Long-term Ducati Monster SP review update three | Emma charts the hits and misses after 1137 miles

The gloves have come off. With the first service completed at 600 miles, I’ve been able to enjoy full-fat Ducati Monster SP fun for the first time. Now that maximum revs have been unlocked, I’ve spent most of my rides on twisty back roads, as well as a bit of less fun motorway slogging going to and from MCN assignments, which means I’m now in the perfect position to rate the naked bike’s hits and misses.

Read more

• Update one: A switch to the SP after the Plus gets nicked
• Update two: An engine that packs a punch
• Update four: Introducing the next generation
• Update five: Saying farewell to the Monster

Steering damper – Hit

• Related: Best kit for riding naked bikes tried and tested by MCN

One of the many differences between the SP and the base model Monster is the inclusion of a steering damper. This isn’t just for show, either, as the Monster SP definitely feels lively – but in a fun way – when you’re accelerating hard with a little bit of lean angle.

This handling trait gives the bike real character and makes it feel alive, but you’re definitely aware of the steering damper doing its thing and some riders prefer a slightly more neutered ride.

Engine and power – Hit

On paper, the 109bhp output from the 937cc Testastretta doesn’t sound that impressive, but either the dyno at Bologna is a bit stingy or someone’s made a spec sheet error, because the Monster feels as brawny as Popeye after a couple of cans of spinach!

It’s got masses of low-end clout, and it’s all delivered via super-smooth fuelling, which makes it all too easy to use every last lb.ft of the 69 it has on offer. Plus, the induction bellow when you’re on full throttle is simply the best of any bike – ever!

Comfort – Miss

Yes, the red seat looks brilliant and it’s very well padded too meaning that it’s comfortable for reasonable length jaunts. But spend more than two hours on it and the squishiness translates into a lack of support and has me shifting around in search of relief.

The saddle is very grippy – which works well for road riding in riding jeans, but I wonder whether it’ll be a hindrance on track wearing leathers. Also, the red colour can start to look grubby quickly, although it does clean up easily.

Dash and navigation – Hit

Not only is the Monster’s 4.3in adaptive-display full-colour dash lovely to look at, but the menus are also extremely easily to navigate via the left-hand switchgear. It literally only took me two minutes of fiddling (obviously I didn’t read the manual!) before I was completely au fait with resetting trips and accessing the Monster’s many available settings for its electronic controls (more on those another time).

The dash doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity for your mobile phone which isn’t an issue for me as it’s a feature I never use, but some buyers may find this a bit disappointing.

Tank size and range – Miss

Why are naked bike tank sizes getting smaller? OK, yes, I understand it’s an easy way to save weight, but it is annoying when, after only 115 miles, the fuel light comes on, indicating that its 14-litre tank only has
40 miles or so left. Ducati aren’t alone in this; the Monster’s direct rivals all have similar sized tanks, and therein lies the problem…