The Ugly Truth About My Ducati Monster 821: 5 Things I Can't Stand

Are you considering buying a Ducati Monster 821? As a proud owner of this bike, I want to give you an honest review of my experience so far. In this video, I'll share with you the 5 things that I can't stand about my Ducati Monster 821.
From its uncomfortable peg position to its idiosyncratic transmission, I'll give you the inside scoop on what it's really like to ride a Ducati Monster 821 day in and day out.
So buckle up and get ready for some real talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly of owning a Ducati Monster 821. And if you're a current owner, I'd love to hear your thoughts on my list in the comments below!
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[@ChrisVonDoom83]

I had a 797 and when I first got it I experienced a few of those “false neutrals” I discovered it’s mostly user error.. you have to shift with authority and deliberately. If you lazy shift or shift too early in the RPM’s you’ll get those “false neutrals” Ducati’s like to be ridden hard & aggressively.

[@josephlilley9249]

How do you like the 797. Does it feel like a fast bike? Just curious bc I have a ktm now but looking to get a minter 797 or 821. I know the 821 has like 20 more hp but I have seen many 797s for good deals compared to the 821s

[@ChrisVonDoom83]

@@josephlilley9249 what KTM do you have now? I loved the 797.. It was my 2nd bike. I started on a Ninja 400 then went to the 797 so it was plenty fast for me. Honestly speed isn’t the whole story.. just the joy and experience of riding/owning a Ducati was amazing all on its own. They are very different from other bikes.

[@tsnmotorsport8259]

I'm 33yo and driven 50cc moped 15yrs ago. Now i'm getting mc licens soon. I had been learning many things of your and other tubers videos. Thanks for these lessons 😁

[@jamaltimao]

Engine check light pops ups frequently … Mirrors and rear brake

[@user-tz5oo8ji4b]

My first bike 25 years ago was a Honda VFR 750, it had 100 bhp, weight 237 kilo and fairly lent forward. The Ducati Monster 821 is a perfect first bike. Not too lent forward, riding modes and as far as the weight. You are not to carry the bike on your back and good luck feeling the difference when riding a bike weighing 190 or 230 kilos. I have had a Monster 1000 ds and now ride the newer 1200 S. I have no problem with weight and steering lock. I am 163 cm and weigh 57 kilo. If you hate these five things I suggest you get a different bike, Perhaps a Scrambler 400.

[@yuvalend]

I have a Monster 821 for almost two years now and its a great bike, all the things you mantion might be true but they are so minor.. only thing i get is maybe maybe price issues but that is what you get when you buy a premium product like a Ducati, still a fair point. I do have some false neutrals from time to time but 99% of the time its because of my fault so i belive its the same for you.

[@davidscb3632]

I never had transmission problems for some reason, even though I know it’s very common !

[@anthonyso7761]

As a owner of a 821 for over a year and a half, at first yes, I do have problem getting in gear. But after a few sessions of gear lever adjustment, it is fine now. All I did was just lower the lever a bit at a time until I can positively put in gear easily. So the transmission of this bike is not having a problem, it just need some adjustment. I think every bike might need that too because everyone builds differently.

[@condadodealhamahomes]

I have an 1200S, turn radios is about 6 meter due to tight turning lock, no false neutrals at all, sometimes you need to really kick the gears in gear! I am using a quickshifter which I would say, is performing well when shifting up but not (or requires much more practise) down.. I am not using it to shift down, but its a matter of driving style as well, how you use it and if you want to use it. Mirrors I agree, your elbows block the view. Maintenance for the desmo I have not done as this ought to be done every 30.000km and I am at 14.000KM at the moment, but seems 300 - 500 euro, defo not 1000$ as you mentioned, then parts may need to be replaced and are part of the 1000$, under normal circumstances a clean and oilchange, maybe belt change may be necesarry. I had a recent maintenance check done on oils and fluids, break check, and that was 36$.. next when in oktober.. I think that regular maintenance apart from the desmo one is pretty cheap and easy, like most other bikes.

[@fpgamachine]

Hi, thanks for the information. I have a Monster 821 from 2019. Are the sliders you have installed specific for the monster or can some generic ones be installed?

[@steveattebery8413]

The only issue that I have with my 821 is finding enough time to ride it. The rear brake has a recall out, get it repaired for free.

