Ducati will be presenting its new streetfighter the at EICMA show in Milan this coming Monday. Rumors surround the bike, but many expect it have a depowered (neutered) 1098 motor, with a smaller intake and airbox. We would also expect to see the common parts bin raided for major structural entities, and the bike’s market position to be similar to, and replace, the Monster S4R. This would mean the streetfighter 1098 would become Ducati’s premium level naked bike, once again placing the Monster brand in a more affordable pricing structure. 

Placing the bike in this position would seem to single that Ducati is looking to compete more directly with the likes of the Benelli TnT, MV Agusta Brutale (and ), and possibly strike a defensive position against what will likely be a Tuono V4 later in 2009.

Source: twowheelsblog

This author’s propensity to purchase a Monster 1100 just went up that much further.