Ducati previews Monster SP

Ducati will add a new member to their Monster family of performance naked bikes next year, with the ‘Monster SP’ to join the existing Monster and Monster+.

Based on the current generation Monster that arrived in 2021, the Monster SP is defined by the addition of premium components, recalibrated electronics, lighter weight and a MotoGP-inspired colour scheme - all to “enhance the fun” of sporty riding.

The Monster’s aluminium alloy main frame that uses the engine as a stressed member is unchanged for the SP, as is the carbon fibre reinforced subframe and aluminium swingarm.

The engine is still Ducati’s liquid-cooled Testastretta 11-degree v-twin of 937cc capacity, with desmodromic valve operation, ride-by-wire throttle and 53mm throttle bodies.

Listed maximum outputs of 82kW at 9,250rpm and 93Nm at 6,500rpm are unchanged from the existing Monster variants, but the Monster SP replaces the standard silencers with Termignoni mufflers.

The six-speed transmission with a Ducati Quick Shift up-and-down quickshifter is unchanged, as is the slipper clutch.

Moving to the suspension, the standard components are upgraded to Öhlins items front and rear, including an Öhlins NIX 30 front fork that’s 600g lighter than the factory front suspension. The front and rear Öhlins units are exclusive to the SP in the Monster family and feature sportier tuning, more travel and full adjustability.

The NIX 30 forks see the rake altered from 24 to 23 degrees, resulting in more immediate response to steering input, as well as slight improvements in ground clearance and lean angle, according to Ducati. To improve stability under acceleration and when cornering with this new front end, a Sachs steering camper is added.

Wheels are unchanged, consisting of 17-inch alloys front and rear, but the tyres are upgraded to Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV (Rosso III on the other Monster variants) in 120/70 ZR7 front and 180/55 ZR17 rear size.

Brakes also get an upgrade, with the dual 320mm front discs introducing aluminium flanges that reduce weight by 500g, while the Brembo M4.32 calipers are swapped for Stylema monobloc 4-piston calipers. The 245mm rear disc with a Brembo 2-piston floating caliper carries over unchanged.

Cornering ABS carries over, too, but has been recalibrated to suit the Monster SP’s various upgrades.

Other Monster electronic intervention systems have also been recalibrated, including Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Wheelie Control and Launch Control. DTC and DWC offer eight and four levels of intervention, respectively, while the Launch Control is three-level adjustable to suit differing riding conditions, or the Riding Mode selected.

Of the selectable Riding Modes, Road and Sport carry over, but the Monster SP gains a new Wet Riding Mode that cuts engine power by one third, softens throttle response, has more consistent DTC intervention and increases ABS and DWC to their maximum levels.

These settings and modes are all selectable/viewable on a 4.3-inch colour TFT instrument display with prominent revcounter, speedo and gear position indicator graphics, inspired by the Panigale V4.

The other Monster SP exclusive is a lithium-ion battery that’s 1.7kg lighter than the standard Monster battery and contributes to an overall kerb weight of 186kg – 2kg lighter than the Monster and Monster+.

In terms of aesthetics, the Monster SP gains the flyscreen and pillion seat cover from the Monster+ but gets its own colour scheme, inspired by the Desmosedici bikes of the Ducati Lenovo Team in MotoGP.

A combination of Ducati Red, Racing Red and Amaranth Red is complemented by a red seat that’s exclusive to the upcoming model. Accenting this are gloss black sections and a change in the graphics that include prominent, Panigale V4-style ‘DUCATI’ identification on the fuel tank, while a ‘MONSTER SP’ logo and subtle Italian flag feature on the tail.

Beyond its exclusive features, like the Öhlins suspension, Termignoni silencers, Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres, braking upgrades, steering damper, lightweight parts, special paint and graphics, elements on the Monster SP shared with the other Monster variants include LED lighting, sequential indicators, a USB port, 14-litre fuel capacity and 840mm seat height that’s adjustable to 850mm or 810mm with accessory seat options.

Other accessories that will be available from launch include heated grips and the Ducati Multimedia System.

Due for Australian release in Q2, 2023, the Monster SP has a suggested ride-away price of $23,200 (NZ$25,900), which is a $3,400 premium over the Monster+ and $4,000 more than the base Monster.

For more details and to pre-order, see your Ducati dealer.