Ducati’s Monster 797 in the details

After the 795 and the 796 were discontinued, the entry to the Ducati range was the Scrambler. The Monster 797, at ₹7.77 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), is slightly more expensive than the Scrambler, but will effectively serve as the entry-level to the range since the Scrambler’s styling isn’t for everyone.

The 797 is quite compact for an 800cc bike. Seat height is 805mm, its short wheelbase is 1,435mm, and its light dry weight of 175kg all come together to enhance that feeling of it being easy to handle. Under the hood sits an 803cc, L-twin Desmo2 engine, with maximum power and torque output of 75hp at 8,250rpm and 68.9Nm at 5,750rpm, respectively. The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox which is fitted with an APTC clutch that serves slip and assist functions. Braking is thanks to 320mm semi-floating discs with 4-piston monobloc Brembo calipers up front and a single 245mm disc with a single-piston caliper round the back.

Apart from the Bosch ABS, there isn’t much in terms of electronic interference. The 797 does have all the makings of a legitimate entry-level Ducati – it's gorgeous, well-engineered and accessible.