When creating the bike, Ducati aimed to make the model the most compact and stripped back bike possible. It’s designed to be sporty, good on the road, and equipped with a Superbike-derived frame. That means Ducati engineers needed to shift the riding position to deliver less load to the wrists, offer good a good power to torque ratio, ad make the bike easy to maneuver.
The bike takes engineering nods from the Ducati Panigale V4.Photo courtesy of Ducati
The process started from scratch as a blank sheet design. Designers had a clear idea of what they wanted – lines and equipment that would make the bike immediately recognizable, DNA and all. The fuel tank was shaped like a bison back, it gained a shoulder-embedded round headlight, and a clean tail and engine formed the thorax.
It was kept light and lean with an aluminum front frame that is similar to what is on the Panigale V4. The bike is 39 pounds lighter than the previous version of the Monster.
The height from the ground to the seat of the motorcycle is 32 inches, which allows riders to easily put their foot down. The sides of the bike are narrow compared to most other models, which also helps. Those who want a lower seat can get one from the Ducati accessories catalogue that moves the height to 31 inches while maintaining proper padding. Additionally, a springs kit ca Abe purchased to lower the bike another inch.
Each Monster is powered by a Testatretta 11-degree 937 cc twin cylinder L-shaped engine. This engine builds on the successes of the 821 in the bike’s predecessor and increases displacement, power, and torque while decreeing weight. It delivers 11 horsepower and has a maximum torque of 7 pound-feet. Ducati’s engineers have made the torque band better at medium-low range where it’s most commonly needed through corners and between curves. A new Ducati Quick Shift Up/Down gearbox completes the powertrain.
The Monster has additional cornering ability in the new generation.Photo courtesy of Ducati
Ducati has improved the steering angle of the bike to 36 degrees, a seven degree improvement over the last-generation model. The handlebar is also now closer to the driver’s body by about 2.7 inches, which allows for more control and a more comfortable ride position. ABS Cornering, Traction Control, and Wheelie Control are all standard on the Monster and are able to be calibrated to a user’s preference. It also comes with Launch Control.
Riders get three riding modes to choose from: Sport, Urban, and Touring. The modes are managed by handlebar controls while a 4.3-inch dashboard featuring racing graphics pulls duty as a home of the rev counter and gear indicator.
Ducati has created sticker kits for Monsteristas looking to add more custom options to their bike without hitting the local shop up for aftermarket work. Ducati Performance accessories are also available to take customization further.
The new Monster is available in Ducati Red and Dark Stealth with black wheels, Aviator Grey with GP Red wheels. For those who want the bike with an even sportier image, there is the Plus version in the same colours with an aerodynamic windshield and the cover for the passenger seat as standard.
The Monster will be available in Ducati dealerships starting in April 2021.