Ducati have unveiled their new Monster 821, a bike that celebrates 25 years of the iconic Ducati naked line, but also brings it bang up to date with the latest tech.
Providing a sneak peek at their 2018 line up, Ducati has unveiled the first of five new models for the coming season – the Monster 821.
The latest in the iconic naked range from Borgo Panigale is released as an updated version to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the original model – launched at the Cologne Show back in October 1992. As such, Ducati says the 821 inherits all the character and charm of the first Monster 900, the model that essentially started off the sporty naked segment – by successfully combining high performance, agility and rider-friendliness.
The Monster 821 changes its shape by adopting the design and functional features introduced in the Monster 1200. Most notably the 821 gains a completely redesigned tank and tail end, inspired by the 1992 Monster. A new racing silencer and headlight are also part of the new design. As expected for a cornerstone bike, Ducati haven’t skimped on the electronics and bestowed upon the mid-size Monster a colour TFT display, meaning riders are provided with all the info they could wish for including gear and fuel indicators.
The Ducati Quick Shift up/down and the Ducati Multimedia Systems will also be available as accessories, while the Monster 821 also features the Ducati Safety Pack, which comprises Bosch ABS and Ducati Traction Control off the factory floor.
Just like the Supersport we tested earlier this year, the Riding Modes allow a simple adjustment of ABS, DTC and Power Modes (controlling peak power and type of delivery), allowing the 821 to be transformed through three distinct “personalities” as Ducati puts it.
The Monster 821 brings back in the historic Ducati Yellow colour, which will be available for the 821 only, along with the Red and assertive Matte Black colour range.
At its heart is the 109hp and 86Nm of grunt from a liquid-cooled twin cylinder Testastretta, which should be a hoot if it shares any of the characteristics of the Supersport’s Testastretta.
Completing the rather impressive equipment list of the Monster 821 are the Brembo brakes, with dual 320 mm discs and M4-32 monobloc radial callipers at the front. Up front are 43mm forks while out back there’s an adjustable shock, the specs of both aren’t yet known at the time of writing.
The new Monster 821 is just the first of the Ducati 2018 new range, with the remaining four new models set to be presented to the general public at EICMA. We’ll have full coverage of the EICMA event in next month’s BRM.
