Ducati could possibly be described as a roadracing company that produces motorcycles to fund its activities. But that means motorcycle roadracing, not cars. Now, though, we see the company tying into Formula One history to honor Ayrton Senna, one of the most famous drivers who ever raced.
The new “Monster Senna” marks 30 years since Senna’s death at the San Marino GP. It’s not the first Ducati to celebrate the Brazilian driver; in 1994, there was a 916 Senna model. Then, in 2014, there was another Senna-themed superbike, the Panigale 1199 S Senna. This time, the commemorative bike is a 937cc V-twin Monster, not one of Ducati’s V4 superbikes. Still, with 111hp on tap, this bike is guaranteed to rip, if you decide you want to flog your limited-edition machine on track or street. Forged aluminum rims, a steering damper, radial-mount Brembo brakes and fully-adjustable Ohlins suspenders will help you keep the bike pointed in the right direction.
Ducati will only build 341 one of these bikes for the global market. That number represents Senna’s three F1 championships and his 41 F1 race wins. Each bike has its own serial number engraved into the handlebar plate. Of course, each bike gets the same special paint job, displaying the Brazilian flag’s colors, to honor Senna’s heritage.
As far as hard parts, the bikes are mostly unchanged. A homologated Termignoni exhaust cuts some weight; the bike is supposed to be about 6 kg lighter than a stock Monster.
The last big questions: Will it come to Canada, and what will it cost? The answer to those is “Yes,” and “$30,000 plus taxes and fees.” Hope you’ve been saving the recycling nickels from your empties, you’re going to need them.
