The first Ducati Monster, driven by Miguel Galluzzi, had as much of an impact on Ducati’s future as its championship-winning superbikes. In little under 30 years, Ducati has sold more than 350,000 Monsters. Although the brand has changed, nothing has been as significant as the 2021 model update. In Borgo Panigale, everything depends on the superbike. As a result, characteristics of the 2023 Ducati Monster Plus Naked Bike, such as its trellis frame and single-sided swingarm, are no longer present. Although some may see the technological modifications as iconoclasm, they have made the Monster a lighter, quicker, and more contemporary motorbike.
The Monster portfolio has included motorbikes with different displacements and trim levels for decades to accommodate rider experience and price ranges. The new 2023 Ducati Monster Plus Naked Bike had to be a one-size-fits-all Monster for the public up until the arrival of the SP variety in 2023, and that’s pretty much what it was.
The new 2023 Ducati Monster Plus Naked Bike utilizes the dependable 937cc Testastretta 11° engine featured in the SuperSport, Hypermotard, Multistrada V2, and DesertX, replacing the 821 and 1200 versions in one fell swoop. The 366-pound stated dry weight is combined with a 32.3-inch seat height and low waist to make the Monster approachable for a broad spectrum of riders. The engine map is tailored to be pleasant and accessible.
The Monster is more than simply a means to get a taste of Ducati ownership thanks to its modern electronic rider aids, intuitive handling, affordable pricing, and the greatest power-to-weight ratio of all 937cc Testastretta 11°-powered bikes. It makes sense that in 2022, it was Ducati’s second-highest worldwide seller.
2023 Ducati Monster Plus Naked Bike – Features and Specs
Pricing and Variants
It started at $12,995 for a Ducati Red, the 2023 Ducati Monster Plus Naked Bike. For $13,195, it’s also accessible in Aviator Grey and Dark Stealth.
With several performance-focused updates, the brand-new 2023 Monster SP ($15,595) raises the stakes. The SP receives a hlins NIX 30 fork and hlins rear shock to enhance handling. It also has a steering damper, a Termignoni silencer that has been approved, a portable lithium-ion battery, and updated electrical settings.
Also Read: 2023 Ducati Scrambler Nightshift Review
Furthermore, it receives top-tier Brembo Stylema calipers. The SP proclaims its presence with a custom “SP” paint evocative of the factory GP22 racebike that won the world championship, just in case onlookers were to miss the gold anodized fork or big calipers.
Competition
In Borgo Panigale-land, The Monster could be a fantastic deal, but compared to the alternatives, it’s not a steal. Most OEMs provide basic and up-spec variants, analogous to the Monster Plus and Monster SP, as proof of the category’s viability.
The Triumph Street Triple R ($9,995) and Street Triple RS ($12,595), the KTM 790 Duke ($9,199) and 890 Duke R ($12,949), and different trim levels of the BMW F 900 R (beginning at $8,995) are all European models.
The Kawasaki Z900 ($9,399) and Kawasaki Z900 SE ($10,899), the Yamaha MT-09 ($9,799) and MT-09 SP ($11,499), and maybe the Honda CB1000R Black Edition ($12,999) are some of the alternatives from Japan.
Every model, from the “Ready to Race” Duke to the well-equipped three-cylinder Street Triple and the unbelievable-it-comes-with-hlins MT-09 SP, embodies the company’s principles. These models resist being labeled as standards; some even go into hyper-naked territory, but the Monster looks less label-obsessed and more secure in its gray area.
All of these motorcycles directly compete with the 2023 Ducati Monster Plus Naked Bike, but not always in a natural way, it must be mentioned. The Monster’s somewhat asymmetrical headlamp contrasts sharply with some of its intimidating features. That may be revealing. In any case, the Monster is the only V-twin and the only one on the list with a tricolor sticker on the tail.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2023 Ducati Monster Plus Naked Bike’s power output develops linearly, increasing stepwise to a stated peak output of 111 horsepower at 9,250 rpm and a peak torque of 69 lb.-ft. At 6,500 rpm. The Monster, in contrast to the Hypermotard, is polite while being hyper. It is ready to be beaten down a mountain road just as willingly as it is to be ridden about town.
The 2023 Ducati Monster Plus Naked Bike includes an IMU-managed up/down quick-shifter as standard equipment. Although the sixth and fifth gears of the six-speed gearbox are infamous for having false neutrals, Ducati improved the transmission to address the issue.
Chassis/Handling
Ducati updated the Monster for 2021 with a lighter aluminum monocoque frame inspired by the Panigale. A further 4.2 pounds are saved using a glass fiber-reinforced polymer for the rear subframe. The Monster is 40 pounds lighter overall than its 821 forerunners. The result is moving about town and side-to-side transitions are made simple by the vehicle’s agile handling.
