To celebrate the 25th anniversary of one of Ducati’s most beloved and best-selling models—over 325,000 of them have been built since 1993—the Bologna-based manufacturer has created the limited-edition Monster 1200 25° Anniversario.
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Unveiled at the Cologne International Motorcycle Show in late 1992, production of the M900 began in the spring of 1993, and its nickname—Il Mostro (Monster in Italian)—stuck, becoming synonymous with a new breed of “naked” bikes. An original 1993 M900 with just 12 miles on its odometer is on display in the Museo Ducati, at the company’s headquarters in Borgo Panigale quarter of Bologna, Italy. The placard next to the bike reads:
“To take the motorcycle back to its fundamental essence. This was the intuition that inspired Argentinian designer Miguel Galluzzi to come up with the Monster 900. It wasn’t the first motorcycle without fairings, but it was the first of the simple sport bikes, so simple in fact that the common term to describe them was ‘naked.’
“The frame is that of the 851 Superbike, while the engine is the 904cc Supersport Desmodue. With its bison-back tank, low handlebar and large round headlight, the Monster soon became a cult object, thanks also to the multiple ways it could be customized.”
Only 500 numbered examples of the Monster 1200 25° Anniversario will be built, each featuring exclusive livery with the three colors of the Italian flag on the nose fairing, fuel tank and passenger seat cover, inspired by the 2008 Monster S4RS Testastretta Tricolore. The special color scheme partners with a special seat embroidered with the 25th anniversary logo. It has a gold frame, gold forged Marchesini wheels with W spokes and several parts—mirrors, frame plugs, handlebar end weights and the fuel cap—are machined from aluminum billet. The articulated brake and clutch levers as well as the plate holder are made of aluminum, while the front and rear fenders, keyhole cover and the exhaust heat guard are made of carbon fiber. To keep the Monster 1200 25° Anniversario sparkly clean, each bike comes with a special motorcycle cover decorated with the 25th anniversary logo.
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Other special parts on the Monster 1200 25° Anniversario include fully adjustable suspension and a steering damper made by Öhlins and Brembo brakes with M50 monoblock front caliper. It’s powered by the latest evolution of the Testastretta 11 degrees DS L-twin that makes a claimed 147 horsepower at 9,250 rpm and 91 lb-ft of torque at 7,750 rpm. A full suite of electronics includes Riding Modes (Sport, Touring and Urban), Bosch Cornering ABS, Ducati Wheelie Control, Ducati Traction Control and Ducati Quick Shift (up and down).
The Monster 1200 25° Anniversario will be available in the U.S. in November for $19,995.
Check out more bikes in Rider‘s 2018 guide to new/updated motorcycles
