The story of the Ducati Monster began in 1993. A punchy V-twin, a frame derived from a superbike and as little else as possible made up the recipe back then. For the 2027 model year, Ducati's Monster Dark also revives the dark look that was already part of the very first Monster generation. The idea behind it: a naked bike focused on the essentials, aimed at experienced Monsteristi and anyone stepping into the Ducati world for the first time.
Ducati Monster Dark 2027: Blacked-out look with 111 hp
Stripped-back look, V-twin and valve check only every 45,000 km
Black wheels, dark paint and deliberately exposed components: the Monster Dark takes Ducati's naked bike back to the essentials. Beneath the stripped-back look lies modern tech. What's included, and what stays an accessory?
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Der Horvath
published on 10/29/2026
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The Monster Dark goes back to its roots
890 V-twin with 111 hp and long intervals
At its heart is the 890 cc Ducati V-twin with IVT (Intake Valve Timing) variable intake valve timing. Ducati quotes 111 hp at 9,000 rpm and 91.1 Nm at 7,250 rpm. More than 80 percent of peak torque is said to be available between 4,000 and 10,000 rpm. Ducati thus promises a broad, usable spread for the road. A version restricted to 35 kW has also been announced for A2 licence holders.
The 890 cc V-twin sits beneath the Monster Dark's distinctive tank.
The workshop schedule is also part of this engine's story. According to Ducati, the valve clearance check, including any necessary adjustment, is only due every 45,000 km. This figure explicitly refers to the valve check, not to all maintenance work. On paper, the Dark therefore combines sporty performance figures with long valve clearance intervals.
Monocoque, Showa and Brembo as the foundation
The aluminium monocoque frame continues the superbike principle Ducati likes to emphasise. At the rear, the design combines a technopolymer structure with a steel trellis frame. Ducati quotes the weight as 175 kg ready to ride without fuel. So this is not a weight fueled up figure. Seat height is 815 mm. Together with the slim build, it should make it easier to get your feet on the ground, while the handlebar and footpeg layout is meant to combine sporty riding with a relaxed riding position.
The Showa shock allows spring preload adjustment.
Up front there's a 43 mm Showa upside-down fork, at the rear a Showa shock with adjustable spring preload. For stopping power, Ducati lists Brembo M4.32 calipers and a radial PR16/21 master cylinder. The black wheels are shod with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres in 120/70 front and 180/55 rear sizes.
Four riding modes and rider aids with six-axis IMU
When it comes to electronics, the Dark is anything but spartan. A six-axis IMU forms the basis of the rider aid package. As standard, Ducati lists cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Wheelie Control and Engine Brake Control, each with multi-level adjustable intervention. The four riding modes are Sport, Road, Urban and Wet. Urban is designed to help especially in city traffic and while getting used to the bike, while Sport is intended for dynamic riding. Ducati Power Launch for assisted starts is available as an option.
Everything is operated via a joystick on the handlebar. The 5-inch colour TFT offers a 16:9 format and a resolution of 800 x 400 pixels. The bike is prepped for the Ducati Multimedia System and turn-by-turn navigation. On top of that come full LED lighting with daytime running light and static indicators.
The Monster Dark features full LED lighting with daytime running light and static indicators.
Blacked-out look with exposed engineering
The Dark livery, all-black wheels and a seat finished in a single upholstery material define the look. The front frame, exhaust end caps and intake snorkels remain unpainted and visible. Ducati retains the signature contours: the headlight sits between the distinctive shoulders of the bison-back-inspired tank. A one-piece seat for rider and pillion plus a short, lightweight tail complete the silhouette. The reduction therefore mainly concerns the design, while the electronics package remains extensive.
Black wheels and the Dark livery define the stripped-back look.
Accessories, availability and the open question of price
Anyone wanting to kit out their Monster Dark will find, according to Ducati, cruise control, a pillion seat cover and a windscreen among the accessories on offer. Ducati Quick Shift is listed there too. Selection is done via the configurator on Ducati.com. Ducati also points to helmets, jackets and trousers for Monster riders. No specific delivery date for Austria or Germany has been given yet. The German list price is €11,990 incl. 19% VAT plus delivery charges (amounting to 305), in Austria it costs 13,995.00 incl. 17% NoVA.
More Ducati news
FAQ: Ducati Monster Dark 2027
How much power does the Ducati Monster Dark have? According to Ducati, the 890 cc V-twin produces 111 hp at 9,000 rpm. Peak torque is 91.1 Nm at 7,250 rpm.
Is there a version for the A2 licence? Yes, Ducati has announced a version restricted to 35 kW.
What do the quoted 175 kg mean? Ducati uses this figure for the ready-to-ride weight without fuel. Seat height is 815 mm.
When is the valve clearance check due? According to the manufacturer, every 45,000 km. This does not imply an equally long interval for all service work.
How much does the Monster Dark cost? The German list price is €11,990 incl. 19% VAT plus delivery charges (amounting to 305), in Austria it costs 13,995.00 incl. 17% NoVA.
Ducati Monster Dark 2027: Blacked-out look with 111 hp Images
Source: 1000PS
The Monster Dark pairs its familiar silhouette with a stealthy look.
The left-side view highlights the compact lines.
The tank and one-piece seat define the Monster’s silhouette.
The headlight sits below the broad shoulders of the tank.
The V-twin has a displacement of 890 cc and features IVT variable intake valve timing.
Ducati quotes 111 hp at 9,000 rpm for the V2.
According to the manufacturer, peak torque is 91.1 Nm.
The spring preload on the Showa shock can be adjusted.
Brembo M4.32 brake calipers handle braking duties up front.
The black wheels are shod with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres.
The right-side view shows the chassis, engine and exhaust system.
The Dark’s indicators are fixed in place.
The front view shows the lighting and wide handlebar.
Full-LED lighting and daytime running lights are part of the standard equipment.
The short tail section houses the one-piece seat for two.
The Ducati logo stands out against the tank’s dark finish.
The intake opening is integrated into the tank’s side profile.
The overhead view reveals the shape of the tank.
The exhaust end caps remain visible and unpainted on the Dark.
The seat uses a uniform cover material.
The tank shoulders frame the side air intake.
The slim transition to the seat is part of the Monster’s design.
The side fairing also features the Monster logo.
The angled view shows the headlight and the sculpted shoulders of the tank.
The rear view shows the taillight, seat and exhaust system.
According to Ducati, the Dark can be fitted with a passenger seat cover.
Ducati announces the arrival of the Monster Dark in dealerships.