The name is simply “Monster”, nothing more. It is a new design of the Ducati classic with a 937cc v-twin, aluminum “front frame”, 111 horsepower and a dry weight of just 365 pounds (roughly 40 pounds lighter than the Monster 821).
Ducati is very excited about the new Monster, and has produced a very nice video going into all of the details of the design and engineering (see below). Here is a press release from Ducati, followed by the video:
Light, compact, essential and fun: Ducati presents the new Monster
- All the essence of the Monster in the lightest, most compact and essential form possible
- The mission of the Monster: to have fun thanks to the 111 hp of the Testastretta 11° engine and 166 kg of dry weight
- The sports naked suitable for all those who want a technological and easy to ride bike
Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), 2 December 2020 – The Ducati World Première web series has come to an end with the fifth and final episode in which the Borgo Panigale motorcycle manufacturer unveiled the new Monster. A motorcycle that marked the history of Ducati like few others. It is the best-selling model ever: more than 350,000 have been produced since its presentation.
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.
The new Monster is based on the same concepts that bind it to the unforgettable Monster 900, the first, true sports naked, but reinterpreted and updated. The result is a bike with an advanced, easy and efficient chassis, capable of immediately establishing the perfect feeling with the rider. The riding position is less loaded on the wrists and the engine offers an excellent balance between power, torque and ease of handling.
To create the new Monster, the engineers and designers started from scratch, but with a clear idea of the key points around which the new bike was to be built. Lean and agile, the bike incorporates the guidelines and the DNA of each Monster that make it immediately recognizable: fuel tank shaped like a “bison back”, “shoulder-embedded” round headlight, clean tail and engine at the centre of the scene. The language, however, is new and modern. The shapes have evolved in a direction in which essentiality and technology are enhanced by design, as in the circular profile of the front LED headlight and in the “sweeping” direction indicators.
The new Monster is sporty and fun.
The Monster is powered by the Testastretta 11° 937 cc twin cylinder L-shaped engine, with desmodromic distribution and Euro 5 homologation. Compared to the previous 821 it increases in displacement, power, torque and decreases in weight (-2.4 kg) to contribute to the lightness of the bike and offer better rideability. It now delivers 111 hp at 9,250 rpm with maximum torque of 9.5 Nm delivered at just 6,500 rpm, proving to be efficient and reactive in throttle response. Thanks to the increased displacement, the torque is improved at all revs, particularly in the medium-low range, most used on the road and between curves. This guarantees thrilling performance as well as riding ease and pleasure, also supported by the new gearbox and the Ducati Quick Shift Up / Down fitted as standard. The Monster is also available in a 35-kW version, suitable for A2 license holders.
The new Monster is light.
To ensure maximum fun, great attention was paid to weight reduction in the creation of the new Monster. Chassis, accessory elements and superstructures have been redesigned from the ground up to create a compact and lightweight bike, perfect for everyday use as well as for sports use.
The aluminium Front Frame replicates the same concept found on the Panigale V4. It is short and attached directly to engine heads. With a weight of only 3 kg this frame is 4.5 kg lighter (60% less) than the previous trellis, helping to reduce the dry weight of the bike to just 166 kg.
Each component has been redesigned and lightened: the rims lose 1.7 kg and the swingarm is lightened by 1.6 kg. The rear subframe decreases by 1.9 kg thanks also to the GFRP (Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer) technology with which it was made, that has allowed the optimization of shapes and surfaces to the benefit of lightness and dimensional compactness. The total weight saving is 18 kg compared to the Monster 821.
The new Monster is easy, in any situation.
The height from the ground of the seat of the new Monster is 820 mm. This, combined with the narrow sides of the bike, allows the rider to put his feet on the ground very easily. A seat is available as an accessory that reduces the height from the ground to 800 mm, while still maintaining good padding. Also a kit of springs for the suspension can be purchased, which lower the vehicle by reducing the seat height to 775 mm from the ground.
