Production has begun at the Borgo Panigale plant for the new Monster, the fifth generation of a true motorcycling icon.
A bike born in 1992 from a brilliantly simple formula: “Everything you need, nothing more.” A concept that has united riders worldwide into a new family, the Monsteristi, who for over thirty years have continued to celebrate the spirit and identity of the Monster.
The new Monster, completely redesigned, combines lightness and technology with an unmistakable aesthetic. Its design reinterprets the style of the first Monster in a modern key, bringing back the signature elements that have always distinguished it: the headlight framed by the “shoulders” of the bison-back tank, the one-piece seat, and the short, lightweight tail section.
Thanks to its unique V-twin engine, the new Monster is slim, sporty, and characterised by very low running costs. The new V2 is lightweight and high-performing, thanks to IVT (Intake Variable Timing) distribution, which combines smoothness at low revs, punch at mid-range, and power at high revs: 80% of maximum torque is available from 4,000 to 10,000 rpm. The 45,000 km valve clearance check interval, an absolute benchmark for the category, keeps maintenance costs very low.
The new Monster uses the engine as a structural element and adopts a monocoque frame, with a double-sided swingarm inspired by the Panigale V4 and a rear subframe in technopolymer and trellis. This technical layout, thanks to the lightness of the Ducati V2, reduces weight by 4 kg (175 kg dry, the lightest ever among four-valve models), improving agility and ease of handling. Showa suspension is tuned to ensure everyday comfort and sporty performance on twisty roads, confirming the dual soul of Ducati’s naked bike. The result is a motorcycle that is always stable, safe, and fun.
The 2026 Monster offers a more accessible and comfortable riding position thanks to a lower seat compared to the previous model (815 mm, which can drop to 775 mm with the low seat and accessory lowering kit) and a higher, more forward handlebar that improves control and comfort.
The four Riding Modes (Sport, Road, Urban, Wet) and the advanced electronics package with DTC, DWC, EBC, and cornering ABS make it intuitive and versatile. Ergonomic handlebar controls simplify the management of electronic functions on a 5” TFT display, ready for Ducati Multimedia System and Turn-by-turn navigation, with dual day/night mode and Road and Road Pro Info Modes that optimise readability in all conditions.
To inspire those who want to make the Monster truly their own, Ducati Performance offers numerous accessories to enhance its aesthetics, such as carbon fibre details or machined aluminum parts, as well as a sport seat with Alcantara upholstery. Sport enthusiasts will also appreciate homologated silencers with titanium sleeves and carbon end caps, developed in collaboration with Termignoni, which reduce weight (-0.2 kg) and unmistakably boost the Monster’s character.
The Monster will be available in UK dealerships from February 2026, in two liveries: Ducati Red and Iceberg White, in both Monster and Monster+ versions, equipped with a windshield and passenger seat cover. Both are also available in a 35 kW version for riders with an A2 licence.
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About Ducati
Ducati is an Italian motorcycle manufacturer founded in 1926 in Bologna, known for high-performance motorcycles with distinctive designs and powerful engines, particularly the 90° V-twin, which it brands as the “L-twin”. The company has a strong racing heritage, competing and winning in MotoGP and WorldSBK championships. Ducati was acquired by Audi in 2012 and is part of the Volkswagen Group.
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Original post on modernclassicbikes.co.uk and published by Frank Duggan. Frank is the Founder and Editor of Modern Classic Motorcycle News, an independent motorcycle publication covering modern classic motorcycles, roadsters, scramblers, cruisers, electric motorcycles and the wider motorcycle industry.
