Ducati Monster 821, Track Test

The Ducati Monster 821 is our undisputed performance machine, which clocked the fastest lap time on the track. Of course, with Ducati’s handling prowess and engineering this isn’t exactly surprising. The Monster 821 pays homage to the original Monster that, in fact, launched the naked sports bike segment. After 25 years of perfecting the most outlandish, fun, powerful and attractive naked motorcycle on the planet, Ducati has relaunched the Monster 821 this year with a few upgrades and tweaks.  

In short, the new Monster 821 considerably benefits from some trickle-down engineering from its big brother – the Monster 1200. It gets a host of new design touches, such as a new tank, tail section, headlight and muffler. Then there is Ducati’s Testastretta, L-twin powerplant that offers incredible performance courtesy of its 109bhp. What’s really great about this bike, though, is how every component comes together to make it a perfect package. Sure, it isn’t an entry-level ride, but it’s such a comfortable motorcycle with great and usable power, that it’ll certainly appeal to enthusiasts. And, of course, since it’s a Monster it has X-Factor in spades. 

The Monster is also capable of superbike performance, but only in the hands of experienced riders. It can shift personalities, thanks to the different riding modes. In Urban mode, power is muted. It comes back to its full potential in Touring mode, allowing you to cruise all day long with an instantaneous throttle response. Switch to Sport mode, and you’ll find yourself doing power wheelies all day long.   

The new Monster 821 is certainly the epitome of what a naked sports bike should be. It’s muscular, and yet lean. It has no excess weight from unnecessary equipment. Its front-end is nice and beefy, which, together with its exposed Trellis frame and tiny tail, give it a powerful look and accentuate its aggressive nature. The handing is incredible, thanks to the well thought out rake angle and stiff suspension setup that shrugs off any negative effects of hard cornering. Its short wheelbase, aggressive seating position and compact dimensions also play a pivotal role in its easy handling, which inspires great confidence while riding. 

Besides being the fastest on the track, the Monster is also a practical machine that’s exciting on the road and impressive in its design. It’s a user-friendly package suitable for entry-level riders, but, at the same time, also offers engaging and tantalising performance to seasoned riders.  

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