Milan show: Ducati introduces 2017 Monster 797 and 1200 S

Two new Monsters have been confirmed the 2017 Ducati line up: Monster 797 and Monster 1200 S.

The smaller of the two features an 803cc air-cooled L-twin engine, producing 75bhp. The 1200 S ups the ante with a 1198cc liquid-cooled Ducati Testastretta 11°, L-twin, and the maximum power figure of 150bhp.

Both bikes get Brembo brakes, the iconic trellis frame and pass the Euro 4 requirements.

Here’s what Ducati says about the bike:

Ducati Monster 797

Ducati presents the new Monster 797: Monster spirit and Ducati appeal that is now accessible to everyone. Sporty, compact, essential yet incredibly stylish and up to date, the Monster 797 embodies all the allure of the Monster and represents the gateway to the Ducati world. Everything on the Monster 797 recalls the iconic 90s bike while offering cutting-edge modernity: from the Trellis frame to the air-cooled L-twin engine and round headlight.

The Monster 797, the most accessible of the Ducati nakeds, has been designed to express that unique Monster essence right down to the last detail. With its compact yet beefy tank, iconic headlight and tapered tail, the Monster 797 is clean and sinewy. The Desmodue air-cooled L-twin engine is cradled in the Trellis frame, showcasing the mechanics in inimitable Monster style.

With a punchy maximum power of 75 hp at 8,250 rpm and great delivery throughout the rev range, the Monster 797 puts performance and fun within everyone’s grasp, ensuring an exciting ride experience, every day, on any road. EURO 4 compliant, the Monster 797 L-twin is perfect for those purchasing their first Ducati or simply their first motorcycle, yet still offers fun-packed riding for even the most expert motorcyclist. Moreover, active safety is always ready to kick in thanks to the as-standard Bosch ABS. The ABS on the Monster 797 works in concert with a top-drawer front braking system consisting of two 320 mm Brembo discs gripped by two Brembo M4.32 radial calipers.

Whether on city streets or country roads, the Monster 797 is the perfect bike for cool, carefree riding. Right from the very first mile, the low seat and wide handlebars inspire confidence. Contained weight and agile chassis geometry give riders outstanding ‘feel’, perfect control and superb handling whatever their level of experience.

The new Ducati Monster 797 finally makes the iconic essence, history and unique appeal of the Monster – and Ducati – accessible to anyone.

Ducati Monster 1200

Ducati goes back to its Monster roots, but with a motorcycle that’s new in both form and function.

When Ducati designers started working on the new Monster 1200, they drew their inspiration from the basics behind that ground-breaking 1993 model: the concept of a “sport naked bike”.

The Monster 1200 is packed with new design and content, but with true Ducati naked flair. Available also as a higher-performance S version, the Monster 1200 has a sleeker tank, a fully redesigned sports-style tail, an all-new technologically advanced headlight and a first-rate electronics package derived from the one on the 1299 Panigale.

The Monster 1200 is Monster through and through. Shaping, silhouettes, fuel tank and headlight are faithful to the lines of the bike that came out in 1993. The iconic, unmistakeable steel tank has once again been fitted with an attachment clip, just like the first Monster.

The Monster 1200 features the latest version of the Testastretta 11° DS engine, ensuring not just outstanding power and torque but also full, smooth power delivery right off the bottom end. When combined with an always-smooth, easy-to-handle throttle response, the result is pure riding enjoyment. The twin-cylinder Ducati power unit on the Monster 1200 delivers 150 hp at 9,250 rpm (15 hp more than the previous Monster 1200 and 5 hp more than the previous Monster 1200 S) and a maximum torque of 126.2 Nm at 7,750 rpm. Accurate Ride by Wire calibration gives the Monster 1200 extremely fluid performance, ensuring exciting, precision riding. Moreover, the new Monster 1200 meets strict EURO 4 standards.

The frame is a classic Ducati Trellis that employs the Testastretta as a stressed chassis element. Attached to the engine are the new, compact single-sided swingarm and the all-new die-cast aluminium rider pegs, separated from the passenger pegs.

A comprehensive electronics package with three different Riding Modes (Sport, Touring and Urban) includes the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) that feeds information to the Bosch Cornering ABS and Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) systems. Top-drawer electronics gives the Monster 1200 true Ducati sport naked performance, but in a way that makes it accessible to everyone, ensuring high levels of active safety at all times.

The exclusive Monster 1200 S sharpens that Monster sports performance to an even finer edge thanks to a 48 mm Öhlins fork and rear Öhlins monoshock, both fully adjustable. Awesome braking is provided by two 330 mm Brembo discs at the front working in concert with Brembo M50 monobloc calipers. Moreover, the Monster 1200 S features wheels with three Y-spokes featuring exclusive “S” graphics and a front carbon mudguard while the front headlight is characterised by the DRL (Daytime Running Light) system and LED – not bulb type – indicators.

The Monster 1200 is a perfectly balanced motorcycle that, thanks to engine, brakes, chassis set-up and electronics, provides ultimate riding pleasure. Its superb handling, power and torque guarantee unparalleled, uncompromising fun.

The Monster 1200 is available in Ducati Red with a red frame and black wheels. The Monster 1200 S offers the same Ducati Red, red frame and black wheel livery or the new, refined Liquid Concrete Grey with black frame and black wheels.

SPEC: