5 things our review revealed about the Ducati Monster 797

A new middleweight is always exciting news for motorcycle enthusiasts. And if it’s a Ducati that doesn’t cost the world, well, things get twice as interesting. The new Monster 797 is just that middleweight. You can read our detailed ride review of the bike HERE, but if it’s a quick overview you want, keep going…

It’s good looking

That the Monster 797 most definitely is. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if many bought it for its looks alone. The signature Monster elements are all there – the oval headlamp, the beefy fuel tank, the red trellis frame and the short overhangs.

It’s manageable

Now, the 797 isn’t exactly a light bike. It’s almost 200kg. But thankfully the weight distribution doesn’t favour the front too much. So, on the move, it feels nicely balanced, light even. Sure, the turning circle is awful, but with a relatively lazy throttle response, wide bars and a light clutch pull, it doesn’t feel cumbersome or intimidating.

It’s hot

Yes, it looks hot. But it runs hot as well. That means even on a rainy day, in stop and go traffic, you will feel the heat rising up your behind. And, if it gets sunny, your helmet and inners will have to work doubly hard to keep the sweat at bay. So no, it’s not the ideal big bike commute option.

It’s fun

The Monster 797 is an 803cc motorcycle that makes 73bhp. Nothing sensational there, we agree. In fact, it’s quite approachable for a middleweight. But, give it a full turn of the throttle and the acceleration will bring a smile to your face. And that smile continues to get wider as you start stitching corners together especially on a well-laid, twisty road.

…wish it were special too

So, it’s good looking, it’s not too demanding and it won’t put the fear of God in you. And although it’s fun to ride, it isn’t exactly exciting. It feels quite ordinary in that sense.