2021 Ducati Monster Review | Motorcyclist
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 มิ.ย. 2021
- Ducati’s Monster naked bike is easily the most popular and best-selling street bike the Bologna brand has ever produced. However, over the last few years its popularity has waned. Monster packed on pounds and morphed into a model that was anything but the original. Ducati says it's getting back to the basics however, well sort of, with its 2021 Monster ($12,195 as tested).
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A Small, Lighter Monster
You don’t have to throw a leg over the Monster to tell that it’s leaner than before. We like its sleeker lines and slimmer, more accommodating cockpit. Overall, it is a more pleasing ergonomics package; however, it’s tad cramped for taller folks. Another strike for taller riders: The location of the engine’s left-hand-side water pump obstructs the inner knee area when seated in a stationary position. On another note, Ducati offers taller and lower seat options. It also sells a suspension lowering kit that further reduces seat height.
Powertrain
Thumb the starter button and the liquid-cooled 937cc L-twin settles into a healthy lump. The exhaust note sounds less tinny and emits an improved rumble. Twist the throttle and the engine has a pleasing spread of power. Rev it high or rev it low, the engine delivers enough oomph to put a smile on your face.
An overhauled six-speed gearbox is a big improvement versus the sloppy transmission of old. Gear exchanges are more solid-feeling without any misshifts. The hydraulic-actuated clutch offers good response with easy lever squeeze.
As usual, this Ducati is a tour de force in the electronics department. Adjustable combined engine power and throttle mapping, traction and wheelie control, are standard as is a bidirectional electronic quickshifter. Accessory heated handgrips can also be fitted for an up-charge ($373.14).
There’s also three-way-adjustable ABS with cornering function. It’s matched to a responsive set of triple disc brakes that are well-suited to slowing things down in a hurry. Ducati electronics offer plenty of adjustability, and in their least intrusive settings, they operate at a very advanced level for pro-level riders.
The electronics are managed via a 4.2-inch color TFT display that carries over from the now-discontinued Monster 1200. The menu system performs adequately but, as a package, the user interface isn’t as slick as other MY ’21 bikes we’ve ridden recently. If you’re a longtime modern Ducati rider, you’ll figure it out. Everyone else will have to study the owner’s manual. We also wish the dash display was larger. Tasteful LED lighting helps the Monster rider stand out at night while improving the aesthetic appeal.
Handling and Suspension
Handling-wise the ’21 Monster is more playful than its predecessor. It steers more readily and is generally a very easy motorcycle to ride with its Panigale V4-like twin-spar aluminum frame. The chassis delivers a pleasing feel at lean, which makes it a fun little bike to hustle around corners.
On the other hand, we had mixed results with the suspension. In the city it generally performed well, with above average damping character for a fixed setup. However, on bumpy stretches of pavement, it delivers, at times, a jarring ride. It’s also odd that the suspenders don’t offer damping adjustment, especially at its lofty price point.
Final Thoughts
Lighter and more agile, we’re happy Ducati returns to some of the Monster’s core ethos. Its styling is more tasteful and it appears less plasticky than its bloated predecessor. The gearbox functions more aptly and it employs an array of electronics that make the bike easier to ride for novices and pros alike. But rough-riding suspension and its lofty price tag make it a hard sell for modern naked bike riders.
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Edit: Ray Gauger
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Good review. Still waiting for a Motorcyclist Magazine review on the HD Pan America.
Hi ViperQ, we are communicating with Harley-Davidson and anticipate riding this vehicle for a MC Commute style review in August, 2021. Thanks for the note.
@@AdamWaheed cool
@@AdamWaheed Hey Adam, what size is the jacket you're wearing and your height and weight ?
@@Timmicillo Yo pal. How's it going over there? I am donning a size medium (fits large). I am six-foot tall and 189.5 pounds (am heavy).
@@AdamWaheed Thank you so much for the quick reply, that's exactly the kind of information I needed to pick the right size for myself. The jacket looks sick!
Put playback speed to 1.25 and your brain will thank you
My man Adam is never afraid to sprinkle a few periods into every sentence. 😂
Wow - it sounds incredibly normal at 1.25x
Thanks man, suddenly Adam’s video is watchable
@@greatestevar He went to the William Shatner School of Acting...
OMG, the conversation pace is now perfect, thank you!
What work ethic. Bro literally did the review in the middle of a stroke. Props.
I thought the video kept buffering with all the space between words.
Why
are
you
saying
each
word
separate...
