2018 Ducati Monster 821 Review

Once again, BIG thank you to Ducati Winchester for loaning me this 2018 Ducati Monster 821 to review. Also, thanks to my sister, Angela for taking the bike out and sharing her thoughts as well! If you'd like to ride this exact bike, please check out Ducati Winchester and tell 'em Mario sent ya!
Ducati Winchester
663 N Loudon St
Winchester, VA 22601
540-667-3498
ducpond.com
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[@2WR]

Pick up a copy of my book Motorcyclist's Guide To Travel and other great stuff in my Amazon store! www.amazon.com/shop/2wheeledrider Want a signed copy of my book? 2wheeledrider.com/motorcyclists-guide-to-travel/ 2 Wheeled Rider T-Shirts and Swag teespring.com/stores/2-wheeled-rider

[@egg250]

best review of the 821 in youtube so far. great video

[@EdwardFagan07]

I could watch and listen to your coverage all day; it's broad, has good details and is quite clear. Keep the good work up.

[@2WR]

Much appreciated. Once the weather breaks, I should be back out reviewing a bunch of the new 19 models.

[@juanjerez9465]

THANKS FOR THE VIDEO. JUST GOT MY LICENSE AND LOOK FORWARD TO TEST RIDING THE MONSTER AND POSSIBLY GETTING ONE. THANKS AGAIN

[@Cartsp70]

Juan Jerez test the 797 and the scrambler too as they are more fun and easier to ride 👍🏽

[@roflcopter4388]

I wish more people reviewed bikes like you. Great detail, keep up the great work!

[@2WR]

Thanks. Really appreciate it!

[@kuhenvelusamy3049]

Mate your review was spot on, especially your comparison with the 797. I just saw both the bikes at my local Ducati dealership and had the same doubts. But you addressed this issue with such clarity and simplicity. Hands down one of the best reviews on bikes I've seen!

[@2WR]

Much appreciated!

[@rallyzamora8356]

Very good review, very specific ,clear and precise

[@jamesnickel4748]

Great review! Wow, nice machine...Luv' that Monster! Safe riding!

[@michaelpuderramirez2331]

The best put together review of ANY motorcycle test i have ever seen on KZbin. Nearly petfect video. Flawless explanation of the bike's capabilities and obviously expert knowledge translated in layman's terms so that anyone can clearly understand its content. Thanks for a first class review.

[@2WR]

Thank you Michael; I greatly appreciate it!

[@michaelpuderramirez2331]

@@2WR you're very welcomed, sir. You earned it. 👍

[@TwoWheelObsession]

Great review, loved the camera angles!

[@2WR]

Thanks Bryan!

[@Broncoride]

Great review Mario.

[@RideWithRahulOfficial]

Loved this bike, great feel and power. Waiting to get back to it.

[@bitcoinbilly]

This is the best most thorough review ive seen on this bike. Good job man

[@2WR]

I appreciate that!

[@trex511ft]

no

[@Finnerer]

i can actually recommend doing what he said about ducatis in general. Bought a Diavel for my first bike and the riding modes make it very easy for any kind of rider to grow into the bike. Started riding the Diavel with the urban for the first month only used that mode and later on learned to drive it on sport mode :)

[@manojsamsung]

best review out there.keep up the good work bro.SUBSCRIBED!!!!

[@2WR]

appreciate it.

[@pasbert4812]

As a Ducati aficionado , i have had 8 monsters since the mid '90s , still have 3 in the garage , this was a true account of the 821 , well done young man.

[@2WR]

Much appreciated!

[@vincentgallopain315]

Great video man, very informative! Thanks

[@Senninha1960]

Great review mate 👍

[@DinkoPopov]

Great review! Thank you very much

[@9996070036]

best review IMO.

[@neiljackson3384]

Great review actually maybe the best I've seen. Well done.

[@2WR]

Thanks Neil

[@sgomez3047]

Dude... Great review and no F bombs! Nice work covering the switches on the L&R of the bar brother!

[@VitalyMack]

F-bombs...what an epic tool, lol!

[@kensouza9239]

thanks for the review

[@windjackhealthfitness7391]

Great review. Ride my 2016 821 year round in beautiful Victoria BC Canada. Climate similar to yours. Love your area, JMU grad. Go Dukes!

[@UnknownUnknown-uz7cw]

Nice review!

[@simonelomax7465]

Would really like to see the two of you review the Monster 1200 with your thoughts on how it compares/differs from the 821. Truly value your opinions. Many thanks. Blessings from Lancashire, England.

