Ducati shows off new mid-range monsters

Since the launch of the first monsters, more than 350,000 copies have been produced, making it Ducati's most successful model. This now comes in a new version that is simply called "Monster" without the usual number indicating the displacement. The original recipe dates back to 1993: a sporty, yet roadworthy engine in combination with a superbike-derived frame that offers everything riders need for daily riding fun.

The new monster is based on the same concepts that connect it to the unforgettable Monster 900, the first truly sporty Naked bike, but reinterpreted and further developed. The result is a motorcycle with a simple and efficient chassis that is able to give the rider the perfect feeling right away. The seat position is less stressful for the wrists and the engine offers a high balance between power, torque and easy handling.

To create the new monster, the engineers and designers started from scratch, but with a clear idea of the most important points around which the new motorcycle was to be built. The motorcycle is slender and agile and has the unmistakable DNA of every monster that characterizes the iconic model: the bison back-shaped tank, the round headlight, the purist rear and last but not least the central engine, as the most important element. The shapes have evolved in a direction where the essentials and technology are enhanced by the design, such as.B. in the circular profile of the LED headlight and in the blinkers with swiping technology.

The monster is powered by the Testastretta 11° 937 cc l-shaped two-cylinder engine with desmodromic valve control and Euro 5 homologation. Compared to the previous model 821, the displacement, power and torque increase. The weight is reduced (-2.4 kg), which contributes to the lightness of the motorcycle and implies better handling. It now produces 111 hp at 9,250 rpm with a torque of 9.5 kgm (93 Nm) at 6,500 rpm and proves to be efficient and responsive in gas acceptance. Thanks to the increased displacement, torque has improved in all speed ranges, especially in the lower to medium speed range, the most important speeds in road traffic. In addition to its increasing performance, it also guarantees unique driving comfort and great driving pleasure, which is also enhanced by the new transmission and the standard Ducati Quick Shift up/down. The monster is also available in a 35 kW version, which is suitable for people with A2 driving licence.

In order to ensure maximum driving pleasure, great attention was paid to weight reduction during the development of the new monsters. Chassis, accessories and superstructures have been redesigned from the ground up to create a compact and lightweight motorcycle that is perfect for everyday use as well as for sporty use.

The aluminium front frame is based on the same concept as the Panigale V4. It is short and directly attached to the cylinder heads. With a weight of only 3 kg, this frame is 4.5 kg lighter (60% less) than the previous lattice tube frame, which reduced the dry weight of the motorcycle to only 166 kg.

Each component has been redesigned and made lighter: the rims lose 1.7 kg and the swingarm is 1.6 kg lighter. The weight of the rear auxiliary frame is reduced by 1.9 kg, thanks in part to the GRP (glass-fibre reinforced plastic) technology that was used to produce it, which makes it possible to optimize the shapes and surfaces in favour of lightness and compactness. The total weight saving is 18 kg compared to the Monster 821.

The new monster will be available at the dealership from April.