Ducati officials have announced that they will be producing a new, limited edition Monster to celebrate the career of former Superbike World Champion Carl Fogarty. The new bike, of which there will only be 300 units produced, will be labeled the Monster S4 Fogarty.

Starting with a four-valve-engined Monster, Ducati engineers added titanium-nitride-coated Showa forks and carbon steering damper to improve handling. The Monster’s engine output is raised from a claimed 104 bhp at 8750 rpm to 110 bhp at 9750 rpm thanks in part to a carbon-fiber Termignoni exhaust cannister (for closed-course use only) , a different airbox, and specially calibrated engine CPU. A 39-tooth rear sprocket replaces the 37-tooth cog to give shorter gearing and improve acceleration.

Famed designer Aldo Drudi, best known for his custom helmet and leather designs for top level racers, has helped Ducati give the Monster S4 Fogarty a unique appearance. The small nose fairing, front fender, footpeg brackets, and seat cowling are all Drudi-original designs and have been painted to match the wheels and frame. New radiator cowls, air scoops to improve rear cylinder cooling, and a new belly pan are other ways to pick out the Foggy edition Monster. Further differentiating the limited edition bike’s appearance are Foggy logos on the tank and nose fairing, the Ducati Corse emblem on the front fender, and a laser-etched titanium plate on the fuel tank featuring Foggy’s logo, signature, and the bike’s limited edition number. When it’s all said and done, the Monster S4 Fogarty weighs 4 kg, or 8.8 pounds, less than a standard bike.

Included in the 18,000 Euros, ($16,060) price (as of April 13), will be front and rear race stands and a special cover. The Monster S4 Fogarty will be sold exclusively via Ducati’s website at www.ducati.com starting in June 2001. Further information on the Foggy edition Monster will be available on Ducati’s website starting May 14.