2026 Ducati Monster launched in India at Rs 13.99 lakh, gets new V2 engine

Ducati has launched the fifth-generation Monster in India with a new 890cc V2 engine, lighter 175kg chassis, updated electronics and sharper styling, with prices starting at Rs 13.99 lakh.Ducati has launched the fifth-generation Monster in India, with prices starting at Rs 13.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The new 2026 Ducati Monster gets a completely redesigned chassis and styling, a new 890cc V2 engine, updated electronics and a longer maintenance schedule. It is available in two versions: Monster and Monster+ with prices going up to Rs 14.45 lakh for the range-topping Monster+.The new Monster marks the latest evolution of Ducati's iconic naked motorcycle, which first debuted at the Cologne Motor Show in 1992. The fifth-generation model also recently won the Red Dot Design Award – Product Design 2026 for its design.2026 Ducati Monster: Price in IndiaThe Ducati Monster is priced from Rs 13.99 lakh in India, while the Monster+ starts at Rs 14.34 lakh. Prices vary depending on the colour and livery.VariantColour/LiveryPrice (ex-showroom)MonsterDucati RedRs 13.99 lakhMonsterIceberg WhiteRs 14.23 lakhMonsterSport LiveryRs 14.23 lakhMonster+Ducati RedRs 14.34 lakhMonster+Iceberg WhiteRs 14.45 lakhMonster+Sport LiveryRs 14.45 lakhThe Monster+ gets the same mechanical and electronic package as the standard Monster, but adds a headlight cowl and passenger seat cover. New 890cc V2 engineThe biggest mechanical change is the new 890cc V2 engine, which replaces the previous-generation Testastretta unit. The new motor uses Ducati's IVT (Intake Variable Timing) system, designed to deliver smoother low-speed response, stronger mid-range performance and more power higher up the rev range.The engine produces 111bhp at 9,000rpm and 91.1Nm of peak torque at 7,250rpm. Ducati says more than 80 per cent of the engine's maximum torque is available between 4,000rpm and 10,000rpm, giving the Monster a broad and accessible powerband. The new V2 is also lighter, weighing 5.9kg less than the previous Testastretta Evoluzione engine. Ducati has focused on making the new engine easier to use on a daily basis while retaining the performance and character expected from a Monster.One of the biggest advantages is the claimed maintenance interval. Valve-clearance checks are required every 45,000km, which Ducati says is a benchmark for the segment.Lighter chassis and 175kg weightThe new Monster uses the V2 engine as a stressed member of the chassis and features a monocoque frame. It is paired with a double-sided swingarm inspired by the symmetrical hollow swingarm used on the Panigale V4.The rear subframe uses a combination of a technopolymer element and trellis structure. Together with the lighter engine, these changes have helped Ducati reduce the Monster's weight by 4kg compared with the previous model.The 2026 Monster weighs 175kg with an empty fuel tank, making it one of the key contributors to the bike's claimed agility and ease of handling.Suspension duties are handled by a 43mm Showa upside-down fork at the front and a Showa monoshock at the rear, with the latter offering preload adjustment. Ducati says the suspension has been calibrated to balance everyday comfort with sporty riding.Brembo brakes and Pirelli tyresBraking hardware includes twin 320mm front discs paired with Brembo M4.32 radial calipers and a radial PR18/21 master cylinder. Ducati says the braking system has been tuned to offer a more progressive initial bite while retaining strong stopping power.The Monster rides on Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres, measuring 120/70 at the front and 180/55 at the rear.More muscular Monster designWhile the fifth-generation Monster has been redesigned from the ground up, Ducati has retained several visual cues that link it to the original 1992 motorcycle.The signature 'bison-back' fuel tank has been redesigned to bring back some of the muscularity associated with earlier Monsters while retaining the slim proportions of the current motorcycle.The front gets a full-LED headlamp with a distinctive, robotic-looking design and DRLs, while the dynamic turn indicators add to the modern appearance.The side panels flow into the seat and incorporate styling elements inspired by Ducati's heritage. The seat is also narrower and sits 5mm lower than before, with a height of 815mm. Ducati says this should make it easier for riders to get their feet on the ground.The handlebar is positioned higher and further forward to provide greater control during sporty riding while maintaining a relatively comfortable riding position for everyday use.The new Monster has also been recognised internationally for its design, winning the Red Dot Design Award – Product Design 2026.Four riding modes and 6-axis IMUThe new Monster comes with a comprehensive electronic package controlled by a six-axis IMU. It gets four riding modes: Sport, Road, Urban and Wet allowing the motorcycle's response and electronic intervention to be adjusted depending on riding conditions.The electronics package includes Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), Engine Brake Control (EBC) and cornering ABS.The bike also gets Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) 2.0, while cruise control and Ducati Multimedia System (DMS) functionality are available as part of the technology package.The rider interface has been updated with a new petal-shaped joystick and a 5-inch full-TFT instrument cluster. The display has an 800x400-pixel resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio.The instrument cluster offers Road and Road Pro information modes and features separate day and night display settings. The motorcycle is also ready for turn-by-turn navigation.Ducati Protect maintenance packagesDucati has introduced its Periodic Maintenance Contract (PMC), called Ducati Protect, alongside the new Monster.There are two packages:Ducati Protect (+): Rs 30,999 covers scheduled maintenance for two years or 15,000km.Ducati Protect (Pro): Rs 54,999 covers scheduled maintenance for four years or 30,000km.Both packages cover genuine Ducati parts and labour carried out by Ducati-certified technicians at authorised Ducati dealerships in India.The contract becomes active from the date the motorcycle's warranty is activated and can be transferred to a subsequent owner if the motorcycle is sold.However, consumables such as brake pads, clutch plates and tyres are not covered under the packages.Ducati currently has dealerships in New Delhi, Pune, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Goa.Ducati Monster accessoriesThe new Monster can also be customised with Ducati Performance accessories, including carbon-fibre components, billet-aluminium parts and a sports seat with Alcantara upholstery.For riders looking for a sportier exhaust note and lower weight, Ducati also offers homologated silencers developed with Termignoni. These feature titanium liners and carbon-fibre end caps and reduce weight by 0.2kg.Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine - EndsPublished On: Aug 10, 2026 12:00 IST