The final trellis-frame Ducati Monster (2014-2020) | Great fun to ride and a used bargain

Highlights

  • Premium naked middleweight
  • Steel trellis frame
  • Typical Ducati handling and performance

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Annual servicing cost: £420
Power: 112 bhp
Seat height: Medium (30.9 in / 785 mm)
Weight: Low (395 lbs / 179 kg)

Prices

New N/A
Used £4,500 - £7,500

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Ducati Monster 821 naked motorbike is manageable, easy to ride, yet has a turn of speed and handling that makes it fun too. Yes, it's expensive new, yes there are a few little niggles with it, but overall it's an excellent bike.

The Ducati Monster 821 was launched in 2014 and replaced the Monster 796 as the middleweight version of the model range. At the same time, the range-topping Monster 1100 was replaced by the Monster 1200. The Ducati Monster 821 was replaced in 2021 by a new 937cc Monster that was a complete redesign and ditched the bike's signature trellis frame.

Ducati did an impressive job of keeping the launch price of the Monster 821 close to £9000 without sacrificing too much in terms of spec. The swingarm is double-sided, unlike the sexy single swinger on the range-topping Monster 1200, and the clocks are simpler too, but it’s still an alluring bike and appears exotic.

The 90-degree V-twin engine snarls and crackles even with the standard exhaust and pops and bangs on the overrun. The clutch is incredibly light, the gearbox is smooth, the light steering requiring minimal input; it’s brilliant.

2018 Ducati Monster 821 in yellow

There are a few problems though. The heat from the exhaust is cooking my inner thigh even on a cool morning, so it’s not going to be pleasant come mid-summer. The fuelling has been calmed down by the electronics but it’s still a little snatchy, and even more so in Race mode.

The clocks are informative but there’s no gear indicator, something we’ve come to expect as standard, and which is especially useful for newer riders.

The riding position is much more relaxed than previous Monsters, but it’s still not natural. It’s more comfortable than older versions, with less of a stretch across the tank, but it’s still not perfect. But these feel like minor niggles when you’re basking in the admiring glances of pedestrians and revelling in that gorgeous soundtrack.

Ducati Monster 821 video review

Ducati Monster 821 updated in 2018

The new-for-2018 Monster 821, boasting some key revisions that drag it ever-closer to its bigger capacity, and more expensive stablemates – with the most overtly high-end being the addition of the full-colour TFT dash, giving the 821 a level of tech bragging rights in the class matched only by Triumph’s Street Triple R/RS.

Visually, it takes a few moments to work out what’s changed. But put the 2017 and 2018 versions next to each other and the newer model is slightly more streamlined, with a redesigned tank and tail unit, a new silencer, new headlight, and useful practical changes – such as the splitting of the cheap and bulky looking combined footpeg unit into separate rider and pillion pegs.

Once you've read this review and our owners' reviews, you may want to consider joining an online group to meet likeminded people. We'd suggest Ducati Owners' Club GB.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Monster 821 features a steel trellis chassis using the engine as a stressed member, similar to the Panigale Superbike. The chassis is a little more basic than the 1200's, featuring a conventional double-sided swingarm in place of the 1200's single, which is also slightly shorter to quicken the steering.

But the 821 is light, the ABS-assisted brakes are excellent, and the adjustable seat works well too.

It's forgiving and easy to ride around town, has a light clutch, adjustable brake lever, informative clocks and would be suitable for a new rider moving up to their first big bike.

Ducati Monster 821 on track

We also ran the Monster 821 around Mallory Park where it managed an impressive 54.7s (on the old track layout). The Ducati felt at home on the track with its racy ergonomics, sharp steering and the suspension that gives great feedback.

But there is a problem with the 821, and while it’ll be a massive pain for some it might be less so for others.

If you like to ride with the ball of your foot on the peg, then the lack of space around the pegs will really annoy. You can’t slide your foot back on the peg without hitting the exhaust or pillion pegs.