LY
instead
of
saying
complete
sentence
S???
wait, it took Ducati until THIS YEAR to have a properly working gearbox on their bikes? AND it's a stand-out feature? 🤣
Look guys...we're a little less shitty than ever......2 wheeled Fiat
Yeah they fixed the gearbox then f****d everything else up on the bike. Good grief.
Some say there are still some gearbox issues …
What? No man it’s totally devoid of any original roots. Not to say it’s wrong, just a fact.
Exactly what I was thinking. No classic frame, no curvy exhaust. The rest of the review seemed plausible though
Original roots were using parts from other bikes. The trellis frame came from the 916. Now it comes from the Panigale.
Hmm, classic frame was designed in late 80s early 90s. I think ducati engineers have found better ways and compounds to make the frame lighter and yet more rigid. I really liked 0:54 how he went from cornering in to a wheelie and back to cornering without any stress. Top class! Would ride the hell out of it!
I dont like the changing up of the frame, but I get it. That headlight and tank shape, though... looks like a Yamaha. I really like Yamaha, but I wouldn't want my Ducati to look like one
I agree. Looks good as a motorcycle but doesn’t look like a Ducati
@@juliusjacob1416 it's red! 😜
@@juliusjacob1416 you can tell from a block away it's a Ducati. You can feel it. It's not in the frame. It's not even in the L-twin engine.
I’m also missing the single sided swingarm.
You did a great review but I would not pay 12 grand for that motorcycle I would probably get an MTO 9 or a z900 instead
or a MT10?
That's way you don't see a lot of them everybody's got a
MT09&z900 with no value after you sign up
Reliability factor supersedes the
Exclusivity factor....compare both bikes depreciation curves......
Z900, one of my favorite bikes
The Streetfighter killed the 1200 monster😩
Adam, always enjoy your reviews! Thanks brother!
Audio sounded great, kudos to the production team!
Definitely back to their Monster roots, the frame is a testament to that. *rolls eyes*
6 pounds less then the original from the 90’s. I’m 30 pounds fatter then that time. So if I ride one I’m I or the bike 24 pounds lighter or heavier?
feels like my salary raise every year 😅
Great review Adam, straight to the point.
Did he say the old monster got too much plastic?? The new one got a freaky ugly plastic piece in the middle of the gas tank lol
On 0:24 it also looks like there are a lot of plastic covers on the engine, or is it just metal painted black? Some brands do that as well. Anyway that doesn’t look nice. Give me a Monster 1100 or 1200 over this any day.
Great review Adam. You covered things others do not. Great work. I have to try one of these. The last Ducati engine I liked was the 848. Really didn’t like the multi twin. Looking forward to trying one of these out. Even the SP version - Yikes 😳
Imo Ducati has long lost their iconic look when it comes to the monster series.
Trying way too hard to look like the Asian bikes, it now just looks like someone who's had too much plastic surgery.
Bring back those old classic looks. You always know a Porsche no matter the year. Sadly, You'd never know this was a Ducati monster without the labeling.
Not long, they actually only lost it in 2021. Last gen was pretty cool and I think did a great homage to original monster while updating it with modern tech and dynamics.
Anyone else only able to hear the alarm?
What a tool. It's a Ducati, yes. But it's not a Monster. Not even close. MT07 with an l-twin and "monster" decal.
Without the trellis frame and single sided swing arm I'll have to agree. I has the looks of a generic metric bike now with the European price tag.
Back to its roots?are you sure?
Exactly. What a tool. Ducati desperately trying to put lipstick on a pig through this guy.
The rod bearings on my Multi crumbled after 29k miles. I wouldn't touch another Ducati again.
Rules of Probability say you're better off buying another Ducati now.
Probability of it failing yet again are very low.
@@AmritGrewal31 That's not how probability works lol
Seems like most manufactures today are making all their models into some strip down version of a race bike- Ducati’s no exception. I like Royal Enfield’s lineups -just simple, easy to ride designs that bring out the essence of pure motorcycle riding. Thanks for the Review mate! Allan USA
For the price I would expect more. This is a very competitive segment, and Ducati has not moved to the front of the line with their 2021 offering. For just a little bit more money you get a lot more motorcycle with the Triumph Street Triple RS.
Haven't seen or ridden new one, for sure the iconic trellis frame will be missed. I have the 19' stealth and absolutely love it!! I'm sure the new one rides great, that being said I have zero regrets
I have a 19 regular demo model with the termi exhaust and other goodies, such a good bike
Ordered mine yesteday. Cant wait.
Thanks for the great review. If I may suggest for the next review: Could you please show the bike while talking and not only the top half?
