Ducati Monster 821 review, test ride

I’m six-feet-nothing, and found it easy to find a comfortable riding position on the Monster 821, be this while ambling around in city traffic or when making a quick dash to high speeds on open roads. The Monster 821 seat is quite broad, and kept me comfortable even after a full day in the hot seat. The Ducati Monster 821 is happy to be flicked around. The bike feels stiffly sprung, sporty and follows rider inputs accurately, with a confidence inspiring feel.

 

The 43mm upside-down forks up front and a monoshock at rear work well together.

 

The Ducati Monster 821 gets a 120/70 x 17 tyre up front and 180/60 x 17-inch rear rubber, top-of-the-line Diablo Rosso II from Pirelli, that do a good job of keeping the powerful motorcycle glued to the ground all the time. ABS-enabled Brembo brakes bring the 821 to a stop effectively when required, with confident feel at the levers. The motorcycle gets 320mm dual disc brakes in front, with a 245mm disc at rear.

 

At Rs 9.81 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Monster 821 brings a fair deal to the table. The riding modes, multi-stage traction and ABS control and slipper clutch are all fast becoming more essential than luxury with today’s discerning buyers. Often in India, owning a big bike is also about the style statement you make rather than purely about your riding experience, this being where the Ducati Monster 821 offers plenty of punch, with ample show to match all its go.