CRM250
New member
Thanks to Sean and everyone up at Ducati manchester while i was up there this weekend keeping a keen eye on the 1969 350 and the later 250 Mk3 we lent them for this weekends classic show, i took the liberty of trying the monster RS they had on demo. Never really been a fan of the monster in the past, but it was starting to make more and more sense after losing interest in modern plastic superbikes and finding more fun in the little 400's and other import raritys.
Anyway what can i say, i knew it was going to be a lively bugger, but this is just something else. The sound while ticking over from its termi's was fantastic, and i was looking forward to trying it. Being used to an early example of a 916 i found the monster comfy from the off and very easy to live with. pulling away was a breeze and the whole bike felt very smooth and gentle. this sadly was rather shortlived as riding it around taking the time to get used to it for a few miles i found it had quite a bark when provoked. the brakes were rather keen after the old 916 items (and around 27,000 miles of wear on pads and disks) but it was the front end that i felt was the most different. Handling was pretty positive, i think the pilot powers fitted were making the front feel a bit skittish but overall it went were you pointed it and only needed a bit of pulling it back into line when running wide on the power.
Braking as said was good, comfort was great when not giving it any stick, but that motor - well its brutal. Overtaking is easy yet frought with lots of danger too as the bugger tries to point skywards at any opportunity. Now i aint no wheelie merchant but this thing was coming up in third when the power started to kick at 4k with ease unless you were leaning over the front. The 916 was a bit like this in second but on the monster its doing it at 70 and not 30mph.
I am greatfull to Ducati Manchester for allowing me to try this, sadly it cements my thoughts on 100bhp being enough for me on the roads. The bikes limits were way beyond mine. I have been known for slating my new CBR600RR5 for being bland and dull without being able to pull you out of bed, yet being fast up top, well thanks but no thanks. its a cracking bike but i was buggered after only 25 miles tops. arms are aching and even trying to ride normally it seemed to egg you on to go faster.
I will stick with the old plodder of the 916, its plenty fast enough for me and sounds just as good, its just a shame its not as silky smooth as the monster from the engine, i have to say that stretta is a seriously smooth motor and if mechanicaly sympathetic like me, i would have no fear giving that later motor serious beans unlike the older engines.
Thanks once again chaps.
Anyway what can i say, i knew it was going to be a lively bugger, but this is just something else. The sound while ticking over from its termi's was fantastic, and i was looking forward to trying it. Being used to an early example of a 916 i found the monster comfy from the off and very easy to live with. pulling away was a breeze and the whole bike felt very smooth and gentle. this sadly was rather shortlived as riding it around taking the time to get used to it for a few miles i found it had quite a bark when provoked. the brakes were rather keen after the old 916 items (and around 27,000 miles of wear on pads and disks) but it was the front end that i felt was the most different. Handling was pretty positive, i think the pilot powers fitted were making the front feel a bit skittish but overall it went were you pointed it and only needed a bit of pulling it back into line when running wide on the power.
Braking as said was good, comfort was great when not giving it any stick, but that motor - well its brutal. Overtaking is easy yet frought with lots of danger too as the bugger tries to point skywards at any opportunity. Now i aint no wheelie merchant but this thing was coming up in third when the power started to kick at 4k with ease unless you were leaning over the front. The 916 was a bit like this in second but on the monster its doing it at 70 and not 30mph.
I am greatfull to Ducati Manchester for allowing me to try this, sadly it cements my thoughts on 100bhp being enough for me on the roads. The bikes limits were way beyond mine. I have been known for slating my new CBR600RR5 for being bland and dull without being able to pull you out of bed, yet being fast up top, well thanks but no thanks. its a cracking bike but i was buggered after only 25 miles tops. arms are aching and even trying to ride normally it seemed to egg you on to go faster.
I will stick with the old plodder of the 916, its plenty fast enough for me and sounds just as good, its just a shame its not as silky smooth as the monster from the engine, i have to say that stretta is a seriously smooth motor and if mechanicaly sympathetic like me, i would have no fear giving that later motor serious beans unlike the older engines.
Thanks once again chaps.
