It runs in the family

25 years on the 821 is still a Monster…

ILOVE MY OLD 1993 Ducati Monster. That’s despite the hard suspension, grabby clutch, awful turning circle and low speed stuttering. For the last 25 years all Monsters have the same DNA... that’s Ducati Niggly Attributes. People refer to this as character, passion or even the thrill of riding. Actually they’re just irritants, and I wanted to believe that the new 821 would finally turn these family-tree traits into a cracking little usable bike. Opening the garage and the wow factor is evident. Hit the starter button and the twin rumble still makes my neck hair perky. Once aboard the reach forward seating position feels like my favourite armchair. Then you move. Until the engine’s hot you can stall if not careful with the clutch. Bumpy B-roads will have your fillings falling out. In town and the power delivery can have you holding on like it’s a bucking bronco, though the new Urban mode does help. When I get off I check the number plate isn’t R-reg. 25 years of development has improved the Monster. ABS, quick shifter, three riding modes, smoother throttle response, coloured screen and sticky Pirelli tyres are great, but it’s still not a ‘jump on and go’ bike like a Honda CB650. Niggly. BUT... every now and then, in the right situation, on the right road and with the right weather I forgave the 821 for everything. Real input is needed but the rewards are fantastic. It still makes me smile and takes me back to the first time the Monster and I met. Test ride one, but give it a chance. It’s not like a Yamaha MT-07 or Honda CB650F for ease of use but the rewards from the little Ducati are ten fold.