Australian Motorcyclist — December 2017

WORDS STUART PHOTOS HALF

LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHIC

Urbane

creature

feature

T

HE DUCATI MONSTER dynasty

continues with the new 797 version.

It takes the engine from the popular

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from big brother 1200, and the sexy trellis

frame that Monsters have long been known

for to really set off the looks.

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797 marks the entry into the Monster dynasty,

but I’m not so sure that you’ll think of the 797

as a “Monster” after riding it. We can thank Euro

4 compliance for that. The engine can’t muster

the power and excitement we have come to

expect from the Monster with its 803cc capacity.

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has essentially the same 803cc engine) and you

instantly notice the difference in acceleration.

Handling is neutral and very manageable. Ducati

call the 797, “undemanding fun” and while I can

see this in some fashion, the exciting “fun factor”

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the 797 soaks up bumps well enough although it

could do with a little more rear preload over the

standard setting to sharpen it up just a bit.

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reasonable 805mm seat height which makes

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be relieved to know that there is an optional

lower seat that shaves off a further 20mm,

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providing an added 20mm and increased...

well... comfort. While we’re on the subject

of ergonomics, the seat to peg height is

reasonable for most leg lengths and the reach

and width of the bar is quite nice.

797

DUCATI

MONSTER