Like one of those Instagram influencers, Ducati’s Monster has spent 2020 locked away in the gym preparing for 2021, and the results look great!
While pricing for the NZ market is yet to be finalised, over the ditch our mates in Aussie will pay $18,200 for the new Monster which will be arriving in dealerships from June 2021.
Not only has the 2021 Monster dropped a whopping 18 kilograms, but it also has gotten with the times and dropped Ducati’s signature trellis frame in favour of a Panigale inspired monocoque with a tech injection to round it out for good measure.
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 3kg the new frame is 4.5 kg lighter (60% less) than the previous trellis, helping to reduce the dry weight of the bike to just 166kg.
The 2021 Monster is powered by the Testastretta 11° 937 cc L-twin (Ducati for V-twin), with desmodromic distribution and the now mandated 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 according to Ducati.
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. And, for those who wish, 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 7cm 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 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.
The new Monster is equipped with three Riding Modes (Sport, Urban, Touring) that allow the rider to shape the character of the bike on the fly. 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.
Colour options for the new Monster include 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 which comes with an aerodynamic windshield and the cover for the passenger seat as standard fare.
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