Ducati 821 Monster 2017

The mid-size Monster has been in the family for a long time; 1996 to be precise, where it appeared in 750. Generations have followed one another, displaying its evolutions through the eternal desmo. From 750 it became 800, then 800 S2R, 796 yesterday and 821 today.

With each generation, it has kept its genetic touch (desmodromic distribution, air cooling, 2 valves per cylinder, steel trellis frame) while increasing its power with a handful of horses. All this changes, exults, upsets, challenges the history of this machine. The 821 Monster was born with fire, style, silicon, and 29% more power.

25 horses. From 796 to 821, the middle monster gained 25 horsepower. In one progeny, its potency has increased as much as during the 4 previous generations. Yes, the first 750 spat 62 nags; the 796 will have carried the standard of air desmodromic on a virtuous 87 units. Whoever wanted to be the good compromise between the ease of the little Monster and the ardor of the big part of the family undeniably changes dimension. Consider: with 112 horsepower, it is as powerful as the S4R with the engine of 996. It causes! This Testastretta 11 ° with 4 valves per cylinder and liquid cooling also outputs a torque of 9.1 mkg. This very modern block promises intoxication and sensations. In 2017, it complies with Euro4 standards without loss of power.

Visually, some may regret that this boiler, and all the luggage that goes with it (hoses, radiator, etc….) Weigh down the belly of the 821 Monster. Others may appreciate this more muscular side, more "watt ball", with a palpable emotional signature to the end of the connecting rods. Particularly close to the 1200 Monster, both in design and in technique, the 821, like its big brother, has been able to get rid of obsolete effects. Exit the mouths piercing the tank, the pots under the saddle and the glasses on the lighthouse … and the single-sided arm. We digest less well. Like the 899/1299 Panigale couple, Ducati seems to want to reserve the premium form of the swingarm for its more upscale (and more expensive) versions. Petty or pity, we tell ourselves that Ducat ‘should have kept this touch of elegance. For everything else, it’s pure Bologna: desirable, sporty, inimitable, charming and charismatic. Italian girl ready to shake your adrenal glands.

The 821 Monster wants to give you what you pay for, and your technological thirst. Already, impossible to remain insensitive to its minimalist framework. As on the 1200, the tubular steel trellis structure was reduced to the sole function of holding the steering column. The whole bike is the twin that holds it. To offer first-class road handling, the Italian roadster is equipped with an inverted fork, Brembo radial brake calipers, and praetorian electronics. Between the handle and the rear wheel: 8-level anti-slip, 3 levels of ABS and 3 Riding Modes; all controlled from the handlebars.

Always light, charging just under 180 kilos, the 821 Monster still takes ten kilos in its liquid-multivalve evolution. With the increasing power, it won’t be a problem to pull the arms. Vigorous but also welcoming, the machine is devoted to the rear of the pilot with a height-adjustable saddle.
The 821 Monster is also available in a 35 Kw version for A2 licenses.

M.B – Manufacturer images