Ducati’s mid-sized Monster gets some design and equipment upgrades for 2018. The updated 821 borrows its headlamp from the Monster 1200, but one of the bigger upgrades comes in the form of a colour TFT instrument cluster. This is a feature that more expensive siblings like the Multistrada 950 and SuperSport don't get. Completing the visual changes is a new slimmer design for the tail section. The 2018 Monster 821 also ships in a lovely new shade of yellow, in tribute to the original Monster 900 that turns 25 this year.
The 821 continues with the same 821cc, 90 degree V-twin but it now makes slightly less power and torque on account of becoming Euro 4 compliant. Peak power is now 2hp down to 110hp while torque drops from 89.4Nm to 86Nm. Braking is handled by dual 320mm front discs slowed by powerful Brembo M4.32 callipers. The Ducati Safety pack continues to offer three levels of ABS, eight levels of traction control and three riding modes. However, the six-speed gearbox now gets a bi-directional quickshifter like we experienced on the SuperSport S.
Ducati was due to launch a BS-IV spec version of the Monster 821 by October in India. However, we have now discovered that India will get the latest-spec Monster 821 instead and you can expect it to be launched here after international sales commence.
Vishal Venugopal
Ved Janve
Azaman Chothia
