New Ducati Monsters

A new mid-size Ducati Monster, the 821, arrives in July, replacing the discontinued 1100 EVO model. This new 821 shares all the high-tech solutions of the top-of-the-line Monster 1200 revealed at the EICMA show in Milan last year, but with less displacement and a more accessible price. In the US, Ducati says the blacked-out Monster 821 Dark will sell for $10, 995, while the regular 821 (red, with red frame and black wheels, or white with a red frame and matte-red wheels) lists at $11, 495.

The displacement of the new 821 indicates that this new Monster is powered by the Hypermotard’s 11 Degrees Testastretta V-twin, which has an 88.0mm bore and a 67.5 mm stroke. In the new Monster 821, the engine is said to produce 112 horsepower, an increase of 2 hp over the Hypermotard thanks to a more efficient exhaust.

The Testastretta is a jack-of-all-trades powerplant, delivering solid power and a very consistent and smooth torque curve that peaks at 65.9 pound-feet. Above all, it’s a significant step forward over the old air-cooled sohc 1100cc two-valver, especially in mechanical quietness. This variation of the Testastretta, which shares all external dimensional measurements with the mighty top-of-the-line Testastretta 1198 in the new Monster 1200, is harnessed in the same steel trellis frame as its larger-displacement sibling.

There is one main difference: A standard rear swingarm replaces the single-sided unit of the Monster 1200. Apart from that, all the main styling characteristics remain, which means the Monster 821 is a muscular, tough-looking mount, particularly the Dark model. What’s more, Ducati says the new Monster 821 has a dry weight of only 396 pounds, which suggests great agility and riding pleasure.

Generous standard equipment includes an innovative height-adjusting system for the seat, plus a complete suite of safety-enhancing electronics. In addition to eight-level traction control, the Monster 821 has ABS and a ride-by-wire throttle, both with three modes selectable via Ducati’s user-friendly pushbuttons.

Other details: Twin 320mm front brake rotors work with four-piston radial-mount calipers from Brembo, and the cast aluminum wheels are shod with Pirelli Diablo Rosso tires, size 120/70-17 in front, 180/60-17 in back. As before, this newest Monster continues the model’s minimalist style and less-is-more philosophy, all packaged in a very Italian way.