EICMA 2016: Entry-Level Ducati Monster 797 Unveiled

The new entry-level Ducati Monster 797 will be much more affordable compared to the cheapest Monster in the company's existing line-up.

Ducati has introduced a new entry-level motorcycle at the 2016 EICMA, the Monster 797. After the Monster 696 and 796 were discontinued in 2014, Scramblers were the only entry-level motorcycles left in the company's portfolio. Now, this new motorcycle will provide a different kind of option to those looking for a budget Ducati. 

The new Ducati Monster 797 incorporates the unique essence of the original 90's Monster, with a new tubular-steel trellis frame. The classic round headlight remains unchanged but now features LED daytime running lights. The masculine steel fuel tank of the bike also retains the same Monster lines.

The 803cc L-twin engine has been derived from the Scrambler series, and continues to deliver 75PS of power and 68Nm of torque in the Monster 797 as well. The air-cooled motor gets a single 50mm throttle body with two sub-butterfly injectors and comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox using a servo-assisted slipper clutch.

The Monster 797 gets 43mm inverted forks from Kayaba up front and Sachs monoshock with preload and rebound adjustability at the rear. The bike shares braking system with its elder sibling, the Monster 821, that incorporates dual 320mm disc brakes at the front with radially mounted Brembo Monobloc M4-32 calipers and single 245mm disc brake at the rear. To assist the high-performance braking system, Bosch 9.1 MP ABS comes as standard equipment with it. Moreover, the Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tyres are there to provide excellent grip on the tarmac.

Coming to the dimensions part, the Monster 797 has a seat height of just 805mm and a wet weight of around 193kg, which makes it accessible for most of the riders. Along with the popular Ducati Red, the bike will also be available in Star White Silk colour. Starting at a price of $9,295 (approximately Rs 6.18 lakh), the new Ducati Monster 797 costs around $1,700 (approximately Rs 1.13 lakh) less than the Monster 821.

Now comes the most important bit that Ducati will also bring this entry-level Monster to India next year and it will be significantly cheaper than the existing lowest priced Monster available in the country.