Ducati Monster 620 Review

Overall Rating

Ducati styling and it's a DUCATI!!! Cheap of fuel No radiator Excellent brakes on twin disc models Great Ducati Roar (with the right exhaust) Very "flickable" in twisties... Accessory heaven - if you like to mod, this is the bike for you...

Very very poor seat. Power just under what I deem necessary. Service centres in regional areas limited.

I have owned two 620ie. Now, the first having a full Remus exhaust with DP mapping, the second (and current) with Staintunes, not sure about the mapping. These bikes are the most beautiful naked bikes out there, a sense of classic cafe racer, yet modern naked sports, but it's real drawcard is the unique Ducati trellis and curved tank combo. High mount/low mount etc. etc., the bike remains aesthetically pleasing. Have heard and would agree that this model would suit the ladies. Powerwise, it's underpowered by just that little bit and it's no more evident than on a stretch of highway where the engine is revvy at 110/120 km/h. You want to overtake? Think twice before knocking it back a gear at these speeds. Where this bike comes into it's element is in the twisties. It's very light and agile and the "just upright" seating position allows you to lean over and distribute the overall weight nicely into corners. It accelerates well off the line and if you live in the city, it's awesome. The sound coming from the back is genuine Ducati, I found the Remus high mounts give a very loud bark (enough to set off car alarms) but the steintunes are not as throaty, though still loud. Opening up the airbox gives different tunes and rider experience, but will require remapping/tuning. The downside to this bike is the seat. It is hard and uncomfortable and after owning a CBR1100XX Blackbird, I am living in a love/hate relationship with this pile of rubbish. It is too firm, wrong shape and necessitates a break after only 40min to 1 hour. I could sit on the blackbird for hours no problems. The other notable issue can be handlebar vibrations, but this can be sorted with better grips and proper exhaust/tuning combination. In reality, I think the 800ie or the 695 would have just that little bit extra power and a quick $100 would have the seat re-shaped with better memory foam. This is my next "necessary" mod. Hope this helps...