Looks distinctive, and despite the absent trellis, there isn't much to dislikeDucati

Renders of upcoming Ducati Monster 821 leaked

The 2021 Ducati Monster 821 maintains the overall visual signature of its predecessors, but with a host of changes

We have already seen visuals of the next-gen Ducati Monster 821 testing in Germany a few months ago. And now, we have a clearer, albeit computerised view of the entire bike and we’re really surprised. Why, you ask? Because this new Monster will no longer sport the brand’s iconic trellis frame. Read on to know more.

The Trellis frame, created by legendary designer Massimo Tamburini, debuted with the 1979 Sucati Pantah 500SL, and since then became a mainstay among the brand’s bikes. In fact, the very concept of the trellis was so good, it was later adopted by other manufacturers, the most famous example being KTM, which still uses it on bikes across its range, from the 125 Duke and RC125, all the way to the 1290 Super Duke R.

The new Monster looks muscular without being bulbous, like it's been upping the protein and skimping on carbsDucati

However, Ducati itself seems to realise the importance of shedding every ounce of weight possible, and hence has replaced the trellis with apparently a lighter aluminium alloy chassis using the motor as a stressed member. The tank, too, is now a lot more angular as compared to the predecessor’s bulbous shape. The alloys have been redesigned as well, replacing the old bike’s twin-spoke design with a more conventional five-spoke layout. Finally, the exhaust end cans look stubbier, perhaps another ploy to save some weight.

It is unclear whether there will be any changes to the engine, as the predecessor’s performance stats of 107bhp and 86Nm weren’t really lacking. That said, the motor may have been reworked to satisfy Euro 5 emissions norms, so there may be some changes. Ultimately, the new, lighter frame, along with giving the new Monster 821 better overall chance against the competition (KTM 790 Duke, Triumph Street Triple RS, Yamaha MT-09), also enhances the family resemblance with the Streetfighter V4.

Ducati is set to unveil the new Monster 821, along with the much-awaited Multistrada V4, later this year. And though the Multistrada will hit indian shores by the end of this year, the earliest we'd expect to get our paws on the new Monster would be by early 2022.

KTM RC 125