AHEAD of its five-strong 2018 range reveal at EICMA, Ducati has presented the updated Monster 821, a model heavily inspired by the original Monster 900.
With 2017 marking 25 years since the Monster 900 emerged from Borgo Panigale, Ducati has chosen the 821 to represent this milestone. While the updated bike has adopted the functionality and streamlined style of the Monster 1200, it boasts a redesigned tank and tail end – both inspired by the 1992 version.
Alongside the Red and Matte Black colour options it will be offered in the historic ‘Ducati Yellow’, a colour in which the 900 was immensely popular.
Bookended by a new racing silencer and headlight, the 2018 821 is a joy to look at.
In typical Ducati fashion, it comes incredibly well-equipped as standard, with a neat colour TFT display making its debut, indicating information including gear, riding mode and fuel level.
Suspension is accounted for by 43 mm forks up front and an adjustable rear monoshock, while brakes comprise Brembo dual 320 mm discs and M4-32 monobloc radial callipers on the front wheel and a 245mm disc with two piston calliper on the back.
The liquid-cooled twin cylinder 109hp Testastretta engine, which makes 63.4lb/ft at 7,750rpm, is enhanced by the Ducati Safety Pack, which features Bosch ABS, Ducati Traction Control and three riding models offering varying power delivery.
Optional equipment includes Ducati’s own Quick Shift and Multimedia Systems, plus a host of aesthetic accessories.
The 821 is just one of five models the Italian manufacturer will launch at next month’s show, with the remainder to be unveiled on a live stream on Sunday, 5 November at 9pm.
But before then, we'll be riding the new 821 on launch in Italy. Check back next Thursday for our first impressions!
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Specs:
Engine: 821cc Testastretta 11°, L-Twin, 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder, Water cooled
Power: 80 kW (109 hp) @ 9,250 rpm *
Torque: 86 Nm (8.8 kgm / 63 lb-ft ) @ 7,750 rpm
Exhaust: 2-1 system, Two lambda probes, Stainless steel muffler with aluminium end cap
Front suspension: 43 mm usd fork
Rear suspension: Progressive linkage with adjustable monoshock, Aluminium double-sided swingarm
Front brake: 2 x 320 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted monobloc Brembo M4-32 callipers, 4-piston, axial pump with Bosch ABS as standard equipment
Rear brake: 245 mm disc, 2-piston calliper with Bosch ABS as standard equipment
Dry weight: 180,5 kg (398 lb)
Wet weight (KERB): 206 kg (454 lb)
Seat height: Adjustable 785 mm - 810 mm (30.91 in - 31.89 in)
Fuel tank capacity: 16.5 l (4.36 US gal)
CO2 Emissions: 125 g/km - 5.4 l/100 km