[@AquaLoki]

I've owned a 821 for 3 years, i love the thing. It has so much presence, its such a head turner and makes an amazing noise so everyone notices you. Although the newer ones are quieter for Euro4 legality. Also it was my first bike, I ran it in urban for a few months, but the power isn't difficult to get used to even in sport, and it has enough power to never get bored of it. Its also been very cheap to insure (UK), 821 is a great starter bike. Im trying to decide between a new 821 Stealth, or a 765 Street Triple RS.

[@2WR]

The new stealth is pretty sick looking. That Triumph would be fun too tho. Seems like the Moto2 guys are enjoying that triple this year.

[@TimKreitzAdventures]

There are only a few Bikes that can pull off a yellow pain job, and Ducati is definitely one of them. That thing is pretty darn sweet. The nearest dealer is 350 miles away, so any Ducati is a rare sight around here.

[@2WR]

Agreed. Saw a yellow Kawi the other day...FAIL. Sucks you don't have a dealer closer. That'd be a pain to own one and have to travel that far to get parts or service.

[@Lumpy072]

OLD SKOOL!

[@aliservan7188]

I don't get why this channel isn't more popular. it's the ONY channel that actually gives full, detialed, coherent reviews.

[@2WR]

appreciate it.

[@markwith140]

I have the 2017 version and diabolo Rosso 2 tyres and they last around 5000 miles (country lane riding) and suspect the 3's would be similar.

[@motorcyclemicah6309]

Excellent review. You really have a penchant for doing bike reviews. I get more information from yours than the “professional” reviews. Thanks for including female perspective as well. My wife has a Monster 620, and her hearing from a fellow female rider means more to her than normal male reviewers.

[@2WR]

I appreciate that. I try to make an effort in most videos to also include the passenger's POV (though didn't in this one) as they too are often forgotten in most reviews. I'd like to get Angela in more videos to give her perspective but schedules don't always work out. Though she always seems to find time when I have a Monster :)

[@angelaorsini1557]

I’ll try to do better on my reviews...Mario has a bit more experience than me!! But we usually agree on most things even tho I don’t find out until he releases the video!

[@matthines5150]

I have a few arrows in the old garage quiver, but, there's something about my 20yo, high miles, under-powered, single front disc YELLOW M750 that is just hard to resist - for all the reasons you cite here re both the older bikes and this newer one. Cold start on carbs is bad, but brutalistic simplicity of the first gen Monsters is just so perfect for what it is - and these bikes in general. Hard to argue that older bikes with no radiator, big round light, dual exhaust etc. [high mount aftermarket replacement is a must] are not more "pure" if not better looking [replacement of rear sets is the other key mod, along with Ohlins and re-valved fronts]. In general, these are just great do-anything bikes, as you note. Took mine on a 2 day 1100 mile NE tour last Fall and didn't regret it for a minute. If leaving today to repeat would have to think long and hard about whether to take il Monstro or the BMW R bike. Monster may be ubiquitous but there's a reason why! Thanks for the review and all the great content - I'm binge-ing!

[@2WR]

Thanks Matt!

[@richardp8347]

I would love to see you review more premium bikes , baby monsters are fun but it’s for beginners, hope they can give you monster 1200R or any R for that matter soon , stay save !

[@Dfranco240]

What he says at 19:15 is exactly what I was thinking of doing , I’ve never owned a bike or my license. But I’ve ridden a ninja 900 just around the block . And I figured if I get a monster 821 and leave it on urban mode while I learn it won’t seam like a bad idea , that way when I’m more comfortable just switch the modes instead of buying another bike .

[@2WR]

Really not a bad way to go.

[@DonaMane]

I've a 2016 M1200 and liked it so far! I maybe looking at a M1200S version or the Multi 1260S and I liked the improvements they made on both bikes!

[@2WR]

I should have review videos on both of those bikes coming up on the channel in the coming weeks (or maybe months). Glad to hear you like your 17 M1200!

[@RakeshVigVlogs]

Great review sir :)

[@2WR]

Thanks RV Rider!

[@pauly680]

Some great riding roads where you live !

[@2WR]

That's for sure!

[@cliffkusch]

Excellent review. Hit on all the points a rider needs to know. Not too techy and not too basic. I just added the 821 to my collection and this was great to watch before I picked it up!

[@gourav0700]

very well explained

[@CanonMatters2Me]

Another great review Mario. Rode the 1200s, but not the 821. Think I’m too tall for it to be comfy, but she looks fantastic.

[@2WR]

Fits Angela perfectly, but I'm with you in feeling a bit cramped. Not sure if the shop has a 1200 or 1200s available to ride but whichever it is, I plan to ride it soon.