I personally ride with my toes on the pegs, especially on track, but this just isn’t possible on the Ducati. Around the long right-hander at Gerrards I always ended up dragging my boot.

Update in 2018

From the rider’s view, the ski-boot style clasp on the tank is a pretty nod to the original M900, while the TFT dash couldn’t be further removed from the simplistic single-dial clock and idiot-light panel of the original. It also boasts a much-needed gear indicator and fuel gauge.

Ducati Monster 821 yellow tank

Engine

Next up: Reliability
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Hypermotard-derived, 8v V-twin doesn't just sound good, it delivers just what you want and need. There's loads of usable low-down torque, which is perfect for city work and darting out of tight corners.

nd when the power builds, it's linear and smooth. There's a slightly lumpy bit low down, but considering it's a fuel-injected V-twin, the fuelling is impressive and the engine has that instant torque and power.

For 2018 there was no tangible change to the motor, the Euro 4 compliant liquid-cooled Testastretta 11° engine delivering a usable 107bhp at 9250rpm, and 63.4lbft torque at 7750rpm – still with the impressive 18,000mile valve-check interval.

That’s all quite high in the rev range, but the Testastretta’s smoothness means it’s all accessible with the need for repeated dental work.

2018 Ducati Monster 821 yellow right side

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
5 out of 5 (5/5)

Service intervals are longer on the 821 and you needn't pay any attention to jokes about the reliability of Ducatis anymore - they've really pulled their socks up in recent years and reliability is top notch.

Our Ducati Monster 821 owners' reviews are positive, with the only prevailing negative comments surrounding Ducati's realtively expensive service and maintenance costs.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Monster 821 is not a cheap bike and we could rightly expect higher-spec suspension as fitted to similarly-priced bikes in this segment; the 821's 43mm Sachs shock is adjustable, but the 32mm Kayaba fork isn't. But despite these gripes, you can't help but enjoy the Monster 821.

The Monster 821 faced stiff competition from the likes of the Triumph Street Triple R, BMW F900R (and its 800 predecessor) and, in later years, the Kawasaki Z900.

Ducati Monster 821 or Triumph Street Triple R?

Ducati Monster 821 takes on Triumph Street Triple R on MCN250

In January 2018 we pit the Ducati Monster 821 against on of its closest rivals, the Triumph Street Triple R, to see which one we preferred on UK roads.

At a quick glance, you could be forgiven for thinking these two are an odd couple, but this pair of European middleweights have more in common than you might think.

Both are priced in the sub- £10,000 category, have full-colour TFT dashes, selectable rider modes, multilevel traction control and high-spec ABS. They also share identical Brembo brake calipers up front (M4.32 radial monoblocs), and their very different engines kick out very similar peak power. Both are highly desirable, and squarely aimed at the same target rider. So which one is best?

Triumph’s Street Triple R is an outstanding bike; it’s easy to see why the RS version won our Bike of the Year award in 2018. It’s versatile, practical and fun, and you don’t really need any more power than this on the road.

It’s a rampant sales success because it’s fun, and has an excellent blend of skills, spec and price. Ducati’s new 821 is impressive, with added style and character, but in almost every measurable way it’s one-step behind the Triumph.

The only places it has an advantage are in mid-corner torque and ownership appeal. The Ducati gets my heart’s vote – but my brain chooses the Triumph for outright ability and value.

Ducati Monster 821 vs BMW F800R

Ducati Monster 821 and BMW F800R

In 2015, we took a Ducati Monster 821 and a BMW F800R from central London through commuter traffic to Mallory Park circuit in a head-to-head test.

As we waited to get going in central London passers by were ignoring the BMW but plenty were stopping to take phone pictures of the Ducati. The BMW was the newer bike but it was the Italian everyone wanted in their selfie.

And that encapsulates the difference between the two bikes. On paper, the BMW is better in almost every way. It’s easier around town, smoother, more refined, comfier over long distance and you can take it on a track, just. It may not be as quick or as loud as the Ducati but it’s more user-friendly, and a real gem.

