Model Evaluation

Although the 600 Monster was Ducatis best-seller in Europe, it has been thoroughly upgraded for its introduction in America. The latest Marelli 5.9 engine management/fuel injection system is fitted in place of carburetors, the stroke has been increased 3.5mm to boost displacement from 583cc to 618cc, new cams, a larger airbox and bigvalve heads increase the rev range from 8000 to 9500 rpm, and help to produce 54.3 hp9 more than before. Vibration is low and with a broad torque curve, and close ratio five speed, it makes for a very satisfying powerplant
2002 Ducati Monster 620ie Dark
SPECIFICATIONS AND PERFORMANCE DATA
ENGINE Type:.air-cooled, 90 L-twin Valvetrain:.desmodromic, two valves per cylinder, shim-on-valve-stem Size:..618cc Bore/stroke:..80.0mm x 61.5mm Comp. ratio:..10.7:1 Fueling:.Marelli 5.9 EFI with two 45mm throttle bodies Exhaust:.212 DRIVE TRAIN Transmission:..5-speed Final drive:.No. 530 O-ring chain, RPM @ 65 mph/redline.4890/9500 DIMENSIONS Wheelbase:..56.7" Rake/trail.24.0/3.54" Ground clearance:.4.4" Seat height :..29.9" GVWR:..881 lbs. Wet weight:.424 lbs. Carrying capacity:.457 lbs. SUSPENSION PERFORMANCE Measured top speed.116.0 mph 01/4 mile.12.52 sec. @ 104.24 mph 060 mph..4.31 sec. 0100 mph.12.29 sec. 600 mph.113.7' Power to Weight Ratio.1:7.81 Speed @ 65 mph indicated.62.5 M/C RATING SYSTEM
EXCELLENT VERY GOOD GOOD FAIR POOR
No longer do the Monsters come with partial instrumentation. Everything you need is there along with a few extras: oil temp, clock, time for service alert (time to check those pesky valve clearances) and low fuel light. An anti-theft Immobilizer is also standard, which requires a coded key to start the bike. Even the instrument lighting intensity is adjustable.
Below: The matte black paint on the tank and chassis is not a flat black, as on Hondas new 919, but a more durable satin finish that can be waxed without fear of changing its appearance. Were still partial to Ducati red.

ERGONOMICS TEMPLATE

24.75"

60.0"

A: front of bike to rear most seating position. B: front of bike to center of handgrip. C: front of bike to center of footpeg.

36.7"

50.25"
D: ground to center of handgrip. E: ground to center of footpeg. F: ground to lowest point of seat.
The large 320mm disc and excellent Brembo Goldline caliper feel up to the job in everyday riding, but overheated after one hard stop and increased stopping distances dramatically during testing.
You can chose either from two different seats when you buy. The standard is ??? off the ground, and the optional lower version brings the seat down to just ??? The pillion accomodations leave something to be desired for size and slopes backwards. The riders perch is more comfortable than it looks, but still quite firm.
Front: 43mm inverted cartridge forks, non-adjustable, 5.1" travel Rear:.Sachs monoshock damper with progressive rocker linkage, adj. preload and reb. damping, 5.8" travel BRAKES
Lightweight Standard Engine Transmission Suspension Brakes Handling Styling Riding Impression Instruments/Controls Attention to Detail Value OVERALL RATING
High/low/avg. mpg:.47.7/56.0/51.9 MISCELLANEOUS Instruments:.speedo, tach, odometer, tripmeter, Indicators:. hi-beam, t/s, neutral, oil pressure, immobilizer, LCD clock MSRP:.$6495 Valve adj. interval:.6000 mi. Warranty:.2 years, unlimited miles. Color:..matte black

13.25"

29.9"
DYNAMOMETER DATA Low end Mid-range Top end

SAE CORRECTED REAR-WHEEL HORSEPOWER SAE CORRECTED REAR-WHEEL TORQUE, LB. FT.

