- Gets Testastretta 11-degree V2 engine
- Comes with better tech features
- Could be introduced in AUS and NZ by early 2026
Ducati has launched an all-new Monster for 2026, marking the latest evolution of its iconic naked roadster. The Bologna manufacturer has replaced the long-serving 937cc Testastretta 11° twin with a new 890cc V2 motor, an engine already found in the mid-size Panigale, Streetfighter, and Multistrada line-up.
The change to a smaller-capacity powerplant is part of Ducati’s gradual shift to more modern, cleaner engines that comply with Euro 5+ emissions standards. Despite the update, the Monster remains a core part of the brand’s identity, having first debuted in 1993 as an approachable and essential model that helped shape Ducati’s road-going image.
Following this announcement, only the DesertX and Hypermotard 950 remain on the 937cc platform, both of which are expected to be updated around the EICMA show in Milan later this year.
Powering the new Monster is a liquid-cooled 890cc twin producing a claimed 109.4bhp at 9000rpm and 67.2lb.ft of torque at 7250rpm. While peak power sits just below the outgoing model’s 110bhp at 9250rpm, the new engine delivers a broader torque spread, with 80% of its pull available between 4000 and 10,000rpm. Ducati claims a dry weight of 175kg, around 4kg lighter than before, and notes that the new motor is 5.9kg lighter than the old unit. Valve clearance checks are now extended to 28,000 miles.
The engine is mounted as a stressed member within a front-frame chassis, a design concept now standard across Ducati’s V2-powered range. The new double-sided swingarm adopts a hollow structure inspired by the Panigale V4 superbike, contributing to a more aggressive stance. Suspension is handled by Showa components, with 43mm non-adjustable forks up front and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear. The standard seat height is 815mm, which can be lowered to 775mm with optional accessories.
Braking is provided by Brembo, featuring twin 320mm discs with M4.32 radial callipers. The bike rides on 17-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres for precise road performance. Ergonomically, Ducati has repositioned the handlebars slightly higher and further forward for improved control, while the tank and rear panels feature a textured finish to enhance grip under braking. A five-inch colour TFT display, complete with light sensitivity and turn-by-turn navigation, is controlled via a joystick on the left-hand switchgear.
The Monster 2026 is equipped with a full suite of electronic rider aids, powered by a six-axis IMU. This includes cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, engine braking control, and selectable riding modes: Sport, Road, Urban, and Wet. The bike also supports cruise control, a bi-directional quickshifter, and heated grips.
True to Ducati tradition, the Monster retains a manual key ignition rather than a keyless system. While Ducati is launching the standard and Plus variants first, differentiated mainly by the inclusion of a flyscreen and pillion cover, it leaves room for a higher-spec performance model in the future. Available in classic Ducati Red or Iceberg White, the Monster 2026 is due to reach international dealerships from February next year. An A2 licence-compatible version will also be offered for newer riders.
