Words by Ganesh Murthy
Ducati, the Italian based motorcycle manufacturer, has unveiled the updated Monster 821 with some cosmetic and mechanical upgrades. The bike is now Euro IV compliant and it features a new smaller fuel tank, colour TFT instrumentation, a slight decline in power and torque figures compared to the previous gen model and a next gen Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tyres. The changes are minor but they hark back to the 1992 Monster 900 – a sort of homage to this motorcycle on its 25th anniversary.
The Monster 821 gets some updates in the styling department, like the 16.5 litre fuel tank which it now shares with its older sibling, the Monster 1200. The circular headlight and the new silencer are also bits inspired from the 1200 and 1200 R. The compact tail sans the grab rail with the sharp lines enhances the sporty appeal of the bike, however it loses the single sided swing arm and now gets a regular double sided one. The Monster 821 packs the same tech features seen in the previous gen 821 with some more additions, like LED lights, a colour TFT instrumentation panel with gear change indication, and a USB socket under the seat for charging smartphones. Additional equipment includes a bi-directional quickshifter, anti-theft systems, compatibility with the Ducati Multimedia System which allows you to hook up your smartphone to the display and a data logger.
While the mechanicals largely remain same, performance wise the 821 makes 109bhp at 9250rpm and 86Nm at 7750rpm, from the same twin cylinder unit seen on the previous version. This is a decline of nearly 3bhp and 3Nm from the previous model. The updated engine comes with a lambda sensor on each cylinder to optimize fuel supply. Transmission remains the same six-speed manual with slipper clutch. The Monster 821 has put on weight as well, 6kg more than the outgoing model. The motorcycle is shod with Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tyres compared to the Rosso IIs in the outgoing model.
The motorcycle also comes in a yellow shade, additional to the black and red color schemes already available. The Monster 821 is the first of the five models to be launched in 2018. The remaining four models will be showcased in the EICMA in Milan later this year.