Thanks for the content man! Always enjoy watching it as your observations are specifically about what we all need to know and interested in! Cheers from Ireland 🇮🇪👍🏻
I wish they released the Ducati Monster 400 in the states, but that was a long time ago, and only available in Italy and Japan.
Just don't go over half throttle on an 800
One day, I hope to own a Ducati. That day is not today, but I look forward to it.
Spoiler alert, ill save you some time. They're great to look at, not great to own. They are expensive pieces of art but the rider is giving up too much for so little gain over other naked options.
That alarm is excited about the bike
great review, any plan for reviewing the new BMW S1000R recently?
HI Anthony, yes. Will be swing a leg over that bad boy real soon here.
The New MT-07 Looks Great!
Damn, i thought you had John Wick as a guest reviewer lol
Is he talking about the new Ducati Monster or is there any misunderstanding here and he's taking about a different motorcycle, some details are completely wrong?
It's a super premium machine and very easy to resell, I would spend the little extra money
That Lombard Street scene was epic. How'd you get rid of the tourists?
They told them a monster is heading their way... 😂😂😂
@@RadzLee Lol, nice one. TBH, they know who we are.
Covid
Awesomeness 😎
I prefer the appearance of the early Monsters. But I don't doubt this is better. Assuming it's reliable. It is a Ducati after all.
Hi
Adam, please do a 2021 Suzuki Gsx s1000r naked review. Whenever possible.
Thanks
Sid
India
🙌🏼
Always a great review from Adam lots of good information about the bike
This guy has a strong Shatner feel to his speech patterns
The electronics package is the highlight for me, everything else has been meh at best. Thanks Adam for the review
Why they cover the engine in all that plastic crap?
Trying to make the Monster look like a Pani or Diavel. I don't get it either. A Monster should look like a f***ing Monster.
I wish they could get someone else to review bikes on this channel. Cannot. Stand. The. Way. He. Talks.
Then don’t watch. Lots of us are big fans of Adam Waheed because he actually rides the motorcycles.
@@TheImtoomuch you're right, but I love motorcycles and this is a great channel
@@hussi125 then deal with it and don’t bash the guy. Learn to accept that people aren’t all the same. Adam’s reviews are the best on this channel IMO.
@@TheImtoomuch Yep. Tell 'em. Thanks man.
@@AdamWaheed you're welcome, dude. Love your content!
Awaiting Yamaha R7 review
Man, that had to be loud for the street noises to make it through the lav mic like that!
Yeah. It was annoying AF.
No thanks Troublesome testastretta
Desmodromic Despair
Transmission needs to prove itself
Economy Suspension
I'll keep the MT09 and $3,000
The dominant opposition in architecture is that between form and function. Ducati remove the qualities that make the monster a monster in pursuit of numbers - the signature trellis frame - and yet use their power over the name “Monster” to christen this new model as such.
How does a man who speaks like this get a job as a reviewer
shame the americans don't get the built in indicators at the front on the new monster...
The 821 never had a hydraulic clutch, but other than that great review as always :)
Idk? I totally dig the bike. I just think there are better bikes for that amount of money? My opinion. I'm liking the premium middle weight bikes that are coming out.
Wish this was in English closed captioning
How is this Monster "going back to it's roots"? In terms of styling it looks nothing like a monster, it looks like any other Yamaha or Honda..
Do you like it more than the tuonno 660?
I have got to have a Monster Ducati.....
Goin on my most rode backroad
background music sounds like a fire alarm
Ducati ruined the monster, well done 👏🏻
maybe 2022 Yam XSR900 instead? great ride, less $$$, less fussy service, more reliable, dependable
I almost thought I was watching news channel who is reading from a paper
Shocks are dampers not dampeners. Unless you want them to get you damp.
@HahrtDood It's regional, like swing arm versus swinging arm.
Front looks kinda like the old fz 07, not bad but definitely not so monster'ish as before
looks exactly like my 2012 MV Agusta 675 brutale.
It's not just the purchase price you have to watch out for.
Ducati servicing costs are pretty eye watering. Something you have to be aware of before you buy one.
It’s on par with many manufacturers now. In fact many of Ducati’s offerings from the last few years have longer service intervals.
@@phatnum17 it's definitely not on par. I was shopping for a new bike last year and the ducati servicing costs were nearly double that of the BMW I ended up buying.
@@1MrBryn It’s definitely on par, but the overall cost is dependent on your dealer. The more entry level bikes like the monster won’t be crazy in maintenance cost, they sell a lot of them.
@@phatnum17 nope. Here in Oz, Ducati servicing prices are set nationally. Doesn't matter the model.
A monster has the same basic servicing costs as a Streetfighter.
