EICMA 2016: Entry-Level Air-Cooled Ducati Monster 797 Breaks Cover

We had been telling you that Ducati is planning to go back to the basics with the Monster series, and the Italian manufacturer has done just that with the new Monster 797. The smallest Monster was unveiled a night before the EICMA Motor Show and is one of the more sought after motorcycles present at the Ducati pavilion right now.

The new Ducati Monster 797 is positioned below the Monster 821 and takes the styling of the latter with a much simpler powertrain in between. The trademark exposed red Trellis frame takes prominence in design, while the beefy fuel tank and headlight design has been retained. Compared to the 821, the Monster 797 features a single end can, instead of a dual unit. Adding modern touches are the LED indicators and tail light as well as the all-digital instrumentation.

2017 Ducati Monster 797 Side Profile

The original Monsters from the 1990s were then powered by air-cooled 2-valve engines and the same has been introduced on the 2017 Ducati Monster 797. The street-fighter uses a Euro 4 compliant 803cc Desmodue L-Twin air-cooled engine tuned to produce a modest 75bhp and 68Nm of torque (same as the Ducati Scrambler), while paired to a 6-speed gearbox. There's no quickshifter but you do get a slipper clutch for aggressive downshifting.

The bike rides on 10-spoke alloy wheels wrapped 120/70 front and 180/55 rear 17-inch Pirelli Rosso II tyres. Other mechanicals include a twin-spar swingarm, non-adjustable KYB 43mm front USD forks and a Sachs monoshock rear with adjustable preload.

2017 Ducati Monster 797 Trellis Frame

The brakes are near identical to the Monster 821 with the Italian street-fighter getting Brembo M4.32 calipers and 320mm discs at the front, while a 245mm single disc serves purpose at the rear. Unlike the 821, the Monster 797's master cylinder is not radially mounted at the front, whereas the rear uses a single piston caliper instead of dual, which seems decent enough to bring this 193 kg bike to a halt.

Unlike the bigger Monsters, Ducati has kept the electronic intervention to a minimum on the 2017 Monster 797, which features Bosch 9.1MP ABS, but no traction control. You do get the Ducati Multimedia system though on the latest Monster and a USB power socket, a neat touch in today's times.

2017 Ducati Monster 797 Rear Profile

The whole idea behind introducing a smaller Monster is to bring enthusiasts to the Ducati brand a tad bit earlier. Not only does the bike become a more affordable entry to the Italian manufacturer's family, but will help the brand expand as it moves to newer and emerging markets. So far, there's been no word on the Monster 797's India debut, but expect the bike to be launched in India sometime in 2017 with a price tag of around Rs. 8 lakh (ex-showroom).