2021 Ducati Monster Review - First Ride

[@That_Cajun_Guy]

The people who have complained wouldn't have bought one regardless. I've owned a Monster in the past and THIS one is making me want another.

[@bazitube390]

Exactly this! Most of the people complaining are teenagers from certain 3rd world countries with no ducati dealership. They just copy paste what they saw others say. I had a 696 and i think the new monster is a great bike

[@raderallen1]

I currently own a monster and can't stand the look of this thing. Remove the sticker from the tank and you couldn't tell what it is or where it's from.

[@OneRichMofo]

@@raderallen1 never owned a ducati but if the trellis frame is the sole thing that made the bike a strictly ducati bike, ducati itself doesn’t seem to have much of a character now does it?

[@raderallen1]

@@OneRichMofo there's definitely more than the trellis frame distinguishes it but that's a huge part of the visual identity of the bikes

[@JDelta87]

Whenever I'm really interested in the bike, I watch the video and then head over and read the more in depth review on your site. Thanks for doing both.

[@bella_testastretta]

1:41 you are a legend!

[@CraigSmith568]

If you want more check out the article before watching this video.....he says at the end of the video. LOL

[@gamelovecarnage3327]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZ6Tf3aBnbash8k 🔥

[@GIGABACHI]

"I tested that one too, that's how old I am ! 😂👌👍

[@Larry_Mott]

I can relate. Recently bought a 1981 GoldWing (as a project/second bike) and realized i was 20 years old when it rolled off the assembly line :)

[@GaryJohnWalker1]

Looks good imo. The 'old' monster started out as a cut down sports with the trellis, but became retro because it got old. And nice to have a ducati 'just a bike' rather than having to pick a scrambler that are just too much like ornaments. No way there'll be a 1200 or v4 - fast naked duties taken over by the streetfighter. Which doesn't have a trellis either ...

[@tylertbirch]

“If you don’t like it I’ll try harder next time” hahahaha priceless

[@Slipp3ryfloorz]

You guys make some great-quality reviews. Love your content. Looking to get my hands on a new monster and I appreciate the insights you gave me!

[@javieryoacham1088]

Brilliant cinematography 👍

[@theflightclub7584]

Removing trellis frame from the Monster and using monocoque design just to keep up with the rest of the lineup. Plus that Japanese looking tank. I am sure the designers were under a lot of pressure. I believe they are moving to a new direction which be clearer in the next version of the Monster. This current version is just filling up the gap.

[@MachoMadness69420]

The old 821 engine was a bit of a letdown really. A lot of them put down around 90 whp in completely stock form. So the claimed 112 and later 109 hp is, shall we say, quite optimistic. So if the new 937 with its larger displacement is good for 109 crank hp then no wonder why it feels stronger.

[@davelikesbikes7868]

As always, great review Mr. Burns.

[@patricksandeberg8184]

I love the bike! Looks, sound and electronics! But as you said! The MT-09 SP is cheaper and u get cruise control! Great review John!

[@pchzl]

At the same time MT09 is different bike which is more like super moto as it is slightly higher. Plus it is exactly the same as with the cars you can get Ford or can go for a premium brand like BMW or Merc

[@andrewdugdale7043]

I test rode the MT09SP 2021 alongside the new monster and they are different. I can touch the floor flat with the monster but the MT I was on ends of my toes. It's also more supermoto feel. Not much in acceleration and power delivery, monster better in corners. Suspension better on MT. Dash on MT is tiny and switchgear is old. Monster will hold value far greater.

[@MrBoybergs]

Lose the pedantic correction captions; John is all about quirky presentation, dry humour and the benefit of decades of experience when he reviews a bike.

[@johnburns8956]

thanks, but I'm also about getting the facts right, and I told Sean to insert the corrections. Sometimes it's not so easy to get it all right wi the camera pointed at you...

[@MrBoybergs]

@@johnburns8956 Thanks for the clarification. I appreciate it.

[@masongoss4615]

I don’t understand why the Supersport 950 keeps the trellis frame, but the Monster got the “performance upgrades”?

[@rlsedition]

That's because the Supersport received a light makeover, but the Monster is all-new.

[@NewsMoto]

That quality b-roll footage shot on log cinema style!

