2026 Ducati Monster First Look
Fifth generation Monster powered by lightweight Ducati V2 engine
The legendary Ducati Monster made waves when it debuted in 1992, helping to define what we think of today as a naked motorcycle, with a track-derived chassis and an engine optimized for the road. And now, for the 2026 model year, Ducati evolves the formula once again, introducing an all new, fifth generation Monster.
The latest Monster is a product of its predecessors, from the original Miguel Galluzzi design to the Andrea Amato design from 2021. Like the most recent design, the new Monster sets a new benchmark as the lightest in its lineage, thanks in no small part to its 890cc Ducati V2. And while it maintains the 2021 model’s slimness, it brings back some of the muscular look of earlier generations.
Looking at the sketches of each generation, we notice how the frame has changed from being one of the Monster’s most prominent features to one that’s now barely visible. The original steel trellis frames grew smaller with each generation, eventually replaced by Ducati’s aluminum monocoque frame for 2021, and is now almost completely hidden. But we do see a nod to the original design in the subframe, which combines a technopolymer element with a visible trellis.
Traditionalists might take umbrage with the extra bodywork, but they do serve a purpose. The side panels help to divert hot air from the radiator, while offering a grippy surface to help brace riders during braking.
The 3.7-gallon fuel tank creates the same bison-back profile of previous Monsters, but the sides flare out more dramatically than on previous designs, creating both a slim waist at the seat and broader shoulders around the headlight. The front of the tank incorporate two air intakes in a nod to Bart Janssen Groesbeek’s second generation design from 2008.
The Ducati V2 engine is a stressed part of the chassis, which contributes to the new Monster’s claimed 386 pound weight (wet, but without fuel). That’s 9 pounds lighter than the previous generation, again with no fuel. Estimating approximately 6 pounds per U.S. gallon of gasoline, and a full 3.7-gallon tank, we’re looking at about 408 pounds, fully fueled.
For U.S.-bound models, Ducati claims a peak output of 110.7 hp at 9,000 rpm and 67 lb-ft. at 7,250 rpm compared to the 120 hp at 10,750 rpm and 69 lb-ft at 8,250 rpm it claims on the Panigale V2 and Streetfighter V2. The more sedate tuning might be the reason the Monster’s 28,000 mile valve service intervals are significantly longer than the 18,000 miles for the other V2 models.
The V2 uses Ducati’s Intake Variable Timing system, allowing it to run smoother at low engine speeds and deliver more power at the high end. More importantly, Ducati claims the engine produces 80% of its maximum torque between 4,000 and 10,000 rpm.
The ride-by-wire throttle comes preset with four ride modes, Sport, Road, Urban, and Wet, each offering different combinations of power delivery, wheelie control, engine brake control, cornering ABS and traction control. The electronics are managed via a new petal-shaped joystick and the 5-inch TFT display. The digital dash offers two display settings, plus day and night modes, and can provide turn-by-turn navigation.
Suspension duties are handled by a 43mm inverted fork and a preload adjustable monoshock, both from Showa. Up front, the Monster comes with dual Brembo Monoblock M4.32 radial-mount four-piston calipers and 320mm discs, with a radial master cylinder. A single two-piston floating caliper and 245mm disc is employed at the rear. The 17-inch cast wheels come shod in Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires.
The 2026 Monster’s seat is 32.1 inches from the ground, which is a bit lower than the 2025 model’s 32.3-inch seat height. The new saddle is also narrower, which should make it easier to set your feet on the ground. Ducati also moved the handlebar higher and slightly forward, offering a different balance between sportiness and comfort.
For most markets, Ducati will offer a regular Monster model and a “Plus” version which adds a passenger seat cover and a small flyscreen. For the U.S., only the Monster+ will be offered, with an MSRP of $13,995 in Ducati Red and $14,195 for Iceberg White. Expect to see it arrive in U.S. dealerships in March 2026.
2026 Ducati Monster+ Specifications | |
|---|---|
MSRP | $13,995 in Ducati Red $14,195 in Iceberg White |
Engine Type | 90° V2, 4 valves per cylinder, intake variable valves timing system, liquid cooled |
Displacement | 890cc |
Bore x Stroke | 96.0 mm x 61.5 mm |
Compression Ratio | 13.1:1 |
Horsepower | 110.7 hp at 9,000 rpm (claimed) |
Torque | 67 lb-ft. at 7,250 rpm (claimed) |
Fuel Injection | Electronic fuel injection system. One injector per cylinder. Full ride-by-wire. |
Exhaust | 2-1-2 system |
Gearbox | 6 speed with Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down 2.0 |
Primary Drive | Straight cut gears; Ratio 1.84:1 |
Final Drive | Chain 520; Front sprocket 16; Rear sprocket 42 |
Clutch | Hydraulically controlled slipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch, self bleeding master cylinder |
Frame | Monocoque aluminum |
Front Suspension | Showa 43mm inverted fork, 5.1 inches of travel |
Rear Suspension | Preload-adjustable Showa monoshock. Aluminum double-sided swingarm, 5.7 inches of travel |
Front Brake | 2 x 320 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo Monobloc M4.32 four-piston calipers with radial master cylinder, and Bosch Cornering ABS |
Rear Brake | 245 mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper with Bosch Cornering ABS |
Front Wheel | Cast light alloy, 3.50" x 17" |
Rear Wheel | Cast light alloy, 5.50” x 17” |
Front Tire | Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV 120/70 ZR17 |
Rear Tire | Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV 180/55 ZR17 |
Instrumentation | Digital unit with 5" TFT color display, 800 x 480 px resolution |
Wet Weight No Fuel | 386 pounds (claimed, no fuel) |
Seat Height | 32.1 inches (standard seat) |
Wheelbase | 58.7 inches |
Rake / Trail | 23.3° / 3.6 inches |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 3.7 gallons |
Number Of Seats | Dual seat |
Safety Equipment | Riding Modes, Power Modes, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), Engine Brake Control (EBC), Bosch Cornering ABS, Auto tire calibration |
Standard Equipment | Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down 2.0, Coming Home, TFT colour display, Full LED lighting system, Daytime Running Light (DRL), Self cancelling turn indicators, Lap Timer, Flyscreen, Passenger seat cover |
Warranty | 24 months unlimited mileage |
Service Intervals | 9,000 miles / 24 months |
Valve Adjustments | 28,000 miles |
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Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.
More by Dennis Chung
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The last generation was one of the few Monsters I didn't like the looks of, especially up close with the 17 little plastic covers stuck all over the engine. Big improvement for '26, I like it again. I got to try this motor in the Multistrada V2 and it should be great fun in a light naked. The only thing I found a bit underwhelming was the sound. That unique Ducati sound is gone, now more generic twin. If that's the trade off for 28K mile valve adjustments instead of expensive desmo ones I'll take it.
I see Triumph's new Trident 800 as the biggest competition for the new Monster. Similar weight, size, power and mission. I hope to see a comparison test of the two.
Shame on ducati's foreign management's obligation to instill it's dna into making the once iconic monster into another patently Fugly and forgettable motorcycle that will will continue to be a marginalised ducati model. They've completely lost the script on its aesthetics, its sound, its uniqueness and its previous soul. Shame on ducati's Teutonic masters for producing such a showroom dust collector.