To ensure maximum manoeuvrability at low speeds and facilitate manoeuvring from a standstill, the steering angle has been increased to 36° (+7° compared to the 821). The handlebar has been brought closer to the rider’s torso by about 7 cm to have a more upright riding position that guarantees greater comfort and control. The position of the feet has also been changed, and the legs are now less curled up. All this translates into greater riding ease, even in city traffic.
The new Monster is technological.
The standard equipment includes ABS Cornering, Traction Control and Wheelie Control, all adjustable to different levels of intervention. The sporty character of the bike is also underlined by the Launch Control which ensures lightning-fast starts. This electronic equipment allows to express the performance of the bike with a high level of active safety.
The new Monster is equipped with three Riding Modes (Sport, Urban, Touring) that allow to shape the character of the bike according to tastes and needs. Everything is easily managed through the handlebar controls and the 4.3″ colour TFT dashboard featuring racing graphics that echo those of the Panigale V4, with a large rev counter that shows the indication of the gear inserted.
The Monster has always been a symbol of customization.
To allow each Monsterista to make their bike even more unique, sticker kits have been created that enhance the shapes of the Monster and celebrate Ducati’s sportiness. For those wishing to accentuate the style of their Monster in an even more decisive way, cover kits will also be available. As with all Ducati motorcycles, a wide range of Ducati Performance accessories is also available, such as the double Termignoni approved silencer with carbon fibre end caps. In the section dedicated to the configurator on Ducati.com all the customization options can be viewed.
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 from April 2021.
Nice to see the styling update looking like a Gladius.
I miss the original styling. One of the all time favorites that would extract flash flood levels of drool in my teenage years.
Always nice to stop on by and see what the dinosaurs that never buy new motorcycles have to say… yep, you people are still the same.
It would be nice if you children would expect more from the manufacturers than yet a little more power and ridiculous style changes.
They are marketing to you after all.
Beautifully said, Mick! And true. 🙂
I think folks on here have a legitimate beef with the design. Ducati has always separated itself from the UJMs by being uniquely Italian in design….until now. I would never have shopped an MT09 with a Monster but Ducati has basically done that. I buy new bikes…honest ones that have been out a few years and have enough of a qualified ridership to support the decision. If I were to buy a Ducati, it would be more of an impulse buy and this new design does not stir the blood…
Oh goodie. Yet another tail section that immediately needs tidying. How about just making a whole tail section? At least the tail section is bolted on. So it would be easy to replace.
To me the rest of the bike looks like an early prototype. They won’t even show you the left side. The right side has a bunch of what looks like hastily made panels slapped on to hide inner workings that the frame and gas tank did not. Or maybe the throttle bodies haven’t showed up yet and they don’t want people spilling their beer into the engine.
And the “gas Tank”. I suppose it’s just a cover. OK. But why doesn’t it, well, cover the air box or whatever that is sticking out under it? The area beneath the gas tank and above the over styled forward cylinder timing belt cover is a very busy area, chock full of overly stylized parts. Is that some kind of knob whose access is being made inconvenient by a weird triangle of plastic uselessness? And why should a ride by wire throttle be so chunky? Is that why there is a big relief in the gas tank?
Dig the right brake caliper. Two brake lines and a bleeder. If that bleeder was any taller you could fly a flag on that baby. Said flag would then whip against that exhaust pipe elbow that Luigi put a dent in because he forgot to bring along a swivel to install it with.
I have to give them credit for the rest of the exhaust system. For the amount of components it has. It is nicely tucked away.
Whatever. I wonder what the finished bike is going to look like.
Finally, a Ducati Monster without the Italian beauty!
I don’t love the lower tank line that reminds me of the Lifan 150, the total encasing of the engine, nor the dual sided swingarm. At least the bike looks great on a spec sheet.
interesting redesign of the 2021 Monster
https://www.rideapart.com/news/458855/kardesignkoncepts-2021-ducati-monster-render/
It’s an improvement but mainly I wanted to complain about how difficult it was to read the article on Rideapart on my phone. It took ages to load some of the text and all the ads, then it failed and started to reload the page! Then, when I tried to scroll past an ad, it would switch to the linked sites as if I clicked on them. I am so glad for how much better the motorcycledaily site works!!!
lol kids
reads fine on my PC
I don’t read anything on my phone but texts
I too prefer to see the engine fwiw and whatever form it may be?