[@triumphrider9796]

I thought that's the one you were riding when I demo'd the V4S (thanks for the mention, btw). I rather like that color. Not a fan of those tachs, I prefer analog, but a nice display anyway. Have to try that one (I'm hoping they'll have a 1200 though); very similar displacement to my Bonnie, but a lot more power!

[@2WR]

The 1200 is available as well as the 1100 Scrambler you've been wanting to ride.

[@triumphrider9796]

Good news; have to try them both next week!

[@goodogoodo9831]

I love the color that’s the one I want to buy

[@supermanjaime24]

can anyone tell me i notice 177 mile range on a full tank is that because in sport mode or is this bike only getting around 177 miles full stop?

[@leoluong2175]

Amazing

[@garyk8285]

Yellow naked bikes like the monster and the vtr250 look great!

[@vegarosa69]

I currently ride a Monster 696 with termignoni and I love it. But I'm thinking to selling the 696 and getting a 821. But like he said, I'm not a fan of the water cooled engine looks. Then again the air cooled engine gets kinda hot and it get old pretty fast.

[@psyxex]

Great review. Maybe you can start to dedicate a couple of seconds to the sound of the default exhaust since it's also a pretty good thing to know about bikes.. but overall a good job!

[@2WR]

I meant to start adding that back in as I have in some previous review videos so look for it in the future.

[@speedaholica]

Finally, a proper, proper review of this bike, so thank you! I currently ride a Scrambler and was thinking of upgrading to this one, since I always wanted a Monster. How would you say the throttle response was in comparison to the older 821, if you remember what that one was like? The older 821 had one of the best sounding stock exhausts. This one I believe has been toned down a bit due to regulations. How much of a difference did you notice?

[@2WR]

Harshal, wish I could help you out further. I'm sure there's been a slight change in sound but not enough for me to distinctly remember. Throttle response compared to the older 821 is about the same in Sport mode and a bit tamer in touring and urban. Thanks for the kind words!

[@speedaholica]

2 Wheeled Rider Thanks, that actually helps a lot. I was hoping that the throttle would be smoother/less snatchier on this, especially in the urban mode considering the fact that in my city, traffic can be really bad and I wouldn't want to keep feathering the clutch more than the usual amount.

[@smganji]

Would you please test ride and review 2018 Triumph 765R and compare it to Monster 821? Thank you great video..

[@2WR]

I have been invited by the Triumph dealer to test some bikes but it's going to take some time before I'm able to work it into my schedule.

[@gusseisern1151]

Tires last about 3000 miles if riding smooth. Clutch is a nightmare, engine is reving nicely and overall great. Under 4000 RPM is - well real v2 desmo - so better switch gears later. I never experienced much engine heat on the legs. Have a 1200S 2018 now and this is on another level, more refined.

[@gusseisern1151]

My bike, i Love it !

[@jksmuga1]

my question is I love my 796 light weight air cooled bike but I would love a little more hp and electronics. Would you recommend the switch ?

[@2WR]

That's a tough one. I like the simplicity and look of the 796/7 but there is definitely an increase in power and a great electronics package on the 821. My advice is to test one out and see what you think. Both are great bikes.

[@airmahathi]

Great review! I want to choose between the Monster 821 and the Street Triple RS. You got any pointers?

[@2WR]

Ride them both; that's the only real way to decide.

[@shekhar2k7]

Great Review. I'm gonna take delivery of 821 this month. Can i lower rear suspension a little for adjusting seat height rather than removing 4 blocks located under the seat? I'm 167 cms.

[@2WR]

I'm assuming there is a lowering kit for it. You should be able to drop the rear and then lower the front a bit to even it out but pulling the forks up higher in the triple clamp.

[@streetsandpeaks3013]

Great video bro! I’m looking into getting a ride after years away from bikes and I really like the fit of this bike (I’m 6ft 200lbs) compared to the new KTM Duke 790. My challenge is that up in Canada this 812 is almost $2000 more money. Thoughts??? Comparison?? Thanks

[@2WR]

Haven't had a chance to ride the 790R yet. Both that came in were sold quickly. Once they get another one in, I'll hopefully be able to get a test in before it sells.

[@EP-yc2gu]

So what do you think? Is the 1200S worth the extra money for the better suspension, brakes and extra power? Strictly riding on backroads. No trackdays or really long rides.

[@2WR]

While the 1200S is superior...for backgrounds riding, that’s a lot of extra money. If I were spending my money I’d probably go with the 821. It’s got plenty of power to get you into trouble on the street and the suspension is more than adequate.

[@soulcodex1]

About the tyres, if you are a normal rider they last 18000 km, I just changed them, grtz from Belgium.