TESTERS LOG

How much motorcycle do you really need to have fun? The Monster 620ies nimble, well-balanced chassis and tractable V-twin that lays 54+ horses on the pavement will make you feel like a roadracing hero from the Fifties or Sixties. Youre stretched out over the tank, wind in your face, leather boot soles skimming the pavement, effortlessly keeping a surprising pace over a mountain road. As Dick Mann once said, Its better to ride a slow bike fast, than a fast bike slow. When too many sportbikes can intimidate the best of riders, the 620 works with you, offering you the right tools, great road feel, great brakes, and transparent controls to make you and the machine one. The quibblesbetter mirrors, perhaps a softer seat and a bit more wind protectionare simple enough to fix, but the basic package is right there, and justifies making the effort. As someone whos always had a soft spot for Ducatis, I could seriously consider buying the 620ie. It would have to be red, though. The Monster 620ie strips the ridng experience to its essentials and answers the question loud and clearthis is enough! Dave Searle Ive never liked riding Ducatis. I could appreciate their styling and speed, from a distance, but forget about riding one. Too edgy. Too racy. Too uncomfortable. Not to mention that rattly clutch and hair-trigger throttle. Leave it for the young kneepuck draggers in their flourescent leathers. When I was invited to the Monster 620 intro, I didnt even want to go, but everyone else was busy, so I gritted my teeth and relented. What a culture shock to find that the 620ie was a whole different breed of Ducati. Not only were the noisy clutch and twitchy throttle gone, the bike was actually comfortable to ride, and a whale of a lot of fun, to boot. The little 620cc Desmo twin kicks like a hot 750, and the frame and suspension work so well together youd swear the thing was on rails going around corners. Over the next four weeks, Dave had trouble prying my fingers off it so he could finish the testing. It became my all-time favorite commuter ride and weekend playtoy. Finally, a Ducati for the rest of us! Forget everything you ever knew about Ducatis except for that sexy styling. This is a whole new ballgame. Fred Rau

54.3 hp

Front:.single 320mm disc, Brembo four-piston, double-action caliper Rear:..245mm disc, twin-piston, double-action caliper TIRES & WHEELS Front:.120/60ZR17 Dunlop D205 Sportmax on 3.50" x 17" wheel Rear:..160/60ZR17 Dunlop D205 Sportmax on 4.50" x 17" wheel ELECTRICS Battery:..12V, 12AH Ignition:.digital-mapped with throttle position sensor Headlight:..55/60W FUEL Tank capacity:.4.0 gal.
The 620s motor produces plenty of thrust with a wide, torquey powerband. High-tech fuel injection gives excellent throttle response and delivers terrific gas mileage, too. The 90 Vtwin is smooth running and looks good exposed.

36.5 lb. ft.

RPM, THOUSANDS
TEST NOTES PICKS Terrific value for the price, especially for a Ducati Highly tuned engine doesnt disappoint Light weight and good handling adds up to fun PANS Clutch shudders and grabs when hot Mirrors need to be wider and further forward Matte black everything isnt particularly flattering
STANDARD MAINTENANCE Item Time Parts Labor Oil & Filter.0.25..$12.95 + $12 $15.00 Air Filter.0.25..$33.05..$15.00 Valve Adjust.3.0..$71.60.$180.00 Battery Access..0.2.MF.$12.00 Final Drive.0.2..$12.00 R/R Rear Whl..0.5..$30.00 Change Plugs.1.0..$39.80..$60.00 Synch EFI.0.7..$42.00 Totals 6.1 $169.40 $366.00
Note: MCN Labor rate changed to $60/hr. from $54/hr. in May 2002

JUNE 2002

MOTORCYCLE CONSUMER NEWS

Special Report

2002 Motorcycle Consumer NewsArticle Index

BOOK & VIDEO REVIEWS

GATHERING SPEED-TALES OF MOTORCYCLES AND LIFE, February MOTOCROSS, MALCOLM & MORE, THE MAKING OF ON ANY SUNDAY, April DUCATI DESMOQUATTRO MAINTENANCE GUIDE, April V-TWIN TUNERS HANDBOOK, VOLUMES I & II, April