Weight and HP sound cool on paper, but suspension is bargain basement, especially for $12k, and from the sides it’s plain fugly. Hard pass.
Interesting. But what did it look like before the accident?
Great paper specs. Ducati seems to be designing bikes to “yard-sale” and disperse parts at the slightest tip over. I’ve seen it with Kyle Wyman’s MotoAmerica bike now successfully migrated over to the Monster. Would love to use other people’s money to enjoy this one.
Even with the nod to incorporating elements of Japanese styling into the new bike, it still looks better than it’s rivals…but I do miss the way Monsters have looked in the past. It should be a blast to ride.
Ben Franklin once said that “all cats are gray in the dark”. Unfortunately you cannot RIDE with your eyes shut.
Looks like someone shaved a furball. Not that I am the intended market but…PASS.
Looks like an SV 650 thats been in a wreck! God, that thing is hideious!
111HP and weighs 365lb, You had me at hello.
My only complaints would be those teeny weeny pegs and shifters,
and sitting like a jockey.
Does Ducati still make that Diavel cruiser?
yes.
Technically vastly superior to the previous generation, but far less charm.
I am aware that a) I’m getting old and b) I may be in the minority, but imo the Monster gets a little less interesting every time they change it.
Why does it look so much better in the lead (top) photograph than it does in any of the other hundred photos? I have a bad feeling about this bike as a result: that it will look like a dog in person.
Self cancelling turn signals. Wohoo, we’re in the 21st century. 👏💥🎉
I’ll buy it.
So this is the droid you ARE looking for Joe? Trading in the CB 1000?
Well it’s certainly an improvement as Monsters styling certainly didn’t improve over the years, it looks like Ducati have been studying MVs styling.
Agreeing with many here, a ‘naked’ (the Monster started the segment in the first place) bike should have most of its motor exposed. Once covered in plastic, it pretty much has a faring. So, maybe we should just call it a ‘standard’? What are the benefits of the plastic covers anyhow? Also (as a road/mountain biker) doesn’t steel have more ‘soul’? Is it cheaper to fabricate aluminum these days or is it that Ducati has finally mastered the technique (15 years after the Japanese)?
Yes, it is cheaper to cast a single piece frame and do single setup second-op machining than to machine a bunch of different steel parts and carefully and precisely weld them all together. Pretty much the majority of motorcycles throughout history were “naked” bikes until the Monster was called one. Now, all standard bikes are called “classic” or “retro” and ugly bikes are called “nakeds” – I guess because everyone considers being naked ain’t such a pretty thing.
Seems like they don’t want to show us the left side.
My thoughts exactly! The last iteration had very prominent coolant hoses, pump, etc. – not its best side….
The audience: “NO ONE cane make an uglier bike than the new Triumph Trident.” Ducati: “Hold my beer.” Seriously. Ducati has designed some of the most beautiful bikes in history. Now this. A bug-eyed monstrosity with a Quasimoto hump. Why?
You read my mind.
In an ironic twist of fate, Ducati wanted to copy the successful formula of the Suzuki SV650…
Maybe that last one they tried to make a little less awful and more like the earlier one. The early one was a great-looking bike.
I thought it was OK until I spotted that kink in the bottom line of the tank. First reaction – not good.
All of the origami anime manga-strosities (most of today’s production bikes) look the same. The new Duc fits the mold perfectly.
I love it. I don’t care about the missing trellis frame. I think it’s gorgeous, love those integrated turn signals above the radiator shrouds. Throw some pipes on it, add some better fork internals, a tail tidy, and call it done.
This is a nice Italian bike for the relatively well off masses. I like it, if I weren’t totally bike (and debt) ridden, I be buying one.
I think we’re moving in the right direction. Price is reasonable, weight is low, and power is designed for public roads. Looks are in the eye of the beholder, but at least the proportions are right and it has cool design elements. I’m guessing it’ll be their best seller.
