Monster 821

The Ducati Monster 821 was the middleweight in the Monster family from 2014 through 2020 and replaced the Monster 796. It uses a liquid-cooled 821 cc Testastretta 11-degree L-twin producing roughly 109 hp and 89 Nm, hung in a steel trellis frame that uses the engine as a stressed member. The kit list is a clear step up from earlier air-cooled Monsters: ride-by-wire throttle, three riding modes, traction control and ABS as standard. A 2018 update brought LED lighting, a new TFT dashboard and small ergonomic tweaks, alongside Stripe and Stealth trims. In 2021 the 821 was replaced by the aluminium-framed Monster 937.

Buyers come to the 821 for an accessible entry into the Monster line: short, narrow, with a low 785 mm seat (810 mm optional) and a wet weight around 205 kg. Ergonomics are upright and city-friendly, while the L-twin has enough midrange to handle motorways and twisty roads in comfort. Direct rivals include the Triumph Street Triple R, Yamaha MT-09 and KTM 790 Duke. Plan for typical Ducati ownership costs: scheduled valve checks and attention to the slipper clutch over time.