The new iteration of the ever-popular Ducati Monster lineup has gone on a crash diet.
Ducati has recently launched an all-new iteration of its new Monster and Monster+ range of naked bikes. Replacing the existing Monster 797, 821, and 821 Stealth lineup, this new Italian naked bike is a complete clean sheet design from the outgoing generation.
Now a mid-range naked bike with the Scrambler slotting beneath it, the biggest change made to this ever-popular Ducati is perhaps the dramatic amount of weight shed from this naked bike. Gone is the tubular steel trellis frame that is synonymous with the Monster, and in its place instead is now a lightweight aluminium main frame and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) rear subframe design, inspired by the current iteration of Panigale V4 super bike.
This change in frame design, along with the lighter cast-aluminium wheels and a redesigned dual swing-arm, has contributed greatly to feather-weight 166 kg dry weight of this new Monster. Or to put it in another sense, an 18 kg weight reduction compared to the outgoing Monster 821.
Continuing on the topic of shedding kilos, 2.3 kg has also been shed from the outgoing bike thanks to the new 937cc Testastretta 11° L-twin with desmodromic valves featured in the new Monster. The same power plant as in the 2021 Hypermotard 950 and Supersport 950 models, this Euro 5 compliant two-cylinder outputs a healthy 111 hp @ 9,250 rpm and 95 Nm of torque @ 6,500 rpm.
According to Ducati, the main aim for the Testastretta twin in this application here is to be more street-friendly than the outgoing generation. Hence why the torque curve is defined towards the lower end of the rev range. Lower speed agility has also been improved thanks to an enhanced steering angle over the Monster 821.
Speaking of street-friendly, a revised transmission with Ducati’s Quick Shift Up & Down fitted as standard, as well as a host of electronic aids like adjustable ABS cornering acting on the Brembo disk brakes, traction control, wheelie control, launch control and three riding modes (sport, urban, and touring). Other modern conveniences that feature on the new Monster includes a 4.3-inch TFT instrument cluster, new full-LED lighting system with ‘swiping technology indicators’ and a USB socket.
The all-new Ducati Monster is priced at $11,895 (RM 48,500), with the Monster+ costing an additional $200 (RM 815) extra. All the + moniker adds is a small fly screen, in addition to a passenger seat cover for that monoposto seating configuration. Three colour combinations are available for the new Monster: Ducati Red with black wheels, Aviator Grey with red wheels and, Dark Stealth with black wheels.
PRESS RELEASE: The new Monster embodies the true essence of Ducati in its most compact, essential yet light appearance possible. The name immediately reveals its inner nature. Monster. Nothing else.
The original recipe dates back to 1993: a sporty engine yet suitable for road use combined with a Superbike-derived frame, namely everything riders need to taste in the name of everyday riding enjoyment.
Let’s think about the Italian “ristretto” coffee: just a few drops guarantee an irresistible explosion of aroma. That’s why the beating heart of the new Monster is the Testastretta 11°, a liquid-cooled 4-valve twin cylinder with 111 hp Desmodromic distribution.
Its Front Frame, inspired by that of the Panigale V4, is a short aluminum frame, attached directly to engine heads. It is even lighter and contributes to reduce the overall weight of the bike to a mere 166 kg (dry weight). A Monster never so Monster. It represents the modern reinterpretation of the recipe that gave birth to the Naked bike segment, now refreshed to meet the dreams of further generations of Monster fans.
The new Monster is the Naked sports bike within everyone’s reach. It is the ideal motorcycle to start with, improving ride after ride. It further represents the perfect everyday companion for the more experienced rider. This is because it is light, easy to handle, effective and fast. In other words, an irresistible fun bike.
On a closer side view, the flyline clearly reveals the direct link with the previous generation, with the tank characterized by the unmistakable bison back shape. The headlight perfectly integrates a future-oriented touch while recalling the round shape of the headlight that has appealed hundreds of thousands of Monster lovers. The tail has essential yet sinuous lines and is supported by a subframe enriched by the advanced GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer) technology, to be even more light and sturdy at the same time.
The Euro 5-compliant liquid-cooled 937 cc Testastretta 11° is a unique example of sporty engine while resulting effective even on on-road adventures. The 90° V-twin with Desmodromic distribution represents an exclusive gem in its class. Compared to the previous 821, it increases in displacement, power, torque and decreases in weight (-2.4 kg), which contributes to the overall lightness of the bike and also adds improved handling. It now delivers 111 hp at 9,250 rpm with a torque of 9.5 Nm at just 6,500 rpm. The brand-new Monster is a modern bike, a great first choice for young riders. For this reason, it is also available in the 35 kW version, to be ridden by those beginners with A2 driving license.
For this exclusive Testastretta twin, considerable attention has been reserved to defining the torque curve, especially at low revs, mostly used on winding roads as well as in urban-style riding. A rich yet easy to manage delivery is still maintained, also thanks to the revamped gearbox – which ensures precise gear changes – and to the Quick Shift Up & Down (fitted as-standard).
