The first time I twisted the throttle of the Ducati Monster SP at the base of Dalhousie’s serpentine roads, I felt it. That signature Ducati growl. That sharp pull from the V2. That instant understanding: this wasn’t just another naked bike, this was a Monster reborn.

Runs on a 111 hp engine

The 937 cc Testastretta 11° engine, shared with the Hypermotard and Multistrada, has found a thrilling new home here. With 111 horses under me and 93 Nm of torque, I found myself launching out of corners with the kind of urgency that only a well-tuned V2 can deliver. There’s no lag, no hesitation, just linear, potent power delivery from low down to the rev ceiling. Even as we climbed the cold, pine-covered slopes of Dalhousie, the engine stayed composed. It never felt strained, not even on aggressive hairpins or while overtaking tourist-packed SUVs on narrow stretches. Ducati’s revised electronics, combined with a slipper clutch and bi-directional quickshifter, made for seamless downshifts on steep descents and buttery-smooth upshifts during quick sprints between bends. There’s something intensely raw yet refined about this Monster. It doesn’t shout, it sings. And every gear change feels like part of a perfect symphony written for this twisty mountain stage.

New in 2023: Ducati Monster SP

Ducati didn’t just refresh the Monster for 2023. They reimagined it. The Monster SP is a leaner, meaner version of an already proven platform. From the moment I swung a leg over the SP and clicked into gear, the difference was clear. It’s not just about aesthetics, though the MotoGP-inspired red livery turns heads even in sleepy Himachal towns, it’s about attitude. Let’s talk numbers. The Monster SP shaves off weight compared to the standard model, tipping the scales at a nimble 188 kg. And that weight loss shows. In quick switchbacks around Subhash Baoli and during aggressive push-pull maneuvers on the Mall Road’s less-traveled outskirts, the SP felt almost telepathic. The Öhlins suspension, fully adjustable and with extended travel front and rear, was the real game changer. It soaked up uneven tarmac with poise and kept the front end composed, even when I braked hard into off-camber turns. I hit a few unexpected mid-corner bumps, and not once did I feel unsettled. Riding modes, Sport, Road, and Wet, were easy to toggle via the crisp 4.3-inch TFT screen. I stayed mostly in Sport, because, well, when you’re in the mountains on a Monster SP, why wouldn’t you? And then there’s the electronics suite: Launch Control, Traction Control, Cornering ABS, Wheelie Control, it’s all there. But what’s beautiful is that it doesn’t interfere until it’s needed. The system doesn’t over-police you. Instead, it quietly works in the background, allowing you to push hard while staying just this side of safety. In essence, the Monster SP is a celebration of Ducati’s sporting DNA in a streetfighter’s clothes. It’s light, it’s tight, and it’s brutally fun.

Technical data Ducati Monster

Manufacturer information	specifications
Motor	2 cylinder, 90° V-engine, 937 cc displacement, 82.0 kW at 9250 rpm, max. torque 93.0 at 6500 rpm, 4 valves/cylinder, injection system, liquid cooling
Assistance systems	also available with 34 kW, cornering ABS, traction and wheelie control, various driving and performance modes as standard, quick shifter,
chassis	Aluminum front frame; 43 mm upside-down telescopic fork, 130 mm travel; aluminum rear double-sided swing arm, 140 mm travel;
Mass	Unladen weight approx. 190 kg, gross vehicle weight 414 kg; length/width/height 2129 / 868 / 1236 mm, seat height 775/800/820 mm; fuel tank capacity 14.0 l
Brakes	kA, front disc, 320 mm, rear disc, 245 mm
Performance / Consumption	Top speed kA km/h, 5.2 l/100 km
Price	12,390 euros

Conclusion

Dalhousie might be known for its quiet charm, but the Ducati Monster SP lit up its roads like a firecracker on Diwali night. As I parked near the colonial churches and wiped road dust off the tank, a passerby asked, “Is that a Ducati?” “Yes,” I replied, grinning. “But not just any Ducati. This one’s the Monster SP.” It’s hard to define the exact emotion the SP delivers. It’s not just speed or power. It’s the way the bike reacts when you think, not just when you act. The way it dives into corners like it’s chasing something. The way it urges you to push harder but never punishes you for being human. Sure, some purists still mourn the loss of the iconic trellis frame. But ride the SP, and you realize Ducati didn’t abandon their heritage, they evolved it. This isn’t a bike for everyone. It’s for those who see a winding road and can’t help but chase its end. For those who want the soul of a sportbike with the streetwise nature of a naked. For riders who, like me, believe that some motorcycles don’t just move, they move you. And in that cold, crisp mountain air of Dalhousie, the Monster SP did exactly that.