2021 Ducati Monster (Dark Stealth) (Ducati/)

Ups

• New, more powerful, and lighter V-twin engine
• Lighter frame and subframe, rims, and swingarm
• Enticing electronics package
• Compact and comfortable for tackling the city or canyon roads

Downs

• Muffled engine due to Euro 5 requirements
• Up-spec Monster Plus version only adds a fly screen and passenger seat cover
• Could this Monster veer too far from the original?

Verdict

Replacing the 821, the new Monster is still accessible and sporty with a lighter overall weight and new 937cc V-twin, so there’s a lot to like.

2021 Ducati Monster Plus (Aviator Grey) (Ducati/)

Overview

The Ducati Monster is a standard motorcycle that serves as an entry point to the rest of Ducati’s lineup. For 2021, Ducati has lightened the Monster’s load, increased its power, and made some design changes that give it a modern twist. It’s ultimately built to be compact and approachable and an everyday Ducati.

Updates for 2021

The noticeable changes on the 2021 Monster are in regard to the styling and engine. The Monster has revised lighting, a lightened frame and other chassis componentry, tweaked ergonomics, and now houses a new 937cc Testastretta 11° V-twin engine and revamped gearbox.

Pricing and Variants

The 2021 Ducati Monster starts at an MSRP of $11,895 and is joined by the Monster Plus which retails at $12,195. The Plus adds a windscreen and passenger seat cover. Both models come in Ducati Red (with black wheels), Aviator Grey (with red wheels), and Dark Stealth (with black wheels).

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Powering the latest Monster is the Euro 5-compliant 937cc liquid-cooled V-twin. Ducati says that compared to the previous 821, it sees an increase in displacement, power, and torque with a weight reduction of 5.3 pounds (2.4 kilograms). Ducati claims 111 hp at 9,250 rpm and 69 pound-feet at 6,500 rpm.

Contributor Seth Richards wrote that this new engine’s “character is completely transformed to be friendly and accessible, catering to a much broader range of riders.” During the San Francisco press launch the V-twin showcased its friendly, tractable power, and light clutch pull. “While devoid of the Hyper’s lunacy, the Monster revs freely and has the gumption to lift its front wheel with little prodding,” Richards continued. “Lugging the motor as low as 2,000 rpm, there’s some expectant shuddering, but dialed-in fueling helps it pull cleanly with none of the electronic stutter steps of some older Ducati ride-by-wire/EFI systems or driveline lash of even older Ducatis.”

The Monster has a six-speed gearbox, which has been refined for easier engagement into neutral and limits false neutrals between fifth and sixth gear.

2021 Ducati Monster Plus (Aviator Grey) (Ducati/)

Handling

The sportbike-inspired aluminum front frame is a claimed 60-percent lighter than the trellis while maintaining its compact dimensions. Other components like the rims and swingarm also shed pounds for a total claimed weight savings of 39.7 pounds (18 kilograms). Because of this weight loss, the Monster proves to be nimble at speed and easily compliant in side-to-side transitions. The Kayaba suspension is only preload adjustable out back, but Richards reports that it’s a setup that is comfortable around town and in the canyons.

Brakes

The Monster uses 320mm discs up front, Brembo M4.32 radial-mount calipers, and a radial-mount master cylinder with a 245mm disc and Brembo two-piston floating caliper out back. Cornering ABS comes standard. Richards wrote, “The setup is solid and provides good feel and a progressive bite, though not the final word in outright power (they aren’t Stylema calipers, after all).”

2021 Ducati Monster Plus (Aviator Grey) (Ducati/)

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

MPG is currently not recorded or provided by the manufacturer. It takes 3.7 gallons of fuel to fill up the Monster from empty.

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

Compared to the previous model, ergonomics have changed, namely, the handlebar is 2.6 inches closer to the rider, and the footpegs are 1.4 inches further back and 0.5 inch lower. Its bison-back tank slopes to a 32.3-inch (820mm) seat height with a low 31.5-inch seat available as an option and optional suspension lowering kit that can drop it down to 30.5 inches (775mm), making the Monster accessible to riders of many inseams. The seat is reportedly comfortable despite the rider being locked in place because of the slope at the tank. And although the bike itself is compact in design, the rider triangle is not cramped, Richards relates.

2021 Ducati Monster Plus (Aviator Grey) (Ducati/)

Electronics

Electronics that come standard on this modern Monster include fully adjustable cornering ABS, traction control, and wheelie control. Launch control, a bidirectional quickshifter, and three selectable ride modes are also equipped and information can be managed via handlebar controls and a new 4.3-inch TFT screen.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Both variations of the Monster come with a 24-month, unlimited mileage warranty.

Quality

Compact design, reduced weight, more powerful engine, and an advanced electronics package are all components that make the latest rendition of the Monster likable. Ultimately, it is an entry point to the Ducati lineup.

2021 Ducati Monster (Ducati Red) (Ducati/)

2021 Ducati Monster Claimed Specifications

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com