[@2WR]

Wow, that's pretty good! Thanks for letting me know!

[@MrMegaTruong]

Do you think there are enough changes to justify upgrading from the 821 from last year?

[@2WR]

If I had my choice between a leftover 17 or the new 18, I'd take the 18. If I already had a 17, I'd keep it. The chassis, suspension, engine and (I believe) the brakes are all the same. Aside from styling, euro 4 compliance, and some ergos changes, the major difference is the added TFT display and the updated electronics package. While the Ride by Wire and electronics package works VERY well, I wouldn't want to take a bath trading in a 17 model for it.

[@69FOSTER]

Just for reference, how tall are you? I'm 5'8'' with a 30" inseam. Hoping the riding position on the Monster is less stressful on the hips, where I have issues and which is why I had to sell my Triumph Bonneville, couldn't ride it anymore. The foot pegs look like they're positioned back instead of directly under the rider.

[@2WR]

5’10” 32” inseam. My sister’s height/inseam matches yours.

[@AlexanderHonsVonEber]

Would this be a case where exhaust wraps would be justified for effect vs looks?

[@2WR]

Tough to say.

[@leeleo1374]

which color bike looks impressive in Ducati 821 red or yellow ?

[@2WR]

With the Monster, I'd probably go yellow.

[@kaveiros75]

Really good and detailed review! Although I would have liked an opinion on how comfortable a passenger may feel on this machine.

[@2WR]

normally we include that but my wife wasn't available for filming

[@kaveiros75]

@@2WR I see. Got any opinions about it after filming perhaps? (That's a pretty nice family you 've got there, by the way...)

[@2WR]

I rode it for a few more days before I returned it. A Ducati Monster was the first new bike I ever bought back in 2002 so I've always been partial to them. I do more touring and off road riding these days so it could never be my primary or only bike but I liked the 821 and wouldn't be surprised if another Monster ended up my fleet in the future.

[@darc781]

Got mine a month ago with my big daft shoulders I changed my mirrors to razoma bar end retro mirrors .... that was my only let down of the bike

[@HamZa-hu9so]

How much it costs you

[@garyk8285]

If I was to buy a Ducatti, it would be yellow with black frame... its the best combo :)

[@joshmarklowitz3243]

Another great video! Wife wants a yellow monster. Last bike she had was a yellow buell 1200. Where would you say the power is at? She likes down low grunt and doest really rev it out. Should we look at this or go straight to test ride a 1200?

[@2WR]

You've got great torque from about 3,000rpms on. The HP starts really kicking in around 5500-6000rpms and then hang on! I'd have her ride both. While there's no replacement for displacement, she may find the 109hp to be more than enough.

[@angelaorsini1557]

I’d definitely have her test it out...I loved hoping on it especially on the back roads...it was a lot of fun and torque to handle!!

[@joshmarklowitz3243]

Angela Orsini Thank you! We haven't had time to test ride but I'm thinking the lighter weight would be a plus.

[@796monster]

When you list features of bike ,you mention steel brake lines ? But in the screen shot you show they sure look like rubber ?

[@2WR]

Jim, they have a black cover over the stainless steel braided lines.

[@796monster]

Thanks for that info !

[@stilljay4409]

i noticed a passenger seat leg.....so am guessing the bike can carry a passenger right???

[@2WR]

Yep, rear seat cowling pops off to allow a passenger. In most reviews I include the passenger’s POV too but couldn’t make it work with schedules this time.

[@stilljay4409]

@@2WR OK. Thanks for the information. I was beginning to think it was a single rider bike. Am planning to get the All Black Ducati 821 (I think it's the same one in the movie "The Lady in the Spider Web"). Right now am riding a ninja 650r. Would need to get another bike hopefully before the year ends. Nice job on the review. Very very informative. 👍👏👏

[@russellsalunga5541]

this is how you review a motorcycle

[@Kefuddle]

It is a great review. I don't get the logic of reviewing a naked and then commenting on highway wind issues, something a lot of reviewers seem to be unable to stop themselves from commenting on. Maybe a disclaimer, it is a naked, if you don't like getting beat up on the highway, don't buy it.

[@2WR]

1) thanks 2) I get what your saying but people come from all different types of backgrounds and bike experience so try to cover it all

[@ricardolourizela5961]

Mario, what has your experience with the Monsters been? I'm thinking of upgrading to this new Monster 821, but I'm not sure about Ducati's reliability (especially the electronics).