This seems like a win-win. For those who like it, it’s an opportunity to grab a great bike. For those who feel like it isn’t a real Monster, it’s a great opportunity to grab a previous-generation Monster before the market realizes just what they lost.
I can’t believe they’re not getting more credit for the auto-cancelling turn signals on this chat board.
I dont understand some of the negative comments about this bike. it has 111HP and weighs 365lb, but some dont like how the bike is little, is pictured against a black background, has modern styling, cant see the engine… this is not the droid you are looking for, please move on. I have a Honda CB1000R 2012, which has similar HP but weighs another 100lb at least. This would be a really nice bike to have to ride. To go shopping for a 6 pack, or cruise down the interstate, no. But up to Newcombs it would be nice.
Oh wow, I like that! Do you think it would work for sport touring?
You’re looking for the Supersport. Same motor, but with a fairing and some touring farkles on the accessories list.
Nice bike, but I think is losing the essence of the Ducati brand, I always liked the trellis frame which gives the bike a better look. So I guess next is no desmodromic valves system?
Well, here is a good read on what Ducati is: https://www.cycleworld.com/story/blogs/ask-kevin/what-is-ducati/
If you want a motorcycle from a company that has stood still as much as possible, you may want to look at Hardly Ableson.
I normally don’t like the bikes with the short tail sections, but this one works. The only thing I’d change is that I wish more of the motor was visible.
I’ve been considering ditching my Suzuki SV1000 (street) and Ducati 848 (track) and picking up something like a Duke 890 for both street & track duty. This is an interesting option, but I’m guessing that the fiberglass subframe probably wouldn’t hold up well in a crash.
Does ANY part of a motorcycle hold up well in a crash?
Website says non-adjustable fork, pre-load only on shock. Really? I’ll never understand why Ducati cheaps out like this on suspension with their lower end models.
You got the answer twice in your own post. Price. “cheaps out” “lower end”
Not sure why that should be hard to understand.
It’s hard to understand because it has other great hardware like radial mount calipers with huge disks, standard up/down quickshifter, all kinds of fancy electonics…and they create a promotional video showing it tearing up the track…and then deliver it with the same amount of suspension adjustment as a CBR250R. Anyone who used this for any level of performance riding would soon resent the fact that they had to take the forks apart to achieve so basic an adjustment as setting the sag for their weight. It’s inexcusable, unless Ducati really does intend it to be 100% a poser bike.
That’s because direct competitor- 790 Duke has the same equipment level with low-to-mid end brakes and suspension combined with full package of electronics and it sells well. Within next year we can expect Monster “S” with Ohlins, Stylema and some extra track modes to compete with present 890 Duke R.
That’s actually a really good comparison, KenLee. And I am sure you are right about the S version. Just wondering how much more cost it would have added to put an adjustable Sachs on the back, and basic adjustable Showa forks in the front. Nothing fancy.
It wouldn’t cost much more but then they wouldn’t have much reason to charge a high margin premium for the S version.
Ah, that makes sense. “Why these choices?”
Love the bike. I don’t usually consider looks to be a big part of the decision but I think it looks great. Would like it to have fully adjustable suspension at around $12,000 though. I would take the $11,000 MT-09S over this.
Since I have never ridden either one though a test ride could change my mind. So many awesome bikes to choose from these days.
Call me when tail sections become sane again.
No that’s not a luggage rack. Heaven forbid! Anything you stap to it will block the tail light and a six pack would break it clean off.
That and they better brand it well. Because nobody would recognize it as a Ducati unless it says so very clearly on the gas tank, if that’s where the gas tank is.
Major kudos to Ducati engineers on this one. When was the last time we saw a 40 pound drop in weight from a previous model? I’m also a bit disappointed that the styling perhaps shows a bit more Japanese influence than Italian, but I wouldn’t call this bike ugly. OMG, it doesn’t have a trellis frame!!! Who cares. If form follows function, this is one beautiful update and it’s on my short list for a new ride.
“When was the last time we saw a 40 pound drop in weight from a previous model?”
