It’s the second most recognizable Ducati of all time, after the 916 series. As far as cool factor goes this was well below sub zero. For the longest time Ducati’s naked Monster line was the bike many wanted to be seen. It looks delicious standing still, let alone on the road.
And now in post pandemic world, the iconic Monster is reworked, with the biggest technical upgrade yet. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new on this new series of the OG naked Ducati.
New skeleton
First thing you will notice is the striking exterior, which looks very different from the model it replaces. That’s because the traditional tubular frame of the Monster has been replaced with an Aluminium frame, with the engine working as a stress member of the chassis. And the tail of the bike now features lightweight composite materials.
This is the same technology you get from the Panigale series bikes. Which is why the weight is down 20kg from the outgoing model. While being narrower and shorter.
New electronics
Just like how the chassis tech comes from the Panigale, the electronics are also taken from the flagship. You have cornering ABS, Traction Control, Wheelie Control, and even Launch control. All of these features can be adjusted to varying degrees of intervention.
It features 3 Riding modes which are Sports, Touring and Urban. Ducati’s Smart Power Mode adjusts the torque band for the first two gears in Touring and Urban settings, to give a more usable response to the rider, while in Sports, the torque band is adjusted for the first gear.
All these functions can be accessed and monitored by the rider via the 4.3″ TFT display that’s similar to the Panigale V4.
Improved engine and gearbox
Completing the list of change for the new Monster is the improved engine and gearbox. Since its a stress member of the chassis, which means the engine block makes up a part of the bikes frame, its actually lighter. Which is why its 2.6 kg lighter despite having a bigger displacement.
At 937cc, the current Monster’s Testastretta 11 L-twin engine makes 111bhp @ 9250rpm and 93Nm @ 6500rpm.
Back in 1996 the 916 Ducati sported similar outputs. Power is sent to a 6 speed gearbox with a hydraulic clutch and Ducati’s Quickshift as standard
Overall effect
Is a bike that’s 20kg lighter than the outgoing bike, with a significant rise is horsepower and torque figures. In fact its only 2kg’s heavier than the 1199 Panigale.
The overall length is shorter, the bike is narrower and the steering angle is increased by 7 degrees more to 36 degrees from the outgoing bike. Which means its going to be far more agile on twisty roads, like the first part of Kelawang. And far more easier in traffic too.
We have yet to test ride it, but on paper at least, these tech should make the new Monster perform leaps and bounds ahead of the model it replaces. It should be far more responsive in low-mid speed corners, while being a lot more manageable in urban environments.
Conclusion
With weight and output figures closer to Ducati’s own flagship bikes from the past, and tech that is currently featured in its current flagship the Panigale V4, the RM69,900 asking price for the new Monster seems almost like a bargain.
While we have yet to test ride it, it’s on paper credentials dictate that this bike is at least worth a test ride. What are your thoughts on the 2021 Ducati Monster? Share your thoughts in the comments below.