By: IOL Motoring Staff
Borgo Panigale, Bologna - Following the introduction of the new-generation Monster 1200 at the Milan motorcycle show in November 2013, Ducati has now added a mid-sized version, the 821 Monster, to the line-up.
Built on the new frame and running gear of the Monster 1200 and dressed with the same minimalist styling, the 821 has a short-stroke version of the current-generation 'Testastretta 'Narrow Head' engine - with an included angle between the valves of only 11 degrees - for which it quotes 82.6kW and 89.5Nm on a dry weight of only 179.5kg.
RIDE BY WIRE
Boasting Brembo M50 brakes and inverted front suspension, and with improved ergonomics thanks to an innovative adjustable seat height, the 821 combines eight-level traction control, three-level ABS and three-level Ride-by-Wire, all accessed via user-friendly, Riding Modes push-buttons.
The new Monster is due to be released in South Africa in mid-to-late October in red with red frame and black wheel or silk white and red frame and matte red wheels - each with a colour-matched single-seat cover - or as the Monster 821 Dark in matte black with gloss black frame and wheels, at a target price of R140 000, depending on the vagaries of South Africa's yo-yo currency.