2021 Ducati Monster arrives with major updates

The all-new 2021 Ducati Monster ditches the trellis frame in favour of a Panigale V4-like aluminium front frame. It's now powered by a bigger 937cc L-twin engine, producing more power and torque. That's not all, it's also lighter and packs more gadgets and features. 

While many manufacturers are taking it slow and steady in 2020, Ducati being Ducati has gone all out by launching a number of new products in the last few months. We first got the all-new Multistrada V4, which was immediately followed by the arrival of the new Supersport 950 and Panigale V4 SP. And now the all-new Monster has arrived on the scene.

The Monster is one of the most popular motorcycles for the brand in over two decades. Before the arrival of the Scrambler range, the Monster was the entry-point into the world of Ducati bikes. However, for a lot of aspiring customers, the Monster is still the first Ducati that they’d like to have in their garage, which is what makes it all the more important for the brand. As a result of all of this, Ducati has put in a lot of work in the new Monster. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2021 Ducati Monster,

Only one Monster, without Trellis frame

With the arrival of the new Monster, Ducati has done away with the 797 and 821 suffixes, meaning the Monster will be available in a single-spec in its new avatar. Of course, the Monster 1200 will continue to be sold, but there’s no entry-level or lower-spec Monster anymore. Second, the biggest change in the new motorcycle is that it no longer features a trellis frame – it's a first for a Monster. The trellis structure has now been replaced by an aluminium frame, which is inspired by the Panigale V4. Of course, the sight of a Monster without an exposed trellis frame may cause some uproar amongst loyal fans of the brand, but the upside of the new frame is that it’s lighter by nearly 4.5kg – it only weighs 3kg. Not only that, the whole motorcycle now weighs 18kg less than the outgoing Monster 821, as it tips the scales at just 166kg (dry).

Lean & Mean

On the design front, the Monster has changed dramatically. It’s leaner and meaner, plus, it also looks quite sleek. Although the motorcycle retains its round headlamp, muscular fuel tank, and a clean tail. The new elements, such as full-LED headlamps, integrated indicators on the fuel tank, new paint graphics, and stubby twin-exhaust pipes, make it look more modern and upmarket. There’s also a 4.3-inch full-colour display as part of the standard kit.

Testastretta Heart

The all-new Monster is powered by the same 937cc Testastretta 11° L-twin that powers the recently launched Supersport 950. The engine develops 109.4bhp@9,250rpm and offers a peak torque of 93Nm@6,500rpm – a gain of 2bhp and 7Nm over the 821's engine. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox, featuring a hydraulic clutch as well as a quick-shifter.

The suspension setup comprises non-adjustable 43mm upside-down front forks and a pre-load adjustable rear mono-shock. And braking duties are performed by dual 320mm front discs, with radially mounted Brembo M4.32 4-piston callipers, and a 245mm rear disc, with a 2-piston floating calliper. The motorcycle is shod with Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tyres. Among other tweaks, the steering angle has been increased to 36 degrees (+7 degrees over the 821) for better agility. The handlebar has also been pulled back by 2.75 inches, and the foot-pegs are repositioned to give a more upright riding position.  

Electronics package includes three riding modes – Sport, Urban and Touring – cornering ABS, traction control, launch control, and wheelie control.

The 2021 Monster will be available in two variants – Monster and Monster Plus. The Plus variant adds a flyscreen and a pillion seat cover over the standard version. Both the bikes will also be offered with optional graphics and other accessories.

Since the old Monster was one of the best-selling bikes for Ducati in India, expect the all-new version to arrive on our shores in the first half of 2021. The new Monster is expected to be priced between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom). The Monster will compete against the likes of Triumph Street Triple R and BMW F 900 R. 

Also read, 

2021 Ducati SuperSport 950 and Panigale V4 SP revealed 

Ducati Panigale V2 vs Panigale V4: Comparison