Ducati unveils fifth generation Monster 2026 motorcycle

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.

Specifications:

V2 Engine, 890 cc

Maximum Power: 111 CV (110.7/81.4 kW for the USA version) @ 9,000 RPM

Maximum Torque 91.1 Nm @ 7,250 RPM

Wet weight with no fuel: 175 Kg (-4 compared to the previous Monster)

Monocoque frame

Upside-down Showa 43 mm fork

Showa monoshock, preload adjustable

Front Brakes: 320 mm twin discs with Brembo M4.32 calipers and radial PR18/21 master cylinder

Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV 120/70 and 180/55 tyres

Latest-generation electronic package with 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (6D IMU): cornering ABS; Ducati Traction Control (DTC); Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC); Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) 2.0; Engine Brake Control (EBC).

New petal-shaped joystick

New, full-TFT 5” dashboard with 16:9 aspect ratio and 800x400 resolution

4 Riding Modes (Sport, Road, Urban, Wet)

Full-LED headlamps with DRL and dynamic turn signals (where homologated)

Ducati Multimedia System (DMS), Turn-by-turn navigation, Cruise Control ready