Ergonomics and Handling – more comfortable, more accessible
The Ducati Monster 796 had a very aggressive riding stance. But things are relatively comfortable on the Monster 821. Ducati has reduced the distance between the handlebar and the seat by 40mm and raised the height of the steering bar by another 40mm for an improved rider’s triangle. The final result is a relatively comfortable riding position without compromising too much on the committed stance of the machine. Moreover, the centre of gravity position has also been moved 24mm rearward and 18mm lower than the Monster 796 which gives the new Monster even better handling. The overall weight distribution with a rider aboard stands at 47.5% front and 52.5% rear. The wheelbase has also been increased by 30mm. The good news is, the flickability of the motorcycle hasn’t suffered one bit, even with the increased wheelbase.
The saddle on the Monster 821 needs a special mention here. While the Monster 796 had a non-adjustable seat, the Monster 821 gets a height adjustable seat which can be set to a height between 785mm to 810mm. Ducati also offers two seat options as an accessory which offer an even wider adjustable range of between 745mm to 835mm. The Monster 821 does not disappoint the pillion either in the comfort department. The seat has been well padded with foam thickness standing at 80mm for the rider and 70mm for the passenger. The passenger also gets added space as the overall seat length is 29mm longer than the Monster 796. This clubbed with a well tuned suspension and the Pirelli tyres work plausibly well and soak in the irregularities of the road remarkably.
Another point to note is that the red version of the Monster 821 comes with a removable cowl as standard. The rear cowl covers the pillion seat which gives the Monster 821 a sporty appearance. Monster 821 Dark, on the other hand, does not receive a seat cowl as standard.
As I pointed out before, the Monster 821 has a slightly longer wheelbase than the Monster 796 but that did not affect the handling of the motorcycle. In fact, the Monster 821, even with its 205.5kg of wet weight is incredibly easy to manoeuvre and great fun to pick up and lean again on chicanes. The Monster 821 is quick and agile in city traffic as well as around the curvy tarmac. The Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tyres further add to the nimbleness with exceptional grip on dry surface. The roads were dry and the climate was sunny so I really cannot comment on the wet surface grip of the tyres.
But like every naked roadster motorcycle, the Monster 821 does not protect the rider from wind blasts. You can opt for an after-market windshield but I am not sure how much will it help the case. Another drawback is the pillion footrest. The distance between the rider footrest and passenger footrest is annoyingly less. The pillion footpeg brackets sometimes foul with the heels (especially in case off riders with large feet) when you keep your toes on the rider footrest while tackling corners.
Overall, the Monster 821 impresses with its punch, comfort, practicality and crisp handling. Besides the passenger foot rest brackets, there wasn’t much to complain about in the ergonomics department. The motorcycle is a perfect tool to have some fun in city as well as on highways.
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Awesome review Suvil..!