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Ducati M600 Monster motorcycle review - Riding
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Ducati M600 Monster (1993-2001)



Detail Value
Engine size 583cc
Power 53bhp
Top speed 116mph
Insurance group 13
  MCN ratings Owners' ratings
Overall rating is 4 rating is 4
Engine rating is 4 rating is 4.5
Ride & Handling rating is 4 rating is 4.5
Equipment rating is 4 rating is 3
Quality & Reliability rating is 3 rating is 3.5
Value rating is 3 rating is 4.5

MCN overall verdict rating is 4

A mini version of the highly-successful Ducati M900 Monster, the 600 has always been a hit with ‘first big bikers’,  women especially. It looks fabulous, sounds even better and offers sprightly, spirited performance. What’s more, the Ducati M600 Monster is an affordable way in to the sought-after Ducati motorcycles brand.

 

Watch video of this bike and more on MCN | TV

Engine

MCN rating rating is 4
Owners' rating rating is 4.5

The Ducati M600 Monsters has a toned-down version of the Ducati 750SS engine, it gives out loads of low down and midrange grunt, making it perfect for urban riding or some naughty weekend scratching. It’s comfortable up to around 80mph but around the ton mark it gets a little wheezy: that, plus the motorcycle’s nakedness, mean the Ducati M600 Monster is less at home on the motorway.

Ride and Handling

MCN rating rating is 4
Owners' rating rating is 4.5

With its little body, grunty engine and sporty Ducati 888 geometry, the Ducati M600 Monster is great fun for hurtling around corners. The suspension works well and the brakes are more than capable of bringing you to a halt. Slow speed work on a Ducati M600 Monster is hampered by a lousy turning circle, however, and the mirrors shake like a virgin on her wedding night.

Equipment

MCN rating rating is 4
Owners' rating rating is 3

Marzocchi forks and Brembo brake calipers signify a certain high standard of workmanship but the Ducati M600 Monster is, otherwise, a relatively simplistic motorcycle. A lot of owners add aftermarket screens and carbon fibre bodywork to spruce things up. The low seat makes it extremely popular with female/smaller bikers.

Quality and Reliability

MCN rating rating is 3
Owners' rating rating is 3.5

The Ducati M600 Monster's build quality is good enough and it certainly looks fabulous. Reliability, however, is a touchy subject: some seem to go on forever, others suffer lots of little setbacks. Electrics, especially, are temperamental. Overall, though, the Ducati M600 Monster is a pretty trusty little motorcycle and definitely worth a try.

Value

MCN rating rating is 3
Owners' rating rating is 4.5

The Ducati M600 Monster was always meant as a way in to Ducati ownership, it’s a bargain if being part of that club is your thing. The Ducati M600 Monster Dark is even cheaper. You could pick up a Honda CB600F Hornet or Suzuki GSF600 Bandit for less but they don’t come with the Latin allure.
Parts and servicing on the Ducati M600 Monster can be pricey, though. Find a Ducati M600 Monster for sale.

Insurance

Insurance group: 13

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Model History

1993: Ducati M600 Monster introduced.
1994: A few minor tweaks, such as some gold on the frame and wheels and a silver side stand.
1999: New regulator and a braided clutch hose added.
2001: Ducati M600 Monster discontinued. It was reborn as the Ducati M620 Monster, with fuel injection and a bit more bhp.

Other Versions

Ducati M600 Monster Dark: all black, budget version of the standard Ducati M600 Monster. Matt black tank, no seat cowl. It was introduced in 1997 and discontinued in 2002 when a Ducati M620 Monster Dark version superseded it.

Specifications

Top speed 116mph
1/4-mile acceleration 13.6 secs
Power 53bhp
Torque 37ftlb
Weight 174kg
Seat height 770mm
Fuel capacity 18 litres
Average fuel consumption 43mpg
Tank range 170 miles
Insurance group 13
Engine size 583cc
Engine specification 4v V-twin, 5 gears
Frame Tubular steel trellis
Front suspension adjustment None
Rear suspension adjustment Preload and rebound
Front brakes 320mm disc
Rear brake 245mm disc
Front tyre size 120/60 x 17
Rear tyre size 160/60 x 17

Owners' Overall Rating rating is 4(2 reviews)

  • Monster M750

    fellowrobin

    Average rating rating is 4

    Show Details

    Overall
    Ride and Handling
    Equipment
    Quality and Reliabilty
    Value
    Engine

    Excellent handling and just love the engine. Perfect bike for city drive and shorter distances, but expect rough wind on highways. People claim some unidentified electrical problems may occur on some models, for instance I've myself come across two in a short time, although they were easy to fix. If you get one for around a couple of grands it's definately a catch.

    08 July 2011

  • M600 1997

    salokin

    Average rating rating is 3.5

    Show Details

    Overall
    Ride and Handling
    Equipment
    Quality and Reliabilty
    Value
    Engine

    Apart from costing a miniature arm and leg to get it seen to sometimes (Rosso Corse are great) it is like being with a feisty, sexy, exuberant sweet heart who know what to do to make you happy. A very sexy, fun bike and perfect for London. People do actually MOVE out of the way when they see it coming along...sweet!

    03 August 2009

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ohsomadeddie

ohsomadeddie says

monster600

lovely bike espically if you live near a seafront was sad to see mine rip itself to pieces but is definatly the best bike i have ever ridden

14 May 2007 18:39

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