[@SuperMacy24]

Great review! I’m sure this bike is far better than my 2009 1100 but I’ll take sexy over substance this time.. I think VW took the Italian style away and replaced it with German specs. It’s all in what you like.

[@Lar308]

My new one is coming in July (Ducati Red) I am really looking forward to it now.

[@999silverhk]

Duca07 look great😂😂😂

[@lazios]

I understand the purists criticism regarding the chassis choice, the m900 was my second bike, it's obvious to feel a sort of nostalgia but this Monster it's a very good bike.

[@aneudysc]

Their problem is that it looks generic, looks like any other bike, and I can agree *on that*, the first time I saw a picture of it, I thought it was new Yamaha MT/FZ. And to be honest, for me, the bike doesn't look bad and I'm sure it doesn't perform bad either, but they should have kept it looking more like a Monster with a single sided swingarm at least (with all of what it already has). But that's just me.

[@lazios]

@@aneudysc I understand and I basically agree with what you write but I think Ducati made this choice to improve the bike (they have succeeded, it's light, agile and snappy as never before) and to keep up with the competitors. But again, I can't deny that your criticisms make sense. 😉 Sorry for my "Google-english". 😄

[@weed46]

But you can get an MT09 SP that looks the same, has more power, better suspension for less cash.

[@AcmeRocket]

The very last thing I would ever want on a motorcycle is cruise control. I had it on my S1000rr, I used it once the first day as a novelty, then never again.

[@chocolata2240]

Looks like the red 2020 grom but way bigger😊 love it👍

[@samiam5326]

Ducati lost me at no cruise control.

[@fyorbane]

Why,?

[@samiam5326]

@@fyorbane I ride long distance on the highway to get to the good twisty roads. I need cruise control to help rest my right wrist and to help keep speed constant so I don’t have to stress about cops. Next bike has to have cruise. Shame it’s not even an option on the new Monster...

[@midhungopan9270]

This is the first time i feel Ducati trying to copy some cues from another brands, those front end looks like MV agusta & tank looks like like japanese

[@radhi1188radhi1188]

Agree man..feels wrong

[@gerhardw.933]

It's because MV Agusta and Ducati have the same designer, I believe...

[@Firestorm637]

I owned a 2014 monster 1200. I would buy this bike

[@jetninjamonkey]

Belt swaps on this bike will be a cinch!

[@cuzimaluzer777]

This man is a national treasure just like nicholas cage.

[@sandeshjadhav8804]

Me after seeing Ducati releases Monster without a Trellis frame "Look how they Massacred my Boy"

[@jetrex1986]

Like the bit on Lombard Street up and down-- Love SA;-)Paul Belfast N Ireland.

[@dainjahrus]

This looks great, took a warming up to it as someone with the older design S2R monster... but I would say the older design of the 696/797/1100 looked a bit too bulky and trying too hard and the 821/1200 which looked okay and i was considering the 1200 as my next (ended up not getting it). It never fit me properly and had a bit too much refinement with uninspiring styling... this one is actually has added back some aggression but doesn't look like its trying too hard in the styling, its a fine line that they nailed for me. "the original monster was beastly, this one isn't", yeah... thats kind of my biggest concern, hopefully this bike has that character i would miss.

[@borkarms]

Very Nice.Appreciate your passion & enthusiasm 👏😀🙌👌👍 at your age.

[@ragerider6283]

Nice review. I like this bike but for the price it should definitely have at least some suspension adjustability even if it was only preload. Bit disappointed tbh.

[@Mark-Dibble]

0:13 I like that trellis frame

[@AchievingAccuracy]

Certainly “borrowed” (read copied) some aesthetics from the MV Agusta Brutale..

[@muertinix]

They definitely look similar

[@pmwaffle9348]

Not a bad thing, if it kept the trellis and single swingarm, it would be considered a knock off

[@weed46]

From the MT. Looks nothing like a Brutale. I wish it looked like a brutale, if it did, at least it would look good, but it doesn't.

[@Bow-to-the-absurd]

It's lost its iconic looks Now it's competing with the Japanese on the same level but at extra cost

[@andrewspooner8146]

I was thinking the same. Whilst the smaller monster has always been more expensive you were paying for the brand and the quite essential Italian looks. Now the looks aren’t there it puts it up against the MT 09 (which is butt ugly) other bikes in the price range are much better 890R and 765R and RS.

