To mark 30 years since the release of the hugely popular Monster model, Ducati have released the 30° Anniversario

Back in 1993, Ducati released a parts bin special called the Monster – a bike that kept the Italian brand fighting for another couple of years. It turned out to do wonders for the manufacturer as they’ve sold more than 350,000 worldwide over the years in various formats.

30 years after that release, Ducati have given the Monster a birthday present in the form of the 30° Anniversario edition. A bike that is based on the current Monster SP but has been adorned in a special tricolore livery and individual numbering. Aside from the paintwork, the wheels are also finished in gold as are the Öhlins NIX30 forks – which are specific to this model.

The engine remains unchanged, meaning the same liquid-cooled 111bhp Testastretta 11° L-Twin is used. It’s a shame that the engine is untouched, as the 2016 Monster 1200 R is still the most powerful M ever created. However, it is not all bad news as the bike is 4kg less than the standard model. That’s in part to the 0.6kg lighter front forks and braking system which features Brembo Stylema® front calipers (-0.4kg than the ones on the Monster) and aluminium flanges for the 320mm front brake discs (0.5 kg lighter than standard on the Monster). The famed handling is further improved thanks to the brand-new forged rims, which reduce unsprung weight by 1.86 kg, decreasing the moment of inertia of the front wheel by 21.8% and the rear by 26.9%.

Other key features are that the seat has an embroidered anniversary logo on it and that the dash lights up with the logo as well to make it look special – apparently. You do also get a certificate of authenticity and dedicated motorcycle cover, which is actually a worthy accessory to include.

We admire Ducati for making this bike special in ways that are more than skin deep, there’s a reason I still own my Monster! Just 500 of these will be made worldwide with no announcement on price as of yet.

Main model equipment

  • “30° Anniversario” celebrative livery with Tricolore style*
  • Plate with bike name and number (XXX/500)*
  • Dedicated dashboard animation at the key-on*
  • Sport rider seat shape with logo*
  • 937 cm3 Testastretta 11° engine
  • Max Power: 111 CV @ 9.250 rpm
  • Max torque: 9,5 kgm @ 6.500 rpm
  • Street-legal Termignoni slip-on*
  • Kerb weight: 184 kg *
  • Aluminium front frame
  • Lightened, GFRP subframe
  • Aluminium swingarm
  • Öhlins steering damper*
  • Öhlins NIX30 fork *
  • Öhlins rear shock *
  • Forged Aluminium wheels (-1.86 kg/- 4 lb vs Monster cast wheels) *
  • Front and rear mudguards in carbon fibre*
  • Full-LED lighting system with sweeping indicators
  • Colour, 4.3” TFT cockpit with fuel level and gear indicator
  • Riding Modes (3 configurations) recalibrated according to the new chassis. New Wet Riding Mode *
  • Cornering ABS on 3 levels, with front-only mode
  • DTC (8 levels) and DWC (4 levels)
  • Launch Control (3 levels)
  • Brembo front brake setup; 320 mm discs with aluminium inner flanges, Stylema® monobloc calipers, radial master cylinder and synthered pads*
  • Hydraulic clutch command, radial master cylinder
  • Seat height: 840 mm
  • DQS up/down
  • Li-Ion battery*
  • Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires*
  • Front cowl*
  • Passenger seat cover*
  • Dedicated bike cover*
  • Certificate of authenticity*

*Exclusive equipment for Monster 30° Anniversario