HOW-TO

CLASS ACT: BILL WOMACKS SUPER SUPERHAWK, January FORK SEAL LEAKS, February COMBAT TOURING, April KEEPING YOUR BIKE: AN ANTI-THEFT PRIMER, May CHOOSING A BIKE STAND, June COMBAT TOURING II: SPECIAL OPS TRAINING APPLIED TO MOTORCYCLE TOURING, June GLOBAL CAMPING SECRETS, July SATELLITE RADIO, August MOTORCYCLING & YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER, August MOTORCYCLE LIFTS, September EMERGENCY TIRE INFLATION THE EASY WAY, October
UNDER THE INFLUENCE, September FREE FOR ALL, October FOR MEN ONLY? November BENEVOLENT PATRONS, December

MCN DESIGN CONTEST

DESIGN CONTEST WINNERS, April

M/C RIGHTS

FREEDOM ISNT FREE: 17TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MINDS, January BEAST OF THE EAST 2002, July

CONSUMER REPORTS

SIMPRO REPLACEMENT 80+ ALTERNATOR FOR THE HONDA GL1500, February PROTECTING YOURSELF AFTER THE ACCIDENT, February MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE RATE INVESTIGATION, March SAFETY RECALLS: ARE YOU RIDING AROUND WITH A POTENTIALLY LETHAL PROBLEM?, August IS YOUR MOTORCYCLE TRAILER LEGAL.AND SAFE?, September

MEDICAL MOTORCYCLING

By MCN Medical Editor, flash gordon HYPOTHERMIA, November OUCH!, December

INDUSTRY REPORT

STATE OF THE INDUSTRY, June FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COUNTER, July MY HERO.KENNETH HAYES, October THE GENDER FACTOR, November STATE OF THE INDUSTRY, December

MENTAL MOTORCYCLING

MENTAL MECHANICS, January YOU JUST CANT GET THERE FROM HERE, February THE CALL OF THE OPEN ROAD, March REFLECTIONS, April HOMEWORK, May GIVING OURSELVES A HAND, June STAYING CALM: SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY 101, July GET LOST, August DIRTY THOUGHTS, September SAFE DISTANCE, October GENDER DIFFERENCES IN MOTORCYCLING, November SMALL SABBATICALS, December
VELVET HAMMER, May 2002 DUCATI MONSTER 620IE DARK: LITTLE RASCAL, June 2002 HONDA 919 INTERCEPTOR: THE HONSTER, June 2003 YAMAHA FJR1300: AN R1 FOR THE LONG HAUL, July 2002 KAWASAKI ZZ-R1200: KINDER, GENTLER ZX-12R?, July 2002 HONDA VTX 1300S: NEW KING OF THE MIDDLE-HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION?, July 2003 HONDA ST1300 ABS: WORLDS FAVORITE SPORT-TOURER REBORN, August 2002 YAMAHA YZF-R1: SATISFYING YOUR LUST FOR THRUST, August 2003 BUELL XB9R FIREBOLT: BREAKING ALL THE RULES, October 2002 MV AGUSTA F4 SENNA, October 2003 HARLEY-DAVIDSON ULTRA CLASSIC ELECTRA GLIDE, November 2003 BMW R1150 RS, December 2002 KAWASAKI ZX-9R, December
IN THE BMWR1150RT, August PARABELLUM WINDSHIELD FOR R1150RT, August RADAR SCREAMER, August MR COMMUNICATIONS SHELF FOR THE HONDA ST1100, August MASTER PYTHON LOC ADJUSTABLE LOCKING CABLE, August GIVI TRUNK FOR BMW R1150RT, September EASTWOOD POLISHER, September MOTORSPORT MS-1 TRAILER, September XENA XM9 ALARM LOCK, September RAZOR MOTORCYCLE TRAILER, October INTERSPORT FASHIONS WEST: SPEEDY BACKPACK, October COCK & LOCK THROTTLE CONTROL, November CRAFTSMAN MOTORCYCLE/ATV JACK, MODEL 50190, November METZELER ME880 RADIALS FOR HONDA GL1800 GOLD WINGS, November TAILBLAZER FLASHING TAILIGHT BULB, December