[@GettingthruLife]

I own this bike 2020 821 model with DQS, Termignoni exhaust with map, antigravity lithium batt, evotech exhaust hanger/passanger peg delete. Amazing machine! Hate is a strong word. Things that could be considered a negative are: 1. It is heavy/bulky/slow speed manuvering 2. stearing lock/limited turning radius/tight areas 3. engine heat on a hot day stuck not moving 220-227 degrees 4. good and bad however you look at it: not silky smooth feeling/running motor and shifting. Motor and shifting is more raw which is apart of its character and ducati heritage love or hate. One reason why you are likely hitting false neutrals is because you haven't taken the time or have the understanding of setting up the transmission shifter per your foot/footware/foot size. Bike shifts perfectly fine if you properly adjust shifter position to achieve upshifts. It's why these things are adjustable. Levers, bar, shifter need to be adjusted for best performance per the position based on the riders preference and body proportions. How do I know this? 40 years riding and racing motocross and sport oriented motorcycles plus I rode mine with no control adjustments and then with proper adjustments. Night and day difference. Much better shifting, more solid shifts, better quick shifter operation, elevate false neutrals, and more comfortable. Also cut my bar width down 10-15mm each side, much better. Also kept the chain tension correctly adjusted, makes the bike feel better overall because less slop in the driveline.

[@pierreeeboisson]

Exact same feedback on my 797. - False neutral only a a stop for me. I get stuck and have to really kick the gear lever. - No gas and gear indicator - Mirrors are fine, just gotta tuck my elbows - Radius is tricky in the city specially for a new rider - Previous owner was complaining about rear break but had no problems since i use it a lot and dont get stuck in traffic One not mentionned : the red buttons have faded and I can't get them back with the wd40 trick unlike the other plastics

[@andrewdishman335]

If you don’t mind me asking, what year is your model I’m looking at buying a 2019 797 and would hope by then they had those features added and the false neutral fixed.

[@hlpang1075]

Check your chain tension. A loose chain will cause the QS to hit false neutrals more frequently

[@blakenewton2781]

I will address some of these. The cost of maintenance is high. But consider that the cost of it is almost identical to the original Monster 900 which was done about three times as often. I am wondering whether a switch to a Ducabike hydraulic clutch ( thereby aping the Monster 1200 is worth it. Probably as it certainly can't hurt. I really dislike the moose antler mirrors regardless of bike. Just a few thoughts. I also like the look of the Competition Werkes exhaust and would probably also look for the fender eliminator. Like stock mirrors it is difficult to find an aesthetically pleasing fender.

[@alexandrosbagkas]

Totally changed mirrors 3 months after purchase. I rarely get false neutrals for some reason although I've heard it happening often. The most annoying thing for me is the rear brake bleed. Since I'm often stuck in traffic the engine warms up like Mount Doom...

[@alexandrosbagkas]

Oh, and the gas sensor, which I've changed twice since 2018. Although I'm not sure if this is an issue or it was just me. What with the quarantine and teleworking I wouldn't use the bike for months... I hope the gas didn't destroy the engine...

[@GettingthruLife]

The rear brake gets cooked by the exhaust. I had the rear brake recall performed due to the heat issue and it did little to help the rear brake. The rear exhaust header basically rests ontop on the the brake line and the electronics. Luckily it has such a great/strong front brake so the anemic rear brake performance can be overlooked.

[@alexandrosbagkas]

@@GettingthruLife YES!!! I switched to the Termignoni 4 months ago, and things are better! It cooks slower now:P Biggest gain with the Termignonis though is the smoothness in low revs and the brutal sound (with mufflers on).

[@rubo1964]

I suggest learn to do your own maintenance specially valve check etc Not difficult medium level Difficult is valve check on Honda VFR Vtech

[@AaronSpencer]

I've had my '17 821 for about a month now. 1. The multifunction button doesn't work 70% of the time I press it. It often takes 3-6 clicks to cancel the blinker. 2. False neutrals 3. No gear indicator (combo: the way the screen highlights the current 1,000ths place of the rpm range. They should have used that to show gear selected) 4. Handlebar mount bracket prevents mounting a cellphone mount right in the middle of the bars 5. Putting in neutral while at a dead stop can sometimes be difficult. Some times it's fine 🤷‍♂ 6. All that being said... I LOVE MY BIKE!

[@cedricksamaniego9146]

You do mods to make your toy look better through your eyes. I have the monster 796 and still can't stand the heat that my inner thighs. I guess I'm lucky for finding a mechanic that only works on Ducati bikes, I pay ¹/3 of the price of what the dealer charges

[@AlexPalletteBoxing]

U can make the engine acceleration low and it’s perfect for street and you can set to high engine acceleration witch makes it more snappy default is set to medium out the factory

[@xitube23]

What year is your Monster 821?

