Ducati M900 City
DUCATI M900 CITY
Quick Ride
Justifiable luxury
A T THE RiSK OF SOUNDING overly stereotypical, we contend that people of Italian descent don't really have to do anything to be sexy. They just are. The same can be said of Italian motorcycles. Which is why the purchase of such a machine can be seen as a wee bit extravagant.
Fortunately, Ducati’s M900 City is the remedy for skeptics who poo-poo the idea of a practical Italian ride. Basically a Monster 900 that’s been commuterized, the City has soft saddlebags, windscreen, more comfortable seat and raised, pulled-back handlebar. Not exactly accessories that ooze sexuality, but Italian nonetheless.
For the record, the City’s basic design remains unchanged from that of the last M900 we tested (“Hell-Raisers,” November, 1997). As such, our new model is powered by the same 904cc, sohc desmo V-Twin that made 70.5 rear-wheel horsepower and 55.9 foot-pounds of torque. In ’97, editors proclaimed, “From
its light clutch action to its easy throttle pull to its precise cornering turn-in, this is an obliging, low-effort motorcycle.”
Still true today. In fact, the easy-handling bike turned traffic-laden morning commutes into trips worth anticipating. And when we sampled SoCal’s twistier backroads, we found the
City just as much fun as its more sport-oriented predecessor. What this means, then, is the really important stuff for ’99
is the daily-rider add-ons.
First up, cordura soft saddlebags. Designed to resemble briefcases, the detachable bags secure via a beefy inside zipper and a locking overlapping flap. They come with removable rain covers and shoulder straps, as well as zip-on faux backing that emphasize the bags’ business-like ap-
pearance. Sized for workadaytype accoutrements, the streamlined bags don’t interfere with lane-splitting, yet they can hold lap-top computers, sack lunches and workout togs. They detach easily with a key, and look fashionable when carried with the accompanying strap. The only downside is that the saddlebag brackets block access to the seat lock and, in turn, the underseat helmet holders. Stupid.
Next is the compact plexiglass windscreen, which admirably fends off high-speed windblast. Unlike the standard Monster’s headlight-mounted bikini fairing, the City’s screen fits behind the turnsignals, and allows for up-and-down and fore-and-aft adjustment.
Finally, the revamped cockpit. With a wider saddle and higher handlebar, the seating position is certainly less aggressive. But it isn’t anti-sport, either. The result is a bird’s-eye view of traffic that doesn’t sacrifice backroad handling.
To complement its milder spirit, the $10,995 City comes in Metallic Blue only. No, it’s not red, but it is still a Ducati. Justified self-indulgence is a wonderful thing.
Wendy F. Black
