2018 Ducati Monster 821 to be launched on 1 May

- To be launched next week.

- Cosmetic and technological upgrades along with a BSIV engine.

- Expected to be priced around Rs 10 lakhs to Rs 11 lakhs.

Ducati will launch the 2018 Monster 821 in India on 1 May. The Italian manufacturer revealed the date via its social network.

While the bike will now sport a BS-IV compliant engine, it also sports a host of technological and visual upgrades. The Monster 821 continues to draw styling inspiration from the original Monster 900. It gets a raw streetfighter appeal thanks to the upright riding position, muscular fuel tank and beefy front forks. However, the 2018 model gets an LED headlamp and full-colour TFT instrument display for a modern touch. The bike borrows its dual-outlet exhausts from the bigger Monster 1200.

Ducati has also upgraded the bike’s electronic package with three-level ABS, eight-level traction control and three riding modes- Urban, Touring and Sport. Powering the Monster 821 is a 821cc, Testastretta L-Twin engine that produces 107bhp and 86Nm of torque via a six-speed gearbox and slipper clutch. It also gets the Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) system for clutch less upshifts and downshifts.

Ducati used to sell the Monster 821 in the country but discontinued the model with the industry’s move to BS-IV emission norms. The 2018 model is expected to carry a price tag of around Rs 10 lakhs to Rs 11 lakhs. Once launched, it will compete against the Triumph Street Triple RS and the Kawasaki Z900 in the country.