The small capacity Monster is back at Ducati with the new 797 a compact, sporty machine that embodies everything the Monster has always been about. The tank is Monster through and through: stylish yet beefy, it features an attachment clip at the front just like the one on the original 1992 Monster. The round headlight is a contemporary take on the one that has equipped this iconic naked bike since its inception.

On the Monster 797 the frame is just as much a structural element as it is a design feature that returns to its single-piece origins, from the steering head to the tail, including the traditional tubular grab rails for the passenger. The same concept is seen on the air-cooled twin cylinder Desmodue engine, the cooling fins recalling the spirit of the first-generation Monster.

The Monster 797 combines traditional elements with ultra-modern components. It runs LCD instrumentation, LED indicators and taillight plus new switchgear. A look at the chassis set-up reveals, in addition to the already-mentioned Trellis frame, a light, sporty cast aluminium twin-sided swingarm with a laterally mounted shock absorber. The triangular swingarm also recalls another milestone in Monster history, the 696 from 2008.

The engine is an air-cooled 803cc Desmodue L-twin just like that in the Scramblers but with a lot more torque. This power unit takes its cue from the original Monster but is a Euro 4 engine capable of delivering 56kW at 8250 rpm and a maximum torque of 69Nm at 5750 rpm. With bore and stroke measurements of 88mm and 66mm respectively, it has been designed to provide good engine performance without being overly challenging.

The twin-cylinder engine on the Monster 797 features a single 50mm throttle body with two sub-butterfly injectors: this solution ensures fluid power delivery and accurate control of the fuel mix aspirated into the cylinders. The 2-in-1 exhaust has been designed to ensure optimal fluid dynamics and excellent heat protection for both rider and passenger.

Source: Supplied.

The gearbox is a six-speed unit, while the APTC wire-controlled wet multiplate clutch ensures light lever action and the additional advantage of excellent responsiveness: a huge help in the continuous start-stop of city traffic. Moreover, the clutch also has a servo-assisted slipper function that limits rear wheel destabilisation during down-shifting.

The Monster 797 features a traditional tubular Ducati Trellis frame. Essential, rigid and light, it leaves the Ducati L-twin engine in full view and is, together with the steel tank, a Monster hallmark. The frame matches the cast aluminium twin-sided swingarm to perfection and, thanks to the compact 1435 mm wheelbase, ensures outstanding agility in traffic and stability at speed.

Offering that unmistakeable Monster look, the fuel tank has a capacity of 16.5 litres. The low seat (805mm off the ground), wide handlebars and generous steering lock provide manoeuvrability at low speed and when moving off. A set of 43 mm Kayaba forks deliver 130 mm of travel. At the rear a Sachs shock absorber preload and rebound damping adjustment. It is mounted on the left side of the bike and connected to the frame and swingarm without rising rate linkage and rear wheel travel of 150 mm.

The Monster 797 runs a Brembo braking system featuring Bosch 9.1 MP ABS with an internal pressure sensor. To optimise braking performance and maximise safety, at the front the Monster 797 mounts twin Brembo M4.32 4-piston monobloc calipers that grip 320mm discs and an axial-pump brake lever with incorporated fluid reservoir. At the rear a 245mm disc is grabbed by a Brembo caliper.

The Monster 797 instrument panel consists of a large, easy-to-see LCD screen that provides the rider with essential primary and secondary information. It gives info on speed, rpm, total distance ridden, trip1 and trip2, engine oil temperature and features a clock. Moreover, it also shows average speed and trip time.

Set to arrive in Australia in the new year, prices, colours and final specification for the bike in Australia is yet to be confirmed. For more details on the Ducati range in Australia or location of your nearest dealer head to www.ducati.com.au.