In case you hadn’t noticed, Ducati made a bunch of friends last year, and entered into partnership agreements with companies like AMG, Diesel, and Cigarette Racing. With the first two companies footing a larger bill and sponsoring Ducati Corse’s MotoGP effort, it stands to reason that AMG and Diesel’s involvement with the iconic motorcycle brand would be a bit more extensive than just some logos on a bike and team livery.
With Mercedes-Benz and Ducati intertwined in acquisition talks, it was not too surprising to see the Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition break cover, though we have to admit we were a bit shocked to see today’s news about the Ducati Monster Diesel — we didn’t see this bike coming.
As the name implies, the special edition motorcycle is based off the Ducati Monster 1100 EVO, with styling cues that evoke the Diesel brand. The Italians are calling this “an ‘urban military chic’ interpretation of Ducati’s iconic naked motorcycle,” which is one way of saying it features olive green paint and matte black accents.
It’s an interesting effect to say the least, though it will probably only resonate with a select group of Ducatisti. Ducati says the Monster Diesel will be available in dealerships from late-July onwards, with pricing in the US set at $13,795. If you came here thinking Ducati had abandoned the gasoline engine, we apologize. We didn’t pick the name.
“The Monster Diesel, and the collection dedicated to it, reflects the “coolness” of this iconic motorcycle and our brand in general,” said Gabriele Del Torchio, President of Ducati Motor Holding. “The collaboration with Diesel, underlines our focus on the style and trends that shape the market and I amdelighted to associate our world with that of fashion and, in particular, with Diesel. Both brands globally represent technology and innovation in pure Italian style.”
Stefano Rosso, Project Leader and son of Diesel founder, added: “When we had the opportunity to work with Ducati, with last year’s MotoGP sponsorship, we discovered a whole world of shared values and common roots. That brought us the desire to create something new together, and we made it in the only way we know: taking the great know-how of both companies and mixing it with passion and creativity. The results are unique products, characterized by a great mix of design and technology.”
2012 Ducati Monster Diesel:
2012 Ducati/Diesel Lifestyle Apparel:
Source: Ducati
Talk about a misleasing title hahaha.
Was honestly expecting a kerosene-fueled Ducati. The Audi acquisition rumours just make that sound more likely.
Itsa good looking bike though. I like that colour scheme, might adopt it for my FZ1.
Heavy on superlatives, light on design. Then again, so is the AMG Diavel.
Interesting. The Monster shape is an unmistakable classic and that seat lends it a certain cafe racer cool but I can’t help thinking it looks a bit home brew, rattle-can special with the matte finish.
Whaaaat ?! No OIL BURNER Ducati ?! False advertising at its finest. Man, u had me dancing in one leg here for nothing…(-_-)’
Here I was thinking that if they went to a diesel engine, they’d simply HAVE to go with an air-cooled, open clutch. The Sturm und Drang of such a combination would be epic. ;-)
As much as I want to dislike this bike, I find it rather alluring. Most unexpected. I like it!
I’d dig carving through traffic on that. Reminds me a lot of the steve mcQueen special trumpy… I think it was a bonnie. Matt accents and lots of olive green / military theme… cool looking bike.
here it is:
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload/284311/images/triumph-bonneville-steve-mcqueen.jpg
I added a promo video to the article. It’s actually pretty cool since it gives a good glimpse into the Ducati Design Center.
For something that’s a big ol’ marketing wankstain, that’s actually really damn cool. Same as the AMG Diavel.
So basically it’s a green version of the old Dark Monsters, but called the Diesel, so they can charge an extra $3k. They could’ve at least added the functional changes that went into the City.
More like an extra $1,800, which I don’t think is a bad mark-up for a unique bike…assuming the style floats your boat. I never cared for the new Monster design, so this doesn’t really do anything for me either, but I can see how people could dig it if they do.
Ducati Monster Diesel – http://t.co/LT1emTJG #motorcycle
Would it have cost them so much more to put matt black calipers on that bike! i know it is a brembo caliper, but without any other gold accents on that bike those calipers stick out ( now that i think about it.. maybe that is the intention!) Digging the green! but like FeelgoodInc said, it looks like a cheap rattle can job! maybe it looks better in person..
Could have been a lot of worse.. ^-^
I dig it.
It’s better than any and all Diavels, aesthetically.
@Smitch: I have to agree with that.
I opened the article wishing someone actually made a diesel-powered bike but no. I must admit it looks kinda good but I will never pay a premium over a standard monster (that already is and looks great) for just plastic/metal/composite stuff to add weight to the bike just for it to look like threads(?).
Honestly, it is not that much to look at either, I very much prefer the stock monster.
> (Richard Gozinya) So basically it’s a green version of the old Dark Monsters
It would be nice to bring the old dark concept back, while some would claim it dilutes the exclusivity it would bring more people to get to know the italian feel.
Can it be converted to run on diesel? .. the Ducati Double-Diesel…
Posers Rejoice!
Ducati Monster Diesel http://t.co/WL2oyX0O Dajoš #moto ar gāzes iekārtu! (((:
Stupid name, but awesome styling/color.
Beautiful bike! I want one. And a bargain compared to a Motus.