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| Ducati Monster |
The Monster 1100 EVO, which the Italian motorcycle maker unveiled earlier this year at the New York Motorcycle Show, has more power than some earlier models, but also has electronics designed to rein in that power when necessary. The new bike comes with what Ducati calls the Safety Pack, which includes traction control and anti-lock brakes. Such safety devices are rare on sport bikes and elemental “naked” machines like the Monster.
While some motorcycle makers including BMW, Honda and Harley-Davidson have offered anti-lock brakes for years, the feature is still rare on bikes even though it has become all but de rigueur for cars. Together the safety features help prevent motorcyclists from losing control and crashing due to skidding while applying the brakes, or unexpectedly spinning their rear wheels during acceleration.
By making the safety devices standard equipment on the new Monster, Ducati is applying pressure to rivals who want to attract new customers and tone down the dangerous image of motorcycling. The Monster 1100 EVO starts at $11,995, so safety doesn’t come cheap. However, the bike is less expensive than most motorcycles with anti-lock brakes.
When Ducati unveiled the first Monster in 1993 the thought of electronic safety gear on a motorcycle would have seemed like a reach. After all, part of the Monster’s appeal is that it looks and sounds dangerous. The new bike’s safety system reflects changes in the way many riders feel about safety and the value of electronic aids for avoiding crashes.