[@2WR]

I've owned 2 Ducatis and haven't had any issues. My sister has had her Monster since 2003 and aside from the dash going out (under warranty), it's been trouble-free. When it comes to electronics of course they are more likely to have issues that are more expensive to remedy than a mechanical systems, i.e. ride by wire system is more expensive to fix than a throttle cable. That said, the electronics on the 821 are shared by many of the other bikes in the Ducati line-up so they've been tested and proven to hold up quite well. As for the reliability of the rest of the bike, engine, suspension, etc, as the long as the maintenance is kept up (which it does require more than it's Japanese counter-parts) I'd have little to no concern about their durability.

[@bartsimpsonx]

How tall are you? Wondering if I am too tall for the bike, I am 6.0 - 6.1

[@2WR]

5'10"

[@gregbonham8659]

How do you rate Monsters reliability in your 16-year Monster riding experience?

[@2WR]

The air-cooled 2V engines are very reliable and easy to maintain. The only issue I've ever had as the gauge cluster needed replaced under warranty. The water-cooled 4V engines have proven to be pretty reliable as well but a little more costly to maintain. The later models have way more electronics on them so there's more obviously more things that could go wrong.

[@gregbonham8659]

@@2WR Would you put a Monster 821 reliability on par with an MT-07/MT-09 or an SV650/GSX-S750? Love Ducatis but their reliability scares me a bit...

[@2WR]

Short answer: no. The SV650 is one of the most bullet-proof bikes ever made and the Yamaha's aren't far behind (can't speak to the GSX-S750). That said, I wouldn't put the 821's reliability too far behind those bikes. If I were going to go back to road racing, I'd likely get another SV650 but if I were going to purely street ride the bike, I'd probably buy the 821 but...I also have access to one of the best Ducati mechanics in the country should I ever have an issue. I've owned Ducatis, Hondas, Yamahas, Suzukis, Kawis, and KTMs and (knock wood) have never had a serious problem with any of them.

[@jeanricadelgado]

can this motorcycles can be lowered and change to smaller wheels? for short people

[@2WR]

Lowered yes. Smaller wheels? Not without serious modifications and likely not even then as the wheel speed and abs sensor would likely not work do to the chance plus 17" wheels are pretty much the standard for street bikes so you've had difficulty finding modern tires.

[@jeanricadelgado]

@@2WR can this be driven by a 4'11 rider maam/sir?

[@2WR]

possibly

[@trevorbest]

Re: The radiator, they could take a leaf out of Triumph's book (share some ideas before Brexit hehe)

[@2WR]

Saw May didn't have the greatest day today.

[@DeepSouth13]

😂😂🤣🤣👌.. as I'm watching this..I realized the display on this machine has more technology than anything I've ever owned..pretty impressive..

[@2WR]

At first glance it doesn't look like much but the TFT packs a lot of info and tunability is a relatively small package.

[@benjamincs1]

Even the phone / computer you're posting that from? Impressive...

[@Bredaxe]

Doesn't Ducati make a monster that's a 797? Why would they make 2 monsters that are around 800cc's? That aside, that display is so clean and easy to read. I think I may look at one!

[@2WR]

Assuming you didn’t watch the entire video.

[@Bredaxe]

@@2WR Definitely watched it. I was just rhetorical, I know the 797 is more of an entry level bike. I read that 2019 is the final year of the 821 and that they're releasing a 797+. It will be sad to see the 821 go.

[@2WR]

Yeah, while the displacement was/is similar that's about where the engine similarities end. Air cooled/water cooled, 2v/4v, throttle cable/ride by wire etc. I hadn't seen that 2019 will be the 821's last year but doesn't surprise me; Ducati is always switching up the engine offerings in the Monsters.

[@DocAdhya]

Its a Monster

[@Codi1102]

I'll take Triumph street triple rs over Ducati 821. They are about the same price.

[@2WR]

That's a nice one too. Love the sound the triples make. Can't wait to see the Triumph engine in Moto2 next year.

[@MrJonesy]

Holy shit, is there a button that tells me i should of had a dump before getting on.

[@Jordan-bj7pw]

my 929 had 150hp why does this bike only have 109hp 20 years later 40 hp less? same weight too. i bought that bike used for 4,000.00 never should have sold it. looks like now they aren't making anything much better for 40,000.00. what am i missing here?

[@Jimbo4575]

Great bike but surprisingly ugly for a Ducati. Glad to see this bike has great service intervals.

[@2WR]

In recent years, they've really spaced out the service intervals to make them more affordable to own or in my case, spend less time wrenching on them.

[@titepaget4612]

I like 1.0000 Hannah

[@cong0707]

sounds like scooter

[@jetcarddude]

You lost me when you could not keep your hands on the handle bars, you not as good as you think. Good luck.

[@2WR]

👋