Ducati has just updated the Monster with a slew of changes. Amongst the many updates are an updated, smaller 890cc engine, a new monocoque chassis, and 4kg lesser weight with the price starting at Rs 13.99 lakh. Till now, the most popular option in this price segment has been Triumph’s Street Triple 765 RS, coming in at Rs 12.92 lakh. Let’s see how the updates have shaped up the Monster V2.
Ducati Monster V2 vs Triumph Street Triple 765 RS: Engine and output
More power for Triumph, more torque for Ducati
The headlining change for the new Monster is the previous version’s 937cc V-twin engine being replaced with a 890cc V-twin engine, also seen in the likes of the Multistrada V2, Panigale V2, and the Streetfighter V2. Despite being smaller, this engine makes similar power and slightly lower torque (2Nm less, to be exact). Triumph, however, remains the most powerful engine in the segment with a class-leading 130hp. However, the reputed three-cylinder engine does have lesser torque than the Monster’s twin-cylinder. The Triumph also delivers both power and torque later in the rev range.
Ducati Monster V2 vs Triumph Street Triple 765 RS: Weight and dimensions
Ducati only discloses wet weight with no fuel
Ducati’s new updates to the Monster V2 includes a lower, narrower 815mm seat height (with 795mm and 775mm seats available as accessories; the latter requires a low suspension kit). Owing to various improvements throughout, it’s 4kg lighter than the outgoing model. The Triumph, by default, has a 21mm taller seat height. Although Triumph does offer lower seats as accessories, a 808mm one and a 798mm one; the latter requires a shorter rear suspension. At first glance, it might appear that the Ducati is significantly lighter than the Triumph, but do note that Ducati India only reports wet weight without fuel, whereas Triumph reports wet weight with fuel. With 90 percent fuel, the Monster should weigh closer to 185.3kg. However, neither company mentions the ground clearance numbers on their Indian website.
Ducati Monster V2 vs Triumph Street Triple 765 RS: Tyres, brakes, and suspension
The Ducati offers a larger brake rotor on both ends
Both the motorcycles share the exact same tyre sizes. The Ducati offers a larger brake rotor on both ends, although both companies offer cornering ABS as standard. Things get a bit more interesting with the suspension. The Ducati offers the larger diameter front fork but its system isn’t quite as adjustable as the Triumph. Triumph suspension can be adjusted for preload, rebound, and compression on both ends, whereas the Ducati only offers rear preload adjustment. Point to be noted that the Street Triple RS is a track-focussed version whereas the Monster is meant for balanced usage. To that end, it is the Ducati that has the longer travel on both front (130mm vs 115mm) and rear (145mm vs 131.2mm). Differences in rake and trail are negligible for their intended purpose.
Ducati Monster V2 vs Triumph Street Triple 765 RS: Features
Par for the segment
Both the companies offer most of the features expected in this segment, but Ducati does go the extra mile by offering wheelie control and a bi-directional quickshifter as standard. As is also the norm in this segment, both motorcycles are ready for numerous accessory fitments such as cruise control and TPMS, with Ducati once again offering more electronic rider aids than Triumph.
Ducati Monster V2 vs Triumph Street Triple 765 RS: Price
Triumph is cheaper by a lakh
Ducati has priced the new Monster at Rs 13.99 lakh (ex-showroom), a Rs 15,000 increase over the old Monster. Triumph on the other hand asks for Rs 12.92 lakh (ex-showroom). Do note that the Street Triple R—the road-focussed version—costs Rs 10.86 lakh (ex-showroom), which is significantly more affordable than the Monster. Both the motorcycles are distinctive enough with their design and equipment to make choosing one over the other simpler.
Vishal Venugopal
Ved Janve
