Ducati has adopted a new styling approach for its mid-capacity naked bike, the 2021 Ducati Monster. Pitted squarely against the likes of KTM 890 Duke R, Triumph Street Triple RS, and Yamaha MT-09 SP, the Ducati is gunning for the top slot in the segment. We compare all these formidable contenders on their specifications to find out which one comes out on the top.
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Triumph Street Triple RS displaces the lowest capacity in this comparison although, in terms of the output, it is the most powerful bike with 123PS on tap. KTM 890 Duke R, on the other hand, comes out on top in terms of the highest 99Nm of max torque. The 6-speed gearbox is a common feature though Ducati here has the distinction of having a hydraulic slip and assist clutch. Ducati comes with the lowest of power figure though its torque is quite comparable to others in the list. Since there is no significant difference in the weight of the bikes in the comparison, KTM is sure to have quite an edge over others in the performance department owing to its highest torque.
Chassis and Electronics
In terms of electronic controls, all four bikes in this comparison come equipped with traction control, multiple riding modes, bi-directional quick-shifter, and switchable ABS. That said, the Triumph doesn’t have an IMU unit which makes it less fussy than others.
Ducati has ditched the trellis frame in favor of monocoque and the move is expected to benefit the ride and handling characteristics of the bike. The range of suspension adjustability on Ducati is quite sparse as the rider can only adjust the preload settings of the rear suspension. On all other three bikes, however, there are ample options to adjust suspension to meet different riding requirements.
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Specifically, KTM 890 Duke R offers compression damping for high and low-speed rides. Even the braking hardware used on the KTM is the best and coupled with Michelin Power Cup Evo, the bike simply offers an unbeatable combination. It’s a bit surprising to witness Ducati’s decision to go ahead with Brembo M4.32 as Brembo M50 used on Triumph offers better braking performance.
Dimensions
KTM comes with the longest wheelbase of 1482mm although Triumph is the one that offers the best riding credentials – short wheelbase, low seat height, and sharp steering. Besides, the bike also has the largest fuel tank capacity of 17.4-litres which equips it with a decent range.
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All four bikes in the comparison bring to the table their uniqueness and special convenience to prospective buyers. It’s disheartening to witness that middleweight naked bikes haven’t got the appreciation they truly deserved in the Indian market. However, this could probably change now. In sum, Ducati Monster is a formidable competitor although, with an estimated price tag of Rs 13 lakh, it is a quite costly option. In fact, its high price is one of the biggest hurdles Ducati has to overcome while selling the bike. This becomes even more difficult as competitors of the Monster come equipped with more sophisticated Suspension and braking hardware.
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