Ducati Monster Plus (2021) Review: A Stripped-Down Streetfighter With Modern Muscle

The Ducati Monster Plus (2021) is a bold evolution of one of the most iconic naked bikes in motorcycling history. As Ducati revamped its legendary Monster lineup, the 2021 Monster Plus took center stage, shedding tradition in favor of innovation. This model swaps the old trellis frame for a new aluminum chassis and packs a punchy engine in a more compact, agile design. What remains untouched, however, is the raw character that has made the Monster a favorite among street riders since the early 90s.

Whether you're a city carver, a weekend canyon chaser, or simply love a naked bike with pedigree, the Monster Plus offers an ideal fusion of heritage and cutting-edge engineering.

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Design and Aesthetics

At first glance, the 2021 Monster Plus screams modern minimalism. The sleek LED headlight, sculpted fuel tank, and aggressive tail section give it a muscular streetfighter stance. Ducati’s new frame design reduces weight and enhances the bike's tight proportions, making it look lighter and more agile than its predecessors.

The available color options — Ducati Red, Aviator Grey, and Dark Stealth — cater to different personalities. The small fly screen and passenger seat cover, unique to the Monster Plus variant, add a refined yet sporty flair. This bike isn't trying to be flashy — it’s meant to be ridden, hard and fast.

Technology and Features

The Monster Plus comes loaded with features you'd expect on premium sportbikes. Three custom riding modes — Sport, Urban, and Touring — allow riders to tailor performance and electronic intervention to suit their mood or conditions. Ducati Traction Control, Wheelie Control, Cornering ABS, and Launch Control offer serious safety and performance boosts for both new and experienced riders.

The 4.3-inch full-color TFT display is intuitive, easy to read, and even customizable. Paired with Ducati's connectivity system, you can manage music, calls, and navigation via your smartphone — useful for riders who like to stay linked while on the move.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Ducati has rethought rider comfort with the 2021 Monster Plus. The new riding triangle is more relaxed — the handlebars are closer, the seat height is manageable at 820 mm, and the footpegs are placed for a comfortable yet sporty posture.

The suspension setup, featuring non-adjustable front forks and a preload-adjustable rear shock, is tuned for a good balance between firmness and compliance. While it’s certainly more performance-oriented than plush, it handles daily rides and weekend blasts equally well without feeling overly harsh.

Braking and Safety

Equipped with twin 320 mm front discs and Brembo M4.32 calipers, braking on the Monster Plus is confident and precise. The rear 245 mm disc complements the system well, and cornering ABS ensures you maintain control even under hard braking in tricky conditions.

Safety systems like traction control, wheelie control, and launch control not only enhance riding confidence but also elevate the bike’s usability across varied riding scenarios. It’s clear that Ducati built the Monster Plus with real-world conditions in mind.

Fuel Efficiency and Maintenance

Fuel consumption for the Ducati Monster Plus averages around 45 mpg under normal use, making it relatively efficient for a midweight naked bike with such potent performance.

Maintenance-wise, the new Monster is designed to be more user-friendly. The Desmodromic valve timing system still needs periodic attention, but intervals have been extended. Ducati also offers maintenance packages and accessory upgrades that streamline ownership.

Engine and Performance

Under the tank sits the powerful 937 cc Testastretta 11° L-twin engine, producing 111 horsepower at 9,250 rpm and 93 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. The engine is Euro 5-compliant, meaning it’s cleaner without compromising Ducati’s trademark punch.

Twist the throttle and the Monster Plus comes alive with a throaty growl, surging forward with satisfying urgency. The six-speed gearbox, aided by a bi-directional quick shifter, ensures slick gear transitions whether you're accelerating through traffic or attacking a twisty road. With a top speed that comfortably breaches the 140 mph mark, it’s a machine that feels at home both in city streets and open highways.

Handling is tight and confident, thanks to its 166 kg (dry) weight and 43 mm USD front forks. The low center of gravity and revised chassis geometry make the bike incredibly flickable — a joy to lean into corners with.

Comparison and Competitors

The 2021 Monster Plus goes head-to-head with the likes of the Yamaha MT-09, Triumph Street Triple R, and KTM 890 Duke. While the MT-09 offers a similarly raw riding feel, it lacks the refined electronics suite and premium finish of the Ducati. The Street Triple R is razor-sharp but less aggressive in its styling. The KTM may win on pure spec-sheet numbers, but the Monster Plus delivers a visceral, stylish, and tech-rich package that’s hard to beat.

What truly sets the Monster Plus apart is its blend of Ducati DNA, usable performance, and top-tier rider aids — all packed into a minimalistic, urban-savvy design.

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Ideal Riders and Target Audience

The Ducati Monster Plus (2021) is perfect for intermediate to advanced riders looking for an exciting yet manageable daily rider. It’s ideal for city dwellers who want lightweight agility, spirited weekend warriors who live for the twisties, and anyone craving Italian performance in a minimalist package.

Newer riders with confidence and training could also find the Monster Plus an excellent upgrade from entry-level machines, especially with its electronics and safety features helping smooth the learning curve.

Conclusion and Final Verdict

The Ducati Monster Plus (2021) reinvents the legend while staying true to its naked streetfighter roots. It's lighter, sharper, and more tech-packed than ever — all without losing that unmistakable Ducati attitude. The absence of the traditional trellis frame may raise eyebrows, but the benefits in handling and weight savings speak for themselves.

If you're in the market for a stylish, aggressive, and modern naked bike with strong performance and premium features, the Monster Plus deserves a serious look.

And for those planning to personalize or enhance their Monster’s performance, our e-commerce store offers a full range of aftermarket upgrades — from carbon fiber bodywork and Termignoni exhaust systems to CNC rearsets and frame sliders. Ride it your way.