Ducati to launch 2021 Monster this month

Ducati is set to launch its 2021 Monster in India later in September. The manufacturer has launched multiple new models this year, with the most recent being the Supersport 950. However, the Monster is also one of the most popular Ducatis.

• Big changes over predecessor

• Improved electronics package

• Makes 111hp and 93Nm of torque

The Italian motorcycle company is also going to introduce the exotic Panigale V4 SP to India around November this year. You can read more about that here.

Coming back to the Monster, Ducati plans to call it just that without any numerical suffix like the previous-gen models. The biggest change comes in the new aluminium front frame which is inspired by the Panigale V4. This unit attaches directly to the engine and weighs just 3kg, which is 4.5kg less than the iconic trellis frame in the old model. Weight-saving measures in other areas like the swingarm, wheels, smaller fuel tank (down from 17.5 litres to 14 litres) and even in the engine have helped Ducati reduce a whopping 18kg. This results in a competitive kerb weight of 188kg.

As for the suspension, the new Monster comes with a non-adjustable 43mm USD fork and a preload adjustable monoshock. Braking is carried out by Brembo M4.32 calipers up front and the 2021 model runs Pirelli Diablo Rosso 3 tyres.

Powering the Monster is the same 937cc engine also seen in the Multistrada 950 and the Supersport. This motor is bigger than the 821cc unit in the previous Monster 821 and complies with the stricter Euro 5/BS6 emissions. Power and torque stand at 111hp and 93Nm, which is a slight increase over the older model.

Facing the rider is a 4.3-inch TFT display that allows one to switch between three riding modes - Sport, Touring and Urban. The ABS and traction control systems are both lean angle sensitive and the bike also offers wheelie-control, launch-control and a bi-direction quickshifter.

The 2021 Ducati Monster costs around Rs 2 lakh (£2,000) less than the SuperSport 950 in the UK. The SuperSport 950 costs Rs 13.5 lakh in India, and if we see a similar difference here, one can expect a price tag close to Rs 11.5 lakh. However, we could a slightly lower price as it sits in a competitive segment.