2018 Ducati Monster 821- What to expect

Ducati’s plans for India includes the launch of four new motorcycles. While the the Panigale V4 arrived on our shores a month ago, the 2018 Ducati Monster 821 is expected to be here on May 1. Ahead of its launch, we tell you what you can expect from the upcoming streetfighter from the Italian manufacturer.

Design

The 2018 Monster 821 continues to sport styling elements similar to its predecessors. It has the muscular fuel tank, upright and aggressive streetfighter stance, beefy front forks and the partially exposed trellis frame. 

However, the major visual change is the headlamp unit with LED DRLs which it borrows from the Monster 1200. The bike also shares its dual-outlet exhaust with its bigger sibling. The other subtle design changes include the rear section with a sculpted seat cowl and under-seat grab handles. The pillion foot peg is now bolted on the rear sub frame and the design of the exhaust heat-shield is also tweaked. The 2018 Monster 821 will also be offered in a new yellow paint scheme.

Technology

Ducati has equipped the 2018 Monster with a full-colour TFT instrument cluster. The bike also comes loaded with a new electronics package which includes the Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) system which is a quick shifter for clutch less upshifts and downshifts. It also gets the Ducati Safety Pack (DSP) which includes an eight-level traction control system, three riding modes; Urban, Touring and Sport along with three-level ABS.

Engine

The 2018 Monster 821 gets the same 821cc, Testastretta, L-Twin engine as the previous model. However, this unit produces a lower 107bhp and 86Nm of torque as compared to the 112bhp and 89Nm of torque output of its predecessor. 

Pricing

While pricing is unknown, the bike is very likely to be priced slightly more premium than the previous model. We expect the 2018 Ducati Monster to carry a price tag of around Rs 10 lakhs to Rs 11 lakhs. The bike will go head on against the Yamaha MT-09 and the Triumph Street Triple RS here.