SPECIAL REPORTS

BANDIT/EZS SIDECAR RIG, DAVID HOUGH RATES THE HOOLIGAN HACK, February MSF RIDER EDUCATION, June LONG-DISTANCE VOYAGERS, October HOLIDAY BUYERS GUIDE, November MCN STAFF PROFILES, December

STREET STRATEGIES

PEPPERY PASSES, January PASSING PANIC, February LAST LOOKS, March CORRUPT CURVES, April INTERSECTION INSULTS, May LUMBERING LANE CHANGERS, June BUCKING BUMPS, July BATTERING BLASTS, August RAILROAD TRAPS, September RENEGADE RUBBISH, October SURPRISE SLOWDOWNS, November SIDEROAD SKIRMISHES, December

TECHNICAL REPORTS

MOTORCYCLE AERODYNAMICS, January DUCATI 998 TESTASTRETTA ENGINE, February

NEW MODEL PREVIEW

2003 DUCATI MULTISTRADA, June

PROFICIENT MOTORCYCLING

SPORTRIDING SERIES: PART 8: ACQUIRING SPORT RIDING SKILLS, January COMING TO TERMS, February PILLION PARTNERS, March SPRING THAW, April SURVIVING THE SLAB, May RETURNING RIDERS, June SLOW GOING, July THE TRENDY DELAYED APEX, August RAIN DANCE, September TIP-OVER TROUBLE, October GETTING ON TRACK, November CORNERING PANIC, December
CONTACT PATCH Every Issue DOWNTIME FILES Every Issue FIRST IMPRESSIONS
2002 DUCATI MONSTER 620IE: HARMONIC CONVERGENCE!, January 2002 YAMAHA ROAD STAR WARRIOR, Jan. CORBINS SPARROW & MERLIN.REALLY IT?, February 2002 TRIUMPH SPRINT RS, SPEED TRIPLE AND TT600, March 2002 HONDA CBR954RR, April HONDA SILVER WING-REDEFINING THE TERM SCOOTER, April 2002 BMW F650CS: CITY/STREET SENSATION, May 2002 BMW R1150GS ADVENTURE: APOCALYPSE NOW!, May 2003 DUCATI 999 SUPERBIKE-AMAZING!, October 2003 BMW R1200CL, November 2003 BUELL XB95 LIGHTNING, November

OPEN ROAD Every Issue OWNERS REPORT

TRIUMPH TRIPLES, March

TOUR REVIEWS
LOTUS TOUR OF TUSCANY: LETTERS FROM TUSCANY, A RIDERS DIARY, January FREEDOM TOURS CANYON ROADS TOUR, June NMTS CABOT TRAIL TOUR, October

INNOVATION OF THE MONTH

ROADGEAR HI-TECH DIGITAL TIRE PRESSURE GAUGE, January PROTUNE EARPHONE ENHANCER, February DIGI DIGITAL GEAR INDICATOR, March NOLAN X-LITE X-901 HELMET, April BARENDER BAR END WEIGHTS, May SIGNALMINDER SELF-CANCELLING TURNSIGNAL MODULE, June MEDICAL INFORMATION CARRIER SYSTEM, July MOTION PRO 90 CARB ADJUSTING SCREWDRIVER, August THE REVOLUTIONIZER, September EXTREME OUTBACK PRODUCTS: TYREPLIERS, October ER 6 STUDIOPHONIC HEAROS, November COMFORTEMP JACKET/VEST, December

PHYSICAL MOTORCYCLING

SADDLE SECRETS, December

TOURING TIPS

IF AN ACCIDENT HAPPENS, April PREVENTING TANKBAG SCRATCHES, July KEEPING YOUR COOL, September HOUSEHOLD ITEMS, November

PERFORMANCE INDEX

MODEL, SPECIFICATIONS, MEASURED DATA, PERFORMANCE AND RATINGS UPDATES, May & December

MINI-TESTS

2002 TRIUMPH SPRINT ST: AGING LIKE A FINE WINE, March 2002 DUCATI MONSTER 900IE: A BIKE FOR ALL, SHORT & TALL, October

PRODUCT COMPARISONS

TUBELESS TIRE REPAIR KITS & INFLATORS, March VENTED/MESH RIDING JACKETS, July

PROJECT BIKE

KAWASAKI KLR650: BUILDING A KLR650 WORLD TOURER PART 1, March PART 2, April; PART 3, May PART 4, November