The current Kawasaki Ninja 650 dropped 42lbs from its predecessor.
I guess there is little sense in bemoaning the presence of all of this electronic gadgetry, as this is what high level motorcycling has now become. It is a beautiful motorcycle, regardless of how far away it has strayed from the original mission of the Monster.
No longer beautiful at all, or even elemental, as it was in the beginning. Can’t see any of the engine. Far too much plastic covering all the (formerly) charismatic parts makes this thing look like a Yamaha and an MV Agusta had a baby and they decided to swaddle it in a matte-finish, petroleum-based blankey.
Nonetheless, this is the model that would finally make me buy a Ducati. Just seems like they got too many things right with this one.
So…how much? I see no mention of the msrp.
About the same as the 2020, just under $12,000. It’s a bargain.
Ducati’s answer to the 890 Duke? Is it me or is there some strange plastic work on the right side of the motor?
Motor? You saw a motor in there? Where?
Ironically, the KTM’s steel tube frame is more ‘Monstery’ than this Ducati. It may come down to the preference of v-twin vs p-twin (my money is on the v-twin for character) and made in Italy vs. India..(that said, my India-made ninja-400 is outstanding)
Wow, your Ninja 400 was made in India? I thought they were Indonesia or Thailand or somewhere else in SE Asia. New developments everyday!
So even the Monster is now Plasti-dipped. Far out.
Looks to me like it’s trying to be a Brutale. Which look nice, but are too small/cramped for me to even consider.
Why has Ducati waited so long to drop this motor into the Monster ?
It’s been in the Multistrada and Hypermotard for many years now.
Looks like someone there has allowed sufficient room for the Rider to place their balls of the feet on the footpegs, and not have the right heel frying on the exhaust.
Dope. A Duke-killer
got to be a blast to ride
uglier than the predecessor
3/4 rear view looks reminds me of a Suzuki Gladius
Nailed it. This is nowhere near as purdy or exotic to look at as my ‘94 Monster 900. That one had some ergonomic and handling issues but, man, was it beautiful to see.
The early monsters were classic
This is just ” another” as far as looks go
The early Monsters were simply a mess of industrial design, with ugly engines and pipes and wires everywhere. Pretty they most assuredly they were not! Elemental maybe, but never pretty. Thank goodness Ducati has found its style again, even if some don’t like it.
Nick honestly..tell me that new Ducati looks better than this
https://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/ducati/ducati_monster_900%2093.htm
So, I honestly think the new Monster looks better, and I am a fan of the old bikes. Nick used the term “elemental” to describe the old ones, which I agree with, and that is why I like them. But Ducati had never taken things like wires, hoses, and cables into account when they designed the Monsters. They just ran them and hung them wherever. This is the first time they’ve ever made an attempt to be tidy.
Jeremy, by tidy them up you mean hide them behind plastic panels which also hide the motor? The name is Monster. You should see a monster motor, all of it. You should see the frame. There should be gas tank, frame, motor wheels and handlebars. Nothing should subtract from that.
Like I said and others have
mentioned. NOW…it looks like an MV, or a Suzuki Gladius, or any other Japanese transformer bike, anything other than a Ducati Monster which had their own unique look.
I do love the early Monster look but I do think the Ducati designers had a long look at the Suzuki Bandit 400.
http://www.suzukicycles.org/photos/suzuki-history/1989/1989_bandit400_450.jpg
Then Honda showed up a couple years later and unashamedly redesigned the VTR250…
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9hwySBBk82I/SpAsKfW3xjI/AAAAAAAABaY/oDxGUhGHG_Y/s280/Honda+VTR+250.jpg
OK ENOUGH ! New black motorcycles with pictures taken in the dark with BLACK backgrounds SUCK ! ! !
So there artsy farnsey SUCK heads, and no sale.
“NO SALE,” based on your displeasure over how they chose to take the pictures?
Yep, Exhibit A of what people say about the posters here.
No.
Wait a second. The very first photo is the dark gray shot outside in full daylight against a blue background! How much more contrast do you need?