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The 821 is equipped with three-level ABS which can be adjusted on the move with a closed throttle, and even turned off if you wish.

It also benefits from a plethora of rider aids which Ducati groups together in the Ducati Safety Pack (DSP). You don't get the fancy colour TFT display from the 1200, which is a little disappointing, instead having a Hypermotard-style mono LCD version.

It's informative enough, just a little bland in comparison. It's s shame there isn't a gear position indicator as standard.

During 2018's update The full Ducati Safety Pack was also onboard (3-level Bosch ABS system and 8-level Ducati Traction Control), along with three pre-set rider modes, and three power modes.

For riders who have an aversion to clutch levers, the Ducati Quick Shifter is available as a plug-in upgrade, giving clutchless snickerbility up and down the ’box.

The Ducati Monster 821 has been available in black, red, white, yellow and grey, plus in 2018 the Stealth version was added as a blacked-out Monster.

The Ducati Monster 821 dash got a little fancier when the bike was updated in 2018

Specs

Engine size 821cc
Engine type Liquid-cooled, 821cc, 8v V-twin
Frame type Tubular steel trellis
Fuel capacity 17.5 litres
Seat height 785mm
Bike weight 179kg
Front suspension UD non-adjustable 43mm
Rear suspension Sachs fully-adjustable shock
Front brake Brembo 2 x 320mm semi-floating discs, radially-attached M4.32 Monobloc 4-piston calipers, ABS as standard
Rear brake 245mm disc 2-piston caliper, ABS as standard
Front tyre size 120/70 x17
Rear tyre size 180/60 x 17

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 45 mpg
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £420
New price -
Used price £4,500 - £7,500
Insurance group -
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance

Max power 112 bhp
Max torque 65.8 ft-lb
Top speed 140 mph
1/4 mile acceleration -
Tank range 150 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

2014: The Ducati Monster 821 replaces the 796 as the middleweight version of the model range.

2021: The 821 is dropped from the range and is replaced by an all-new Ducati Monster.

Other versions

The Ducati Monster 821 was launched alongside the flagship Monster 1200. Later, in 2017, the Ducati Monster 797 also joined the range.

Owners' reviews for the DUCATI MONSTER 821 (2014 - 2020)

14 owners have reviewed their DUCATI MONSTER 821 (2014 - 2020) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your DUCATI MONSTER 821 (2014 - 2020)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Engine: 4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Value vs rivals: 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Equipment: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Annual servicing cost: £420
5 out of 5 Great bike for enjoy a long time!
17 July 2024 by David Leschinski Ivanov

Version: 2019 Red

Year: 2019

Annual servicing cost: £1,600

In general a great bike! I took 4 years and 40.000km of ownership to write this review as a Vietnam expat. I really enjoy the bike, it still looks amazingly beautiful, and people love it around. I upgraded it with an upmap and termignoni exhaust and Brembo RCS19 for the brake lever. Even has some small problems the bike is amazing and quite reliable for a Ducati bike. After that long time, I am still keeping it and I hope I can enjoy it much longer.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

The ride quality is great! Good suspension is very well balanced between sport and comfort, the breaks are great but I really recommend improving with the Brembo RCS19 to have much better control of the stock Brembo calipers.

Engine 5 out of 5

The engine is more than enough for travel and enjoy the bike. It has a lot of power in the middle range, and you don't need to rev it to the top to enjoy great acceleration. The stock map has some issues when the bike is cold that create strange vibrations, but with the upmap and the termignoni this problem is totally gone. After that feels much more powerful but eats more fuel, around 1L/100km more than with the stock exhaust.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Again, being a Ducati it is quite reliable after 40.000km. One of the problems is that the quick-shifter is very easy to break and is not cheap. I had 2 that were broken. Another issue is the clutch cable, after 15.000km better to change it to not get stuck when it brakes. The original lights are not strong enough for driving on a non-illuminated street and need some extra LED lights. The fuel quality needs to be good, and it is very sensible to do that, more than another brand (for countries such as Vietnam). The quality of the bike is quite good after all.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

The maintenance in 4 years 40.000km with minor reparations, tires, oil and desmoservice, and fuel not including is around 1600$/year. That amount is considerable, but for the fun that the bike gave me, I consider it reasonable.

