Ducati Monster SP, a showcase of sportiness and technology for the naked from Borgo Panigale

Since its debut in 1993, the Ducati Monster has aimed to be one of the leading exponents of the naked motorcycle segment thanks to its sporting characteristics, traits that have grown over the years with the adoption of technologies reserved for higher segments. Now Ducati is going all out with the Monster SP, which it presented through its online series Ducati World Premiere 2023.

When the letters SP accompany a Ducati model, it means we are dealing with a motorcycle with a strong sporting character. The new Monster SP will sit at the spearhead of the naked family from the Borgo Panigale firm, thanks to components and settings that invite sporty behaviour, as well as a diet to shed weight on the scales, all combined with a styling that will catch the eye wherever it goes.

The heart of the Ducati Monster SP remains the four-valve twin-cylinder Testastretta 11° engine, liquid-cooled and with desmodromic valve timing, which produces 111 CV, although it receives some improvements. On one hand, we have the new dry anti-hop clutch, which allows more abrupt downshifts without overworking the engine or causing unexpected jolts, something we can do thanks to the Quickshifter that lets us upshift and downshift without using the clutch.

Three riding modes remain, modifying the engine and throttle response, with slight changes: the Sport and Touring modes stay unchanged, but the Urban mode is replaced by the Wet mode, which limits power to 75 CV and modifies the throttle, while also setting the electronic aids to their most intrusive level for safer riding in the rain. Even so, the standard aids (ABS Cornering, Ducati Traction Control and Ducati Wheelie Control) can still be adjusted to our liking within each riding mode via the 4.3-inch TFT display with graphics inspired by those of the Panigale V4, and we can also select Launch Control for blistering yet controlled starts.

In the chassis department, the Ducati Monster SP continues to use an aluminium frame inspired by the Panigale V4, bolted directly to the engine cylinder heads, along with new high-quality components that achieve a certain weight reduction. In this respect, what will most catch our attention are the new Öhlins suspensions, consisting of a NIX30 fork and TTX30 rear monoshock with specific calibration and fully adjustable, saving 0.6 kg in total. A further 0.9 kg is saved thanks to the new Brembo Stylema brakes and aluminium bushings for the 320 mm discs, not forgetting the new lithium-ion battery and the homologated Termignoni dual exhaust fitted as standard.

Aesthetically, the new Ducati Monster SP pays tribute to the past with the rounded fuel tank design, as well as the new tail unit with a sharper design reminiscent of earlier models, all combined with today’s technology such as the front headlight with integrated DRL, which also applies to the indicators. Furthermore, if we step back a little, we will notice a slight increase in seat height that translates into a more aggressive rider posture, allowing better attacks on corner entries, also aided by new Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres.

To find out the prices of the new Ducati Monster SP we will have to wait a little longer, as sales will not begin until next January. And take note: riders holding an A2 licence will also be able to ride it, as it will be offered in a version for this licence, reaching more interested customers.