Ducati has announced the latest addition to its iconic, best-selling Monster family, the brand new Monster 821. Having delivered over 290,000 Monsters since the original concept more than 20 years ago, the new model maintains its stylish character using the chassis and muscular styling of the new-for-2014 Monster 1200.
Read our 2014 Ducati Monster 1200 S road test
Powered by the latest edition of Ducati’s 821cc Testastretta 11° L-twin engine, the new Monster combines a claimed 112 horsepower and 66 lb-ft of torque in a lightweight package—396 pounds dry (claimed). High-spec brakes, suspension and componentry merge with what Ducati says are its “best-yet ergonomics,” which includes an adjustable seat height. The model also combines 8-level traction control, 3-level ABS and 3-level Ride-by-Wire into Ducati’s user-friendly Riding Modes. Available in Ducati dealerships from July 2014 onwards, the Monster 821 Dark is presented in Dark Stealth with black frame and black wheels, while the Monster 821 is dressed in Ducati Red with red frame and black wheels or Star White Silk with red frame and matte red wheels. Both red and white liveries are equipped with color-matched single-seat covers. Pricing is TBD.
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I like the idea of mid-size bikes with classic styling, minimum plasti-crap that you can just get on and buzz around town and once in a while go places. My 70 Tiger was perfect in that respect. I wandered all over the east coast, got stuck in the mud, rode the beaches and did the top end twice in 55 thousand miles. I would love to do it again, but with less maintenance. I rode in jeans and heavy weight shirt with a 3/4 helmet and face shield, and met people all over that were the salt of the earth. My biggest mistake was to let someone else ride and wreck it.
Bikes now don’t seem to be real with lay down or chopper seating, so much power they are unusable, or for 1 function only like dirt riding, go fast, but not what I am looking for.
Thanks for letting me unload my issues on your staff.
Roy Christensen