The Ducati Monster range has never really been designed for use on a track day, and is very much a cross country beast, offering riders power and comfort from its sporty delivery of 145bhp.
That did not however stop Marc Potter of Bike Social taking the Italian made machine to Silverstone for a track day to see just what it was made of.
After wearing out the original equipment tyres on their long term test bike, Bike Social decided to fit a set of the new for 2014 Bridgestone Battlax S20 EVO which was launched earlier this year in Portimao.
After a day of keeping pace with the fast group around Silverstone, Marc had plenty of time to reflect on the performance of the new Bridgestone which is ideal for road and occasional track day use:
“Initial feel would suggest that they warm up quickly, and make the Monster turn faster than the Pirelli and its fairly lazy profile. That’s offset by making the bike feel a touch more nervous at high speed on the road. You make your choice I guess.
At Silverstone the tyres have far more grip than the Monster can demand. They improve front-end grip no end which on a naked bike with not the most ground clearance is a very good thing as you find yourself waiting in a corner before getting on the gas.
On the power there was never any movement from the rear end, just a nice gentle black line as the Monster made its best way out of the corner and laid down its 145bhp. I’ve barely used them on the road yet, but would say that they definitely improve the Monster’s sporting credentials.”
Already awarded top spot in a leading independent hypersport tyre test by PS Magazine, the Battlax S20 EVO comes in a range of sizes including H rated for smaller bikes demanding the best in performance.
