There’s a big shakeup in the Ducati Monster lineup for 2021. Say goodbye to the 797, 821, and 821 Stealth. Those three models are replaced by the all-new 2021 Ducati Monster and Monster Plus (covered in detail in a separate story). The Monster 1200 and 1200S return for 2021. Here’s what each model is about:Monster2021 Ducati Monster
This all-new model, featuring the 937cc Testastretta 11° L-twin, will be replacing the 797 and 821 Monsters. The iconic trellis frame is gone, replaced by the Front Frame minimalist design pioneered by the Panigale. Along with many other weight-saving tactics, this drops the 2021 Ducati Monster’s weight to 414 pounds at the curb—a staggering 40 pounds lighter than the 821, and 11 pounds lighter than the air-cooled 797. Horsepower is increased incrementally, with the big boost coming in the midrange torque. An up/down quickshifter is standard.Monster+2021 Ducati Monster PlusThe Monster Plus is the same as the standard Monster, with a flyscreen and passenger seat cover added. We checked with Ducati—they prefer the word “Plus” to the mathematical sign, even though the + is used on the Ducati website.2021 Ducati Monster 1200Ducati has announced the return of the Monster 1200. There won’t be any changes. Revealingly, Ducati’s 2021 press info provides no photos of the standard Monster 1200—only of the ’20 1200 S. Regardless, the big 1198cc Testastretta 11° L-twin returns, cranking out 147 horsepower at 9250 rpm, and a muscular 91 ft-lbs of torque at 7750 rpm. The familiar trellis frame is there, with a KYB fork and Sachs shock pulling suspension duties.Monster 1200 S2021 Ducati Monster 1200 SThis upgraded version of the Monster 1200 has the same frame and motor. However, the S gets Öhlins suspension, larger 330mm front discs, higher-spec Brembo calipers in the front, and lighter wheels. Like all flavors of the Monster in 2021, the 1200 S uses Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tires. Here’s our test of the Ducati Monster 1200 S.2021 Ducati Monster and Monster Plus SpecsENGINE
Type: Testastretta 11° L-twin
Displacement: 937cc
Bore x stroke: 94 x 67.5mm
Maximum power: 111 horsepower @ 9250 rpm
Maximum torque: 69 ft-lbs @ 6500 rpm
Compression ratio: 13.3:1
Fueling: EFI w/ 53mm throttle bodies
Valvetrain: Four desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder
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This week, in the first segment Editor Don Williams talks to us about the new Kawasaki Versys 650 LT. It’s the middleweight ADV style machine that uses the same 650 parallel twin motor as the Ninja 650, so it’s an excellent performer in a user-friendly, good looking package.
In the second segment, I chat with one of my dearest industry friends—now retired Honda PR executive, Jon Seidel. Jon’s fascinating career spans some 30 years with Big Red, and gave him some great experiences with some incredible machines. I was fortunate enough to be invited on many of the press launches that he organized. His new project is documenting and saving many of the old archives from years gone by—and incidentally, if you have anything that may be of value to the project, please contact us by email at producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com and we’ll pass it all on to Jon.
So on that note, from all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling, we hope you enjoy this episode!
