There will be a brand new version of Ducati’s iconic Monster in 2026, with the Italian manufacturer unleashing a fifth-generation model powered by its now ubiquitous 890cc ‘V2’ engine, which debuted in last year’s Multistrada, Streetfighter and Panigale V2s, and which is expected to be rolled out to other models in the coming months.
It may feel a million miles from the first M900 Monster of 1993, gone is the distinctive trellis frame and the uncluttered and raw air-cooled engine, but it’s still very clearly a Monster to look at thanks to the unique shaped fuel tank (described by Ducati as bison-backed), stubby styling and a reprise of the front air intakes seen on second-generation Monsters.
While the V2 motor may have been criticised slightly for not have the bite of its predecessors in the Panigale and Streetfighter, its more refined qualities make even more sense in the Monster, which (despite its rather intimidating name) has always been one of the most docile and accessible machines in Ducati’s range.
With 109bhp, the power output more or less matches that of the outgoing machine, which ran the 937cc motor with desmodromically operated valves, but the latest engine’s biggest strength is its lightness (which contributes to a 4kg overall weight saving) and incredible service intervals, with 28,000 miles between major services helping to reduce running costs.
Priced from £11,995, the Monster is Ducati’s least expensive model outside of the Scrambler range and has always appealed to a wide range of riders, including those looking for their first ‘big’ bike. The 2026 Monster offers more of the same, with a 175kg weight (before fuel) and 815mm seat height (with options to lower to 775mm) making it accessible to even more riders. We’ve yet to throw a leg over the new machine, but we’ve a feeling the narrowness and reshaped tank will make for a motorcycle that’s even easier for shorter riders to get on with too.
Simplicity might be the Monster mantra but, as you’d expect from anything wearing the Ducati badge, there’s still plenty of tech. The engine, which we’ve mentioned previously, was introduced as a brand new design 12 months ago and features a clever variable intake to optimise power delivery right through the rev range.
The motor’s smoothness and torque delivery has impressed in other models and should be well suited to its application in the Monster. Lean-sensitive electronic aids are abound and includes cornering ABS and various ride modes. There’s also new switchgear, which allows the settings to be tweaked through the 5” TFT dash. A ‘Monster +’ edition adds cowls for the headlight and passenger seat for an additional £300. Colours are classy red or white.
With a different engine to accommodate, the chassis is also new. Ducati’s traditional steel trellis frame is long gone and the Monster follows the company’s current design thinking by using the engine as a stressed member onto which a monocoque frame and Panigale V4 style hollow swingarm are mounted. Suspension comes from Showa, with Brembo brakes and Pirelli tyres combining to create a sporty chassis Ducati says will give confidence to the rider while remaining agile and enjoyable.
Ducati says it provides everything you need in a motorcycle, and nothing more. That’s always been the Monster’s real strength, being charming and characterful without being intimidating or excessive, although you can expect a full range of accessories to allow buyers to modify the Monster to individual tastes.
The Monster has always been one of the cornerstones of the Ducati range, having helped transform the company’s fortunes in the early 1990s, and the 2026 version will be in showrooms from February 2026.