Equipment 5 out of 5

For the 2019 bike, the electronics are phenomenal and very adjustable. 9 levels of traction control, and 3 levels of ABS, the bike is not intrusive at all. Very usable different modes that are easy to change: street, touring, and race. The LCD screen looks better than many new bikes.

4 out of 5 2016 Ducati Monster 821.
27 March 2023 by DaffyD

Version: Stripe

Year: 2016

Annual servicing cost: £250

A change from my previous Kawasaki ZX9 and very different. My age benefits from a more upright bike and not being very tall, the adjustable height seat is excellent. The small bikini screen on the Monster stripe does reduce the wind blast quite a bit - but not as much as a fully faired bike. Torque and throttle response are very good although the ride-by-wire throttle take a bit of getting used to. It's also a bit lumpy below 3,000 rpm. If you like a bike with a bit of character, I would certainly recommend this one.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

The Monster handles well and feels secure on all road conditions. Suspension is a little on the firm side but I could probably alter that with adjustments to back and /or front (only on the Stripe version). Front brakes are typically Brembo - strong, not requiring much pressure, but very sharp if you do! Rear brake is adequate.

Engine 4 out of 5

Strong response to throttle. It feels very torquey and accelerates rapidly, feeling faster than my old ZX9 (acceleration, not top speed!). As I said previously, it's a bit lumpy below 3,000 rpm.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

The modern Ducati seems to be very reliable. I have had no problems in the two years of ownership. Finish is of a high quality and the red and white gleams in the sunlight! I generally don't take the bike out in winter so corrosion has not been a consideration.

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5

It's expensive to service but the service intervals have been increased significantly. Basic work such as oil change is quite easy to do. The only oddity was Ducati's choice of a 180x60 rear tyre which are not easily obtained - and expensive when found.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Traction control and ABS (novel to me after my 1998 ZX9) seem to work well. Display is good with many functions (which I probably won't use) but a fuel gauge and gear indicator would be useful.

Buying experience: Bought from Manchester Ducati and had a good experience with great help from Martin Bridgehouse. It is a 2016 model bought in 2021 and advertised at £6995. This included a full service and new belts and delivery to 300 miles away, so I was quite happy with that.

5 out of 5 Monster 821 Stripe - best of breed
09 January 2021 by Paul Hitchcock

Version: Stripe

Year: 2015

Good... handling and ride with suspension front and rear set softer than standard, comfortable even at speed (my height is just under 5 ft 6 inches), wind blast minimal compared to earlier Monsters and other naked bikes I have owned, quick enough, fun (especially in the Sport setting which gives a direct throttle response), range around 140 miles which matches my age-related need to stretch my legs... Less good... pillion sits high with very bent legs (apparently it is not a comfortable position), seat is not truly adjustable (in the lower position there is an appreciable negative effect upon handling), footrests are cramped if riding on balls of feet (no problem if riding with arches on pegs)... Would I recommend? Oh yes... I have owned most of the Monster iterations at some time or the other... this is the best of breed.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Two hours is my normal maximum ride time but I have traveled long and fast through France riding all day. Pillion would be a different matter (see earlier comment) However, this bike has a sport orientated riding position with relatively bent legs. Sadly, my age related aches and pains in my legs and hips will mean that I will be changing this bike for something with a more relaxed riding position. This is to do with me not the bike.