[@okm88]

A lot of ducatis character had been lost for a long time, covering the bike in plastic parts and covers but hiding all ducati rawness of previous years gone by doing so.

[@rlsedition]

No Japanese middleweight naked looks as integrated as this new Monster. The Italians still have a better aesthetic touch.

[@weed46]

Looks the same as the MT09 SP, except that the MT09 has more power, better suspension and costs less

[@rlsedition]

@@weed46 You and I have been here before. I'll give the SP the edge in HP, adjustable suspension and price over the Monster, but would you like to look at it every day, with that ugly front end and truck exhaust? Not me. I actually own a Ducati Supersport, which blows both bikes away, with full Ohlins and a great looking full fairing. And any power deficit is irrelevant on the street - the 11 degree L-twin has max torque at 6500 RPMs - perfect for real road riding.

[@TheImtoomuch]

Feel the Burns! A lot of money for that bike. I want to sit on one though. A test ride would be even better.

[@radhi1188radhi1188]

Love the ducati coz their frame design and engine..im first love to 719...monster 900, the legend 999...but now design for this monster bike change..fell like entirely naked now..new look are similar to ninja 650 or other japanese bike thou.

[@-DC-]

Less Monstrous than previously unfortunately.

[@AMomcilo1]

To me this is not a good looking bike, must be getting old. The old Monster looked and sounded better.

[@G1lgamesj]

No, It's not because you're getting old, I have the same feeling about it. Plain generic bike... Most of us are waiting for something like a newer classic sport, like in the genre of the one in Tron but more up to date and performant.

[@jonb7445]

No, I don't think it is because you are getting old Mate. Like @Gilgamesh stated, it just looks generic now. On its own I don't think it necessarily looks like an ugly bike, but it doesn't stand out as premium either. Earlier Monsters were instantly recognisable by their attitude and stance, this one just looks like 'standard naked bike'.

[@orangesonicc]

Yeah, I have the same feeling It doesn’t look or feel special like the old one… would never trade my 1200s for it It is not the just the frame though, if it looked special with or without the frame I would buy one

[@TheUrbanEpicure]

I had that red Alpinestars t-shirt in my late teens/early twenties! You kept it in good shape!

[@lancelink88]

Very good

[@jesseonamotorcycle]

Awesome video 👍🏼🔥

[@alpap1980]

How tall is the rider and what inseam? The bike seems a bit tall for a street bike!

[@nabintamang9016]

I loved the old version of Monster and I don't like the design of New Monster 2021.. old version design is more amazing than new one

[@jopaco85]

I want to say I love this bike because of good memories on past Monsters but I just can't. Ducati you changed a recipe that didn't need changing.

[@radhi1188radhi1188]

Agree man..this one not for monster..feel too naked

[@akent46]

What! No slow motion jumps in San Fran???!

[@motorboy5218]

nice review and I believe to all your words mate ;)

[@dimitristzimis3238]

OMG!!! This old dude is a Hooligan!!! LOL!!!!

[@Stevieboy130664]

I'm an engineer and obviously the motor as stressed member is a better solution, objectively, but I do miss the old distinctive trellis frame.

[@Bow-to-the-absurd]

Ktm can still do it, but not ducati?

[@Stevieboy130664]

@@Bow-to-the-absurd I know but I reckon KTM will go that route eventually.

[@weed46]

@@Stevieboy130664 You are a pretty rubish engineer if you didn't realise that the outgoing Monster with trellis frame already used the engine as the stressed member.

[@Stevieboy130664]

@@weed46 "rubish" = rubbish? Since I have been gainfully employed as an engineer for the last thirty three years with few breaks and, as a consultant, I am paid well for this, I will take the opinion of my abilities from those clients who call on my services rather than some nobody on KZbin. I am not familiar with the design of Ducati frames past and present never having examined one that closely so I rely on magazines and articles on the Ducati design. According to most of the articles I have read, the engine has only become a fully stressed member of the overall design since the trellis frame was dropped. The others haven't mentioned it.

[@allnighterist]

pls review the ducati nightshift

[@munmunsen6762]

Is it a v twin engine or L twin engine??

[@dsgr6164]

Weird, new Monster doesn't have those flush mount front turn signals. I thought they were standard on all new Monsters.

