The latest-generation Triumph Street Triple RS has already proved itself to be a brilliantly all-rounded motorcycle. It isn’t just a great everyday superbike, but also a fun track tool. However, Ducati is set to challenge Triumph’s supremacy with the thoroughly updated Monster 821. Here is how these two European street fighters compare on paper.
Physical overview
Both these motorcycles look worlds apart. For its latest gen model, the Street Triple sports an evolution of its signature bug-eye design, which still remains a love-it-or-hate-it design. The Monster 821, for the 2018 model year, celebrates the classic Monster 900’s silver jubilee by incorporating some elements from the latter. As a result, it retains that characteristic Monster look that we’re so familiar with.
| 2018 Ducati Monster 821 | Triumph Street Triple RS | |
| Wheelbase | 1,480mm | 1,410mm |
| Weight (dry) | 195kg | 166kg |
| Seat height | 785mm - 810mm (adjustable) | 825mm |
The biggest strength of the Street Triple is its weight, or rather the lack of it. At 166kg (dry), the Street Triple RS manages to undercut the Monster 821 by 29kg – indeed a significant figure by motorcycle standards. The Triumph is also the more compact bike of the two, however, we cannot say exactly to what extent because Ducati has not released official figures of the 821’s length, width and height. What we do know is that the Triumph features a smaller wheelbase. However, the Ducati will be friendlier for short riders, as its saddle height is lower and adjustable.
Engine and gearbox
The Monster 821 is powered by a 821cc, L-twin engine that pumps 107bhp of power and 86Nm of peak torque. This fuel injected motor is water-cooled as well. The Triumph on the other hand sports an extra cylinder on its 765cc liquid-cooled motor that outclasses the Ducati with its 121bhp. However, its torque output at 77Nm remains lesser of the two. Both bikes feature a 6-speed gearbox with slipper clutch as standard.
| 2018 Ducati Monster 821 | Triumph Street Triple RS | |
| Engine displacement | 821cc | 765cc |
| Cylinders | 2 | 3 |
| Power | 107bhp | 121bhp |
| Torque | 86Nm | 77Nm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Fuel tank capacity | 16.5 litres | 17.4 litres |
Suspension, brakes and tyres
The Street Triple RS sports upside-down, 41mm, Showa forks up front with 115mm wheel travel. There is adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and adjustable preload. At the rear is Ohlins STX40, fully-adjustable, piggyback reservoir RSU. The new Monster 821 is equipped with a 43mm diameter front fork and a rear monoshock with spring preload adjustment and hydraulic brake extension.
| 2018 Ducati Monster 821 | Triumph Street Triple RS | |
| Front suspension | 43mm USD fork | 41mm USD fork |
| Rear suspension | Adjustable Monoshock | Adjustable Monoshock |
| Front brakes | 320mm dual semi-floating discs | 310mm dual floating discs |
| Rear brakes | 245mm disc | 220mm disc |
| Front tyres | 120/70 R17 | 120/70 R17 |
| Rear tyres | 180/55 R17 | 180/55 R17 |
Both bikes sport Brembo disc brakes at both ends with dual-channel, switchable ABS as standard. Both also sit on 17-inch Pirelli tyres, however, the Street gets Diablo Supercorsa SPs, while the 821 features Diablo Rosso IIIs.
Price
The Triumph Street Triple RS is priced at Rs. 11.13 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India). The Monster is 821 will set you back by Rs 9.51 lakh, which is indeed an attractive price when you compare it to the Triumph. Also, the 821 is only about ~Rs 1.25 lakh dearer to the smaller Monster 797 - but for that extra money you get a lot more power and added equipment.
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