The Ducati Monster is the best selling bike the Italian company has ever made. There’s now a brand new one and it’s a completely different motorcycle to the one it replaces.
2021 Ducati Monster chassis
The bike is now called just the Monster, without any numerical suffix. However, the biggest change comes in the new aluminium front frame which is inspired by the Panigale V4. This unit attaches directly to the engine and it weighs just 3kg, which is 4.5 kilos less than the iconic trellis frame in the old Monster. Weight saving measures in other areas like the swingarm, wheels, smaller fuel tank (down from 17.5l to 14l) and even the engine have helped Ducati reduce a massive 18 kilos. This results in a dry weight of just 166kg or 188 kilos fully fueled. That brings the Monster right on par with the lightest bikes in the segment, like the KTM 790/890 Duke, Triumph Street Triple R and the new Yamaha MT-09.
In addition to the weight loss, Ducati has also made small reductions in the wheelbase, rake and trail, all of which should result in a more agile riding experience. Suspension wise, the new Ducati Monster runs a non-adjustable 43mm USD fork and a preload adjustable monoshock. Braking is handled by twin Brembo M4.32 callipers up front while there’s good quality rubber in the form of Pirelli Diablo Rosso 3 tyres.
Ducati has also worked on rider ergonomics. The seat height has risen slightly from 810 to 820mm (low seat options are available), but the handlebar is now closer to the rider while the footpeg position is more relaxed. Ducati has also improved the steering radius, which should make the bike easier to manage in traffic.
2021 Ducati Monster engine
The Monster now runs the same 937cc 90° V-twin motor also seen in the Multistrada 950 and the Supersport. This motor is bigger than the 821cc unit in the previous Monster 821, but Ducati says it weighs 2.4kg less. It makes just 2hp and 3.6Nm more than before, but is now Euro 5/BS6 emissions compliant.
Power stands at 111hp while there’s a segment leading (equal to the BMW F 900 R) 93Nm of torque available at 6,500rpm. The 6-speed transmission uses a hydraulic clutch and gets a bi-directional quickshifter as standard and Ducati says the clutch action is now 20% lighter.
2021 Ducati Monster equipment
The Monster now comes equipped with the rider aids and equipment that we’ve come to expect at this price. The bike gets a 4.3-inch TFT display that follows a similar layout to the Panigale V4. There are 3 riding modes – Sport, Touring, and Urban, the latter reducing power to 75hp. The ABS and traction control systems are both lean angle sensitive and the bike also offers wheelie-control and launch-control. An optional Ducati Multimedia system enables smartphone connectivity as well.
2021 Ducati Monster design
While the spec sheet looks far more exciting than before, the images and video suggest that the new Monster has taken on a slimmer and less muscular stance than its predecessor. The bike appears more modern in its design with sleek LED elements in the head and tail lamps. The front indicators are merged into the fuel tank shroud area and the bike now gets outward scrolling indicators as seen on cars from Ducati’s parent company Audi.
The upswept angle of the twin exhaust mufflers looks good too and the tail section is more sport-bike inspired as well. However, Monster purists will certainly miss the red trellis frame, curved exhaust header pipe and the powerful stance in general. Nevertheless, it’s too early to pass judgement without seeing the bike in person
2021 Ducati Monster price
The Monster is available in two variants – the standard bike and a Monster +, which has the same mechanical components, but packs some styling embellishments including a flyscreen. UK prices start at £10,295 (Rs 10.13 lakh) while the Plus model costs a few hundred pounds more. That puts it slightly above bikes like the Triumph Street Triple R, but below the Street Triple RS in that market.
We expect the 2021 Ducati Monster India launch to happen sometime in mid to late 2021. Let us know your thoughts on this brand new Monster in the comments below.