Ducati Monster 797 launched in India at Rs. 7.77 lakh

Ducati has launched the Monster 797 in India at a price of Rs. 7.77 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). This bike is now the entry-level model in the company's Monster range and has been placed a slot lower than the Monster 821.

The Monster 797 was globally unveiled at the 2016 EICMA show in Milan. The Monster range of bikes is Ducati's best-selling series across the globe and with the new entry-level model, the company is trying to expand the series' customer base by lowering its starting price point.

The overall design of the Monster 797 is similar to its elder siblings, with the fuel tank and headlamp housing being borrowed from the Monster 1200. The bike gets a new double-sided swingarm and the shortest wheelbase in the Monster range, spanning 1,435 mm. The seat height is 805 mm as standard, which can be lowered by opting for a special seat according to rider requirements.

Powering the Monster 797 is an 803cc, Testastretta, twin-cylinder, air-cooled engine that churns out 74 BHP and 69 Nm of torque, while being mated to a 6-speed gearbox that comes with a slipper clutch as standard. Suspension duties are handled by 43 mm Kayaba USD forks at the front and a Sachs monoshock with preload adjustment at the rear. The braking setup includes 320 mm dual discs at the front and a 245 mm disc at the rear, while ABS is standard. Features like traction control, stability control and different riding modes are not available on the most affordable Monster.

The Ducati Monster 797 will compete against the Kawasaki Z800 and Triumph Street Triple.