All Tests – Ducati Monster 821 test: new blood at Ducati! – Third generation monster

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Ducati Monster 821 test: new blood at Ducati !

All Tests - Ducati Monster 821 test: new blood at Ducati! - Third generation monster

After the Monster 1200, Ducati continues the overhaul of its roadster range with the Monster 821. It is in Bologna, where the Borgo Panigale factory is located, that MNC discovered this new little monster intended to replace the 796 and 696 in air cooling.

Third generation monster

Initiated in 1992 with the M900 model, the Monster family ("Mostro" until 1998) then inaugurated a new segment of motorcycles, with a minimalist and radical style, devilishly seductive and open to preparation..

Two decades of happiness followed – alternated by difficult periods -, as well as the birth of a slew of "little monsters" just as attractive and endearing as each other. Some with engines from Supersport motorcycles, others derived from Superbike 916, 996 and 999 for the S4 and S4R versions.

In 2001, Ducati already celebrated the 100,000 Monster sold since 1993. Today, we exceed 290,000 copies in the world. But times are changing, with increased competition, an enduring economic crisis and increasingly drastic pollution standards….

Following the takeover of Ducati in 2012 by the German group Volkswagen via the Lamborghini S.p.A. company owned by Audi, the Italian brand can now look to the future more calmly and initiate the industrial and technological changes necessary for its sustainability..

The range has recently evolved with the recent launch of the third generation Monster 1200 and 1200 S, now followed by that of the, new icon of the mid-size roadster range of the Italian manufacturer..

This new Monster 821 is obviously a continuation of the Monster 1200, adopting like it a Testastretta 11 ° twin-cylinder engine with 4-valve cylinder head and liquid cooling, in this case the one developed for the Hypermotard 821, with a power of 112 hp (106 hp in France) and 89.4 Nm of torque in free version (25 hp and 11.4 Nm more than the Monster 796, 1000 rpm higher).

Powerful and modern mechanics, which in particular have a crankshaft mounted on bearings lubricated by an oil pump, Continental electronic injection with optimally positioned injectors, as well as a secondary fresh air injection system allowing reduce pollutant emissions and smooth engine operation.

The Mikuni injection butterfly bodies, now integrated in the airbox, change to 53 mm diameter (45 for the 796) in order to increase the torque at mid-range. More reliable, this engine sees its service intervals extended, with a valve clearance check at 30,000 km and an oil change at 15,000 km.

The on-board electronics are greatly enhanced with the adoption of the Ducati Safety Pack (DSP) comprising an adjustable traction control on 8 levels and a Bosch 9MP ABS adjustable on 3 levels and disconnectable (with pressure sensor to prevent the lifting of Rear wheel). These settings can be configured and linked to the driving mode chosen: Sport, Touring or Urban (the latter limiting power to 75 hp, with a more intrusive DTC and more responsive ABS). The electronic ride-by-wire accelerator allows fine and precise adjustment of the acceleration, with a response adapted to the selected driving mode.

On the chassis side, we find the principle of the carrier engine used on the Panigale, with anchor points accommodating the front and rear parts of the tubular steel trellis frame, as well as a classic aluminum swingarm (single-sided on the 1200 and 796 ).

This structure ultimately offers much better torsional and bending stiffness than the frame of a Monster 796, with a significant weight gain of 2.33 kg. The weight distribution is identical to that of a 796 (47.5% at the front and 52.5% at the rear), but the center of gravity with the pilot on board is moved back and significantly lowered to gain in agility. In the end, the Monster 821 however accuses 10 kg more dry than its predecessor 796.

The on-board digital display instrumentation is compact and relatively complete, but not easily readable during the day. There is a segment tachometer, a tachometer, temperature indicators (exterior and engine) and overhaul, a mileage counter, two trips, average and instantaneous consumption indicators, average speed, clock and journey time, the chosen driving mode and the associated ABS and DTC settings.

There is even a stopwatch function that memorizes its performance over 30 laps during use on the circuit. Oddly, this instrumentation offers neither fuel level gauge, nor gear indicator engaged, yet very practical. The absence of the first is fortunately partly compensated by the presence of a reserve indicator, coupled with a mileage count which only appears when starting it..

Finally, a warning function is available by pressing the left turn signal control for 4 seconds. In terms of lighting, the Monster 821 has a large front headlight with led bulb / headlight and position lights, as well as a rear led light..

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