LA JOLLA, CA - Our wake-up call rousted us for breakfast at seven and then the time approached to see if anyone could tame Ducati's newest she-beast, the Monster 620 i.e. Twenty-eight excited journalists scurried about the Best Western retrieving helmets and all the other accessories needed for a "ticket to ride." Guides and Ducati employees handed out books and maps, and the media tour began.

Safety & Security
Red, yellow, or black - a bright squadron of 32 Monsters prowled the streets of La Jolla. Pedestrians did double takes; drivers twisted curiously in their front-row seats.

Forty-five minutes later, the town is behind us and we opened the throttles a little more as we careened through winding canyon roads and past a series of luminescent orange groves. I rode in second position and followed close behind our guide on his Ducati MHR. My Monster's dark paws grabbed the asphalt (tremendous grip there), smoothly taking turn after turn, and I marveled at its torque and handling capabilities. When we needed the brakes, especially upon our approach to a palm-tree-shaded speed trap, the new 320 mm double-disc, Brembo Goldline caliper, front-brake system worked exceedingly well.

Actually, the whole safety and security package functions very efficiently. The steering spindle diameter has been increased from 25mm to 40mm, increa­sing the strength and stiffness of the front end and chassis for improved handling. The new frame has 30 percent more "torsional" rigidity, compared to previous models, which significantly improves cornering prowess and overall stability, and this is clearly apparent on challenging roadways. As added bonus, an electronic anti-theft immobilizer is now standard on both versions.

Police and radar rays successfully passed, we sped away again - sorry, that's the only way to find out if the pre-press publicity, the promises and announcements are true!

Engine & Chassis
We were in the right element - wide sweepers and sharp turns - for us to let the Monsters howl. It's new engine delivers 60 hp with torque of 53.3 Nm at 6,750 rpm. The changes have resulted in a smoother, more linear power delivery over an extended rev range, now up to 9,500 rpm, an increase of 1,500 rpm compared to the Monster 600. Other changes to the engine include larger diameter valves. This combined with the increased volume airbox and the new exhaust system ensure much-improved engine breathing while maintaining low fuel consumption and decreased emissions.