Ducati Monster 797 my 2017, the red that conquers [ROAD TEST]

If you are a motorcyclist and you hear about Bologna, there is only one image that can be evoked in your mind: that of the red cars par excellence, the Ducatis. Well yes, a trip from Milan to Borgo Panigale to savor the beauty of the factory, the museum and the new Ducati Monster 797.

When you take a ticket to Borgo Panigale, you already know that you are leaving to experience strong emotions, the real and intense ones that you savor from the very moment you are at the station and you realize that you can't wait to arrive even if you still you didn't leave.

While waiting, the journey seems almost interminable, until you find yourself in front of the factory and all you can think about is how beautiful and majestic it is with that red logo that stands out among everything else.
The 'Nice to Meet Monster 797' event was created dedicated to female customers, who have been lovers of the Monster family for a long time.

With a history spanning 25 years, from 1993 to today, the Monster has been one of the most popular Ducati motorcycles, especially by women. In 1993 the first Monster 900 was presented in Cologne which, even then, created quite a stir in the motorcycling world but, after the release of the Ducati Monster 821 two years ago, Borgo Panigale has decided to give us a new "little sister", the entry level from the Bolognese company, the Ducati Monster 797.

Right from the start you can notice the sporty but above all essential, contemporary and iconic design, which takes us towards a real return to the origins. The integral trellis frame, which certainly does not go unnoticed, is one of Ducati's pillars; the first appeared in 1979 on the Ducati Pantah and is able to combine qualities of lightness with extraordinary rigidity, properties that allow for greater riding precision and make the bike more high-performance and fun, as well as recalling the first Monster.

The triangular-shaped swingarm takes inspiration from the Monster 696 and, a Ducati gem, it is a tribute to Galluzzi's first Monster, the front hook of the tank. The tail appears super stringy.

Sporty and essential like every Monster, on the road test the 797 immediately stood out for its handling and ease of driving, fundamental both for those who are just starting out and for those who want to enter the Ducati world with a great classic that, even today, manages to win the hearts of many enthusiasts and beyond.

The bike is compact, light and, in mixed riding, fun and easy, the main objective of every Monster. With his 175 kg dry, the motorbike turns out to be extremely versatile even in urban use. Braking, thanks also to the remarkable Brembo system, is effective and decisive straight away. It is a motorbike that from the first moment allows you to have that confidence and security that are not always easy to find when you find yourself riding a two-wheeled vehicle.

The Nuda di Borgo Panigale is characterized by smooth power delivery, with an air-cooled 803 cc Desmodue engine that delivers a maximum power of 75 CV (55 KW) which, although they seem few, are extremely pleasant thanks above all to a torque of 68,9 Nm which, on paper, presents an extremely flat curve line while, on the road, a bike that is always ready in any situation. There APTC clutch with mechanical control lightens the load on the lever. It features a monoshock with adjustable preload and rebound damping, as well as a double-sided aluminum swingarm that fits perfectly with the frame. At the seat, the footrests are lower and more advanced than previous models.

The standard equipment features a system Bosch-ABS, LED position light and rear light, USB socket under the saddle, preparation DMS (Ducati Multimedia System) and a predisposition for the anti-theft device. The Monster It is also available for limited license holders in a weakened version at 35 kw. The seat height is 805 mm but it is also possible to have the lowered version. As for accessories, it is also possible to have the sport or urban package and 5, 12 or 15 liter bags. The Ducati Monster also features dedicated apparel and is available in three different colors: Star White Silk with red frame and rims, the traditional Ducati red with black frame and wheel rims and the elegant Dark Stealth with black frame and wheel rims. The price of the new Monster 797 is 8950 euros, with the possible purchase also in the plus version, equipped with front fairing and passenger seat cover.

Our test

When you have the keys to a 'Ducati' in your hand, you immediately feel a little privileged, lucky to have the chance to ride a motorcycle that is part of one of the most renowned motorcycle manufacturers, famous above all for the beauty of its creations.

Well yes, at first glance, in fact, aesthetically the Monster appears to be essential, modern, captivating but above all beautiful. The first thing that comes to mind as soon as you get on the saddle is only one: that it is comfortable, especially with the handlebars which remain less sporty than previous models. Secondly, we note that the footrests, initially, are not easy and intuitive to find: they, in fact, have been lowered and advanced, but it takes little to get used to. Braking is immediately compelling, a peculiarity that is not expected if you are new to the Ducati red bikes, all rigorously equipped with the Brembo braking system. Already from the first kilometres, carried out in the town centre, you can notice the great ease of driving and handling especially when traveling; This turns out to be a fundamental aspect especially for those who use the motorbike at 360° and who also use it on a daily basis. The saddle appears relatively low, even if, being a motorcycle aimed at a very large clientele, this turns out to be fundamental; in fact, among the options at the time of purchase, it is possible to request the version with a lowered saddle compared to the standard version. In the mixed hills of Bologna, the Monster 797 is extremely pleasant, easy to handle and stable, above all thanks to the steel trellis frame, associated with the adjustable monoshock absorber and the double-sided swingarm.

The engine appears lively from just 2.000 rpm onwards, thanks also to its torque that can be used in any situation. The poor protection from the air, however, means that the Borgo Panigale bike does not appear particularly suitable for very long journeys, especially on poorly protected extra-urban roads.

Ducati clothing, which was provided to us before getting into the saddle during our test, was effective throughout the afternoon very comfortable, with a compelling design and, above all, breathable.