Ducati has announced an update to its middleweight naked bike lineup, with the new 2021 Ducati Monster and Monster+ models. The latest iteration of Ducati’s iconic series features a new chassis and utilizes the same weight-saving front-frame design as the Panigale and Streetfighter V4 motorcycles. That’s right — the new Monster is no longer using a steel-trellis frame. The result is a 40-pound weight reduction when compared to the Monster 821. Couple that with a more powerful 937cc Testastretta 11-degree V-twin engine, top-shelf electronics and a complete aesthetic refresh, and this Monster looks like a whole new beast.
Pricing for Ducati Red color options of the 2021 Ducati Monster and Monster+ is $11,895 and $12,195, respectively. Meanwhile, Aviator Grey and Dark Stealth colorways are an additional $200.
Read our 2021 Ducati Monster First Ride Review
Interestingly, the MSRPs for the new Monster and Monster+ are cheaper than the 2020 Monster 821 ($11,995) and 821 Stealth ($12,895) models.
The Monster series dates back to 1993 and is the brainchild of famed motorcycle designer Miguel Galluzzi. Since its inception, Monster motorcycles have satiated those looking for real-world street sensibilities coupled with sporting performance. It has been a winning formula for Ducati, with over 350,000 Monster units sold since its introduction.
The rider triangle is more neutral and upright, thanks to the handlebar moving 2.8 inches closer to the rider. Legroom is said to have increased as well. In stock trim, the new Monster’s seat height is 32.3 inches and, with its narrow chassis, should accommodate riders of varying sizes. Ducati has taken an extra step for riders with shorter inseam lengths, offering a low seat option (31.5 inches) and spring lowering that drops the saddle height to 30.5 inches.
Powering the Monster and Monster+ is the 5.5-pounds-lighter 937cc Testastretta 11-degree V-twin that is also found in the SuperSport and Hypermotard lineups. Claimed peak horsepower has increased 2 ponies to 111 at 9,250 rpm, and peak torque has risen to 68.7 lb-ft at a street-friendly 6,500 rpm. The increase in displacement is said to distribute power more evenly across the entire rev range, emphasizing low and mid-range grunt. An up/down quickshifter is also standard and will make quick work of the 6-speed gearbox.
A full suite of rider aids is standard, and owners will be able to choose from three preset riding modes — Sport, Urban and Touring — which adjust throttle response and intervention levels. The new Monster also benefits from IMU-supported cornering ABS, lean-angle-sensitive traction control, wheelie control and launch control — all of which are adjustable from the 4.3-inch color TFT instrument panel. The top-tier amenities don’t stop there, with LED lighting all around, self-canceling turn signals and a USB charging port.
This year, the Monster has hit the gym, boasting a claimed wet weight of 414 pounds, shedding a whopping 40 pounds of weight compared to the Monster 821. This was achieved in numerous ways, and the biggest break in Ducati Monster tradition is the use of a much lighter aluminum front-frame design that uses the 937cc as a stressed member. The new superbike-derived front-frame weighs just 6.6 pounds, nearly 10 pounds lighter than the traditional steel-trellis frame featured on all prior Monster motorcycles. Also, engineers whittled the swingarm down by 3.5 pounds and the cast aluminum wheels by an additional 3.75 pounds. Other weight savings were achieved by using a lightweight GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer) subframe.
Weight reduction also extended to the 3.7-gallon fuel tank, which holds 0.7 gallon less than the Monster 821’s.
Ducati engineers also worked to create a more agile middleweight Monster by altering its geometry. The wheelbase comes in a slightly shorter 58 inches, and the rake is now at 24 degrees.
The suspension is handled by a non-adjustable 43mm inverted fork with 5.1 inches of travel and a spring preload-adjustable shock equipped with 5.5 inches of travel.
Braking duties are handled by robust radially mounted Brembo M4.32 4-piston calipers, clamping onto 320mm floating rotors in the front. In the back, a Brembo 2-piston caliper.
Available in two models, the Monster and Monster+ are identical mechanically and their technological features. For an additional $300, the Monster+ is equipped with a svelte flyscreen and passenger seat cover.
Ducati anticipates that the 2021 Ducati Monster and Monster+ will arrive in North American dealerships in April 2021. We can’t wait to throw a leg over one for a full review, but until then, feast your eyes on the new Monster.
2021 Ducati Monster and Monster+ Specs:
Base Price: $11,995 / $12,195 (Monster+)
Website: ducati.com
Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse 90-degree V-twin, desmodromic DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke: 94 x 67.5mm
Displacement: 937cc
Transmission: 6-speed, hydraulically actuated assist-and-slipper wet clutch
Final Drive: O-ring chain
Wheelbase: 58.3 in.
Rake/Trail: 24 degrees/3.7 in.
Seat Height: 32.3 in.
Claimed Wet Weight: 414 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 3.7 gals.
MPG: 91 PON min. / NA
Oh Ducati, what have you done? Even in traditional red, it might be a Ducati, but how can it be a Monster without a trellis frame. This is just wrong.
Bleeding edge modern now but miss the classic styling of the former.
Ducati has been getting away from L-twins, Desmo valvetrains, trellis frames, dry clutches. Everyone can whine and complain, but has it hurt Ducati sales? no. It’s made Ducati more powerful, less heavy, much more reliable, and finally more attainable cost-wise.
How to kill a motorcycle company? Don’t innovate. Ie. Harley Davidson.
Kudos, Ducati.
Thank you for your comment. This is exactly what I am thinking too. Tradition doesn’t mean protecting the ash, it means carry the spark! And this is what Ducati does perfectly.
Ugly bike and a major step back from the traditional Ducati styling ques.
Not a fan at all, 2020s way better looking, sure the reduced weight is nice, but it just doesn’t have that nice Italian monster look, I think majority of people buy the monster for its look. But guess their sales will find out
Look like Ducati is pointing a sharpened stick directly at KTM’s 890 Duke.