Is the 2021 Ducati Monster still....a Monster? | MCN review

#DucatiMonster #MCN
Mike Armitage rides the new 2021 Ducati Monster on a selection of challenging A and B roads to find if it still is.... A MONSTER.
We'd love to hear your views so get them down in the comment section.
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[@gerrypowell2748]

My late wife had a 2000 750, she adored it✌️

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

Sorry to hear she passed away.

[@dTm259]

Loved the history lesson and the stories at the end. You guys should do this more often on such bikes with heritage.

[@Automan9]

You should check out a channel called Urge to Ride i think. You'd love it there

[@dTm259]

@@Automan9 thank you sir. Will check it out. 👍

[@sabamacx]

The Monster was sort of a parts-bike reflection of the superbikes at the time. Trellis frames, aircooled engines, etc. This current monster reflects the current superbikes: frameless, watercooled, heavily electronics. To wit, it's a real monster. (But I don't like it.)

[@MontyBurnsEsq]

There is so much hate for this bike, honestly the review is spot on - I test rode one, loved it so much I actually bought one, it really is a fun bike to ride.

[@ThePowerMoves]

Nice man, planning to pull the trigger soon as well, so excited. I'm also looking for feedback on possible heating issues in city usage. Have you ever felt it got uncomfortably hot in city traffic?

[@MontyBurnsEsq]

@@ThePowerMoves it does get hot but not enough to dismiss the bike, the fans kick in and get air moving

[@ThePowerMoves]

@@MontyBurnsEsq thanks man!

[@MadChalet]

I appreciate the historical context. The new Monster isn't as simple/raw as the original, but it is 2021 after all ... technology, and the market, has evolved.

[@ShadowKstr]

Yes!!! Thank you for the history lesson!!!!!!!!!

[@johnwinward2421]

I bought my first Ducati (200SS, nth hand) from the classified ads in MCN in 1975. Nice to see both Ducati and MCN still going strong.

[@rodintoulouse3054]

Another great review! I am not even interested in this bike, but I love how you are able to describe how the bike feels and make us ride it with you, instead of following the manufacturer press release and spit out specs. The anecdotes at the end? You nailed your homework. Great work!

[@lexingtonconcord8751]

How are you not interested in the Monster???

[@rodintoulouse3054]

@@lexingtonconcord8751 not into naked or sport bikes I guess 😁

[@blipco5]

I always thought "Monster" was the coolest name ever given to a motorcycle. 👍

[@andrewdugdale7043]

Well I own this bike and have done for a week now. I tried the MT09SP (taller bike) and the 890R. I prefer the Monster all day, power comes in quicker and is just as quick. The TFT is far better than the others also

[@aramparonian7914]

How is it after 9 months of ownership ? Any problems ? Costs of consumables bigger than other brands ?

[@ThePowerMoves]

Nice man, planning to pull the trigger soon as well, so excited. I'm also looking for feedback on possible heating issues in city usage. Have you ever felt it got uncomfortably hot in city traffic Andrew?

[@marcusgeorge1825]

Absolutely awesome! Thank you for taking the time to put this together. Perfect. 👍😎

[@leroyjones769]

Hands down .. the best review yet. MCN ALWAYS top notch. Thank you.

[@Ankit_UK]

Proper technical review of the riding attributes + some history... well done. More like these please.

[@bigalalbig]

Many thanks for the history going back to the Cagiva days. Really appreciated it.

[@jonathandavies6862]

Really liked this episode. Nice balance of a review of the new and the history of how we got here. Great journalism very inspiring

[@marscruz]

Nice job telling the Monster story. I wasn't aware of how it came about and Mike Armitage did a fine job of relating the history and justifying the current version. I like that he takes the time to give us enough of the back story to define the "Monster niche" of the Ducati family without the fluff and bs. Well done mate. Not my bike but interesting none the less.

[@kurushunwalla]

Superb!!! Thank you so much for making us almost feel the bike with your excellent explanation. History on the Monster brand was very welcome too. Cheers

[@greyanaroth]

I loved the history. Helps you understand where these lovely machines, whose existence we now take for granted, come from. Lovely.

