Ducati Monster

From Ducati:

With the 2026 Model Year, based on the new V2 engine, Ducati is writing a new chapter in this unique and unrepeatable story. The fifth generation of the Monster is completely revamped, even lighter, even more authentic.

The first Monster was born from a formula that was ingenious in its simplicity: “everything you need, nothing more”. With a chassis derived from Superbike and the best engine for road use, the 1992 Monster combined character and performance, immediately winning the hearts of countless motorcyclists. Since then, the Monster has created a global community of enthusiasts, the Monsteristi, who still cherish its spirit and celebrate its history. In over thirty years of evolution, the Monster has been able to renew itself without ever losing its identity. From the 900, 600 and 750 two-valve engines to the more recent Desmoquattro and Testastretta versions, each generation has brought technical and stylistic innovations, while keeping the original soul intact.

Unmistakable personality
The new Monster, redesigned from scratch, combines lightness and technology with unmistakable aesthetics, reinterpreting the style of the first Monster in a modern key. More streamlined, sporty and compact, the new Monster captivates by reviving the stylistic features that have always distinguished the naked bike par excellence: the headlight framed by the “shoulders” of the tank, the single seat for rider and passenger, and the short, lightweight tail.

The bison-back tank, which has always been a distinctive feature of the Borgo Panigale naked bike, has been redesigned to maintain the slimness of the current Monster while restoring the muscularity typical of the Monster and incorporating the front air intakes introduced with the second generation.
The headlight, which in motorcycle design is the true face of the bike, is full-LED, with a robotic and modern look that recalls various stylistic elements of the Ducati range. The double ‘C’ shape is in fact the optical signature that unites Ducati naked bikes, made even more distinctive here by the two side ‘cuts’ that recall the front of the Panigale V4.

The cover on the side panels connects to the seat, which is narrower and 5 mm lower (815 mm total) to make it easier to put your feet on the ground, and diverts the hot air from the radiator outwards, improving thermal comfort. On the lower part of the cover, the Ducati shield is flanked by the coordinates of the historic Borgo Panigale factory.

The new V2 twin-cylinder engine, modern and characterised by its clean aesthetics thanks to precise technical choices, is the perfect engine for the Monster . The naked bike from Borgo Panigale has always had the V-twin – a noble engine characterised by slimness, optimal weight distribution and reduced vibrations thanks to the perfect balance of first-rate forces – as one of its technical and stylistic pillars.

The Ducati V2 is lightweight (-5.9 kg compared to the previous Testastretta Evoluzione) and high-performing, thanks to IVT (Intake Variable Timing) distribution, and characterised by very low running costs: the 45,000 km/28,000 miles maintenance interval for valve clearance checks is an absolute benchmark for the category.
The IVT variable timing distribution system allows the Monster engine to combine smoothness at low revs, vigour at medium revs and power at high revs (111 horsepower at 9,000 rpm, 110.7 HP/81.4 kW for the USA version), delivering more than 80% of its maximum torque between 4,000 and 10,000 rpm. Thanks to this responsive power delivery, a traditional feature of the Monster, and to a comprehensive, sophisticated electronic management, the new V2 delivers its performance safely and without ever being demanding for the rider.

Sporty chassis
The new Ducati V2 is a stressed part of the chassis. The latter is based on a monocoque frame, a double-sided swingarm inspired by the Ducati Hollow Symmetrical Swingarm of the Panigale V4 and a rear subframe consisting of a technopolymer element and a trellis. This technical layout, combined with the engine, contributes to making the new Monster even lighter than the already lightweight previous model (-4 kg, for a total weight of 175 kg with an empty tank) and therefore agile and easy to handle in every situation. The 43 mm upside-down fork and monoshock, both by Showa, have been specifically calibrated to optimise comfort in everyday use and sportiness on mixed riding, confirming the dual soul of the Ducati naked bike. The new Monster is stable and gives confidence to its rider, while remaining agile and enjoyable.

The Brembo braking system is based on dual 320 mm front discs, with M4.32 radial calipers and dedicated pads, developed specifically to offer a softer initial bite combined with high braking power. This makes the Monster safe and fun to ride when exploiting its performances, while also being very manageable in an urban environment. The Diablo Rosso IV tyres, in sizes 120/70 and 180/55, are Pirelli's top of the range for road use, offering grip and safety.

The rider sits on a lower seat (815 mm, which can be lowered to 775 mm by adopting the accessory low seats and lowered suspension) that is narrower than the previous model, making it easier to put your feet on the ground. The higher, forward-moved handlebars increase the feeling of control in sporty riding and at the same time define a comfortable riding position when the ride gets more relaxed. The side panels with grip surface support the rider when braking, while also becoming a stylistic element that celebrates the history of the Monster through the Ducati crest proudly displayed on the lower part.
Intuitive and fun, the Monster can change its soul at the touch of a button thanks to four Riding Modes specifically designed to simplify and enhance riding in every situation. The sport-inclined riders will appreciate the engine's grit in Sport Riding Mode on mountain roads, relying on the safety of an electronic package that includes DTC (Ducati Traction Control), DWC (Ducati Wheelie Control), EBC (Engine Brake Control) and cornering ABS. At the same time, less experienced riders and those who love to ride the Monster around town will find it easier and quicker to get to grips with the Ducati naked bike thanks to the Road and Urban Riding Modes.

All of the above is easily managed via the new petal-shaped joystick controls and the 5" TFT display, which is Ducati Multimedia System- and turn-by-turn navigation-ready. The dashboard is always easy to read thanks to the dual mode (day and night) and the display based on Info Mode Road and Road Pro , which allow the rider to focus on riding by optimising the visibility of the most relevant information in each context.

Accessories
The Monster is one of the Ducati models that most stimulated the imagination of its owners in terms of customisation. To satisfy those who want to make the Monster even more their own, Ducati Performance offers a wide range of accessories to enhance its aesthetics, such as carbon fibre details, billet aluminium parts, and a sports seat with Alcantara upholstery.

Sports enthusiasts will also appreciate the homologated silencers with titanium liners and carbon end caps, developed in collaboration with Termignoni*, which reduce weight (-0.2 kg) and unmistakably increase the Monster's grit.

Liveries and availability
The new Monster will arrive into European dealers in February 2026, and it will become progressively available in USA (March 2026), Japan and Australia (April 2026), Thailand (June 2026) and China (August 2026) in both liveries (Ducati Red and Iceberg White) and both versions, Monster and Monster+, the latter with passenger seat cover and cowl. Both are available in 35 kW version, for all A2-licensed motorcyclists.