Ducati Monster SP Review: Ferocious Thrills

The Ducati Monster SP is the top-spec variant in the model's lineup. The SP abbreviation stands for Sport Production and it essentially means that this gets some of the best parts that money can buy. Compared to the standard variant of the Monster, the SP gets Öhlins suspension, a steering damper, a Termignoni homologated silencer, Brembo Stylema calipers, and Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres. We recently got to spend a week with this impressive motorcycle to bring you a detailed review. 

Ducati Monster SP: Design 

2021 marked the beginning of a new generation for the Ducati Monster. While the older Monster models were well known for their beefy design language, this one has made a name for itself over the years for what a sleek and compact motorcycle it is. The bike still integrates all the elements that characterize the iconic Monster models with a bison-back-shaped tank, a roundish headlight and a clean tail section. This SP variant gets a special MotoGP-inspired livery, a red seat, and a cowl instead of the rear seat for a cleaner and sportier look. 

Ducati Monster SP: Engine and Performance

At the heart of the Monster SP is the 937cc, twin-cylinder, Desmodromic Testastretta 11° engine putting out 111PS at 9,250rpm and a peak torque of 93Nm at 6,500rpm. So in this department, there are no changes, although with a kerb weight (without fuel) of 177kg, the SP is 2kg lighter than the standard model and this leads to it having a slightly better power-to-weight ratio. I remember riding the standard model out on the race track and I enjoyed it for how friendly it was. But in the real world, the story changes. It is obviously not a happy motorcycle doing slow speeds because a Monster just wants to be let loose. Don't get me wrong; it is tractable to a certain extent and can do around 50kmph in third gear but clutch action is on the heavier side and this motor does run extremely hot in stop-go traffic. The quickshifter does work well so the use of the clutch is eliminated once the roads open up. 

Then again, most people don’t buy a Ducati to ride around in traffic, and heading to the twisties was the perfect way to let the Monster loose! As soon as there are open roads ahead, it gets into its element and becomes extremely engaging to ride. There is a ton of power and torque propelling the bike forward as soon as the clutch is let loose so it has a strong pull in the low and mid range rpm. Above the 7500rpm mark, it is a whole different animal as it rushes to the redline with that front wheel in the air. Further adding to the whole experience is the exhaust note delivered by the Termignoni exhaust. It has this bassy growl which might not be to everyone's preference, but it sounds insane when the bike is being revved out. The electronics work extremely well like all Ducati bikes I have tested and allow the rider to perfectly set up the bike to their preference. I did spend most of my time riding in the Road mode with a few customizations and in this state of tune, it was more than ample for all of my needs. 

Ducati Monster SP: Handling and Ride Quality

The Monster SP is equipped with top-notch, fully adjustable Öhlins suspension at both ends for precise handling and it surely delivers. Considering that this is suspension made for racing, it obviously feels extremely light on its feet, tips into corners really quick and feels very stable throughout. This is also thanks to the Diablo Rosso IV tyres that do a great job of providing grip. Then you have the Brembo Stylema calipers that do an exceptional job of getting the bike to a halt even in wet conditions, adding to the overall confidence-inspiring feeling. All that was needed was just one finger on the front brake lever and it delivered precise feedback as the bike came to a stop at an instant. As mentioned earlier, this SP variant also gets a steering damper that helps with stability at higher speeds. 

Ducati Monster SP: Features

The Monster SP gets a 4.3-inch TFT display that has a clean layout and is easy to read, providing all the necessary information to the rider at a quick glance. It gets three riding modes, including Sport, Road, and Wet, allowing riders to tailor the bike’s performance to their preferences. It also features all of the other electronic assists like cornering ABS, traction control, and wheelie control which are all customizable in each riding mode. 

Ducati Monster SP: Comfort 

The Monster SP strikes a good balance between comfortable and sporty ergonomics. It can accommodate a wide range of riders; The upper body of the rider is positioned with a slight reach to the handlebars while the footpegs are set in a sporty position towards the rear. With a seat height of 840mm it is quite a tall bike but there is a lower seat accessory option that reduces the seat height to 810mm. The seat is comfortable even for slightly longer rides, and the overall riding position is quite commanding. As mentioned earlier, the only time comfort will be a hassle is in stop-go traffic as the engine heats up a fair amount.

While the official figure for the ground clearance isn't available on the website, I can confirm that it indeed is a lot, making it more than ample for our unpredictable roads. While this is a compact motorcycle, it didn’t feel cramped, and I had a lot of space to move around while attacking corners. Furthermore, the compact nature allows it to zip through traffic as easily as you would astride a 400cc naked. 

Ducati Monster SP: Verdict

The Ducati Monster SP is a superb motorcycle that stands out with its distinctive looks, menacing performance, and stellar handling abilities. Priced at Rs 15.95 lakh (ex-showroom), it is Rs 3 lakh more expensive than the standard variant but you do get a bunch of top-spec components that enhance the ride experience and make it a weapon that is forever ready to attack a race track. I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent with this hooligan especially because of its ferocious nature that demands you keep that front wheel up in the air. And as always, this special Italian motorcycle might be expensive, but you can't put a price tag on the grin it will keep plastered on your face.