2018 Ducati Monster 821 vs Triumph Street Triple vs Yamaha MT-09 : Competition Check

Ducati has finally launched the 2018 Monster 821 in India. The bike not only gets a BS-IV compliant engine but also cosmetic and technological upgrades. The Monster 821 faces competition from the Triumph Street Triple and the Yamaha MT-09. We see how the bikes fare against each other in this competition check.

Design and features

The Monster 821 continues to sport the raw streetfighter design language of its predecessor. It gets the muscular fuel tank, beefy front forks and upright riding position. However, the 2018 model gets a slightly revised rear section and borrows its dual-barrel exhausts from the bigger Monster 1200. It also gets an LED-headlamp that adds a modern touch. For 2018, Ducati has added a bright yellow paint scheme to the colour pallette.

The Yamaha MT-09 looks radical with its sharp styling and quirky LED headlamp unit. It gets an edgy tank and upright riding position along with bigger air intake scoops and a thin tail section. It also sports new colours for 2018- grey with yellow, blue with black and a dark grey option.

The Street Triple 765 sportsits trademark ‘bug-eyes’ headlamp setup with LED DRLs. The bike also gets an exposed trellis sub-frame and svelte rear section that add elegance to its streetfighter stance. It is offered in two colours- black and red.

Electronics

Ducati has upgraded the Monster 821's electronic package with three-level ABS, eight-level traction control and three riding modes- Urban, Touring and Sport. It also gets a full-colour TFT screen and the Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) system for clutch less upshifts and downshifts.

The Triumph is the most electronically advanced machine in this list. It features a ride-by-wire throttle system, switchable traction control, two riding modes- ‘Rain and ‘Road’ and ABS along with a 5-inch TFT instrument cluster. Yamaha has equipped the MT-09 with a D-Mode function that lets you adjust engine power in three modes, a two-mode traction control system and ABS.

Engine

Powering the Monster 821 is a 821cc, Testastretta L-Twin engine that produces 107bhp and 86Nm of torque. This unit is mated to a six-speed gearbox and slipper clutch along with a two-way quickshifter. 

The Triumph Street Triple is powered by a 765cc, inline three-cylinder engine that produces 111bhp of power and 73Nm of torque via a six-speed gearbox. The manufacturer offers a quickshifter for clutch-less upshifts as an optional accessory.

The Yamaha MT-09 uses a 847cc in-line three cylinder, liquid-cooled engine which produces 111bhp and 87.5Nm of torque. It is mated to a six-speed gearbox with a one-way quickshifter. The MT-09 is the least powerful bike as compared to its rivals.

Pricing 

Ducati has introduced the Monster 821 at an introductory price of Rs 9.51 lakhs. The Yamaha MT-09 retails at a price of Rs 10.88 lakhs. The Triumph Street Triple is the most affordable at Rs 8.62 lakhs.