Ducati Monster

The 2026 Ducati Monster  is the fifth-generation Monster and represents a major update over its predecessor. It gets a new 890cc engine, a lighter chassis, updated styling, and a more advanced electronics package while retaining the minimalist naked-bike design the Monster is known for. The updated Monster has been launched in India with a starting price of Rs 13,99,000, whereas the Monster Plus variant starts from 14,34,000 (both ex-showroom India). Fancier colours cost extra.

 The new Monster 900 comes with a compact LED headlight with DRLs, a redesigned muscular fuel tank, a sleek tail section, and a minimalist bodywork design that highlights the engine. The one-to-two vertically stacked exhaust looks cool as well. The red highlights on the wheels, red subframe and bodywork really round off the look.

The Monster and Monster+ are both available in Ducati Red, Iceberg White and Sport Livery. What sets the Monster Plus apart is the inclusion of the headlight cowl and pillion seat cover.

Safety Features

The latest-generation Monster comes with an electronic package with 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (6D IMU). This enables advanced rider aids such as cornering ABS; traction control; wheelie control; Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) 2.0; engine brake control. 

Convenience Features

The updated Monster gets a 5-inch TFT display. It gets day and night display modes and two information layouts called Info Mode Road and Road Pro. The new petal-shaped joystick controls should help in easy menu navigation. The turn-by-turn navigation is part of the Ducati Multimedia System package, which costs extra. For a bike that costs as much as a compact SUV, Ducati should’ve given navigation as standard. Cruise control, heated grips, TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System), USB charging are also available as accessories.

Rider Comfort

The updated ergonomics make the new Ducati Monster V2 more comfortable than before. A wider handlebar (that’s closer to the rider), narrow seat profile, and upright riding position reduce fatigue in everyday riding while still allowing an aggressive stance during spirited rides. The standard seat height is 815mm, with lower seat options available for shorter riders. 

Pillion Comfort

The split-seat setup offers reasonable comfort for short rides. However, as with most sporty naked motorcycles, the pillion seat is relatively compact and may not be ideal for long-distance touring. If you have the Monster+, then you will have to remove the pillion cowl. 

City & Highway Performance

The new V2 engine is 5.9kg lighter than the previous engine. Its IVT (Intake Variable Timing) system is designed to deliver smoothness at low revs, stronger performance in the mid-range and power at higher revs.

Gearbox

The engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox featuring Ducati Quick Shift 2.0 as standard, enabling seamless clutchless upshifts and downshifts. It also gets a hydraulically operated slipper clutch for smoother aggressive downshifts and easy clutch lever effort. 

Brakes

The front gets twin 320mm discs with Brembo M4.32 radial calipers whereas the rear uses a 245mm disc. With such premium components and cornering ABS, expect the handling to be top-notch too. 

Handling & Ride Quality

The new chassis contributes to a 4kg weight reduction over the previous Monster, bringing the bike's weight down to 175kg with an empty tank.Combined with quality suspension, a wide handlebar, and compact dimensions, it should feel agile in the city while remaining stable through fast corners and highway sweepers. Whether it’s good enough for our broken Indian roads is something that remains to be seen.  

The Ducati Monster V2 rivals the KTM 890 Duke R, Triumph Street Triple RS, and the Kawasaki Z900. The Monster stands out with its lightweight construction, premium electronics package, and distinctive Ducati V2 engine character, not to mention iconic Italian design.