bit fiddly and I’ve always had to enlist the help of another pair of hands when trying to maintain the chain. SPEC DUCATI MONSTER 797 £8035 + 803cc V-twin + 72bhp + 193kg + 16.5-litre tank + 805mm seat + Miles: 3011
I’ve found the Monster relatively easy to manoeuvre in and out of the garage and in car parks as it’s light but hasn’t got much lock so the turning circle is large. I’ve had to be careful to get these manoeuvres right, especially after getting myself wedged between the garage door, the van and the wheelie bins… Thank goodness there wasn’t a camera around for that.
For day-to-day commuting the bike has been fine and the economy has been satisfying: an average of 45mpg was the norm. The riding position and wind protection were good enough for the short rides to work and back. Where the Monster caused problems was in our luggage test and on my adventure to Wales. The bike really isn’t made for this type of practical stuff so there isn’t any provision for strapping things on and it failed miserably in our luggage challenge. This should have been a warning of the nightmare trying to pack tents and all the added camping gear.
On a positive note, it does look flipping amazing. It makes the tedious job of cleaning it so worthwhile too, especially in the Ducati Red that gleams and oozes curb appeal. The kids along my street have definitely put it up there on the favourites list. Overall the Monster 797 works well for what it is… but unfortunately this one is not for me. Maybe I need to try one of its bigger brothers? Now, where’s that Ducati HQ number… CAROLINE BARRETT
“The kids along my street have definitely put it up there”