The new Ducati Monster Plus with its 937 cc L-twin is the most accessible Ducati ever! When I first caught wind of this “changed” 2021 Monster  I was incredibly curious about how it would ride, and equally – about its appearance. Namely, the absence of the classic Monster trellis frame. I’ve happy to report, that even though modernised, the wildly beloved Monster still lives in the heart of the Monster 967 – and is every bit Italian!

The Ducati Monster Plus is the model I evaluated. This version only slightly differs aesthetically with a fly screen and a removable passenger seat cover. It still possesses traditional elements. Its low seat, dual-barrel shorty exhausts, the bison-back fuel tank, and lean stance. But that’s where the Monster ancestry ends. The new Monster is new age! And once riding, Ducati’s choice seems to work. The Monster suddenly feels familiar, and unusually light! It has shed 18 kilograms namely because of the no-longer tubular frame. In fact, before it arrived in dealerships, dedicated Ducati fans shared criticisms regarding “the iconic naked bike” no longer possessing its tubular frame.

The first kilometres when evaluating any motorcycle – are the telling moments for me. First off, the Monster 937 is light and easy. Its sharp steering and smooth turning /cornering inputs do not feel at all like a 937 chassis. I have ridden Monsters throughout the years and raced earlier models (late 90s). Compared to former Monsters, the 937 is a leap forward!

The fit on the 937 has changed – slightly more upright. This is due to the handlebar being closer (70 mm), and the foot pegs are half an inch lower as well as back about 820mm/ 32 inches. The seat height offers two height options. The lowering kit can drop the bike down to 775mm / 30. 5 inches. I was able to get the model with the lower seat option- but not lowering kit.

An additional advantage is that the Monster has an exceptionally wide turning radius. This is really a Ducati first. And it is all because, again, the trellis frame. It no longer prevents the steering angle.

In terms of finish, the Monster is completely correct. Furthermore, everything, as we know of this modern Ducati, is thanks to the Volkswagen Group (The Italian motorcycle brand Ducati was founded in 1926 and has been part of the Volkswagen Group since 2012.). On this model, the builders ensured everything fits nicely and is impeccably designed. Well ok, the mirrors still show too much of my underarms. Good thing there are accessory alternatives! But gone are the wrong buttons or strange attachments, which you could so easily point out on a Ducati a decade ago. Though, personally I did love the trellis frame. I’m rather confused when I look at the 937 chassis. However, the build quality is indeed high.

Impressive Electronics Thanks To Audi

In terms of electronics, the dashboard is stunning and is a superior control hub. If you’ve ever owned a Ducati you’ll appreciate the fact that this mechanisation obviously comes from Volkswagen Group and is intertwined with Audi technology. Here you will notice astounding improvements! Just ensure you get to know all the features. As if you don’t, the operation – the dash itself, is incredibly distracting. Fumbling about trying to find the modes, etc. requires that you take your focus away from the road.

The 4.3” colour TFT colour dashboard is easy to access. The graphics are from the Panigale V4 and provide all the useful on-board information needed. In the centre of the screen the rev counter and your selected shift gear are easily seen. You will also see information from the Ducati Multimedia System (DMS), which allows your smartphone to connect to the motorcycle via Bluetooth module (available as an accessory). This manages functions via the buttons positioned on the handlebar.

Reading the owners/operators manual is essential. You can easily choose between three riding modes: Sport, Touring and Urban. These are all intended to optimise motorcycle behaviour to your individual riding style and different road conditions. Each Riding Mode offers to vary the engine character (Power Modes) and the ABS, DTC and DWC intervention levels instantaneously, even when riding!

There are three ABS levels and eight positions of the traction control easily managed. There are also switchable levels (four) of anti-wheelie control. The wheelie control also has “cornering” built in, and though I did not get a chance to experiment with this during my test, you can now control wheelies when accelerating out of a corner. This is excellent and something I experienced often on earlier Monsters I raced. In fact, I nearly lost it on the Monster 900 during a race at TT Circuit Assen for this very reason.

Monster 937 Fit, Type, Personalisation

The sitting position is pleasant outside of the fact that I kept sliding forward at stops. The Monster is not excessively big – there is not much to it. Because it is a naked-styled bike, wind protection is zero. Perfect for me as I do not have a preference, nor do I like windscreens. However, the little fly screen the Monster Plus comes with does offer some benefit. Again, the only difference between the new Monster 967 and the Monster 967 Plus is the flyscreen and passenger seat cover.

Smooth L-TWIN

Regarding the engine, a 90° V-twin with Desmodromic distribution 937cc is a wonderful choice for this Monster. Predictable and amazingly easy to manage, without huge power peaks or annoying jumps at the bottom. Fans of the “old” Monsters will need time to accept the 2021 Monster 937. Particularly that the power is now at the top, where older Ducatisti, me included, count on the torque hitting in from the bottom. However, this model is something any rider can work with. It accelerates well but is never intimidating. It fits well and does not feel cramped on longer rides.