[@veteq101]

This is how review videos are supposed to be... new bike and history on the model. Very good. I truly enjoyed it.

[@JamchesterBoozle]

It's a huge shame they've done away with the beautiful trellis frame - no matter the weight saving or stiffness. 5 mins later... Great review by the way - the Ducati history at the end changed my mind and was very interesting. Love it!

[@weed46]

New bike is ligher because it's a lighter package, is a bike designed to have 110hp, not 160hp like previous Gen. This bike doesn't have big engine, because if they did, everything would have to be beefier, read heavier. Look at the streetfighter, aluminum frame, but weighs over 200kg. More power, needs more metal in almost every part of the bike. And that's why the 821 is heavier. If they made this new bike with a trellis frame, it would be just as light. The 1200R weighs the same as the streetfighter V4.

[@leewatkeys9065]

Nice review with the historical twist. Bought a new 696 in 2011 before I’d passed my test. Used one to do my DAS and passed so from the test centre to the dealers to collect it. Dec 23rd raining hard. Had a dozen bikes since including a Desert Sled and nearly bought an 821 at one point. Yes the new bike is still a Monster and I’ll probably test ride one but into older stuff at the moment (2000 triumph thunderbird sport). Well done on a very comprehensive explanation about the revisions and also the origins 👍🏻

[@sullybiker6520]

I really like this format. It's precise and careful, and I liked that every point is qualified.

[@duffyrides]

Great History lesson at the end, that was cool! Thanks

[@jpalcouffe7515]

Brilliant review and background story - thank you!

[@bd1982]

great that you shared some background of Monster! Still a beauty!

[@stephencole4498]

Great review and nice little background information on the beginnings of the original. However I just can't get away from the fact this bike now looks like everything else in the sector....

[@JoUtan01]

This monster looks more Japanese than Italian mc, S4RS looks better !

[@alejandrogonzales7022]

Yes! They could have kept the tank looking a but more like it used to. I'll miss the look of the trellis, but I understand that it makes the bike better.

[@neilallen460]

A red Z900

[@anandarunkumar7678]

@Ben Daulton i was wondering the same. The brutale 800 is nimble as well and weighs about 190kg wet

[@cueballB]

@@anandarunkumar7678 Yeah, but the MV is more expenisive and seriously horrible to ride. I've had one and its too high revved for the road, too cramped, very hard seat,...It's good for a 20 mile sunday ride, but more than that and it's backbreaking

[@MrAlfasul]

had a new 916 from 1994 - new s2r1000 from 2006 ( best bike i ever owend ) now a 821 from 2019 - the 937 details dat i dont like - headlight-no trellis frame -tank -tail loocks its like from a r6 from 2004 and those 821 headers thats wat a call a ducati pipe- can anderstand the weight problem but it loocks to japanese ( the 821 is very heavy bike for sore but its the last best looking monster ever got !!!!!!

[@Guzzisti27]

Cracking video, Mike, well done 👍🏻

[@rfmrs2506]

More than a review, an education👍

[@royarnab22]

Brilliant piece of story telling from the past

[@sirikulsomsuwan]

Great review & history lesson mate!

[@phatsmitty]

Went to a local dealer in '94 to see the amazing 916, so very nice, and there was a Monster 900 .... total infatuation, both bikes. 1996 - they made the 750 Monster and I had to have it. So many good memories with the Monster 750, it hugged corners, and begged you to find the twisty roads. There was magic in the air cooled motor and the trellis frame was so sexy. Fast forward to now... I'd bet a test ride on the new Monster would make me fall in love all over again.

[@mathiashammar1]

Was by Ducati today actually on other business. I walked passed the new Monster. I asked the staff what version it was because it looked like a 400cc bike but it was the 937 cc. Super small and skinny bike. Impressive work by Ducati to make it so compact.

[@jacekl10]

love the story, brilliant review!!!!

[@ApexMotow]

Of all the KZbin moto channels MCN does it best in my humble opinion.

[@rushy67rr97]

And that’s how you do a bike review folks, no flab and totally on point 👍🏻😎

[@joaomoreira5879]

Quality review! 👌

[@luisranito6850]

Love that AGV helmet at the right wall!!!

