The 2026 iteration of Ducati’s iconic Monster has been revealed, returning to its big, muscular tank look, and becomes the fourth motorcycle in the brand’s portfolio to be powered by the 890cc V2 engine.
- Ducati Monster returns to the iconic big, muscular tank.
- Powered by an 890cc V-twin shared with the Streetfighter V2
- Gets a larger 5-inch TFT dash
2026 Ducati Monster: What’s new?
The Monster’s electronics package is managed by a six-axis IMU
Since inception, the Monster has been a runaway success, saving Ducati from the flames of financial turmoil in the early 1990s. Foremost, the updated model brings back the hallmark Monster’s big-tank look that it was widely known for. The previous model was criticised for straying from the Monster’s big-tank look, which has been addressed in this update. The tank also integrates vents that are a hark back to the second generation of the Monster; this tank also allows a wider lock-to-lock steering movement. The headlight, too, has been tweaked and features a round DRL that doesn’t meet at the top or bottom, unlike the earlier model, and it even features dynamic swiping indicators — front and rear.
Ducati Monster 890cc V2 engine details:
At the heart of the updated Monster is a new 890cc V-twin, or V2 engine, in Ducati’s speak, shared with the Multistrada V2, Streetfighter V2, and Panigale V2. Here it produces 111hp at 9,000rpm and 91.1Nm at 7,250rpm; while the power remains the same, the torque has in fact gone down by 1.9Nm over the previous Monster. This engine features an intake variable valve system that provides a wider torque compared to a peaky top-end rush. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a bi-directional quickshifter. This new engine also provides the peace of mind of a larger interval of 45,000 km between valve clearance checks, thanks to conventional spring valves as opposed to Desmodromic valves.
Since the 2020 generation, Ducati has used an aluminium monocoque chassis, with the engine serving as a stressed member. The 2026 Monster continues this setup, now with a lightweight aluminium frame bolted directly to the cylinder heads, complemented by a technopolymer trellis-style subframe and a double-sided swingarm inspired by the Panigale V4. The result is a motorcycle weighing just 175 kg (without fuel), four kilograms lighter than its predecessor.
In addition to the big tank, the Monster also brings back the single-piece seat that has a stock height of 815mm (which is 5mm lower than the previous iteration). Ducati will also sell you a lower seat and a suspension-lowering kit that can reduce the height down to 775mm.
Showa provides the suspension setup, comprising a 43mm upside-down fork and a preload-adjustable rear shock. Braking duties are carried out by twin Brembo 4.32 calipers with 320mm discs — the same as the previous model.
Ducati Monster's electronics suite:
The new Ducati Monster’s electronics package is managed by a six-axis IMU that oversees cornering ABS, traction and wheelie control and engine-brake control. Four Riding Modes — Sport, Road, Urban, and Wet — come with dedicated Power Modes that adjust power delivery and intervention levels. All aids are preset but fully customisable, with three levels of ABS (including a front-only mode), eight levels of Traction Control, four of Wheelie Control, and three of Engine Brake Control. Settings are accessed via a new 5-inch TFT screen, which is larger compared to the earlier 4.2-inch TFT.
2026 Ducati Monster price and availability:
The outgoing model was priced at Rs 13.84 lakh
The new Monster will be offered in two variants — the standard Monster and the Monster Plus, the latter adding a small windscreen and a seat cowl. Both versions will be available in Ducati Red or Iceberg White.
Currently this model has been unveiled overseas and should be launched in India in the coming year. The outgoing Monster carried a price tag of Rs 13.84 lakh (ex-showroom, India), and the 2026 model is expected to be priced in the same range, if not a bit higher.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