Engine 5 out of 5

The engine in standard form pulls like a train. In this iteration of the 821 engine there is no real advantage to be gained by changing the pipes (except to lose some weight). I have geared the bike down by one tooth on the front sprocket - a worthwhile modification that increases the ability to embarrass bigger and supposedly sportier bikes.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Battery life has been a problem but this might be down to the aftermarket Tracker and the need to keep it trickle charged through the winter. Battery goes flat at around two weeks with no charging. If the battery is low it can throw out the digital dashboard display.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

The bike is 5 years old, 23,000 miles and I have owned it from new. New tyres each year, chain and sprockets at 10,000 mile intervals, sundries as per service intervals. The "big" service where the belts are changed is no longer the great cost that it was on older Ducatis and is comparable to any major service on a modern bike.

Equipment 5 out of 5

The only major change I have made is to lower the gearing.Pirelli Diablo tyres suit my riding style so I have stuck with them.

Buying experience: Bought new from a dealer at standard retail price.Pro Twins in South Godstone... I have nothing but praise for them in all aspects.

5 out of 5 David
12 August 2020 by David

Year: 2019

When leaving the garage, I normally turn back and have a long look at it - enough said.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Fantastic front brake, and ok rear brake. My only other comparison is the Z650 that I learned on, and that had a very impressive rear brake. Very comfortable to ride, smooth and engaging.

Engine 5 out of 5

Plenty powerful enough for me. Much more fun when used in Sport mode with a much more direct feeling between throttle and pick-up

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

All seems very nicely put together - stays looking very sharp and so far, has been very reliable. I did get a yellow engine warning light but that was after stalling it and dealer explained that it would likely automatically clear (which it did).

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Not a cheap bike, but it is a quality item. I’m a relatively new rider and so I’m not giving the tyres too hard a time.

Equipment 5 out of 5

The quick shifter (not too expensive an addition) is worth every penny. I found (new rider) that there is a bit of a knack to avoiding false neutrals, but the rumbles changing down through the box are brilliant!

Buying experience: I bought an ex-demonstrator from On Yer Bike, bear Aylesbury. All very straightforward and a happy experience.

5 out of 5 Still in love!
25 April 2020 by Bangbourneman

Version: Stripe

Year: 2015

Annual servicing cost: £150

Aesthetically, exhaust note & redness are addictive but the whole package is quality with Audi influence evident & would definitely recommend.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Stripe has multi adjustable suspension so getting personal preference for set up is possible. Handling is superb & instils confidence, as do brakes which are excellent. No pillions on this one but riding position suits me fine with no aches or pains on rides. Bike is not a mile munching tourer & is most happy on our tighter country roads.

Engine 4 out of 5

Power is strong & builds but can be a bit lumpy on small throttle openings.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Bike is now nearly 5 years old, has admittedly only just covered 2500 miles & no corrosion or reliability issues.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Returning to dealer for servicing etc is a must but not overly expensive & always lots to look at in showroom while you’re there!

Equipment 4 out of 5

More than enough toys to play with from ride modes to trips & possible to personalise ABS & TC. Gear indicator would have been good which is on newer models.

Buying experience: Bought from Ducati dealer W M Snell & they couldn’t have been nicer. From first seeing the bike to collection there was great communication & understanding that I did not want to collect the bike in atrocious weather conditions & no pressure to get it out of their way.

5 out of 5 Yellow 2018 model 821
25 January 2019 by Jim

Version: Yellow

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £180

Love the sound, the ride and the comfort, feels small, but is great fun to ride.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Decent bike, very comfortable whilst being slightly on the firmer side of standard, non adjustable front fork does an ok job, but if it bothers you that much, change it.

Engine 5 out of 5

Plenty powerful enough for the road. You can wring its neck without terrifying yourself. Love the v twin burble. A very characterful motor.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

No issues so far.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

a lot of money for an annual service where they don't do a lot!

Equipment 5 out of 5

I've fitted bar end mirrors, so much better than seeing your shoulders only. new colour tft dash is spot on, everything missing from previous models is there, so no complaints.