The performance of the standard model, which includes nonadjustable KYB suspension except rear preload, is sufficient for most riders.
The fork of the Monster Plus is 1.3 pounds heavier than the fork used in SP versions, which also includes a fully adjustable rear Ohlins shock. The steering geometry is slightly more aggressive, and higher-spec Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires are employed.
Brakes
Brembo M4.32 radial-mount calipers, 320mm discs, and a radial-mount master cylinder are used up front on the Monster basic model. It is a reliable braking system with a superb feel and power. Higher-performing parts would rapidly overpower the suspension with higher braking forces. The Brembo Stylema and hlins suspension on the SP model are ideal for brake devils.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Numbers for the 2023 Ducati Monster Plus Naked Bike’s fuel economy are not yet available.
Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility
The 2023 Ducati Monster Plus Naked Bike’s handlebar is 2.6 inches closer to the rider than its forerunner, while the footpegs are 1.4 inches farther back and 0.5 inches lower. Although the slope at the tank might lock the rider in place, the seat is comfy for all-day blasting. Although the rider triangle is large and can accommodate riders of different body types, the bike feels quite small.
Electronics
Electronic rider aids on the 2023 Ducati Monster Plus Naked Bike include wheelie control, launch control, traction control, cornering ABS, and wheelie control, all pre-set in each of the three riding modes (Sport, Touring, Urban). The parameters for ride mode may be changed. The 4.3-inch TFT display and left-hand switch gear on the Monster make using the menus simple. The modern appearance of the bike is enhanced with LED lights.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Ducati provides a 24-month manufacturing warranty.
2023 Ducati Monster Plus Naked Bike – Technical Specifications
Engine
Engine | Testastretta 11°, V2 – 90°, 4 valves per cylinder, desmodromic valvetrain, liquid-cooled. |
Displacement | 937 cc (57 cu in) |
Bore X Stroke | 94 mm x 67.5 mm |
Compression ratio | 13.3:1 |
Power | 111 hp (82 kW) @ 9,250 rpm |
Torque | 9.5 kgm (93 Nm, 69 lb ft) @ 6,500 rpm |
Fuel injection | Electronic fuel injection system, Ø 53 mm throttle bodies with Ride-by-Wire system. |
Exhaust | Pre-muffler and twin-muffler, catalytic converter, and two lambda probes. |
Gearbox | Six speed |
Primary drive | Straight-cut gears, ratio 1.85:1 |
Ratio | 1=37/15, 2=30/17, 3=28/20, 4=26/22, 5=24/23, 6=23/24 |
Final drive | Chain, Front sprocket z15, rear sprocket z43 |
Clutch | Slipper and self-servo multi-plate wet clutch with hydraulic control. |
Chassis
Frame | Aluminum alloy Front Frame. |
Front Suspension | Ø 43 mm usd fork |
Front-wheel | Light alloy cast, 3.5″ x 17″ |
Front tire | Pirelli Diablo Rosso III 120/70 ZR17 |
Rear Suspension | Progressive linkage, preload adjustable mono-shock, aluminum double-sided swingarm. |
Rear wheel | Light alloy cast, 5.5″ x 17″. |
Rear tire | Pirelli Diablo Rosso III 180/55 ZR17 |
Wheel travel (front/rear) | 130 mm / 140 mm (5.1 in / 5.5 in) |
Front brake | 2 x Ø 320 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo M4.32 monobloc 4-piston calipers, radial master cylinder, Cornering ABS. |
Rear brake | Ø 245 mm disc, Brembo 2-piston floating caliper, Cornering ABS. |
Instrumentation | 4.3″ TFT color display |
Dimension
Dry weight | 166 kg (366 lb) |
Curb weight | 188 kg (414 lb) |
Seat height | 820 mm (32.3 in) 800 mm (31.5 in) (accessory low seat) 775 mm (30.5 in) (accessory low seat + low suspension kit) |
Wheelbase | 1,474 mm (58.0 in) |
Rake | 24° |
Trail | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
Fuel tank capacity | 14 l (3.7 US gal) |
Number of seats | 2 |
Equipment
Safety equipment | Riding Modes, Power Modes, Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Wheelie Control, Daytime Running Light. |
Standard equipment | Ducati Quick Shift, Ducati Power Launch, 4.3″ TFT color display, Full LED headlight and lighting system, USB power socket, Flyscreen, and Passenger seat cover. |
Ready for | Ducati Multimedia System, Heated Grips. |
Warranty | 24 months, unlimited mileage. |
Others
Maintenance | 30,000 km (18,000 miles) |
Valve clearance check | 30,000 km (18,000 miles) |
CO2 emissions | 120 g/km |
Consumption | 5,2 l/100 km |