Image gallery: 2017 Ducati Monster 797

The Ducati Monster 797 is the latest in the Monster range but it is, perhaps, the most important of the Ducati Monsters. Because it sits at the lowest price point. It is the motorcycle which Ducati intends for you to enter the family with. To that end, the Ducati 797 Monster uses a combination of tried and tested elements, but the sum of the parts is breath takingly good.

The engine is the same 803cc 90 degree V-twin, or L-twin as the Ducatisti like to call it, that does duty on the Scrambler. The power output as well as the gearing are identical. This is slotted into a trellis frame with a simple double-sided swingarm. In that sense, the Ducati is a simple motorcycle. It has no chassis electronics aside from ABS, suspension is non-adjustable except for rear pre-load and all that helps keep s the price in check.

But the tuning and setup of the motorcycle, in terms of engine as well as chassis comes together dramatically well. We have not tested the Monster 1200, the but 797 easily beats the Scrambler, 795, 796 and 821 in how cohesive and thrilling the package feels in our books. This is exactly how an entry-level Ducati, to us, should feel. This is an extremely capable motorcycle that also happens to be easy to ride, unintimidating in nature but able to show a turn of speed and cornering capability that will keep new riders learning and engaged for a long time.The Ducati Monster 797 is on sale now at Rs 8.05 lakh onwards (ex-Delhi). Watch for a road test soon.

The classic stance of the Ducati returns to its roots with the 2017 Monster 797. Interim designs have played around with the proportions and details. This one follows the original Galuzzi design much closer than usual. And just look at it!

The 2017 Ducati Monster 797 performs well on all counts. It's happy in the city - some heat will be felt though, its terrific on the highway, wonderful in the mountains and it's no wilting lily at the racetrack either.

Out on the highway, the 2017 Ducati Monster 797 shows a penchant for a rapid pace, good tank range as well as a saddle that doesn't tire your bum out. All we would add is a small screen to take the windblast away

Riding the Ducati Monster 797 in the city proves easy. The small size, a notably light clutch, low saddle height, responsive handling and a well-judged ride come together very well. The air-cooled engine will vent some heat in slow traffic on your legs but it is far from the worst of the heat-engines we've tested

The 2017 Ducati Monster 797 uses the red trellis frame, the sculpted tank (the only body panel!), and the single-piece seat to create a dramatic form

Despite the compact looks, the Monster 797 isn't just for shorties. Anand, the rider in the frame, is 6 feet 3 inches in height and had no trouble adjusting to the Ducati

As entry-level engines go, the 2017 Ducati Monster 797 is smoother than you expect and offers a linear power delivery that is thrilling but not intimidating

The light, compact feel of the Ducati Monster 797 means that side-to-side direction changes happen quickly and without effort

The little up-swept cant of the tiny instrument cluster
on the Ducati Monster 797 provides some wind protection but long rides at elevated speed will bring some neck strain.

The familiar round headlight wears the now commonplace belly band with the LED DRLs. Illumination is good but frequent highway riders will probably want to consider additional lights. That's more of an indictment of Indian drivers using high beams than a notable weakness on the part of the 797, to be honest.

The quality and feel of the matte white paint on the Ducati Monster 797 is wonderful. On a long ride it does get smudged and dusty bit we were surprised that it cleans up so easily and without any residual damage

The 2017 Ducati Monster 797 uses the red trellis frame, the sculpted tank (the only body panel!), and the single-piece seat to create a dramatic form

The 2017 Ducati Monster 797 uses a compact LCD display that looks familiar if you've ridden recent Ducatis - from the tacho across the top, the big central speedo and the two information windows at the bottom.

The iconic tank of the Ducati Monster 797 re-deploys the clip that allows the tank to be flipped up for a faster servicing

As befits a premium motorcycle, all the little details on the Ducati Monster 797 are neatly executed. As befits an entry-level motorcycle, though, all of these details are simple in nature and function

The off-set mounted rear monoshock only offers pre-load adjustment but it knows exactly what its job is on the Ducati Monster 797

The right switch set on the Ducati Monster 797 includes hazard lights and a simple engine kill switch. No electronics means it is a basic set of switches, done well

The simple appeal and beauty of the Ducati Monster 797 i in the direct connection and the no-fuss design. And just check out the wonderfully functional mirror stalks!

As usual, the simple lines of the Ducati Monster 797 contrast strongly with the heavily mechanical look down below. The 803cc engine is extremely familiar - it is shared exactly, including state of tune, with Ducati's Scrambler

The 2017 Ducati Monster 797 employs radially mounted Brembo calipers on the front twin discs. Braking is assured, strong and friendly, and ABS is standard equipment

Also read,

Ducati Monster 797 first ride review