It really is a monster in the bends…
At the time of writing, there was a subtly tweaked 821 being unveiled for next season, with no major changes over this ‘Stripe’ version – part of the 2018 celebrations for 25 years of the iconic Monster range. You can certainly pick out the Italian beauty from the seven on test; only the Triumph carries superior components and swagger, and it has something special in pride of ownership terms over more everyday steeds.
The S4RS and a few exceptions aside, the iconic naked range has always veered towards fashion over form, and the 821 is no different. With the Streetfighter no longer in Ducati’s line-up, and the Monster 1200R taking care of the affluent only, the middleweight Monster has varied responsibilities when it comes to catering for pilots.