Ducati has taken the wraps off the 2021 Monster, which is a redesigned version of their best-selling bike. Created from scratch, the 2021 Monster features a new LED headlight with an eye-catching daytime running light. The bike also has new bodywork and a 4.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Despite the evolutionary design, the handlebar moves approximately 70 mm closer to a rider’s torso for a “more upright riding position that guarantees greater comfort and control.” The foot position has also been changed, while the center section is now narrower than before.

Sticking with ergonomics, the Monster has a seat height of 820 mm. If that’s too tall, an optional spring kit can reduce the distance to 775 mm. Despite the numerous changes, designers wanted to ensure the bike was still instantly recognizable as a Monster. As a result, it retains a handful of old school touches including a “bison back” fuel tank.

 

Power comes from a new 937cc twin-cylinder engine that produces 110 hp and 93 Nm of torque. Despite the larger displacement and increased power ratings, the new engine is actually 5.3 lbs lighter than its predecessor. On the topic of displacement, the larger size improves torque “across all revs, particularly in the medium-low range, most suited to the road and through corners.” Further aiding things is a new six-speed gearbox and a standard Quick Shift system.

The engine isn’t the only thing that is lighter as the aluminum front frame draws inspiration from the one used on the Panigale V4 and this helps the bike to shed 4.5 kg of weight. Likewise, the 17-inch wheels are 1.7 kg lighter while the swingarm drops 1.6 kg of weight. The rear subframe also adopts glass fiber reinforced polymer technology to shed 1.9 kg. Thanks to all these weight saving measures, the Monster has a dry weight 166 kg which makes it 18 kg lighter than the Monster 821.

 

The 2021 Ducati Monster will arrive at US dealerships in April and pricing starts at US$ 11,895. Customers can also upgrade to the Monster Plus which begins at US$ 12,195. The two bikes are largely identical, but Monster Plus comes with a fly screen and a passenger seat cover.