Motorcycle specifications Ducati797 Monster 2019 Little Monst'air !

The return of an entry-level Monster!

With the demise of the 696 and 796 at the end of 2014, Ducati's mythical roadster was only available in 1200cc and 821cc versions, which meant that the air-cooled Monsters were outlawed.

Back in fashion with the sparkling Scrambler, this Ducati technology is now making a comeback on the Monster with the arrival of a new 797 equipped with the 803cc Desmodue block. This promises to be a great program at a more affordable price than its larger fleet-mounted siblings!

The recognizable Monster 797 respects the family codes: trellis frame, large fuel tank, minimalist rear and (roughly) round headlight for the front!

On the mill side, the various anti-pollution standards have not been without effect on the performance of the 797's two-valve L-twin, which offers 'only' 73 hp, compared to the 87 hp offered by the 796 not so long ago. Torque, meanwhile, is down by almost 10 Nm (to a total of 67 Nm), bringing it close to the performance of the 696, which produced 80 hp and 69 Nm. However, the engineers have worked to release torque as early as 5,750 rpm, whereas on the Scramblers it reached its maximum at 7,750 rpm. It's safe to assume that it will easily pass A2 license requirements.

But, rest assured, this same Scrambler proved just how playful and fun the finned mill can be. Its arrival on this little Monster is therefore likely to be another successful marriage with the blessing of the Euro4 standard!

The frame, too, marks a return to basics. In true Ducati tradition, it's a one-piece tubular steel trellis. Gone, however, is the single-arm design of the 796, as the Bologna-based company has opted for a triangular swingarm reminiscent of the 2008 696. And in aluminum, please! Suspension-wise, the 797 inherits a non-adjustable 43mm inverted Kayaba fork at the front, and a Sachs shock with adjustable rebound and preload at the rear. This chassis features a short wheelbase of 1,435 mm, providing not only good stability but also sharp agility. These are important arguments for this Monster, which will above all be a devourer of curves. In fact, the scale announces 193 kilos fully loaded, putting it 15 kilos below the 821 and giving it better cornering skills. The 16.5-liter fuel tank (+1.5 liters compared to the 796) makes for interesting touring, while the APTC clutch promises a very smooth feel.

Equipped as standard with Pirelli Diablo Rosso II wheels mounted on 17" 10-spoke rims(120/70 front, 180/55 rear), the Monsterre), the Monster 797 relies on very, very big brakes, with two 320 mm discs and Brembo 4-piston radial calipers stopping the miss. ABS is of course standard.

Equipment-wise, the 797 is a sober affair: full LED lighting, LCD instrument panel and under-seat USB port.

By relaunching this heir to the 796, Ducati aims to appeal to those nostalgic for the early Monster models, while offering an accessible and sexy roadster for bikers allergic to the neo-retro trend. With its low seat height, low weight and high-performance chassis, neophytes will be able to enjoy Italy without too much trouble. And with a price tag of €8,990, it's ready to take on the stars of the category, such as the Yamaha MT-07.

Sébastien de Malfin - Manufacturer's photos