@@1MrBryn glad it isn’t like that in the US then.
$12k and there's no damping adjustment. Man, Ducati is smoking the good stuff lol! Also, the Monster at least in my eyes has never been about performance. It's always been about the aesthetic. So looking at it from that perspective it's a big fail. Looking at it from a performance perspective for $12k it sounds like a pretty big fail too. I'd take a Triumph Trident, a Street Triple RS, or an Aprilia Tuono 660 over this any day of the week. Pretty bad positioning by Ducati. Not sure what the product planners were thinking......
For the price, Ducati should have included adjustable suspension. This is competing directly with less expensive MT09 SP and Tuono 660. I have very mixed feelings but I wasn't invited to the presser so won't know until I can find one to ride. 🤞
Same.. Lack of adjustable suspension is an odd choice.
suspension works good for someone who is not 250 lb
I like…to pause…when I talk…about….motorcycles. I couldn’t finish the vid
R.I.P. monster, you will be missed.
🤘🏻
Which tc setting is best for driving over all the poop in sf?
There is a special "Urban Poop" mode available.
Fecal Mode..Shitty throttle response
Sounds like he is reading without glasses
Good
How is that going back to roots??? It's a japanese knock out...
Play it at 1.5 speed 👌
Ducati has neglected the suspension on the Monster for years. It's the bike's Achilles heel in my opinion. They improved the engine, electronics, looks, and they even removed weight this time around! But in my opinion, this is all offset by the continuation of cheap suspension components and no adjustability...
this suspension feels better than MT09sp's. It's more than enough for street riding. Funny how everyone complains about a bad non adjustable fork and shock when in reality they only use like 15 percent of its capability.
No need to worry about looking cool on a monster anymore.
The $2800 it has over the MT-09 could be justifiable if it didn't look like any other naked bike. You wouldn't know it was a Ducati without the name on the tank. IMO.
PS. Oh and reliability.
No Ohlins. No single arm. Exhaust looks like shit. Buy a slightly used 1200 S or R and get twice the bike and a true Monster.
@@daytrading5456 can't imagine someone who can afford this bike staying with OEM exhaust, Termi is sick looking and sounding one
I don't understand that it has all the electronics but non adjustable suspension ? ! ! That's basic bike stuff surely.
I checked my playback speed just to be sure there was nothing wrong
I'd like more displacement options like 696 or 848.
I own one, I can confirm that it is indeed not a monster anymore. Let's forget about the trellis frame because it is what it is. This monster feels very cheaply made, the fit and finish is garbage, its got a plastic shell around the tank. You sit noticeably higher which is not the way monsters have been. It sounds like garbage with the OEM exhaust which is partially due to exhaust laws in the US and the UK but even with those laws having been around for a while the 821 still sounded good with factory exhaust.
The only thing that this thing has in common with previous monsters is the badging and the fact that it feels like it wants to kill you, but then again cheaper bikes from yamaha, kawasaki, and honda offer that same feeling with much cheaper maintenance.
The italian appeal was a bit lost in this design. I would hope this new philosophy doesn't extend to other models but who knows
why does it sound like you need to think about every word you want to say lol
Dont smoke weed man
It’s like. You are. Putting too many. Full stops. In. when you talk.
Good review- more bike footage & sounds though.
No trellis frame and no single sided swing arm. It looks like a metric naked with the European price tag....hard pass.
I ... Only ... Got ... To ... Two ... Minutes ... Before ... I ... Couldn't ... Listen ... Anymore.
That dude looks like he's stolen the bike
Sorry I love your reviews, but slowly speaking every word, does my head in.
They could have wrapped up this video is 3min! 🙆🏻
Im sorry but this guy’s speech cadence is just not good for journalism
good presentation this time
How many times did this guy say 12,000$? 😂 anyway nice vid as usual 😁
It’s worth repeating because the bike isn’t worth $12,000.
@@TheImtoomuch totally agree man! Not at all worth it. Rather to go for Japanese ones.
He is clearly not cool enough to pull off wearing a hoodie for the entire video. Even his hair is trying to escape...
🤣🤣🤣
Nice hairstyle
This is a great looking and seeming bike, but man non adjustable suspension at this price point? Booooooo
How annoying to always ride with high beams on… 🙄
I killed a lot of people in these roads. In GTA🤧
It looks a bit generic, like a CB500F
But let's all admit this is a very beautiful bike.
Well...
I hope all the people whining about the trellis frame are willing to pay top dollar for my 2020 M821 when I want to sell it to get something that will let me reset the oil service light myself and won't clap my cheeks with the desmoservice costs
Nah, those are people who just like to complain.