[@markchisholm2657]

Yep, I'm quite sure in all measurable ways this is a better bike that previous namesakes. Unfortunately, it looks like any generic Japanese bike and blink and you can see the MT09. In fact it looks like a Chinese knock off. The Monster was never about ultimate performance but style and this new one has swapped those attributes.

[@Amerigo_Vespucci]

Now this is a quality video for someone considering getting this bike

[@richardvillar340]

Great review and fun history lesson!

[@miguelcosta530]

Very good an honest review with a statement very interesting (it's better than a Street triple)

[@deniscalvert6826]

Great review love Ducati been round the factory but never owned one always out of my pocket. Like this bike though

[@Sc-How]

Wow, amazing history lesson. I loved the information and how it relates to the controversy that plagues traditionalists.

[@kyotosal]

I am starting to get used to the headlight. I had a 20th Anniversary Monster at one time. I like this new one. Good job Ducati!.....Sal : )

[@yumyumbaboon]

Ahh my first (of many) Ducati’s- a 95 M900 in glorious Ducati red with a lovely gold trellis frame! 😍

[@eastbaymauiboy]

Yeah, I dunno, I always super dug the muscular look of the Monster. Trellis frame and round-oval tank. Despite the changes over the years, they have always looked unquestionably like Monsters...till now. Some bikes have an iconic look that do need to be put on diets and sculpted down over the years (see 2021 Speed 3 RS) but they should still look the part. The answer to the question for me is no, it's no longer a Ducati Monster...It's an MT-0-Monster

[@bjrkK]

I own the Speed Triple 1200rs and wanted to try this bike for fun. It surely is agile in the street and if I would be looking for a bike purely for street riding this Ducati would be my choice for sure, so easy to do figure 8:s at parking lots, quickshifter is nice and engine feels great. It feels like a supermoto compared to my own bike.👍

[@mrlongtree]

I have a 2000 Monster 900ie, it's a great bike. Not many of the older style bikes still around it seems.

[@Lar308]

I sold my 2015 Monster 821 stripe to buy this new monster last year and am loving it so far. Its an ideal everyday bike but because mine is just a nice toy I never use it in the rain.

[@denislejeune9218]

great history lesson, thanks

[@nigelfisher3756]

Great review of a very good street naked bike. But.....could I live with those looks?

[@gressshap8200]

Definitely a monster and all the better for the changes. Happy for those folks wanting to hold on to earlier versions but for some us we want to move forward. And with the crazy prices people are willing to pay for used bikes (of all makes) with their old tech and character, new mid sized bikes are actually great value.

[@dean-does-stuff-81]

Got to get a test ride sorted for the spring. I was waiting to see if there were any changes for 2023, but it doesn't look like it thus far.

[@mrmenan6450]

Loved the history lesson ❤️❤️❤️

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Mike certainly did his homework! Thanks for watching.

[@oliverhagenlocher74]

A good replacement for the 821, but the air-cooled 1100 and 1100 Evo were completely different, hot irons ...

[@markharrison2484]

Loved my Evo.......when it worked.

[@NikosXatzak]

I guess everyone would agree.... More of the history lessons please, amazing

[@keithappel5021]

What are you like to know does it have a Ducati six access I M U Like the town of Galli or is it just traction assist with the antilock brakes similar to the Suzuki

[@kushsakhu]

Great review

[@imeet_j9kk339]

The best Monster review. Hands down.

[@zhbroder]

woah i thought that history lesson at the end was going to end differently.. this should shut some of the haters up!! this bike is mega. pure joy to ride.

[@mikebusby1471]

What happened to the engine? They've replaced it with a bit of plastic!!

[@rickbates9232]

Good review.

[@tomwinner5350]

Nicely done sir.

[@zed5129]

Of all the many bikes I've had, my fave is still the V2 Tuono 1000r Factory. Wish I could get it back. This is in the right direction - Italian, V2, Brembos, Ohlins in the SP. I like the look of it on paper.

