A quarter of a century is something to shout about! Ducati set out to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Monster by bringing together all the enthusiasts and connoisseurs of this iconic bike. And by doing it, the brand put on the biggest Ducati Monster parade ever.
The Ducati Monster is a muscle bike with design by Miguel Angel Galluzzi, Ducati produces it in Bologna since 1993. Called Il Mostro in Italian, it is a naked bike with characteristic exposed engine and frame.
The Monster line has had numerous variations over the years with as many as nine different Monster versions in a single model year. Its elemental simplicity has also made it a favourite platform for custom motorcycle builders. Monsters eventually accounted for two-thirds or more of Ducati’s output.
Ducati West Europe organised the parade in France, making it a part of the Sunday Ride Classic motorcycling festival. The event saw the participation of an incredible number of Monsters of every type, year and model from all over Europe.
From the first Monster 900 built in 1993 to the very latest Monster 821 made in 2018, no less than 517 Monster motorcycles swarmed onto the “Paul Ricard” circuit at Le Castellet, creating a gigantic, colourful convoy of bikes that set a new record.
Bigger, better and more powerful than ever, the Monster 1100 evo (2011) took the big brother of the Monster family and enhanced its componentry with one aim in mind: to pack a punch. #Monster25 #WeLoveMonster pic.twitter.com/HLXwHYKsNa
— Ducati Motor (@DucatiMotor) March 26, 2018
Certified by Raphaël Botte, the judiciary official of Bandol (Var, France), the 517 Ducati Monster bikes took a lap of the track
They were led by former official Ducati WSBK rider Régis Laconi, who rode ahead of the bunch as the Ducati flag bearer. In all the history of the Monster, nothing like this had ever been seen. The enthusiasm was what ensured the previous record was soundly beaten. The previous record was from 2008, set by the Monster Owners Belgium Club with 405 bikes.
The parade had some extremely rare models such as one of the very few Monster “Senna” motorcycles. There even was a Monster Cromo in perfect condition. In addition to them, there was a multitude of customised, personalised Monsters. And each was more eye-catching than the last. All of them were a sight which was a clear confirmation that this Ducati model can turn into something unique.
Desmo Grand Sud made the event as well as the record possible with its passion and hard work
That is the local ducatisti club that handled the logistics and hospitality. They organised registration, parking facilities and all the participating bikes, which the hosts divided into seven model-based categories. A jury led by Pascal Litt, editor of Desmo Magazine, then awarded a prize to the Monster of each category.
Based on the 1100 evo, the Monster Diesel (2012) was the stylish redesign born from the partnership between @DIESEL and #Ducati. #Monster25 #WeLoveMonster pic.twitter.com/Zn8CQELNMp
— Ducati Motor (@DucatiMotor) March 26, 2018
Before taking part in the on-track parade, participants had an opportunity to capture the moment in the mobile photographic studio. The photos will play a prominent role in a communication campaign specially dedicated to this anniversary, which goes under the hashtag #welovemonster.
In 2016, the #DucatiMonster hit the track with its 1200 R model. Sporty, powerful and aggressively racing. #Monster25 #WeLoveMonster pic.twitter.com/Td3BcRKhFO
— Ducati Motor (@DucatiMotor) March 29, 2018
