Ducati has launched the top-spec SP variant of its famous Monster at Rs 15.95 lakh (ex-showroom, India). This SP version is Rs 3 lakh more expensive than the standard Monster and is more track-oriented too.
- SP gets Ohlins suspension units, Brembo Stylema calipers
- 20mm taller seat height than regular bike
- Paint scheme inspired by the Ducati Desmosedici race bike
Ducati Monster SP: what’s different?
Mechanically, the biggest change between the regular Monster and the SP variant is in the suspension and braking hardware on offer. The SP is suspended by an Ohlins NIX 30 fork and Ohlins monoshock, both fully adjustable. Braking hardware comes courtesy of Italian expert Brembo, with top-notch Stylema calipers that bite down upon twin 320mm discs.
Because of the change in the suspension units, the bike has become taller and has a seat height of 840mm. As a consequence of these changes, there’s more cornering clearance on offer as well. The Monster SP also comes standard with a steering damper.
The Monster SP is 2kg lighter than the standard bike, at 186kg (wet). This has been achieved by the usage of a new lightened subframe, a carbon-fibre/titanium Termignoni muffler and a lithium-ion battery. It also runs on Pirelli Rosso 4 tyres as opposed to the Rosso 3’s on the standard bike.
Powering the Monster SP is a liquid-cooled, 937cc, L-twin engine that puts out 111hp at 9,250rpm and 93 Nm at 6,500rpm. This engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox coupled with a bidirectional quickshifter. A full suite of electronic rider aids including traction control, wheelie control, launch control, power modes, riding modes (including a new Wet riding mode) and switchable dual-channel ABS is on offer here, all controlled via a six-axis IMU.
The Monster SP gets a unique paint scheme inspired by the Ducati Desmosedici GP racebike and a colour-matched seat cowl.
The Ducati Monster SP will be rivalled by the soon-to-be-launched in India 2023 Street Triple RS. In Ducati’s line-up, its Rs 15.95 lakh sticker price places the Monster SP between the Rs 15.75 lakh Supersport 950 and the Rs 16.05 lakh Multistrada V2.
Would you pay the premium for this SP variant over the standard Monster? Let us know in the comments section below.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