Wrong picture. The point is the lack of contrast and illumination when shooting Black contours such as a plastic covered engine, or a flat painted motorcycle without back lighting.
The advertising weinees are selling imagined image, instead of clearly showing the product.
Remember the joy of a finned cylinder in silver metallic , or similar engine case with smooth contours, discernible thousands of miles away from the bike in a photograph. 1966 Honda CB 450 engine on Cycle World magazine comes to mind. One can tell a lot from a proper picture. Maybe a thousand things.
Wrong picture.
111hp and 365 pounds? Wow. I had a 1978 Honda 400 Hawk with 34hp that weighed 410 pounds. I can hardly imagine what this new Monster would be like. I’m sure it would be too much for me, but I love it.
It would feel like someone added 24 pounds and removed 7hp from a 13 year old CBR600RR…
LOL…except for the extra 30 lb-ft of torque at 7k RPM.
Freddy, you do understand that the lower gearing, higher revs and wider power band reduce that torque deficit to be actually in the Honda’s favor at the rear wheel.
Todd, whatever you’re smokin’, pass it around. It’s been a crappy year, and I would like to escape reality as well….. ;o)
I like the new Monster, at least from the information currently available. Other than the forward lean, a 2007 CBR600R would stack up quite well against it in almost any performance comparison.
Uncle Stashu must have thought you meant the 78 CB400 Hawk.
“..a 2007 CBR600R would stack up quite well against it in almost any performance comparison.”
Fortunately that no longer matters. Bikes like this keep coming out and 600’s keep being carried forward or in some cases, discontinued. Besides, nobody cross-shops $5k used bikes and $12k new ones.
No, it’s meant more of as a wake up call for those that think a new bike is going to accelerate harder than an old bike with the same (or higher) power output just because the engine produces more torque at a lower rpm.
Honda’s dry weight claim was proven to be 40lbs off. We’ll see how Ducati does.
Once they left the lattice frame behind they lost my business. Every iteration since has been uglier. May as well just have Suzuki build them.
Have to say I’m not overwhelmed with the styling versus the outgoing bike, but with a machine that light and 937cc, should be a seriously fun machine indeed! Also wondering how well the rear subframe will hold up being a composite like that in a hot weather environment. And if you squint it’s not a long ways off KTM, Yamaha and Kawasaki nakeds in this displacement class…..
I miss the trellis frame of the old Monster, but this looks mighty nice too. Very compact.
Styling that is more than easy, but actually pleasing to the eyes… Very well done, clean and with that HP and torque, the perfect monster and actually a huge weight loss!!! WOW.
The matte gray is nice!
It’s delicious and I want one now. I am never returning to read the latter whiney responses that show up in comments EVERY TIME
Whiney response? OK, here’s one: in order drop 40 pounds compared to the previous version, what is deleted or made thinner or changed from metal to plastic, etc.? The weight has to come from somewhere.
Well, they listed the big stuff…
Engine -5.3 lbs
Frame -9.9 lbs
Rims -3.75 lbs
Swingarm -3.5 lbs
Subframe -4.2 lbs
The mentioned that every part and accessory was redesigned with the goal of saving weight, so I imagine the sum of everything else will make up the remaining 13 lbs.
Looks like a great alternative to the insanely popular Z900/Mt-09/….., for those who can’t quite wrap themselves around current Japanese styling. Or who prefer twins to multis.
Either way, yet more vindication that 115+- hp is where it’s at for all-use street bikes. The 600s got it right all along…..
I’m not quite convinced that there’s a magic number where motorcycles suddenly become “fun”. Whatever you like, there are other people who like the same things, and still others who aren’t interested. No need for any vindication.
Second this. As an example, my friends and I use a fleet of Honda TL125s from the 70’s, with all of 8hp, to play motorcycle soccer on a field. It is the *most fun* I have ever had on any motorcycle. I currently own a roadster, an ADV bike, a sportbike, and three dirtbikes, and have been riding for thirty years, so I feel I am a fairly well-rounded rider. I think you can have fun on just about any bike, and I full believe in different strokes for different folks.