USED BIKE VALUE GUIDE

SPRING 2002 EDITION, April WINTER 2002 EDITION, November

WHATS HAPPENING

UP-TO-DATE EVENTS LISTING, Every Issue

MODEL COMPARISONS

OPEN-CLASS DUAL-SPORT SHOWDOWN, 2002 SUZUKI DL1000 V-STROM, 2002 BMW R1150GS ADVENTURE, 2002 TRIUMPH TIGER 955I, 2002 APRILIA ETV1000 CAPONORD, September

PRODUCT REPORTS

FIRSTGEAR, KILIMANJARO II RIDING SUIT, January TOUR MASTER, COLD FRONT GLOVES, January NELSON-RIGG CMB-300 TANKBAG, February EVOLUZIONE CLUTCH SLAVE CYLINDERS FOR APRILIAS AND DUCATIS, February ECHO QUICK-RELEASE HELMET BUCKLES, February OXTAR GORE-MATRIX BOOTS, March LITE FLARE, March GERBING UNION RIDGE HEATED SUIT, April SUPER-VISOR, May GIVI WINDSHIELD FOR YAMAHA FZ-1, June GUNSON DIGITAL GASTESTER, July STONGARD TANK PROTECTOR, July KENWOOD AM/FM/CD/MP3 INSTALLATION

RALLY & EVENT REPORTS
WORLD DUCATI WEEKEND: DUCATI REVS AMERICA, January DAYTONA BIKE WEEK 2002, May 20TH ANNUAL AMERICADE, August 2002 LAGUNA SECA WORLD SUPERBIKE WEEKEND, September THE BMWRA RALLY, November WESTERN HONDA ST1100 OWNERS CLUB RALLY 2002, November THE UTAH 1088, November

WORLD MOTORCYCLING

LATEST NEWS FROM THE EUROPEAN AND ASIAN MOTORCYCLE MARKETS, Every Issue
LETTERS Every Issue M/C BULLETINS Every Issue M/C DESIGN
By Design Editor Glynn Kerr WHATEVER NEXT, January DETAIL, February TROPHIES TRIUMPH, March MULTIPLE MERGERS, April YOUR FINEST HOUR, May THE ITALIAN JOB, June CONCEPT, OR PRODUCTION? July DESIGNER PROFILE: ADRIAN MORTON, August

GREAT DESTINATIONS

MARCUS DAIRY, DANBURY, CT, January BLUE RIDGE MOTORCYCLE CAMPING RESORT, February 29 DREAMS MOTORCYCLE RESORT, March THE ROCK STORE, CA, April MT. IRAZU, COSTA RICA, May BARBER MOTORSPORTS MUSEUM, June MARIPOSA COFFEE COMPANY, July CARDINS RIVERSIDE GRILL, September BLACK HILLS, SOUTH DAKOTA, October

MODEL EVALUATIONS

2002 KAWASAKI 800 DRIFTER: THE LONE WOLF, January 2001 INDIAN SCOUT, January 2002 POLARIS V92C VICTORY DELUXE, THE MINNESOTA MARAUDER, February 2002 HONDA VFR800FI ABS INTERCEPTOR, March 2002 YAMAHA ROAD STAR WARRIOR, April 2002 SUZUKI GSX-R1000: CHAMPION BY A KNOCKOUT, April 2002 KAWASAKI NINJA ZX-12R: THE

BACK ISSUES/REPRINTS

Most of these 2002 MCN articles are available in back issues for $6 each. Article reprints are $4 each from: Ian Smith Information P.O. Box 9440, Denver, CO 80209-0440 Ph: (303) 777-2385 Fax: (303) 777-3560 Website: www.mcreports.com

RIDING SCHOOL REPORT

KEVIN SCHWANTZ SUZUKI SCHOOL AT ROAD ATLANTA RACEWAY, February 2 DAYS & 5000 CORNERS, THE KEITH CODE SCHOOL, September

DECEMBER 2002

MOTORCYCLE CONSUMER NEWS