Letting go of the 2023 Ducati Monster SP with a Heavy Heart - Final Ride Review

It's not often I get to ride a bike that's ben loaned to me from a press fleet where I genuinely don't want to give the bike back - the Ducati Monster SP is one such rarity....

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My current motorcycles are:-
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Triumph Speed Twin
Royal Enfield Custom 650 Interceptor
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Please be aware I am not a professional journalist or otherwise claim to be an expert in any way in motorcycles or anything else. I'm just an ordinary biker like you probably are. Please regard my videos as entertainment only and if information presented is important to you, please verify it via a knowledgable third party....the videos I post are just my opinions and are no more valid than anyone elses.

[chrisweeks]

Thanks Andy - this run takes me back! In the early 1960's I was stationed at Benson, so got to explore a lot of the nice roads in the region. Ok, it was on my Jawa 250, but it was still fun, as I don't have to travel at warp speed to enjoy motorcycling, though I've owned up to 750's and ridden up to 1800's. Now in my 78th year and still riding - and still on a 250! Stay upright and enjoy the ride. 👍

[johndonald]

Mr Flyer, again your reviews have given me the knowledge I need to make a proper buy decision. I have had the New Monster SP on my radar ever since it was announced. I will be picking up mine on Friday. It will keep my Street Triple RS good company. We live in the best of times when it comes to motorcycles. The engineering and components used today are light years ahead of the bikes that were available back when I first started riding in the seventies. My first Ducati. I cannot wait. Good luck. Keep up the good work.

[jeremyrigden]

Love that Marlow to Henley Road, I used to go from Amersham to Sonning Common, on a Monday stay till Friday then back home, fifty years ago on a Lambretta TV200, Happy days !

[jamesread]

I totally agree with your findings. I had the earlier version (2022) of the SP937 Monster and enjoyed it a lot but traded it on the V2S Multistrada, to use for touring. I always like to have a Ducati in my garage. I tried the Street Fighter V4S before the Multi but preferred the ergonomics of the Multi V2S and as much as I thought the street fighter was a great bike I found that I did not require all that power on New Zealand roads and wanted to keep my drivers licence. I also enjoy my Speed Twin 1200 after I had the seat re-done with a gel insert.

[ricatiman]

Having owned both an aircooled S2R1000 Monster and the Testastretta powered S4RS, I can truthfully say, years later, that there isn't a day goes by that I don't have a memory of riding one or both of them, and I miss them like I miss many a beloved, departed pet. Monsters are fun, and have a great ride feeling and the absolute perfect balance of styling. I had the trellis generation bikes, but have ridden many aluminum framed sport bikes since, and understand their superiority. The SP now is the equivalent of the RS with the better brakes, lighter wheels, and those magical Ohlins suspenders! I remember so many of the great old days, commuting in 30+ weather, heavy traffic, and roasting the insides of your thighs, perfectly balanced by a blast up one of our local mountain roads after work. I really miss that...

[GaryOstoj]

Thanks for the explanation. This looks like a beautifully styled, well engineered and powerful motorcycle to me. Thanks for the great reviews!

[cpuuk]

I recognised your route, because I ride those roads as well- crackin when quiet 🙂

[JezVibert]

I’m a latecomer to road bikes but I have my theory test and CBT in a couple of weeks, then a DAS course in March. Your headcam footage reminded me of the hazard perception videos I’ve been practicing on my iPad. I was watching for tractors in the fields and ready to tap the screen before one emerged onto the road!

[dkonno]

I bought this bike a few weeks ago and I love it! So much fun to chuck around on the backroads!

[davidarchibald]

Same hair cut as you Andy in the summer I wear a cycling under helmet. Looks a bit like a black T bag cap. Stops the bugs running around on your head and keeps your head cool and sweat soaking into your helmet lining.

[ThiefOfNavarre]

From didcot and used to teach taekwondo in henley so know the roads round there well. The only thing to watch out for is the under the tree covered bits it can get a bit slidey in the autumn when the leaves come down

[bsmukler]

I really enjoyed this tour of the countryside and towns. What a beautiful area, perfect for a leisurely ride. The L-twin Desmodronic clatter is addictive, isn’t it? It’s a similar experience to riding an oil head boxer or driving an air cooled 911. The sound stays with you afterward and lures you back out to the garage for more.

[neillambton]

Nice vid Andy, thanks for posting it.

re vibrations, i get the same on my Speed Twin, but usually in warmer weather, in colder weather, it`s much smoother.

Some stunning roads ther, much like Dorset, some stunning lanes through some stunning scenery, and with Compton Abbas having a great restaurant, it makes for great riding, you ought to come down here for a ride around.

[ianseddon]

A super vlog, thank you Andy! I’ve never been much of a Ducatista but that looks like a hoot of a bike - do fancy one of those!!

[jasonharley]

the road to Wallingford is great, then follow down across the river to Pangbourne

[bertsisterwanda]

I've had the sp for about 2 months now, I agree with your negatives Andy, however I see them firmly as part of the character of the bike.i'm back from a ride out on a yamaha triple today and it was amazingly smooth and fast engine but didn't give me my ducati grin.

[davey]

Great video. May take a look around there one evening next week. Wear happened to the end

[garyhope]

Thank you for yet again showing some great looking English country roads, with the added bonus of more tarmac than potholes at last haha. Get the feeling you will miss the Ducati more than most bikes you have tested over the years. The Monster certainly looks a cool bike too.

[aintnodisco]

"Motorcycling is darn good fun". You need to put that on your swag. Great outro for all your videos.

[yonniboy]

I love the new Monster, the previous trellis framed model wasn't a competitor for the leading middleweight nakeds like the Triumph street triple RS, MT-09 and KTM 890R but the new lighter better handling Monster is now a worthy rival.