Buying experience: Bought from a dealer new, so good service from on yer bike in Aylesbury.

4 out of 5 Great bike for the road, however...........
25 July 2016 by Dukerider

Version: Stripe

Year: 2016

It would get 5 stars easily, however there are definitely some build quality issues - certainly on my bike! Maybe someone in the factory was on the limoncello that day..........

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Easy 5 stars! It may lack a little in giving confidence in long sweeping corners but it is so easy to ride. It is also very comfortable for a sporty(ish) bike and no real weight on the wrists. For us shorter riders it is easy to put both feet down in traffic. The brakes are very good too, the front is a little snatchy but the rear is superb, great feel on them. And the ABS is just right in all modes.

Engine 5 out of 5

Another easy 5 stars. It is a V-twin so expect it to be a little vibey, but it has so much torque! I haven't tried the 1200 but I can't see how you could need more power, especially on the road. The sound is also incredible. Well done Ducati!

Reliability & build quality 1 out of 5

Within two days of receiving the bike, the gear linkage fell off. Not a great start and had to ride the bike to the garage in 2nd gear. However worse was to follow when the pin to hold the swing arm to the rest of the bike came loose three days later! The nut to hold it in place on the other side was missing. I was out enjoying some twists, so doesn't bare thinking about had I not noticed and stopped there and then. Fortunately, the bike comes with roadside assistance - which was very good.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Not sure about the running cost as I have just run the bike in and had the first service done (£140). I get about 50 mpg overall so not bad. However it is a Ducati so the parts may not be cheap.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Love the brembo brakes. For the price, all models should really come with adjustable suspension. And is it too much to ask for a fuel gauge!?

Buying experience: Got good professional service from P&H motorcycles in Crawley, although I wish they had checked the bike a little bit more before delivery.

4 out of 5 All you need in a street-bike
11 April 2016 by Dwezil

Year: 2015

Annual servicing cost: £180

Great Street Bike with cachet. Well executed design but don't think you will be riding all day on it or carrying much in the way of luggage; It is tiny.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Rigid ride which has got better with miles. Front end not so harsh now. Eased off by 2k miles. front brake is too angry. What rear brake?

Engine 5 out of 5

The best part of the bike is the physical experience underpinned by that lovely engine. Very quick-fire throttle on Sport mode and a joy to ride as long as you are not on a windy motorway. Makes you feel special.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

A couple of minor niggles but nothing major. You pay a premium for that cachet though

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

The mandatory annual service is a joke if you are doing very few miles, but it seems that many manufacturers insist on this now. Tyre wear seems low considering the torque it pumps out.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Everything works and is sensible. Minimum required for a modern motorcycle. Anything else is just a distraction from riding anyway.

Buying experience: Very good. Ducati dealer in Crawley; Sales are better than servicing.

5 out of 5 Stripy fun
02 January 2016 by Biking Bob

Version: Stripe

Year: 2015

Great paintwork finish good mechanical

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

A simply superb handling bike it just gobbles up the twisty bits and is so much fun to ride it also has a very comfortable seat, the only downside is the very small mirrors are almost impossible to see anything behind.

Engine 5 out of 5

Grunty and loud with loads of power.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

No problems so far

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Good fuel economy, no service cost yet

Equipment 4 out of 5

I would try and get better mirrors

Buying experience: Got from a dealer in Spain for a good price and a good trade in for my old BMW R1200gs

5 out of 5
13 August 2015 by anon

Version: Red

Year: 2015

sounds great, looks great. what more do you need

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

fork dives a bit into corners. breaks are good.

Engine 5 out of 5

sounds great. just got Competition Werkes GP style exhaust makes it sound even meaner.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

cheap fix, but mirrors don't work if you can only see your shoulders

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

expensive initial cost plus taking it to an authorized dealer to have an authorized mechanic work on it for$100+ an hour isn't ideal

Equipment 5 out of 5

Buying experience: Great! guys (and gal) at MunoeMotors SF were awesome.

