Ducati Monster SP 2024 Review

The Ducati Monster is one of the most iconic motorcycles in history. 

First introduced in 1992, the original Monster was a smash hit. It introduced the world to the naked genre and rescued Ducati from the jaws of financial ruin. Check out the video above to find out why.

Fast forward to 2024 and the Monster moniker is the longest-running name plate in the Italian firm’s history. Make no mistake, this is one of Ducati’s most important models. 

Like its founding father, the modern Monster is lightweight, fast, accessible, and affordable – making it the ultimate minimalist machine for the everyday rider.

Of course, there have been some pretty big changes over the years. The current Monster is powered by the state-of-the-art 937cc Testastretta L-twin engine and is capable of 111hp and 93Nm. It also comes with modern-day tech and electronic features, high-spec suspension and brakes, and contemporary styling. 

But despite all that modern riff raff, the Monster still maintains the spirit and essence of the original model. It’s aggressive, raw, minimal, and pure to its very core. 

If that’s not enough, then Ducati has something else for you – the Monster SP. 

The SP badge was traditionally reserved for high-end race replicas, but here it just reflects the up-spec nature of this particular version of the Monster.

And that’s the Monster we’re testing here. 

The Ducati Monster SP checks in at $23,400 ride away. That is a few grand more than the base-spec Monster ($19,900 ride away), but still very affordable in the grand scheme of the motorcycle industry. 

There is also a Monster+ ($20,500 ride away) and a special-edition Monster Senna ($42,500 ride away), which is named after the late F1 legend, Ayrton Senna. 

Of the four models, however, the SP version offers the best value. It comes with an up-spec gold Ohlins NIX30 fork, Brembo Stylema front calipers, a factory race team-inspired livery, Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres, and a Termignoni exhaust.

Throw in all the usual tech features such as cornering ABS and traction control, wheelie control, launch control, ride modes, and a quickshifter, and it’s hard to look past the Monster SP as the ultimate value when it comes to sport-focused nakeds. 

Well, actually, you could argue the Yamaha MT-09SP ($20,799 ride away) is up there, and maybe the KTM 990 Duke ($20,090 ride away), and the Kawasaki Z900 ($15,441 ride away), and the Triumph Street Triple, and possibly even the upcoming Honda CB1000 Hornet SP. But let’s not ruin a good story… 

Perhaps the Monster SP’s most impressive attribute is its weight. Tipping the scales at just 177kg, the Monster is indeed lightweight and agile, with this enhanced even further by the bike’s relatively small size. 

As a side note, you might have noticed that we said in the video above that the weight was 177kg wet. That’s because Ducati does list it as just that. But the term ‘wet’ apparently means without fuel in Ducati land, meaning its actual running weight is probably closer to 186kg with a full tank. Still very good. 

The Monster SP does handle beautifully, with the high-end Ohlins suspension working a charm to maintain traction and keep the bike precise through corners. It might not be quite as forgiving as the softer setup in the standard Monster, but that’s a small price to pay for the sharp cornering this beast is capable of. 

Under the hood, the engine works wonders too. The 937cc Testastretta is a proven powerplant and it fits perfectly with the Monster package. It’s lively, thrilling, and surprisingly easy to ride in a wide range of conditions. 

At a guess, I’d say it might lack a little on a racetrack, but as a bike for everyday riding, it really is hard to look past. It’s punchy off the bottom and has a strong mid-range. You won’t find any of that rev-chasing Ducati sportsbike madness here.

The brakes do a fine job, as do the tyres, and the tech features all work brilliantly to keep you safe and in check. 

There isn’t much to criticise the Monster SP for but, for the sake of this review, I’ll scrape the bottom of the barrel.  

For a bike designed for everyday commuting and weekend warrior trips, the ride position is a little too sport focused. Sure, it’s fine for a quick blast, but you’ll be hanging for a pit stop after a long haul in the saddle. 

Likewise, the 14-litre fuel tank isn’t really designed for big trips, and you’ll burn through gas quickly if you’re riding with a fair degree of spirit. But the fuel economy is fine if choose to keep it cruisy. 

Finally, the added windshield feels a little useless. Maybe, just maybe there is some science behind how it deflects wind just enough to reduce buffeting, but I don’t care. It looks a little ridiculous and science was never my best subject anyway. 

Okay, so there are more affordable options out there, but the Monster SP is still a bargain when you consider what it offers. In an age where a lot of motorcycles are exceeding the $30k mark, the Monster SP price tag is refreshing. 

This is a Ducati after all – a brand which is considered the pinnacle of performance, luxury, and style. And you can have it all for just $23,400 ride away. 

And that is why the Monster has lasted for so long, and why it saved Ducati from its money problems in the 90s. It introduced this famous Italian brand to a whole new generation of riders who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to afford or handle its high-end sportsbikes.

Yes, I would love a Panigale V4 in the shed, but with my ability and bank account, I’d be much better off with a Monster SP. And that would make me pretty happy. 

ENGINE 
Type: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, four-valves-per-cylinder, L-twin Testastretta  
Capacity: 937cc 
Bore x stroke: 94mm x 67.5mm 
Compression ratio: 13.3:1 
Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection 

PERFORMANCE 
Claimed maximum power: 111hp (82kW) at 9250rpm 
Claimed maximum torque: 93Nm at 6500rpm 

TRANSMISSION 
Type: Six-speed 
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate, slipper 
Final drive: Chain 

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR 
Frame type: Alloy front frame
Front suspension: Ohlins NIX30 43mm USD fork, fully-adjustable, 140mm travel
Rear suspension: Ohlins monoshock, fully-adjustable, 150mm travel, alloy double-sided swingarm
Front brake: Twin 320mm semi-floating discs with radial-mount four-piston Brembo Stylema calipers
Rear brake: 245mm disc with twin-piston Brembo caliper
Wheels: Light cast alloy – 17-inch front, 17-inch rear 
Tyres: Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES 
Claimed dry weight (without fuel): 177kg 
Seat height: 840mm (850mm and 810mm seats available)
Wheelbase: 1472mm 
Rake: 23 degrees 
Trail: 87mm 
Fuel capacity: 14 litres 

SAFETY AND TECHNOLOGY 
Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Wheelie Control, LED Daytime Running Lights, Riding Modes, Power Modes, Ducati Quickshift, Launch Control

OTHER STUFF 
Price: $23,400 ride away
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres