How do you celebrate your 30th birthday? In Ducati’s case, they are announcing a special-edition version of their most popular naked bike ever. The new Ducati Monster 30° Anniversario debuted over the weekend as their first release of 2024, bringing some performance modifications and a whole lot of bling to the lineup.
Unlike the OG Monster of the 1990s, the new machine is liquid-cooled and fuel-injected; the name is the same, but even the classic trellis frame is gone. This is the 2020-announced platform, which draws many design elements from the Panigale superbike lineup and uses the 937 cc Testastretta L-twin that Ducati also ran in the SuperSport (which is itself derived from earlier Ducati engines).
The 30° Anniversario model sees no performance updates, so expect the same power output (111 hp and 69 lb-ft of torque). There’s a new Termignoni exhaust, but that probably adds more noise than horsepower—but at least it does cut weight!
This whole bike has gone on a serious diet, with a wet weight of 184 kilos, down 4 kg from the standard model. Other weight-reducing parts include a lithium-ion battery, new Ohlins NIX30 front suspension, Brembo Stylema brake calipers up front, and forged rims. Ducati added a steering damper and a small windscreen, but managed to keep the weight down nevertheless.
The electronics package includes leaning-sensitive ABS and traction control, along with wheelie and launch control to help you keep the bike in line and upright. There are also three ride modes, to help you adapt power output and delivery to your riding situation.
And then, there’s a special paint job, as you’d expect for a special-edition machine like this (only 500 units sold worldwide). Ducati’s press release says:
Its true nature emerges at the very first glance thanks to the Tricolour 30th Anniversary livery inspired by the sportiest Monsters of the past. This livery celebrates Made in Italy, of which Ducati is an ambassador, and is embellished by the gold colour of the rims, specially made for this model, and of the Öhlins NIX30 fork. Other distinctive elements of this model are a seat embellished with an embroidered 30-year logo and the dedicated animation of the dashboard that starts when the ignition is switched on. Finally, each motorcycle is made unique by a plate on the upper clamp with the model’s name and copy number, certificate of authenticity and dedicated motorcycle cover.
But with all this change, we also see the new Duc is no longer a cheap naked bike! Canadian MSRP is $21,595. More details at Ducati’s website here.
Actually, given the catalytic converter in the exhaust system, the Termi exhaust pipes are more decoration than a device to set off car alarms. Now, if you de-cat the bike, you have a different story.