Ducati’s Monster line has a new addition. The Bologna-based bikemaker officially showcased the top-of-the-line 2023 Ducati Monster SP yesterday. Scheduled to debut later this year, the top-shelf Monster joins the rank of the 937cc Monster and Monster+, which were launched last year.
Following the tradition of the ‘SP’ bikes, the new Monster gets lightweight components and a sportier-looking livery. At its heart though, it continues to be powered by the same 937cc, V-twin motor, which makes 111.5PS and 93Nm. Although, you do get a street-legal and lightweight Termignoni exhaust as standard here.
The biggest mechanical change here comes in the form of new fully-adjustable Ohlins suspensions at both ends. The front gets 43mm forks, which replaces the standard model’s KYB units. While the Ohlins mono-shock unit replaces the Sachs one at the rear. Ducati claims this has helped it in cutting 0.6kg from the bike’s weight, while also increasing the ground clearance for a greater lean angle. However, this does come at a cost of an increased seat height which now stands at 840mm (20mm more).
Bringing the weight further down is the use of a lithium-ion battery, along with 320mm Brembo Stylema brake callipers. Sadly, it does miss out on the lightweight forged aluminium wheels, seen on the V4 SP. Overall, the bike now tips the scale at 186kg, two kilos less than the Monster and Monster+.
Putting all that power to the ground is a pair of Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres. The company has also revised its ride mode settings, to utilise the extra grip and stability provided by the new suspension and rubber. Apart from this, the Monster SP’s equipment is comparatively standard, consisting of cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control and the works.
Visually though, the Monster SP makes quite an impression with its MotoGP-inspired black-and-red paintwork. Then there is the red rider’s seat, with a Monster SP logo on it, along with new graphics on the fuel tank.
There’s a good chance Ducati India will bring the top-shelf Monster to India very soon. Until then, watch this space.
