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Coming Soon | New 2026 Ducati Monster
Ducati’s popular retro-modern roadster is reborn with the brand’s latest V2 engine, smarter looks and fresh tech
Words by: Dan Trent
Published on 24 October 2025 | 0 min read
The Monster has been a fixture of the Ducati range for over 30 years now, popular for its combination of muscular looks and relatively accessible entry point to the brand. Where the originals were stripped back, raw and raucous the more recent versions have piled on the tech and perhaps lost something of the original’s style in the process. Something this brand-new 2026 model hopes to revive.
Yes, this is an all-new Monster, and the latest application of the new 890cc Ducati twin introduced on the V2 versions of the Multistrada, Panigale and streetfighter. The Monster’s signature trellis frame was ditched long ago, of course, but this new motor also ends the tradition of desmodromic valves in another modernising step that may or may not please fans.
Yes, this is an all-new Monster, and the latest application of the new 890cc Ducati twin introduced on the V2 versions of the Multistrada, Panigale and streetfighter. The Monster’s signature trellis frame was ditched long ago, of course, but this new motor also ends the tradition of desmodromic valves in another modernising step that may or may not please fans.
The looks are at least improved, given Ducati has already said the new V2 was designed as much with aesthetics in mind as it was engineering, and with thought to how it would look when fitted to a naked bike like the Monster. This at least means a more coherent looking machine, without the ugly tangle of exhausts, wiring and hoses of before.
Power and performance look to be on a par with the outgoing Testastretta-powered models, with an equivalent 111 horsepower to the previous 937cc Monster. Torque is down a fraction – we’re talking a couple of Newton metres – but the engine is lighter and helps shave 4kg off the weight of the whole bike. So performance should be on a par if not better. Variable valve timing helps flexibility while the switch to more conventional actuation helps extend service intervals, the new Monster now going 28,000 miles between expensive valve clearance checks over the 18,000 miles of before.
Power and performance look to be on a par with the outgoing Testastretta-powered models, with an equivalent 111 horsepower to the previous 937cc Monster. Torque is down a fraction – we’re talking a couple of Newton metres – but the engine is lighter and helps shave 4kg off the weight of the whole bike. So performance should be on a par if not better. Variable valve timing helps flexibility while the switch to more conventional actuation helps extend service intervals, the new Monster now going 28,000 miles between expensive valve clearance checks over the 18,000 miles of before.
The monocoque aluminium frame up front leaves the motor as a stressed member and there’s a ne Panigale V4-inspired double-sided swingarm and new subframe out back. The seat height is a fraction lower than before, and able to run as low as 775mm with an optional seat and suspension kit. Cycle parts are more or less as before, meaning 43mm upside-down Showa forks and a monoshock rear by the same, adjustable for preload and rebound. Brakes are, again, twin 320mm front discs grabbed by Brembo M4.32s but with, it’s claimed, a softer initial lever feel to aid progression. But all the power still there when you squeeze harder.
Behind the new LED light lurks a bigger 5.0-inch TFT screen, this controlling the four rider modes and various other features while turn-by-turn nav and cruise control are available as extras. As are the essential Termignoni carbon-tripped exhausts and as many carbon and billet trimmings as your wallet can stretch to. You can have your new Monster in Ducati Red or Iceberg White, a Monster + version adding a cowl and cover over the rear seat for racier look. Pricing is to be confirmed but, we’ll wager, landing somewhere between the likes of the Yamaha XSR900 or BMW R 12 NineT that might also be on your sporty retro-modern roadster shopping list.
Behind the new LED light lurks a bigger 5.0-inch TFT screen, this controlling the four rider modes and various other features while turn-by-turn nav and cruise control are available as extras. As are the essential Termignoni carbon-tripped exhausts and as many carbon and billet trimmings as your wallet can stretch to. You can have your new Monster in Ducati Red or Iceberg White, a Monster + version adding a cowl and cover over the rear seat for racier look. Pricing is to be confirmed but, we’ll wager, landing somewhere between the likes of the Yamaha XSR900 or BMW R 12 NineT that might also be on your sporty retro-modern roadster shopping list.