4 out of 5
03 August 2015 by owensj

Version: Stripe

Year: 2015

This is a real bike. The exhaust pops and crackles which sounds great! It is smooth when moving but not entirely happy round town - a bit jerky. It isn't perfect, but that's why I bought it.It is different.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Very comfortable. The pegs are fine even though the exhaust intrudes a bit on the right. Seat nice. Minimal vibrations which is surprising given the v-twin engine. Mirrors though are very buzzy. Suspension is like any other. Back brake mushy, front brake very sharp. Neutral hard to find till you get the knack. Sidestand has a habit of flipping back up - so make sure you put it down all the way!

Engine 5 out of 5

It's a V-Twin! Lumpy low down. Loads of torque. Is plenty fast but deceptive about it.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Quality parts. If the display pannel is good enough for the Panigale it is good enough for the Monster 821.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Getting 55-57 mpg. Probably high compared to others. I do mostly motorway mileage. Have not yet given it any welly. Service schedule is 9k miles so good. Not a cheap bike to buy or insure. But then it is Italian exotica.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Loads of nice instrument panel features. 9 traction control levels, 3 ABS levels, temperature, time, mpg, trips..... but no fuel gauge. But you know from the trip when it will be fuel up time. Most I can potentially squeeze into the tank is 15 litres (sitting on bike filling upright). Supposed to be a 17.5 litre tank. All manufacturers lie about the tank size.

Buying experience: From Woods Abergele - great dealer good PX price. They are always willing to do all they can to make the experience a good one. Paid list price, got some freebies.

4 out of 5 Red Arrow
14 July 2015 by Vortex

Year: 2014

Very impressive, reliable and well made motorcycle.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

With the Termignioni exhaust the front peg gets on the way and keeps touching the exhaust cover.

Engine 4 out of 5

Fantastic torque and power. The only thing that is anoying is the grunt at lower gear and speed.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

The bike is a solid piece of engineering.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

As it is a fun bike for me I have not used enough

Equipment 4 out of 5

Buying experience: Wonderful bike, with loads of fun.

4 out of 5 Ducati cachet, great tech with minor annoyances. Love it though!
12 June 2015 by Dwezil

Year: 2015

Annual servicing cost: £150

I opted for the white and red model and it is a stunner. Beautifully made with great detailing and Ducati cachet. Sounds amazing, gets a lot of attention. Relatively comfortable but cheap and harsh suspension is a shame - Ducati should have done better. Improve that and it would be 5/5.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

I give it four out of five because the suspension is harsh (reducing front tyre by 2 psi helps), but the front break is awesome and it needs to be. The rear brake is, well, an expensive light switch. ABS is welcome under these circumstances! Very easy to ride.

Engine 4 out of 5

Wonderful between 3 and 8 k revs. Sublime. Sounds great too. Sport mode is very punchy at lower revs. Great character.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Just 1200 miles to date. No issues.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Getting 55 mpg and an easy 150-160 per tank before fill ups. Ideal for a naked bike riding duration.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Some whinge about lack of gear indicator, but the gearing is perfect for the road and I always seem to know what gear I am in. Very easy to understand and clear instrumentation. Annoying main beam switch.

Buying experience: Very good at my local dealer.

5 out of 5 I love it!
26 May 2015 by Ian M

Version: stripe

Year: 2015

Fantastic road bike, great handling, great noise, uber cool. Best Ducati engine ever!!

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5

Superb grunty engine that delivers power just where you need it

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Expensive but well worth the money, makes mt09 look cheap by comparison

Equipment 5 out of 5

Has excellent safety equipment, brilliant brakes and adjustable suspension front and rear. I changed tyres to Rosso Corsas which suit bike giving mega grip and fantastic feel at big lean angles. Bike is also much more pillion friendly than rivals.

Buying experience: Bought from St Neots Motorcycles who are both expert and friendly. I would fully recommend them, mechanics are excellent.

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