Just days after the first spy shot of the new Ducati Monster 803 made its way online, a new image of the test mule has emerged providing a clear view of what the baby Monster will look like. Set to be an air-cooled model, the new Monster 803 will be slotted right under the Ducati Monster 821, which is currently the most affordable street-fighter to come from the Italian bike maker. But, what is the need you ask? Here's a gist of what you should expect from the Bologna based bike maker for the coming years.
Ducati is looking to expand its entry-level range further as it explores newer markets, and the affordable models emerge as brilliant entry points for customers to the brand. The company has also tasted that kind of success with the Scrambler 800, while the Scrambler Sixty2 has only helped the company increase its presence further. No wonder then, that a brand as legendary as the Monster also goes the downsizing route, whilst retaining the key elements of the motorcycle.
The Ducati Monster 803 will share components with the Scrambler 800
This is essentially where the new Ducati Monster 803 fits in. The smaller capacity street-fighter is expected to be a part of the manufacturer's 2017 lineup and will be borrowing several components from the Scrambler 800. Reports suggest that the Monster 803 will be using the same 803cc L-Twin Desmodromic engine with two valves per cylinder. Like the Scrambler, the motor will be an air-cooled unit and is expected to churn out 74bhp of power and 68 Nm of torque. That is a big gap when compared to the 110bhp and 89Nm power output on the Monster 821.
The spy shots also reveal a host of design details on the youngest Monster 803 with the headlight cluster, bulky fuel tank and split seat design borrowed from the 821; whereas the front forks, swingarm and rear offset monoshock reportedly come from the Scrambler 800. Interestingly, the frame seems to be all-new on the 803.
Despite sharing several components with the much affordable Scrambler, the Ducati Monster 800 will see marginally higher price tag and will also boast of better features including multiple riding modes and ABS offered as standard. A competitive pricing is expected on the Monster 800 that could possibly undercut popular offerings like the Triumph Street Triple and Kawasaki Z800 in the segment.
Ducati Monster 821
But, this also leaves Ducati with the Monster 821 that will be too close to comfort to the 803. Even though there will be a big difference in terms of power and performance on both Monsters, it will get difficult for the bike maker to differentiate the two models categorically. Hence, we can expect the manufacturer to move up the ladder in terms of displacement on the current 821.
This isn't something new to Ducati and the company has been increasing the power output on its models for the past couple of years, something we saw with the 959 Panigale as well. Both the Hypermotard and Monster motorcycles share the same displacement L-Twin engines, so with Ducati introducing the Hypermotard 939 last year, moving up from 821; it is only certain that the Monster 821 will see a similar transition being powered by the 937cc liquid-cooled engine. This still leaves the street-fighter within the confines of the middle-weight segment. That said, do not expect to see the Monster 939 arrive in the market before 2018.
What makes the Monster 803 extremely interesting is the fact the model will offer just the right amount of power and performance, while lending the more lucrative big bike feel. While the launch is not certain, Ducati could introduce the model at the upcoming EICMA Motorcycle Show in Milan this November and the model could share the podium alongside the more powerful Scrambler 1200 that was also spotted testing recently in Europe.
Images Source: Motorradonline.de and Asphaltandrubber.com
