Test: Ducati Monster 821

No, I didn’t fall, don’t worry. The mid-range Monster, which was updated for the 2018 season, showed me that even 109 horses with solid torque are enough for good motorcycle pleasure. It seems to me that in the flow of motorcycles and the increase in engine power, I forget that you can have fun on a beast with 100 "horses". Because the essence is in the soul, and in the Monster 821 it is amazingly lively and sporty. Despite the fact that it has different engine programs and therefore a different engine sound and harshness when adding gas, after I understood the sweetness of the sports program (city and tourist routes are also available), and with a well-functioning and adjustable prevention system slip of the rear wheels, I did not deal with other settings.

I love modern electronics and how technology has entered the bike. Development is fast and Ducati is among the leaders in the world. With the touch of a button, you can choose how the bike will perform if you're a beginner or if it's pouring from the sky, leaving it on a soft program when the asphalt is right and your heart screaming when you listen to the drum twin. Ducati's ride quality is very good, and with a solid selection of suspension and brakes, they've made a bike that rides great in town as well as on fast serpentines. This 821 is a true all-rounder that, in addition to driving precision and the safety package provided by all the latest electronics, also offers the right dose of Italian sense of harmony of lines and is a true aesthetic eye balm. I would feel even better on it if it was half my size, so I will say correctly if I conclude from myself that the limit of comfortable driving is the maximum driver height of 180 centimeters. If you're taller, you should consider the Monster 1200, which is a larger bike.

From the list of accessories, I would definitely think about a sports exhaust, and especially a gear shift assistant, because the engine then breaks down after races when you ride up and down with the gearbox without using the clutch.

Monster 821 is basically disingenuous, has a friendly personality, but can also show teeth. It is great for everyday use, for city crowds, for work in the summer and for cornering with good asphalt, where it impresses with cycling, modern electronics and brakes that are above average for this class. At Ducati, they've also taken a big step forward in terms of quality and cost of service. Regular services are at 15, and valves are operated every 30 thousand, which shows an excellent modern color screen that connects to your smartphone.

Just as a monster can change its character, so can the way the data is displayed on the screen. From data for safe city driving to rev display like in super sports bikes. I tell you, this Monster is a real hypocrite, he can be kind or sympathetically grumpy.

• Basic data

  Sales: Motocentr As Domžale

  Base model price: 11.900 €

• Technical information

  engine: 821 cc, two-cylinder, Testastretta 3 ° L design, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, electronic fuel injection, 11 valves per cylinder, three different engine electronics settings

  Power: 80 kW (109 km) at 9.250 rpm

  Torque: 88 Nm at 7.750 rpm

  Energy transfer: 6-speed gearbox, chain

  Frame: steel pipe

  brakes: 320mm front discs, Brembo four-rod radial clamping jaws, 245mm rear disc, two-piston caliper

  Suspension: 43mm front adjustable inverted telescopic fork, rear adjustable single shock

  Tires: 120/70-17, 180/55-17

  Growth: 785 - 810 mm

  Fuel tank: 17,5

  Wheelbase: 1.480 mm

  Weight: 206 kg

We praise and reproach

appearance

driving performance

brakes

modern screen

many options for tuning the engine and electronic assistants

drivers taller than 180 cm will be a little cramped

not the best choice for a two-person trip

in hot weather, heating of the two-cylinder engine interferes

final grade

Lightweight, agile and precise when cornering, it exhibits a sporty side and quality design. Since it's not too big, it also feels good in a city where sports drums are located.