Ducati Monster 797 2019 — Specifications

When Ducati erased the 696 and the 796 from its catalog at the end of 2014, something was lost in the logic of the Bolognese brand. The Monster, this naked bike born from a trellis frame and a Desmodromic V-twin, found itself limited to two generous displacements, the 821 and the 1200, both water-cooled. The soul of the beast, that finned L-twin, ultimately an iconic feature since the beginning, had disappeared from the lineup. The Monster 797 resets the clock.

The 803 cm3 Desmodue engine, the very same that powers the Scrambler with such lightness, finds its natural playground here. The Ducati Monster 797’s technical specifications list 73 horsepower at 8250 rpm and 67 Nm available from 5750 rpm; purists will note the decrease compared to the old 796’s 87 hp, and they would be correct. But this four-valve-per-cylinder V-twin, with a compression ratio of 11:1 and a bore of 88 mm for a stroke of 66 mm, offers something more valuable than raw numbers: character. The torque curve, deliberately flattened at low rpm, makes the machine accessible and immediately compliant, placing it directly in the sights of A2 license holders. Bridging to 35 kW should pose no technical problems, and the Ducati Monster 797 A2 has quickly seduced an entire generation of new motorcyclists seeking an authentic Italian bike without committing to a ten-year financing plan.

The chassis offers a pleasant surprise. The tubular steel trellis frame reconnects with the purest Monster tradition, and although the single-sided swingarm has disappeared in favor of a triangular aluminum swingarm, this choice serves structural rigidity without adding weight to the whole. The 193 kg when fully fueled remain very reasonable in this category, and the short wheelbase of 1435 mm translates directly into agility in corners. The 43 mm inverted Kayaba fork at the front and the adjustable Sachs mono-shock in preload and rebound at the rear form a healthy base. The absence of fork adjustment will be regretted, a compromise acceptable at this price. The Brembo braking system, with its radially mounted four-piston M4-32 monoblock calipers on dual discs, places the Monster 797 well above its price category. ABS is standard, which was far from systematic with all competitors in 2017.

Facing the Yamaha MT-07, the main rival at €8,990, the Ducati Monster 797 plays a different part. The Japanese bike offers more power, a more versatile ergonomics, and a CP2 engine that is less characterful but more universal. Ducati assumes a clear positioning: it speaks to those who want a motorcycle with a strong identity, not a neutral tool. Available in several colors including matte white and black, which have become classics of the range, it asserts its style without trying to please everyone. Owners who want to personalize their machine have access to a well-stocked Ducati Monster 797 accessories catalog, and exhaust enthusiasts know that the Ducati Monster 797 takes on a whole new dimension with a Termignoni line. The 805 mm seat height, contained weight, and accessible power also make it an excellent school for beginners without being overwhelmed from the first ride.

On the used market, the Ducati Monster 797 price remains consistent with the valuation of 2017, 2018, and 2019 models, well-engineered models. A targeted search will allow you to find serious examples. This Bolognese naked bike has fulfilled its contract: to bring the atmospheric V-twin back where it belongs, in an affordable, agile, and sufficiently Italian machine to be noticed in line.