I've been looking forward to seeing the new 890 Monster. Sadly its tinged with some disappointment. Having had a Monster 1200S for six years I was kind of hoping that the new bike would have the 120 brake of the new Streetfighter. I kept my 1200S for over six years, without a doubt the best bike I've ever owned, in over sixty years of motorcycling. I never considered the 937 versions as having owned a Supersport S I never could get on with that engine. The dealer had a new 890 Monster in the showroom, always intended to be a demo bike. They registered it and taxed it and stuck a number plate on it, a member of staff took it out for a few miles to remove some of the mould release on the tyres. I must say it seems a great engine, quite rorty, good mid range from low down, picks up and really pulls well in any gear. Quick shifter much better than my 1200. Seat height is thankfully quite low, an important thing for me. It feels planted but its a light bike, holds its line. Budget Brembo's didn't give me a huge amount of confidence, they need quite a hefty pull to stop quickly. It's not a cheap bike and deserves better. It feels well made and attention to detail typical Ducati. It's a good looking machine, well proportioned, looks better in the flesh than in pictures. Worth considering.
New pads on new discs take a while to bed in for maximum braking efficiency. I remember the first few applications on my RSV4 thinking ‘these are shite’. Now they are excellent brakes.
