2018 Ducati Monster 797+

To some of us here at Cycle World, the introduction of the original Ducati Monster 900 in 1993 seems like just yesterday. But the fact is, it’s been a quarter-century since Ducati helped craft the contemporary naked-bike segment. Yikes! Fast-forward to right now and meet the Monster 797+, the entry point into the current six-model Monster lineup. Ducati sometimes plays it fast and loose with model designations, and thus the Monster 797+ actually displaces 803cc, not the 797cc you might expect. Supporting the air-cooled, fuel-injected, 73-hp engine is the Italian company’s famous trellis frame, which is outfitted with an inverted fork, a gull-wing swingarm, and a reasonable 31.7-inch seat height.

Long stints on Monsters reveal that the deeply pocketed seat can grow tiresome—not much room to move around—but if the seat fits, wear it! Definite pluses for this entry-level Monster include its favorable price point, the uncannily smooth 90-degree V-twin with desmodromic valve gear, standard Bosch ABS, and that unmistakable Monster profile.

Likes: Snappy handling, weighs just 386 pounds dry, welcoming for newbies.

Dislikes: Cockpit cramped for taller riders, sloping seat shoves you forward.

Verdict: Storied model from a legendary builder at a reasonable price.