[@burner188]

2,200 miles later...still loving mine 😎❤

[@nevillebroadbent1601]

I like it. Saw one in the flesh yesterday. Loving my Z900RS but certainly will try and get a test ride on one. Don't know how it would be for my partner 2up. Suspect nowhere as nice for her as the RS is.

[@cassin11]

A shootout between 2021 Monster, MT09 and 890R would be helpful for folks looking to get one

[@kilomile4220]

I wanted to hear Michael, he is the one to listen for

[@frankpeutz9106]

Very good review, not to much drama! It might be a very good bike but style wise I'm not impressed, also the Ducati watercooled engines look messy which doesn't help either. Apart from the rear seat cover I personally can't find a typical Ducati item on the bike and since it ain't cheap either I wonder if it will become a huge sales success like the original and 696-series. Time will tell.

[@gryphongryph]

Really missed the old frame also, but somehow this new design is growing on me, start looking forward to its bigger brother coming hopefully next year with full öhlins.

[@ryanmalone2681]

Even if a bike has self-canceling indicators, I always continue to cancel them to ensure I keep the habit. Not all bike have it, and if you forgot to do it, it could kill you. So it’s good as a backup, but not to rely on it. Shame there is a negative impact to doing that now.

[@michaelhoward142]

In my experience, self-canceling indicators often (usually?) don't cancel when they should. They either cancel too soon or not soon enough. Until they can read my mind -- every time -- I will continue to manually cancel my indicators. Surely there's a way to cancel the indicators on the new Monster. Perhaps by moving the switch a second time (ie, move once to signal, move once again to cancel)?

[@Fee.1]

I love it. The old ones looked ancient

[@RobertOrtiz1015]

In the same video you showed us all the tech and aids and digital this and that... and tell us that its simply and raw and you feel connected to the bike! Ducatis literally built an Z900/mt9 variant out of the monster haha! Wow

[@kennedyracing7527]

Would love to see a comparison between the Monster and the Ktm 890

[@Eddytak]

As a Ducati rider I understand why this bike has been built but I don't like how Ducati throws away everything that makes Ducati what it is: Desmodromic valves, trellis frame, dry clutch and even the V2...

[@boxster21]

I’m getting one ☝️😎

[@alanbeber6197]

Mike, I agree with all you said about the new Monster, EXCEPT that I found the engine very inflexible - find yourself in the wrong gear, and the bike really lets you know. I was quite taken aback by how intractable it was compared to my ST765. I really wanted to love this bike, but was rather disappointed in the end. Great agility, powerful brakes, low down grunt etc., but sadly that inflexibility put me off.

[@colinpirie8403]

What’s the heat like compared to the older ones

[@alanbeber6197]

@@colinpirie8403 Never even noticed any heat, so obviously not a problem.

[@bbundesbahn]

excellent

[@RobertOrtiz1015]

The frame the first thing that attracted me to the monster! Sad to see it go

[@roelfkromhout]

A good thing it rides well apparently because there is no defending the way this Monster looks.

[@kaveiros75]

Excactly. And it is a shame, indeed!

[@craighoo5716]

Wow. The 1993 monster looks better than the new bike. Amazing.

[@jacekl10]

it's better than the old one!

[@graydemunter5850]

Good bike … probably yes. Appealing to me ? Nope zero points Ducati. I will keep my S4rs 😚

[@ThisOldGuy3]

At some point in the not so distant future people are going to be coveting the final version of the Monster 1200's they way they do late 60's and early 70's muscle cars. Hang on to those last gen Monsters because their value is going to start increasing.🤘😎🎸🏍

[@durjoymazumder1526]

What is the top speed of this new monster??

[@MattieXMoto]

At what cost? You don't see Porsche swapping to front engine. But the Corvette did go mid engine. The new Monster seems very similar in spec to the new MT09, but Yamaha is cheaper even for the SP version. Ducati has to put better suspension and cruise control. Maybe 2022

[@quinnkirlew9892]

Love me some moto history

[@ceesmvanwijk]

Was that a glitch in the matrix or was this monster tested in just two corners?

