Ducati launches customization contest for new Monster 1100 S

Ducati's Monster range has always been fertile ground for owner customization. First introduced in 1993, the Monster kicked off the current naked bike craze, and modifications have managed to remain part of its basic appeal. To promote future Monsterization of its latest unclothed model, the Italian firm has just launched a dealer customization contest to coincide with the arrival of the 1100 S in dealership showrooms. To kick-start the process, Ducati has sent 58 of its dealerships an early set of body panels for paint and the full accessories catalog will be made available.

Monster fans will get their first chance to view the bikes in real life on January 9th, though online voting is slated to begin on January 1, 2009 and will run through the 13th. It'll be interesting to see how successful dealerships are in walking the fine line between making a cool custom and detracting from the air-cooled machine's inherent sense of minimalist design.

[Source: Ducati]

PRESS RELEASE

DUCATI DEALERS COMPETE TO BUILD THE COOLEST MONSTER 1100 S

As the national premiere approaches, Ducati dealers get to work customizing.

Cupertino, CA (10 December 2008) – Ducati North America is pleased to announce a customization contest as part of the forthcoming Ducati Monster 1100 S showroom premiere.

In order to launch the Monster 1100 S to the public in real monster style, Ducati has launched a dealer contest to see who can build the best custom Monster. As the original custom-ready naked bike, the new Monster 1100 S is ready for modifications, and the gloves are coming off in a contest to build the best.

Fifty-eight dealers in the US and Canada have taken delivery of a body panel set in order to begin paintwork on the dealership's dream Monster; and all have accessories in house waiting to be fitted on the dealership's first bike. The results promise to be nothing less than spectacular and will launch the Monster with a bang.

The Ducati dealers will have two weeks over the holidays to build their custom; and their bikes will be unveiled to customers over the National Premiere weekend, January 9-10th. The weekend will celebrate the individuality and personal expression inspired by Ducati's original naked bike and highlight the vast potential of the Monster 1100 S.

For a list of participating dealers, and to vote for the coolest custom Monster, please visit www.ducatiusa.com; where the contest will run January 1st through January 13th.

About the Ducati Monster 1100 S:

The bike that started the naked bike revolution has been reborn and is, once again, breaking all the rules. The new Monster weighs in at an astonishing 47lbs less than its closest class competitor and the power of its 1100cc air-cooled engine gives it an impressive power-to-weight ratio. The M1100 S combines the carnal nakedness of the original Monster with the latest technology and styling. An icon of individuality features like removable tank panels make the M1100 S the perfect platform for personalization.

About Ducati:
Founded in 1926, Ducati builds racing-inspired motorcycles characterized by unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence. The company produces motorcycles in six market segments which vary in their technical and design features and intended customers: Superbike, Streetfighter, Monster, Multistrada, SportClassic and Hypermotard. The company's motorcycles are sold in more than 60 countries worldwide, with a primary focus in the Western European, North American and Japan markets. Ducati competes in the World Superbike and MotoGP World Championships. In World Superbike, Ducati won both the 2008 Manufacturers' and Riders' titles, bringing the total to 15 of the last 18 Manufacturers' titles and 13 Riders' titles. Competing in MotoGP since 2003, Ducati won both the Constructors' and Riders' world titles in 2007. For more information, please visit our web site at www.ducati.com.