2021 Ducati Monster Review | Motorcyclist

Ducati’s Monster naked bike is easily the most popular and best-selling street bike the Bologna brand has ever produced. However, over the last few years its popularity has waned. Monster packed on pounds and morphed into a model that was anything but the original. Ducati says it's getting back to the basics however, well sort of, with its 2021 Monster ($12,195 as tested).
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A Small, Lighter Monster
You don’t have to throw a leg over the Monster to tell that it’s leaner than before. We like its sleeker lines and slimmer, more accommodating cockpit. Overall, it is a more pleasing ergonomics package; however, it’s tad cramped for taller folks. Another strike for taller riders: The location of the engine’s left-hand-side water pump obstructs the inner knee area when seated in a stationary position. On another note, Ducati offers taller and lower seat options. It also sells a suspension lowering kit that further reduces seat height.
Powertrain
Thumb the starter button and the liquid-cooled 937cc L-twin settles into a healthy lump. The exhaust note sounds less tinny and emits an improved rumble. Twist the throttle and the engine has a pleasing spread of power. Rev it high or rev it low, the engine delivers enough oomph to put a smile on your face.
An overhauled six-speed gearbox is a big improvement versus the sloppy transmission of old. Gear exchanges are more solid-feeling without any misshifts. The hydraulic-actuated clutch offers good response with easy lever squeeze.
As usual, this Ducati is a tour de force in the electronics department. Adjustable combined engine power and throttle mapping, traction and wheelie control, are standard as is a bidirectional electronic quickshifter. Accessory heated handgrips can also be fitted for an up-charge ($373.14).
There’s also three-way-adjustable ABS with cornering function. It’s matched to a responsive set of triple disc brakes that are well-suited to slowing things down in a hurry. Ducati electronics offer plenty of adjustability, and in their least intrusive settings, they operate at a very advanced level for pro-level riders.
The electronics are managed via a 4.2-inch color TFT display that carries over from the now-discontinued Monster 1200. The menu system performs adequately but, as a package, the user interface isn’t as slick as other MY ’21 bikes we’ve ridden recently. If you’re a longtime modern Ducati rider, you’ll figure it out. Everyone else will have to study the owner’s manual. We also wish the dash display was larger. Tasteful LED lighting helps the Monster rider stand out at night while improving the aesthetic appeal.
Handling and Suspension
Handling-wise the ’21 Monster is more playful than its predecessor. It steers more readily and is generally a very easy motorcycle to ride with its Panigale V4-like twin-spar aluminum frame. The chassis delivers a pleasing feel at lean, which makes it a fun little bike to hustle around corners.
On the other hand, we had mixed results with the suspension. In the city it generally performed well, with above average damping character for a fixed setup. However, on bumpy stretches of pavement, it delivers, at times, a jarring ride. It’s also odd that the suspenders don’t offer damping adjustment, especially at its lofty price point.
Final Thoughts
Lighter and more agile, we’re happy Ducati returns to some of the Monster’s core ethos. Its styling is more tasteful and it appears less plasticky than its bloated predecessor. The gearbox functions more aptly and it employs an array of electronics that make the bike easier to ride for novices and pros alike. But rough-riding suspension and its lofty price tag make it a hard sell for modern naked bike riders.
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Photography/video: Phewlid Films
Edit: Ray Gauger
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