The new Monster was born to be light and compact. That’s why Ducati engineers worked hard and obsessively focused on every single detail during the design phase. The frame, which as on the first Monster is inspired by that of the Borgo Panigale Superbike, is of the aluminum Front Frame type, like that of the Panigale V4. This element is 4.5 kg lighter (a good – 60%) than the previous trellis and now achieves 3 kg while also offering extraordinary compact dimensions. In addition, the rims lose 1.7 kg, the swingarm is lightened by 1.6 kg, not to mention the rear frame which drops by 1.9 kg. This careful lightening work has led to a weight saving of 18 kg compared to the existing Monster.
From a zenithal viewpoint, the new Monster results not only lighter but also more compact. The sides are very narrow and this particular choice allows the rider to safely put his feet on the ground when the motorcycle is stationary. This result has been achieved also thanks to the truly comfortable seat, 820 mm height. A 800 mm low seat is also available as an option, while thanks to the suspension lowering kit it is possible to go down to 775 mm. The Monster has a compact wheelbase of 1,474 mm, while the enhanced steering angle has been increased to maximize maneuverability at low speeds and stationary maneuvers (a good 36°, + 7° compared to the 821 version). All this means an unrivalled riding pleasure, even when getting through everyday city commuting.
Such modern Monster deserves a first-rate electronics kit. The standard equipment includes fully-adjustable ABS Cornering, Traction Control and Wheelie Control. The new Monster sporty flavor is also underlined by the Launch Control, which ensures lightning-fast starts. Out-of-the-ordinary features, usually reserved to supersport motorcycles, allow the Monster to safely express its performance. Furthermore, the Riding Modes allow to change the character of the new Monster according to tastes and needs. Everything can be easily managed via the handlebar controls and viewable on the new full-TFT 4.3” screen, featuring an immediately readable graphics inspired by that of the Panigale V4. Lastly, a large rev counter is positioned at the center together with the indication of the gear selected.
The Monster reveals the authentic essence of Ducati in terms of customization as well as aesthetics. That’s why, sticker kits have been conceived and offered as accessories. For those passionatly wishing to design their own Monster, painted plastic kits will also be available.
The all-new Monster will also be offered in the exclusive “Plus” version, which adds aerodynamic windscreen and passenger seat cover to the standard fitting. Furthermore, in line with all Ducati projects, the new Monster can be personalized, thus giving the rider the opportunity of transforming it into one-of-a-kind bike thanks to the Ducati Performance catalogue. Among others beautiful updates the catalogue offers homologated Termignoni muffler and belly pan as well as various sticker kits, carbon or machined details together with exclusive covers.
The new Monster represents all the essence of Ducati in the lightest, most compact and essential form possible. You can already guess it from the name: Monster, nothing else.
The recipe is the original 1993 one: a sporty engine, but perfect for road use, combined with a Superbike-derived frame.
All that you need to have fun, every day.
A new Monster Design
The new Monster draws its DNA from the model dated back 1993, namely reflects what is needed to get supreme fun when riding a bike. In other words, an engine, a seat, a tank, a handlebar. Furthermore, it integrates all the unmistakable elements that characterize the iconic model: the bison-back-shaped tank, the round headlight, the clean tail, not to mention the greater prominence given to the engine.
It is definitely a brand-new chapter characterized by evolved shapes mixed with modern, sporty, elegant, sophisticated yet technological flavours. All contents thus resulting perfectly integrated with the design.
Maximum compactness and lightness are wisely combined with the traditional yet essential and pure lines of Ducati. In addition, each single technical feature participates, in harmony, with the design to reimagine the concept of the sport naked conceived by Ducati in 1993. Starting with the front frame, clearly inspired by the Panigale V4.
This new Monster reveals all its seductive lines, namely the narrow seat, the muscular tank which widens towards the rear to meet, as a true sporty bike, the volume of the side panels.
The full-LED headlight maintains the iconic, round shape, made even more evident and modern by the incorporation of the LED Daytime Time Running Light (DRL) system.
The structure of the headlight also evolves, and it does so thanks to a lens that fully integrates both optical and electronic elements. What’s more, the technical elements contribute to create modern and technological suggestions.
2021 Ducati Monster Key Features
- Colours
- Ducati Red with black wheels
- Aviator Grey with red wheels
- Dark Stealth with black wheels
- Main as-standard features:
- 937 cc Testastretta 11° engine
- Euro 5-compliant
- Maximum power 111 hp at 9,250 rpm
- Maximum torque 9,5 Kgm at 6,500 rpm
- Weight (dry) 166 kg
- Aluminium front frame
- Rear subframe in GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer)
- Aluminium swingarm
- New full-LED lighting system with swiping technology indicators
- Full-TFT 4.3” screen indicating selected gear and fuel level
- Riding Mode (3 configurations)
- Adjustable ABS Cornering (3 levels with “only front” Mode)
- Adjustable DTC and DWC (8 levels)
- Launch Control
- 43 mm upside down fork
- Adjustable monoshock
- Brembo 320 mm front brake discs with M4.32 monobloc calipers, radial pump and pads made of sintered material
- Hydraulic clutch with radial pump
- 820 mm seat height, 795 mm (optional) or up to 775 mm, with lowered seat and lowered suspension kit
- DQS up/down
PLUS
- Main as-standard equipment – as per Monster except for:
- Windscreen
- Passenger seat cover
