Monstrous Evolution: 2021 Ducati Monster breaks cover

Contents

After a series of teasers, the 2021 Ducati Monster has finally come out of its hiding. More of an evolution than an upgrade, the new Monster sees a host of inclusions looking to add thrill not only on the streets but the track as well. We have a detailed look highlighting every feature and offering on the new Bolognese Streetfighter!

Design

It has to be undoubtedly the best looking Monster to date. It won’t be out of place to refer to the earlier generation Monsters as ‘Organized Chaos’. Despite year on year alterations to the Monster template, it never had a sense of flowing design- till now. The 2021 Ducati Monster looks sleek, compact, and purposeful. An angular front and an upswept tail section impart a sporty posture with the tank, frame, side panels, and exhaust now following a more streamlined narrative.

Engine & frame

The 2021 Ducati Monster replaces the 821 with a 937cc L-twin Testastretta motor capable of cranking out 111 bhp @ 9250 rpm as against the earlier 109. However, torque is up by 8nm with 93nm at a lower 6500 rpm as against 7750 rpm on the predecessor.

An anti-patter type wet clutch with new hydraulic controls offers a two-way mechanism with 20% less effort needed to operate. The clutch plates push against each other during acceleration and reduce pressure during aggressive downshifts where opposite torque is applied, thereby preventing rear wheel destabilization. Ducati has also managed to shave 2.4 kgs off the new motor when compared to the 821. Service gaps have increased with the oil change interval set at 15,000 km, and valve play inspection every 30,000 km.

The customary trellis frame sees replacement with the new unit derived from the Panigale V4. The engine is linked to the front frame with the light-weight GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer) constructed tail section attached to the engine as on the Panigale V4. A narrow mid-section and 820mm of ground clearance, the new Ducati Monster offers easier flat-footing than before. An 800mm low height seat is available as an accessory, and even shorter riders can opt for a suspension lowering kit that further reduces the ride height to 775 mm.

Suspension, brakes and wheels

Surprisingly despite an impressive update, the 43 mm up-side down forks offering 130mm of travel have no adjustability. However, the rear shocker with 140mm travel is preload adjustable linked to a double-sided aluminum swingarm.

Dropping anchors comes courtesy of radially mounted Brembo M4.32 monobloc 4-piston calipers over a pair of 320mm front rotors. The rear gets a two-piston caliper grabbing a 245 mm single disc. Cornering ABS is offered as a standard package. Road contact is via a set of 120/70 front and 180/55 Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tires mounted over light wheel 17 inch cast alloy wheels.

Electronics

The 2021 Ducati Monster now features launch control for quicker starts off the blocks. It also gets 8 level traction control and independent anti-wheelie control. Fueling is handled by a Ride-by-Wire (RbW) throttle with three ride modes that read Sport, Touring, and Urban. The Sport mode offers full power with minimal intrusion by traction and wheelie control, while power delivery is more progressive in Touring mode with increased traction and front-wheel lift mitigation. Urban mode cuts down engine power to 75 bhp with progressive throttle response and maximum intervention of ABS, Traction, and Wheelie Control. A bi-directional quickshifter is also offered as standard equipment.

A 4.3-inch color TFT display on the new Monster offers performance readings in Panigale V4 style graphics. Ducati Multimedia System facilitating smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth is being offered as an option for control of music, incoming calls, and messages. It features full LED lighting with a DRL circumventing a redesigned headlight assembly. The auto-canceling turn indicators with sweep function are neatly integrated below the fuel tank. The tail light is inspired by the Panigale V4 with the thin LED strip running across the edges of the rear panels. Electronic gadgets could be charged on the go with a USB power socket offered as standard.

Accessories

Ducati is offering cover and sticker kits on the 2021 Monster as well as a double-barrel Termignoni exhaust unit with carbon-fiber end caps. Heated grips, 800mm low seat, 775mm low seat, and suspension lowering kit are also being offered as options on the new Monster. A fly-screen and a rear seat cover is provided on the Monster+ model.

The 2021 Ducati Monster is a welcome departure from its predecessor both in terms of design, features, and performance. The hardware and electronic package should make the new Monster a thrilling everyday machine as well as a hoot on the race-track. How well it stacks against the competition needs to be seen though.