[@streamingallday21]

I have a 2021 stealth 821 monster Every single thing that happened to you happing to me except i have only had it for 1 month especially the false gears, especially 1 to 2, wear neutrals in between, and then when I go into two or one it grinds violently even easing it in. I think I found a fix i use quick shifter lol.

[@My_Ride]

Does the quickshifter work for you between 1 and 2? For me it’s super clunky between those gears ^^

[@alexandrosbagkas]

@@My_Ride On low revs it sucks. Use clutch. You need to rev it for the shifter to work smoothly from 1st to 2nd.

[@milor90]

After years I finnaly grown up to sell one of my car and buy motorbike. 821 its good pick for first one? I aiming in smth fresh but not brand new (2018~), love that look and v2 gang!

[@My_Ride]

I would not get it as a starter bike. It has much power, is pretty heavy and the V2 is unforgiving. But probably next week there will be a video about this topic on this channel :)

[@keltecdan]

If you’re wanting a Ducati and just starting out get the 797. It has the same amount of horsepower as the Suzuki sfv650 I started out on and still have. Start out slow and take your time. There’s no rush.

[@davidBarrel]

looks like every italian sport machine has the same issues: heat , bad turning circle, bad clutch/transmission. I own an alfa romeo and even in that car those issues are there

[@stevehammel2939]

Several things could cause the shifting woes, if it's a general problem with this model then Ducati should have a free fix.

[@KobusBotha-wl7in]

By the second point u convinced me....😮

[@markjefferson9799]

Never had false neutral problems.desmo check only every 30,000ks.mirrors are crap .finding neutral when stopped.fined neutral before a dead stop.

[@My_Ride]

Theres for sure a variety in the gearbox. I always have the false neutrals between 5th and 6th gear ^^

[@hemicuda75]

i hate the rear brake on my Duc 821. I have to bleed it very often.

[@My_Ride]

Yes, I totally agree. But I think it’s typical for ducati to have a pretty much non existing rear break 😅

[@orangesonicc]

Put on racing fluid on the breaks. You have to bleed them often because the hoses run near the engine and exhaust so they get too hot and the fluid may boil and the temperature causes it to break faster, so it gets dark very quickly. Racing grade break fluids have a higher temperature resistance so they last much longer. I always do this on my 1200s. It must seem to be more expensive but it will save money on the long run😊 It is not typical of Ducatis to have a weak rear break. Had a Panigale 1199 and a old gen Street fighter before my monster and if maintain them and adjust them regularly, it work just fine.

[@lestrat65]

As far as I know there's a recall for it, at least in Switzerland. The brake lines were wrongly pressed and are not 100% airtight.

[@alexandrosbagkas]

@@orangesonicc Oh cool thanks, I'll try it too. That's the most annoying thing ever. Good thing is the guys at Ducati bleed it for free.

[@filofilo8127]

What rear brake.

[@Cryptonight3]

You should buy a BMW but it will have no soul .

[@ChrisVonDoom83]

Always shift up…

[@lcsper]

797 has some of the same issues 1. Limited Steering lock - for sure a pain for low speed maneuvers 2. False neutrals - same on the 797. Have to kick up firmly to avoid this 3. Desmo isn't so bad honestly 4. The mirrors suck balls. I totally agree. I put a small blindspot mirror on the right side. The vibrations are fine by me. 5. This isn't an issue on the 797

[@lexbydal1]

False neutral twice in 8 years here. No problem at my end

[@lexbydal1]

And for gods sake wear boots ...

[@scipio1010]

no1. The steering lock ........... who cares, not a big deal no2. False neutral ..... I got used to it and it forces me to be more on the ball when riding no3. High service costs .... I do everything myself apart from the desmo service. So, for owning a Ducati it is not much. Besides, a motorcyclist should service his own motorcycle as much as one can. It helps developing a closer bond with one's bike and it's a great satisfaction. no4. Stock mirrors ... well, a Ducatista will usually customize his Ducati to his own tastes and style. I replaced mirrors, levers, tidy tail, etc ..... with great brands accessories Rizoma, CNC Racing, etc .... more expensive? Then, one could avoid buying a Ducati no5 .. limited foot space ....... donno ... not a big deal I guess ........ I've had mine for 6 years now and all is good.

[@MB-gl3cj]

Things he hate not yours. God what a dick

[@jonassvensson1819]

Relax! It´s a Ducati Monster. Have had three and have no issues about the things you list.