Ducati has officially started production of the fifth-generation Monster, the latest evolution of one of motorcycling’s most iconic naked bikes. The new 2026 Monster is the lightest four-valve Monster ever built, and arrives with a redesigned chassis, a new V2 engine with variable timing, and a sharper, modern take on the original 1992 “everything you need, nothing more” philosophy that created a global community of Monsteristi.
The 2026 Ducati Monster features the brand-new V2 engine with IVT (Intake Variable Timing), delivering strong performance with impressively low running costs. Ducati claims 80% of its maximum torque is available between 4,000 and 10,000rpm, while its record 45,000km (28,000-mile) valve clearance interval sets a new benchmark for reliability in the naked bike category. The bike is slim, compact and characterful, with variable timing giving smooth low-rev response, strong mid-range and lively top-end power.
Ducati has also completely reworked the chassis. The engine is now a structural component within a monocoque frame, supported by a double-sided swingarm inspired by the Panigale V4 and a lightweight technopolymer/trellis subframe. The result? A 4kg weight reduction compared to the previous model, bringing it down to just 175kg dry, making it the lightest Monster with four-valve heads ever produced. Showa suspension has been tuned to offer the ideal balance of everyday comfort and sporty performance on twisty roads.
The new Monster’s styling pays tribute to the iconic 1992 design: the bison-back tank “shoulders”, the round headlight, the clean one-piece seat and the compact tail unit all remain, but with a sharper and more modern aesthetic. A revised riding position also makes the new bike more accessible, with a lower 815mm seat height (775mm with lowering kit) and a higher, more forward bar for improved comfort and control.
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As expected, Ducati has packed the Monster with a full electronics suite, including four Riding Modes (Sport, Road, Urban, Wet), cornering ABS, DTC, DWC, EBC, and a 5-inch TFT display ready for Ducati Multimedia System and turn-by-turn navigation. Updated switchgear makes managing rider aids simpler, and day/night display modes improve readability in all conditions.
Ducati Performance will offer a wide selection of accessories, including carbon-fibre body pieces, machined aluminium components, an Alcantara sports seat, and lightweight Termignoni silencers that shave off 0.2kg and add an unmistakable soundtrack.
The 2026 Ducati Monster and Monster+ (which includes a flyscreen and seat cover) will reach UK dealerships from February 2026, available in Ducati Red and Iceberg White, with both versions also offered in 35kW A2-compliant form.