[@keithappel5021]

Sorry for the typos in my last message I was in a hurry anyways does he have an I M U like the KTM‘s or no

[@abymathew295]

How does it stack up against 890 Duke R..🤔🤔🤔

[@wanhaniff7010]

With biscoti

[@abymathew295]

@@wanhaniff7010 ...🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@rossmunro277]

It rides very much like my 790 duke, very chuckable, revs similar to the Duke, engine characteristics very similar. The brakes are better and the seat is more comfortable. A very easy, "safe for newer riders" bike, fun but not loony, not as tetchy as the ktm. Not worth spending the extra money as far as I was concerned. Easy to flat foot, even on the "normal" seat height setting and I'm 5'7". V nocr bike, comparable to the Aprilia 660 tuono which is lots of fun, great brakes. Neither bike is much better overall than the 790 duke.

[@richardcollins586]

I have a 797, feel like that was the last true Monster. It’s air cooled, not hugely powerful, no electronics, it’s basic. It looks like a Monster, the new bike, it may well be technologically advanced, though it’s lost its identity completely , therefore it’s a Ducati, though it’s not a Monster, it’s just like any other bike..that’s a big shame.

[@patthonsirilim5739]

yes the 797 is probally the last true monster but i would say the last true monster was the 796/1100 gen bikes was powerfull aircooled trellis frame and single sided swing arms.

[@ecojoe2214]

Agree fully. But the 797 was just a 796 for Asian and certain other markets... no?

[@richardcollins586]

@@ecojoe2214 The 797 was for the US and European market, though coming out in 2017, it was short lived as Euro 5 emissions regs killed it off.

[@identiticrisis]

The air cooled bikes with the mixed trellis and aluminium frame, the 796 / 1100 / 696 era, are possibly peak Monster. They retained all the theatrics of a Ducati, and carried absolutely nothing extra that wasn't necessary for the experience. They were also already reliable, even if you didn't quite keep to the demanding servicing schedule. They were light, if a little heavy to muscle about at speed, and very analogue (i.e. 1:1, direct) in feel. All you could see was the road ahead, all you could hear was the airbox under your chin. A true sports roadster, from the ground up. As the icing on the cake, in terms of power delivery, the 1079 cc Desmodue in particular is an absolute peach of a torque hammer. Its lumpy low rev character is charming, as long as you stick to the open road where such a bike belongs!

[@1noetic]

I agree with you on the 797 being the last. I bought one for that very reason. I absolutely love her.

[@eyalny]

I had a 620ie monster, every monster that came out since wasn't a real monster, they were too big, too heavy. This is a real monster, a little SUV style, too high but still back to basic, like the original monster

[@Nick-dz4ml]

The 620's were the budget monsters, the 900,1000,750 etc are more 'real'

[@sabamacx]

I'd still prefer if it had the 1100 2V lump.

[@kindajal]

i had the 1100 evo, plenty character enough electronics to keep you safe, lumpy on slow revs but great when you give it the beans

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Don't forget the Monster 1200 is still on sale, too! Thanks for watching.

[@one-of-us9939]

Nice.

[@ducatimale]

Ducati stopped making the 620, which is referred to here in terms of handling, in 2006.

[@priv1leged]

looks like a mt07 or sv650... i dont understand modern motorcycle design management decisions.

[@claretbuck1882]

🤘🏻

[@yerdad3921]

If it had 3 cans and sexy gold forks I would have sworn it was my gen1 MV Agusta Brutale in silhouette view.

[@iodineclip]

havent watched the video yet, i bet it performs better than previous model, but its also not as pretty. and pretty is crucial when it comes to Ducati, in my opinion.

[@surferdude642]

If you're inseam challenged, this Monster is the only bike in its standard seat height set-up that fits among its competitors.

[@Evil.Turkey]

I’m still in between now with the new monster and the triumph street triple RS.

[@taylorhewitt5621]

I’d go for the triumph...

[@future62]

3 > 2

[@MrSupercampeao]

I had that decision to make too (albeit with the outgoing Monster) and chose the Triple - haven't ridden the new one but the Triple was and is a much better handling bike compared to the Monster.

[@TK-cl1jm]

@@future62 Italy > Thailand

[@future62]

@@TK-cl1jm good bikes are good bikes