Ducati Monster Dark: V2 power, stripped back and cheaper

Ducati has unveiled the Monster Dark, a stripped-back A2-licence version of the Monster. It costs £1,400 less than the Ducati Red bike, £1,600 less than Iceberg White and £1,900 less than Sport Livery. It is pitched as the easiest way into the Monster family.

The savings come from the finish: a single-material seat, blacked-out wheels, an unpainted front frame, exhaust end caps and air-intake snorkel, and static indicators. Mechanically nothing changes. Brakes are Brembo M4.32, tyres Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV, and suspension Showa at both ends.

You get four riding modes (Sport, Road, Urban, Wet) and a 6-axis IMU with Cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control and engine brake control. There is a 5-inch TFT and full-LED lighting. Cruise control, Quick Shift and Power Launch cost extra.

• Engine — 890 cc V2, 111 hp at 9,000 rpm
• Torque — 91 Nm at 7,250 rpm
• Weight — 175 kg without fuel, 4 kg less than before
• On sale — November, UK dealers