Short for “Sport Production,” Ducati’s SP monicker is a title that’s traditionally been reserved for the Italian marque’s high-performance homologation special superbikes. However, for the very first time, the Borgo Panigale firm has applied the SP badge to a non-superbike (or naked superbike) model with the all-new Ducati Monster SP.
After already giving the iconic naked motorcycle a major overhaul and facelift for its latest model year, Ducati has now treated the Monster to a host of track-focused upgrades. Starting with its suspension, the Monster SP has been gifted a top-of-the-line Öhlins NIX30 fork that’s now backed by the addition of a steering damper. For the SP-spec Monster’s braking hardware, Ducati has opted for equally-premium Brembo Stylema front calipers. Another major upgrade on the SP-spec is its exhaust system, which now culminates in a blacked-out twin Termignoni silencer setup complete with carbon fiber end-caps. Additionally, the Monster SP’s fully-adjustable electronics package — which includes cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, and launch control— has also been recalibrated for better track performance.
In addition to boasting the same 366-lb dry weight as the regular version of the Monster, the SP spec also maintains the base model’s 937cc L-Twin’s power output of 111hp and 69ft-lbs of torque. The entire bike has also been cloaked in a special livery that’s inspired by Ducati’s factory team’s Desmosedici GP MotoGP bike. Other highlights include special SP graphics and badging, Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires, a bum-stop-equipped monoposto tail cowl, and a lightweight, race-spec Lithium-ion battery. And, while the SP’s bevy of upgrades is largely track-focused, Ducati has still tuned the motorcycle for spirited on-road riding, with slightly looser suspension than one would see on a full-on track bike.
The Ducati Monster SP is available now, with pricing starting at $15,595.