[@pchzl]

U get them in Europe in States you getting the indicators which are sticking out

[@rlsedition]

It's our federal government that's the problem with those turn signals, not Ducati.

[@johnburns8956]

they're in the process of being homologated

[@pchzl]

@@johnburns8956 they don’t, dynamic indicators are illegal in the US. Aprilia had the same issue with RS660 as all the car manufacturers who need to put normal blinkers for US cars

[@LifeWideOpen780]

Looks like they went to yamaha and said hey build us a monster

[@rlsedition]

Yamaha has never created a naked bike that looks as good as this new Monster. The MT-09 is butt ugly.

[@LifeWideOpen780]

@@rlsedition that's my point it looks horrible

[@urso3000]

Very cool!

[@fauzidwiadi7593]

The Monster

[@Croak1]

Done at 6:08

[@bpriorb]

Good review. I currently ride a 2020 Suzuki SV650 and I love everything about it. In many ways, the perfect bike. In the past, I considered a Monster, and thought I would in the future, but I'm struck by how much this Monster is similar to my SV650. Obviously, the Monster has far superior tech than my SV. The only tech I have is ABS and what's between my ears. I think the bike looks great, but now after seeing the review I'm asking myself: "Why would I choose this over a SV650"?

[@leftoverwhiskey]

I thought that the front turning indicator was gonna be planted in main frame

[@olherb9633]

Only in EU. Pisseddddd

[@leftoverwhiskey]

@@olherb9633 thank youuu

[@BlaineyBiker]

Here in the UK it is - check the test ride I did on my channel

[@Steve-ec6ed]

Everytime Ive been to San Francisco Lombard St is packed and you have to take turns to get down practically. What do they shut down the streets for you?

[@kenhoward3512]

The route was planned, and they did have a police motorcycle escort.

[@johnburns8956]

Only for me, yes.

[@demetriostsaros]

Sorry Ducati. You’ve created an SV650. The visceral charm of the mt900 is gone.

[@rlsedition]

If you follow motorcycles you'd know the SV650 was a design ripoff of the original Monster.

[@micahpbt9638]

I think the problem with this bike isn't so much that it doesn't "look" like the monsters of old, but that the price is too expensive for what it offers, imo.

[@pc0736]

will there be a bigger engine to replace the 1200cc?

[@TheUrbanEpicure]

Of course.

[@weed46]

@@TheUrbanEpicure of course what? Ducati already said there isn't going to be any other engine. 1200 Engine isn't Euro5 compliant, so it's a no go, and they aren't going to build a brand new engine for this bike. "big engine" ducatis are now V4, and to put the V4 on this bike, it would need a new frame (Not Happening due to cost), and wont happen again because that's what the Streetfither is. The Monster 1200 now is the streetfighter, and previously they killed the streetfighter to have the Monster 1200. So no, you won't have both.

[@timothymills733]

As an owner of multiple Ducatis for the last twenty five years, this bike is a major disappointment. What Ducati seems to not understand is that the Monster never competed with other manufacturers bikes; it was not cross shopped, now it will need to, and I think it will lose. And John states Ducati says that a Monster was always a Superbike with it's bodywork removed; that is not true; the first Monster did use the 888 frame, but that stopped after a few years when it got the ST frame, plus is was powered by the SS engine; so not a naked superbike at all. That lack of historic knowledge says all I need to know about Ducati America these days.

[@onemanmob6756]

The priorities on the Monster have been: looks, handling, performance, others. Ever since the introduction of the Streetfighter the argument that the Monster is basically a naked Pannigale has lost its merit all together. Style is what should differentiate the Monster from the Streetfighter and the trellis frame is a big part of it (as much as the single-sided swing arm, which IMHO should be implemented on all Monster models or at least on all but the smallest one). Without the trellis frame this bike looks... bland, not to say 'lame' - Ducati may as well put the non-desmo engine on it, because this is no longer the Ducati Monster.

[@moomoodeadcow]

Is that a FUEL GAUGE?!?!!?!? WOW.

[@sonkaldo]

Bring back the good looking old school head light. First Yamaha and now this thing.

[@rlsedition]

Disagree. This headlamp retains the simplicity of a round headlamp while looking entirely modern.

