Refraining from flaunting the brashness of the Monster 1200, the new Monster 821 takes those ingredients of 1200 that make it so enticing and presents it in a form that comes across as measured. Donning a new bodywork, the Monster 821 is stylish yet utilitarian, practical yet exciting, thoroughly modern yet consciously linked to its glorious past. A user-friendly package suitable for less experienced riders, the Monster 821 looks elegant and sophisticated. Over the one it replaces, the naked middle-weight bike packs a tank and a tail section that has been redesigned to look like those of the Monster 1200. Structured on a trellis frame, the Monster 821 may not offer touring-level comfort with the near flat handlebar demanding the arms to outstretch, or the knees to bend as the footpegs are placed higher.
MULTIPLE RIDING MODES
Feeling far more refined than the one it replaces, the bike is powered by a 108bhp 821cc L-Twin liquid cooled and fuel injected motor that acts like a stretched member of the frame. There is a quality about the L-Twin motor that attracts; it retains its mechanical character despite gaining manifold in refinement. If the throttle-by-wire feature points at a modern touch, the Monster 821 comes with multiple riding modes (Sport, Touring and Urban) that automatically adjust engine output, throttle response, ABS and traction control. Producing 86Nm of peak torque at 7750rpm, the bike responds well and quickly. Displaying surprising agility, and an ability to alter speed almost at any rpm and in any gear with a mere twist of the throttle, the Monster 821 shows no shortage of bark to the exhaust or the rowdy feel to the engine. The throttle response is crisp. Encouraging acceleration bursts, the bike lives up to its name.
A BRILLIANT COLOUR TFT DISPLAY
Laced with a brilliant colour TFT display that is easy to read even in daylight, the Monster 821 in Sport mode feels brisk and capable. Supporting three-digit speeds, the bike, with the clutch action quite progressive, makes for a rewarding experience. If the low-speed performance ensures a distinct advantage with its smooth delivery, the bike, in Urban mode, makes the same amount of power but bats for milder responses. An impressive electronics package that can be customised to the rider’s style of riding with eight-level traction control and three-level ABS thrown in for good measure. The Monster 821 is quite a rewarding bike to ride. The ride is pliant, even a bit on the softer side. Road irregularities are dealt with a good ability to absorb what is thrown at it, the bike, with an offset monoshock that can be adjusted for preload, aids the rider to tune it to suit his requirement. A 320mm twin-disc setup at the front and 245mm single disc setup at the rear makes for a strong bite. With a progressive feel at the lever, the brakes inspire confidence. The near flat handlebar does mean that it can require some effort to get the lever to act. The best part is easily the trellis frame. It facilitates the rider to not worry about the 206kg kerb weight of the bike as he takes to a twisty mountain road and clocks three-digit speed on the highway. The chassis is nicely set to ensure a high level of handling finesse.
VERDICT
If it can hold against the competition, the Monster 821 is a naked bike with enough oomph that keeps the connection with the Monster theme alive and kicking. It is perhaps so engrossed to keep the connection alive that it does not much bother about how good or strong the competition is. Weaving a strong case of minimalism, the Monster 821 may not be the sharpest or the most explosive in its class, but this middle-weight Italian machine, priced at Rs 9.5 lakh approx (ex-showroom), offers an interesting riding experience.
Pros: Attractive naked styling, agile and responsive, handling
Cons: Price
