First impressions last long, and here are a few we would like to share about Ducati’s Monster 821, the third and latest generation of the popular Monster series. The Monster 795 and 796 are the Italian brand’s previous-generation motorcycles, the Monster 795 was built for Asian markets. These however are no longer in production and are available only till stocks run out.
The latest Monster 821 is powered by a new liquid cooled L-Twin engine that makes 110.5bhp of power at 9,250rpm and 9.1kgm of torque is produced at 7,750rpm — both figures higher than the previous Monster bikes that were also only air-cooled. The introduction of a liquid-cooling system here is a new and welcome feather in Ducati’s cap.
The Seat height at 785mm, is incredibly low! That would make it as low as the one on Kawasaki’s Z250. A two-stage height adjustment mechanism also makes way here; the seat can be lowered all the way to 765mm, making it comfortable for short riders. Five footers can opt for the low seat which drops seat height to 765mm, that's just 5mm higher than the TVS Scooty Zest! Strengthening the core structure of a machine as capable as this can result in positive ride and handling. So now Ducati has upped the game by introducing a new front trellis frame and a rear sub frame on their Monster 821 which are lighter and stiffer than on Asia’s Monster 795. Overall weight has increased, because of the liquid-cooled engine that also has to carry additional fluids and a new radiator for liquid-cooling duties.
The front trellis is mounted onto the frontward cylinder head, the sub-frame at rear is mounted off the other cylinder head. The alloy swingarm is mounted directly on the engine, making the engine an integral part of the chassis. These fittings are clearly seen in the images seen in our gallery.
Technically too, Ducati equips its Monster 821 with the latest advancements such as the ride-by-wire technology that on the Monster offers three riding modes — Sport, Urban and Touring. Neither Kawasaki’s Z800 nor Triumph’s Street Triple offer that kind of switchable mapping. These modes can also be customised with their ABS braking and the traction control intervention, an innovative feature.
Also, ergonomically the Monster 821 is more relaxed compared to the Monster 796 — meaning the more upright seating posture should be more comfortable on the go here.
Ducati’s Monster 821 gets new Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tyres, which have a more flexible carcass for better bump absorption and grip.
Ducati seem to have even got the service schedule interval to be generously long at 15,000km, while the valve clearance check is at 30,000km.
The Ducati Monster 821 will go on sale in the second week of June with deliveries beginning from mid-July. A full review of Ducati’s capable Monster 821 headed your way very soon.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