[@diversityhobbit]

Looks like the monster got the experimental jab as well. No bueno

[@SirFartsAlot1]

Man emissions really kills this bike my 2015 monster 821 came with 112 hp and 65 ft. Stock. But that was before euro 4 this is probably euro 5.

[@viperq]

Riding up on Lombard St? You can only go down. 7:15

[@Chris-Crash]

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.

[@FaidonMoraitis]

Great!!!

[@Nekminute]

1:12 Ducaddy monster

[@northrider8628]

You should leave the, if you don't like it part at the end off... it's not becoming of you! Other than that 👍sweet bike even if it doesn't have cruise control 🤣

[@VebitoTetseo_gPlus]

New Ducati's don't look as good as they used to be.

[@judgetk8327]

Your cool buddy and I think you like to crack the throttle from time to time is my guess. Drive safe chum.

[@subatomicparticle6535]

I like this new Monster just a couple dislikes. The ugly long rear license plate holder that all manufacturers seem to like to use that forces you to buy an aftermarket fender eliminator and the price is a little high compared to the Yamaha MT-09 or KTM 890 Duke etc etc. At least it doesn't have that license plate holder that is attached to the rear axle bolt which are the worst. Full LED lighting and exhaust exiting out the back not out the bottom and the round tach is nice instead of the bar graph other manu's use and standard quick shift. All in all a nice bike.

[@ericwilliams626]

You people and your comments about the MT09. The arguments are terrible. All these bikes are fast, end of story. The focal point really is about, which bike is more fun? Hands down Ducati. I own a CP2 Yamaha in the T7. Fun, but I also own a 803 air cooled scrambler, more fun with the same HP.

[@MrTonifumi]

Totally agree. Great bike but needs cruise control. If this is your only bike it has to do highway miles and cruise is a must. Sorry, MT09SP wins my money

[@ghostfire1895]

actually it look great...more advance

[@Deadpool_500]

Did someone hire KTM designers?

[@rlsedition]

KTM has no design except swords and shields.

[@rlsedition]

@KZbin needs a Snickers Whatever. KTM needs to fire Kiska Design.

[@guywolff]

John a kind of funny side note ..The original Alice's Restaurant in Stockbridge Mass. was run by Alice Brock who was married at the time to Ray Brock of (Went up to see friend Ray all that my friend Ray could say was I don't want a pickle just want to rid on my motorcycle ).. He sold a BSA 441 to some friends of mine to race at Pepperell Ma in 69 .Ray was in the race world here in New England .. SO lots of bike racing around the original restaurant out east here .

[@ajinkyasawant7945]

Those indicators look like a hammerhead shark.

[@ionutzcar8158]

still prefer my 695 than this anonymous bike

[@richardschweizer4965]

I hope he does not get thrombosis.

[@raoulduke3770]

Everything I know about Ducati Monsters, I learned from John Burns. And I owned one.

[@michaeljohnson2922]

MT-09 kills this bike in every category. I still like it though, the new Monster is a fine looking machine.

[@aluisious]

It would if Yamaha would stop selling bikes with fucked up suspension and fueling.

[@bubblef8073]

Red Painted Yamaha!

[@rlsedition]

BS.

[@chuaroosevelt]

The Italian flavor is lost with this one.

[@monzadh]

looks like a bland Japanese bike...

[@nemanjap8768]

Can't agree

[@nemanjap8768]

@@monzadh nope

[@r6mt09]

It’s a sv650 that does not start

[@revico9353]

Something is making it not beautiful, wat is it? It doesnt feel like a ducati, its just not ugly looking red bike

[@keltecdan]

Dewcaddy monster

[@1990-t1j]

It has lost its iconic appeal.

[@VinayKumar-db4qz]

I think MTO9 is better.

[@Mickey_Bauer]

Nice bike but that headlight needs to go.

[@secretgardensr]

Mt9과 비교 부탁드려요

[@Stickybutton]

Sure better to ride but definitely harder to look at

[@raderallen1]

There is absolutely no way I would trade my 696 for this thing.

[@SirFartsAlot1]

Yeah 696 is a beautiful bike

[@pahwasaki9389]

Why don't motorcycles sold in USA don't get LED turn indicators like rest of the world ? What's the stupid law ?

[@alwaysturnonaircon]

Now it looks like a kawasaki. Lol

[@mannygarcia1810]

MT-09...