2020 Ducati Monster 821/821 Stealth

With its lines and overall bare-bones design, the 2020 Ducati Monster 821 pays homage to the Monster 900 that was born in 1993. The Monster 821 is the midsize naked bike in the Monster lineup and comes in two 2020 variants: the base model and a blacked-out counterpart, the 821 Stealth. Both Monsters are powered by 821cc L-twin claimed to pump out 109 hp. Match the power with a smoother clutch engagement thanks to the slipper clutch and the premium stopping power of Brembo brakes and you have a capable canyon carver or casual daily rider that even Ducati, back in 2015, claimed targets beginner and female riders.

In the 2015 review, we found that “Throughout the course of a day, the big-bore Monster can start to wear on your shoulders, yet the 821 remains pleasant and easy to manage.”

In retelling his story about the design of the 900 for which the 821 is based, designer Miguel Galluzzi, said he “copied magazine photos of a bare chassis, and drew some simple lines with minimal bodywork, like bikes had been since the beginning of time. The form of what a bike should be—just enough to enjoy the ride.”

Naked bike competition includes the Suzuki SV650, Triumph Street Triple RS, BMW S 1000 R, Kawasaki Z900, Yamaha MT-09, and Honda CB1000R.

No new updates for 2020, however, this model continues to come in a Stealth edition. The Stealth differs from the base Monster with its matte black livery, updated graphics, stubby front fairing, and $12,895 price tag. The base Monster 821 has an MSRP of $11,995.