In the early 1990s, Ducati introduced the Monster series of motorcycles. This series was an instant success, becoming a top choice for Hollywood film icons, popular designers and race-car drivers. After a few years, a ""Monster cult"" sprang up, which followed each new release with great interest. The 2008 Ducati Monster does not disappoint enthusiasts, featuring the same iconic style with enough new technology and tweaks to keep fans interested.
The 2008 Ducati Monster maintains the classic Monster look with a muscular silhouette. The fuel tank is wide and masculine, tapering back to a comfortably narrow seat. Many owners have noted that the ergonomic changes that Ducati made to the 2008 Monster only make this bike easier to ride. Although these changes are not drastic, they make a surprising difference to the comfort of the rider. The foot-pegs are in a slightly more forward position and a little lower, the handlebars are closer to the rider and the seat is lower than on any previous Monster model. All of these changes, along with the lighter weight, mean that the Monster is an excellent, comfortable bike for riders of all shapes and sizes.
However, some users report a few small design flaws in the first release of the 2008 Monster bikes. First, in the originally released bikes, the brake lever was not adjustable, so for many people, the reach was far too long. Ducati began working on this problem immediately, and the motorcycles that were released later in the year featured adjustable brake levers. Second, the exhaust shields were quite small for the large, attractive exhaust pipes. Passengers would soon find their legs scalded from the exhaust heat.
Other than those two issues, the 2008 Ducati Monster is an incredible bike. Testers who rode this bike found that it handled equally well in city traffic as it did on tight mountain roads. The gears shift perfectly, and the suspension is fabulous. All of these factors make the 2008 Ducati Monster an amazing motorcycle to own and ride.