Every panel on this New Monster is different from the previous bike but Ducati has managed to maintain the essence of the original, without the slightest compromise.
The Monster 797 is the smallest and cheapest of the lot. The bike is powered by a Desmodue 803cc L-twin motor, which also powers the Scrambler and its variants in identical spec. The engine makes 72.4hp and 67Nm, and is mated to a fairly slick six-speed transmission assisted by a wet-clutch mechanism. The Monster doesn’t offer any rider assists, barring a dual-channel ABS, it even does without traction control and riding modes.
Hop on and you’ll notice that the slightly low-set handlebar requires you to stretch out and hunch a bit, however this isn’t uncomfortable in any way, even over an extended period of riding. You have to fire up the engine using the split-function sliding switch that combines the starter and kill-switch, and the engine roars to life. There’s a minimalist LCD instrument panel, with a similarly diminutive fly screen. The display shows a twin trip meter, an odometer, a temperature gauge and, of course, the speedometer – all in digital readouts. Put the bike in first gear and release the light clutch lever, and you hear the first signs of its quick but relaxed and unstressed demeanour. The Monster is quick, you can accelerate to about 80kph in first gear itself and second gear shoots you well past 120kph. At 100kph, in sixth, you can cruise around with the engine at its 4,000rpm mark, where it is most comfortable. The bike’s overall demeanour subscribes to the 797’s brief of being a beginner-friendly machine. This bike is even easy to ride around in city traffic, it feels much more manageable than the previous bike.
The bike’s no-nonsense running gear and inherently enthusiastic (in a calm rather than an urgent way) chassis gives it the ability to tackle corners really well. It is, however, much more suited for those long, sweeping curves rather than quick, hair-trigger changes. Ducati would have configured the bike this way to make it friendlier for the less experienced. The bike’s Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tyres contribute to its cornering potential immensely, and give beginners heaps of confidence.
At ₹7.77 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), this Ducati is not great value for money, given how basic it is, but if the premium Ducati badge is what you desire and you’re in the market for a bike that’s likeable and easily enjoyable, then the 797 is a good bet.
