Ducati Monster 797 2020 — Specifications

The return of an entry-level Monster!

With the disappearance of the 696 and the 796 at the end of 2014, the legendary Ducati roadster was only offered in 1200cc and 821cc versions, effectively phasing out the air-cooled Monsters.

Revived with the lively Scrambler, this signature Ducati technology is now making a comeback on the Monster with the arrival of a new 797 equipped with the 803cm3 Desmodue engine. This promises a nice program at a more accessible cost than the larger sisters!

Recognizable among thousands, the Monster 797 respects the codes of the family: trellis frame, large tank, minimalist rear and (almost) round headlight at the front!

Regarding the engine, the various anti-pollution standards have not been without effect on the performance of the 797’s two-valve L-twin. Indeed, it will offer ‘only’ 73 horsepower, when the 796 offered 87 at a not so distant time. Torque, however, drops by almost 10 Nm (with a total of 67 Nm), bringing it closer to the performance of the 696, which developed 80 horsepower for 69 Nm. Engineers have nevertheless worked to release torque from 5750 rpm, when it reached its maximum at 7750 rpm on the Scrambler. We can assume that it will therefore easily pass the A2 license restriction.

But rest assured, the Scrambler itself has just proven how the finned engine can be playful and enjoyable. Its arrival on this little Monster has a great chance of being a successful marriage with the blessing of Euro4 standard!

The frame also marks a return to the fundamentals. In the purest Ducati tradition, it is a single-piece tubular steel trellis. However, the mono-arm suspension of the 796 is gone, with the firm of Bologna opting for a triangular swingarm reminiscent of the 2008 696. And aluminum please! Regarding suspension, the 797 inherits a 43 mm Kayaba inverted fork, non-adjustable, at the front and a Sachs shock absorber adjustable in rebound and preload at the rear. This chassis offers a reduced wheelbase of 1.435 mm, which will guarantee good stability but above all sharp agility. Important arguments for this Monster, which will be above all a devourer of twisties. The scale announces 193 kilos fully fueled, which places it 15 kilos below the 821 and will give it better ability to string curves together. The 16.5 liter tank (+1.5 liters compared to the 796) will allow for interesting outings while the APTC clutch promises a very smooth feel.

Equipped as standard with Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tires mounted on 10-spoke 17" rims (120/70 at the front, 180/55 at the rear), the Monster 797 relies on very, very heavy braking, as two large 320 mm discs and four-piston radial Brembo calipers will be responsible for stopping the miss. ABS is of course standard.

Regarding equipment, the 797 is understated: full LED lighting, LCD dashboard and USB port under the seat.

By relaunching this heir to the 796, Ducati seeks to seduce nostalgic fans of the first Monsters, while offering an accessible and sexy roadster to motorcyclists allergic to the neo-retro trend. The low seat height, its contained weight and its high-performance chassis will allow novices to experience Italy without too much trouble. Especially since, announced at around €9,000, it will be able to hunt on the territory of category stars like the Yamaha MT-07.

Sébastien de Malfin - Photos constructeur