Ducati debuts lighter, faster Monster for 2021

Ducati’s best-selling bike, the Monster, will come with more power and less weight for its next generation.

First launched in 1993, the Monster has sold more than 350,000 units thanks to its recipe of a big-twin motor, superbike frame, and naked styling.

For 2021 the Monster gets a bigger 937cc Testastretta twin-cylinder engine that weighs five pounds less than its 821cc predecessor and delivers a meatier 111 hp at 9250 rpm. The motor is tuned for improved torque across the rev range and is mated to a new gearbox with Quick Shift as standard.

The Monster’s front frame is modeled on the Panigale V4, and at just 6.6 pounds it is some 10 pounds lighter than the previous model. The rims save almost four pounds, the swingarm cuts 3.5 pounds, and the rear subframe sheds a further four pounds in mass. All told, the new Monster weighs just 365 pounds dry, which is almost 40 pounds lighter than the 821 it replaces.

The new bike features a lower seat height, repositioned handlebars, and increased steering angle to make city riding easier. The Monster has three riding modes (Sport, Urban and Touring) which map the bike’s performance accordingly. Making the bike accessible to all levels of skills from novice to knee-down are a range of electronic aids including ABS Cornering, Traction Control and Wheelie Control. Each mode has adjustable levels of intervention which you can set depending on road or track conditions and your skill or sanity.

Standard colorways are Ducati Red or Dark Stealth with black wheels or Aviator Grey with GP Red wheels. A wide range of accessories including sticker kits and a Termignoni silencer with carbon end caps will also be available.

The new Monster goes on sale in April 2021 with prices starting at around $10,000.