“The Euro 5-compliant liquid-cooled 937 cc Testastretta 11° is a unique example of sporty engine while resulting effective even on on-road adventures. The 90° V-twin with Desmodromic distribution represents an exclusive gem in its class. Compared to the previous 821, it increases in displacement, power, torque and decreases in weight (-2.4 kg), which contributes to the overall lightness of the bike and adds improved handling”. ~ Source Ducati 

The Monster 937 sounds nothing like its former models. That classic Ducati sound has been subdued. It just doesn’t sound as I expected a Monster to sound like. I suppose adding Termignoni exhausts would be the cure.

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Hot in Traffic – But That’s Ducati

My riding included numerous episodes of sitting in rush hour traffic. In these situations, I discovered that the “well-known” heat emission characteristics of Ducati have not changed.  The Monster gave off a lot of heat. And the engine, after 30 minutes in rush hour, had me concerned that it would overheat. The temperature gauge kept climbing, and climbing.  And though the Monster 937 is liquid cooled, if you’re a commuter buying this, you’ll have to keep an eye on this factor. It runs hot! Still, with its light and easy steering the Monster 967 is perfect motorcycle for the city- but I do wonder about its potential to overheat in this environment.

Easy Operation

The Monster 937 Plus is a smooth operating motorcycle. It shifts easily with the up-down quick shifter, and the hydraulic slipper clutch is sufficient.

The braking system is excellent as expected from double Brembo callipers. Ducati engineers developed in close collaboration with Brembo, a higher-end braking system for this model. Up front it mounts twin Brembo M4-32 4-piston monobloc calipers that grip 320 mm discs. At the rear, instead, is a single 245 mm disc gripped by a Brembo caliper; like the front brake, it features enhanced efficiency sintered brake pads. I did find it odd that the ABS is switchable on the rear, something many (i.e., KTM) refer to as “Supermoto mode. It’s a feature I did not expect on a bike like the Monster. But it all works unassumingly well.

Lightweight, Manageable

Ducati is appealing to a new audience with the Monster 937 placing it as an entry-level model. Though the Italians prefer to say,  “it’s riding fun for experts, training for beginners”.

As a new rider, you can immediately enjoy a good relationship with this Ducati, without a heavy-set V-twin or a difficult motorcycle to manage in the city. And it is due to this neatly tamed engine, the general seating position, and steering characteristics.

Lowering Kit & Lower Seat Option

Not only does the Ducati Monster 937 have a lower seat option, but you can purchase a lowering kit! This consists of fork springs, shock absorber spring and side stand. This will lower the entire bike by 25 mm/0.984 inches and bring the seat height to 795 mm, without compromising on agility and riding pleasure. In combination with the lower seat option, you can reduce the 967 total height to 775 mm/ 30.5 inches. Fabulous!

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Monster 937 Plus Wrap Up

Here’s the question I always ask myself after every motorcycle I test – would I own it? And to the Monster 937 it’s a big – YES.  But I say yes not as a Ducatisti (since 1997) but as a motorcycle rider in appreciation of excellent quality, ride ease, rider friendliness and value for the money. The Monster Plus 937 wins.

While the distinctive Monster footprint has lessened (frame, sound, etc.), the 937 cc L-twin is a responsive,  smile-inducing machine. The new chassis is friendly with a fresh modern design and this I feel appeals to a larger target group – the new rider.  And because of its ride characteristics and features such as a lowering kit – it is a fabulous model for women riders or those seeking an entry level or advanced motorcycle in which one can easily control. Furthermore, the Monser 937 bears the Ducati identity. It is a sexy brand and well reputed for winning races and conquering the track. Any rider will be stoked to ride and own one. The pricing is on the in line with most new sportier models of today.
The Ducati Monster 937 is certainly worth considering if you seek a quick-witted, middleweight naked bike that feels like so much more!

Pricing:  Starting from $14,195 CAD; $12,395 USD

Colours

• Ducati Red w/ black wheels
• Aviator Grey w/ red wheels
• Dark Stealth w/ black wheels

One historic feature which has remained in place for this new aged Monster 937 is the ability to instal the various high-coloured tank covers. They are a bit pricey of course.

Monster 937 Specifications & Standard Features:

• 937 cc Testastretta 11° engine
• Euro 5-compliant
• Maximum power 111 hp at 9,250 rpm
• Maximum torque 9,5 Kgm at 6,500 rpm
• Weight (dry) 166 kg
• Aluminium front frame
• Rear subframe in GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer)
• Aluminium swingarm
• New full-LED lighting system with swiping technology indicators
• Full-TFT 4.3” screen indicating selected gear and fuel level
• Riding Mode (3 configurations)
• Adjustable ABS Cornering (3 levels with “only front” Mode)
• Adjustable DTC and DWC (8 levels)
• Launch Control
• 43 mm upside down fork
• Adjustable monoshock
• Brembo 320 mm front brake discs with M4.32 monobloc calipers, radial pump and pads made of sintered material
• Hydraulic clutch with radial pump
• 820 mm seat height, 795 mm (optional) or up to 775 mm, with lowered seat and lowered suspension kit
• DQS up/down

Visit Ducati to find out more about the Monster Plus 937