Monster SP – First Look

Ducati unleashes the Monster SP equipped with high-quality components that make the bike lighter, sportier, and more aggressive.

The sporty edge of the Monster SP (MSRP $15,595.00) is clear as night with its MotoGP-inspired color scheme and signature Öhlins NIX30 fork in striking gold. Standard features also include a double-stacked Termignoni exhaust silencer, a lightweight lithium-ion battery, a full-led circular headlamp, and a Sachs steering damper.

The SP borrows heavily from the Panigale V4 and Desmosedici’s graphics department. In contrast to the glossy black paint, the graphics emphasize the Monster SP’s energy with a play on three different color tags: Ducati Red, Racing Red, and Amaranth Red. The red racing seat of the Monster SP continues the aesthetics. The Italian flag is featured prominently on the seat cover, along with the specific Monster SP logo. The Ducati lettering on the fuel tank is larger than the other Monster models, in a clear reference to Panigale V4 graphics.

The Euro 5-approved 937 cc Desmodromic Testastretta 11° twin-cylinder engine of the Monster SP is powerful, light, and refined. The maximum power output of 111 hp at 9250 rpm with a max torque of 9.5 kgm at 6500 rpm excels in medium to low range speeds.

The Monster SP’s Öhlins suspension, which is 0.6 kg lighter than the one on the Monster and Monster+ models, adds to the sensation and ground clearance, allowing for a deeper lean angle. On the front end, you’ll find 43 mm Öhlins forks and a fully adjustable Öhlins shock in the rear. A sportier calibration of the suspension improves the dynamic characteristics of the Monster SP when riding on various types of road and track circuits.

The 410-pound (wet) Monster SP offers greater agility, again thanks to its lower inertia at the front, by the upgrading of the Monster’s braking system with the lighter (0.5 kg) Brembo Stylema calipers and aluminum flanges for the 320 mm front brake discs.

The electronic suite of the Monster SP employs standard equipment such as ABS Cornering, Ducati Traction Control, and Ducati Wheelie Control, all adjustable to various levels of intervention. The SP is also equipped with Launch Control. There are three riding modes: Sport, Touring, and Wet, all of which have been recalibrated. Data and bike info is displayed on the 4.3” color TFT dashboard, presented similarly to the Panigale V4.

Another highlighted feature is the use of the Ducati Multimedia System (DMS) which allows you to connect your motorcycle and smartphone via Bluetooth, as well as manage selected functions with buttons on the handlebar.

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