Ducati Monster 821 review, test ride

But before we get going, it’s clear that the new design for the Monster is more muscular. As a whole, it carries on the family look neatly. A closer look reveals that many lines, like the hunch on the new larger 17.5-litre petrol tank, are similar to the 795. But there is a greater sense of width, especially when you look at the tail section. The standard seat looks generous too, for rider and pillion, and thankfully, those bulky under-seat exhausts are now gone, replaced by a 2-1-2 system that exits lower down on the right. Yes, there is no single-sided swingarm, but the 10-spoke alloy rims are wrapped with Pirelli’s Diablo Rosso II rubber, which Ducati claims has a carcass that improves bump absorption.

Sitting on the 810mm saddle, it’s clear the Monster isn't going to be trouble for  shorter riders. However,  the standard seat comes with a ‘low’ setting, which drops seat height to 785mm and that should make it an  breeze even for five-footers. An optional low seat drops seat height to a super accessible 745mm. From the saddle, you do get a typically unhindered view ahead – just the large tank, a single piece handlebar and the instrument cluster. Ducati’s new-generation LCD display seems suitably understated, yet futuristic. Slim and purposeful, it looks like it’s come from a race bike. Thankfully, the ergonomics haven’t. Ducati has thankfully pulled the handlebar back for a more upright seating position. A quick glance around shows that the build, although good, has a few sharp edges to the plastics here and there. The pass flash switch looks a bit jagged and the shroud for the radiator looks a bit flimsy too. However, the aluminium stems for the rear-view mirrors are a nice highlight, and the brake lever is span-adjustable.