Ducati goes dark with latest Monster release
For enthusiasts drawn to the darker side of things, Ducati recently introduced its new Monster Dark, a blacked-out model of the legendary Monster naked bike previously released by the iconic Italian motorcycle manufacturer.
Its dark livery — which originated with the first generation of the Monster — defines the naked bike’s design. The seat, crafted from a single fabric, and the all-black wheels are complemented by exposed structural elements, such as the front frame, the exhaust end caps, and the air intake snorkel.
Each individual unit can be catered towards preference, as Ducati is letting Monster Dark owners personalize their bikes with features such as quick shift, cruise control, a passenger seat cover, and a windshield, allowing owners to mix and match the accessories they want.
Timeless Monster DNA
The bike retains the DNA of the original 1993 generation — a high-performance V-twin engine paired with a superbike-derived frame — which, in this latest generation, takes the form of an aluminum monocoque. The Monster Dark is equipped with Ducati’s V2 890cc engine, featuring intake valve timing, resulting in maintenance intervals of 28,000 miles. The manufacturer says this gives the Monster Dark an easy, accessible riding experience without compromising on performance.
A collection of lightweight component reduces the bike’s total weight by 9 lb. compared to the previous generation. The result is a motorcycle weighing just 386 lb., coupled with a seat height of 32.1 inches.
Availability
The new Monster Dark is arriving at North American Ducati dealerships in February 2027. Pricing in the United States will be $12,995.
Key Standard Equipment
- V2 engine, 890 cc
- 111 hp at 9,000 rpm
- 91.1 Nm at 7,250 rpm
- Curb weight (without fuel) 386 lb.
- Showa 43 mm upside-down fork
- Showa monoshock with adjustable preload
- Braking system with Brembo M4.32 calipers and PR16/21 radial master cylinder
- Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires (120/70 and 180/55)
- Six-axis inertial measurement unit; cornering ABS, traction/wheelie control, quick shift 2.0, and engine brake control
- Handlebar-mounted joystick
- 5 inch full-TFT display with a 16:9 aspect ratio and 800×400 resolution
- Sport, Road, Urban and Wet riding modes
- Full-LED lighting system with daytime running light
- Pre-configured for Ducati Multimedia System, turn-by-turn navigation, cruise control and power launch
