Monster Plus or Monster SP: Which one is for you?
New for 2023, the Monster SP features Öhlins suspension, Brembo Stylema brake calipers, and other up-spec components.
First of all, let's establish what both versions bring to the table.
Ups
- The Monster is the least expensive model in the Ducati lineup (excluding Scrambler models) is also the best value
- Proven electronic rider aids package
- It’s the Quintessential Italian Motorcycle—approachable, fast, high-tech, and stylish
Downs
- Some Ducatisti may mourn the loss of signature elements like the trellis frame.
The Ducati Monster is an icon of Italian motorcycling style. The newest incarnation is a stylistic departure from the original, but by using Borgo Panigale’s latest chassis designs, it’s philosophically truer to the original than it’s been for years. With much of the same tech, less weight, a nice dose of go-fast eagerness, and a cheaper price tag than its stablemates, it’s arguably the best value in the Ducati lineup.
Now let's get down to the individual features so we can determine which one you'll enjoy more.
The Monster Plus comes standard with a fly screen and seat cowl.
Pricing and Variants
Monster Plus (in stock)
The Monster Plus starts at $12,995 for Ducati Red. It’s also available in Aviator Grey and Dark Stealth for $13,195.
Monster SP (available by placing a deposit - order yours here)
The new-for-’23 Monster SP ($15,595) ups the ante with a number of performance-oriented changes. To improve handling, the SP gets an Öhlins NIX 30 fork and Öhlins rear shock. It also comes with a steering damper, homologated Termignoni silencer, a lightweight lithium-ion battery, and reworked electronic settings. It also gets top-shelf Brembo Stylema calipers. Just in case passersby were to overlook the gold anodized fork or chunky calipers, the SP announces its presence with a bespoke “SP” livery reminiscent of the world championship-winning factory GP22 racebike.
The Monster might be designed for the city, but it isn’t afraid of hitting the track. That is especially true of the SP model.
Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Monster Plus and Monster SP
Both Monster’s power delivery is linear, building progressively to a claimed peak output of 111 hp at 9,250 rpm and peak torque of 69 lb.-ft. at 6,500 rpm. Unlike the Hypermotard, which is indeed hyper, the Monster is civilized and approachable. It’s just as willing to be ridden around town as it is poised to be flogged down a mountain road.
Both Monsters come standard with an IMU-managed up/down quickshifter. The six-speed box is a bit notorious for getting false neutrals between sixth and fifth, but Ducati refined the transmission to alleviate the problem.
The Monster’s new aluminum frame carries on the tradition of using Ducati’s superbike technology.
Chassis/Handling
For 2021, Ducati gave the Monster a Panigale-style aluminum monocoque frame that saves 10 pounds. The rear subframe is made of glass fiber reinforced polymer, which saves an additional 4.2 pounds. In all, the Monster is 40 pounds lighter than its 821 predecessor. The result is agile handling that makes side-to-side transitions a breeze, and around-town maneuvering effortless.
Monster Plus
The base model has nonadjustable KYB suspension (except for preload in the rear), but performance is adequate for the average rider.
Monster SP
SP models use a fully adjustable Öhlins NIX30 fork that’s 1.3 pounds lighter than the fork on the Monster Plus, and have a fully adjustable Öhlins shock out back. Higher-spec Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires are used, and the steering geometry is slightly more aggressive. If you plan to take advantage of our V1Paddock and do trackdays, then this is absolutely what you need.
SP models add Brembo Stylema brake calipers and fully Öhlins adjustable suspension.
Brakes
Monster Plus
The base-model Monster uses 320mm discs up front with Brembo M4.32 radial-mount calipers, and a radial-mount master cylinder. It’s a tried-and-true braking package that offers good feel and power. Harder braking forces squeezed from higher-performing components would quickly overwhelm the suspension.
Monster SP
For demons on the brakes, the SP model’s Brembo Stylema and Öhlins suspension are very appealing.
Ergonomics and Electronics
Monster Plus and Monster SP
Compared to its predecessor, the Monster’s handlebar is 2.6 inches closer to the rider, and the footpegs are 1.4 inches farther back and 0.5 inch lower. The seat is comfortable for all-day blasts but the slope at the tank can lock the rider in place. The bike feels very compact yet the rider triangle is generous and accommodates riders of various body types.
The Monster’s electronic rider aids include cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, and launch control, all of which are preset in each of the three ride modes (Sport, Touring, Urban). Ride mode settings are customizable. The Monster’s 4.3-inch TFT dash and left-hand switch gear make navigating the menus intuitive. LED lighting accentuates the bike’s modern styling.
Verdict
It's pretty clear who will enjoy which version of this amazing motorcycle. If you want to look extremely stylish on a beautiful naked Ducati both bikes will do. But which one?
Monster Plus
If you just want to blast up and down the streets of Houston but don't have all the money in the world, this bike is for you. It's got tons of style, electronics, comfortable, and will handle H-Town's streets with all the precision of a exotic bike for most people.
Monster SP
"If you ain't first, you're last." If you have a desire to go "Ricky Bobby" on a racetrack and do some trackdays with us, and look amazing while doing it, then this one is for you. It's already got all the aftermarket accessories and parts already on it. It is literally good to go when it comes to the track, but is somehow still street-legal.
Check out our inventory of all of our new Monster Plus
Order your Monster SP today!