When we covered the fifth-generation Monster last fall, the story was the new 890cc V2 alongside a curb weight that clocked in at under 390 pounds. Twelve months later, Bologna is reaching into the family photo album, reviving a Monster bad from the ’90s. It wears no red, no white, and barely any paint at all. Say hello to the 2027 Ducati Monster Dark.
Back in Black Since 1998
Ducati introduced the livery on the first-generation Monster, and the 1998 M600 Dark turned a matte black tank and a skinny price tag into an entire generation’s first set of Ducati keys.
And that’s exactly the job description here as well. Ducati pitches the Dark as the purest take on its founding “Everything you need, nothing more” formula, and it rings true right down to an A2-friendly version for fresh licenses in Europe.
Zero Detuning Detected
Underneath that blackout frame sits the same fifth-gen Monster that impressed us last fall. The 890cc V2 still produces 111 horsepower and 67 lb-ft of torque.
The aluminum monocoque chassis, 386-pound curb weight, and 32.1-inch seat height all carry over untouched. Same goes for the Showa suspension, the Brembo M4.32 monoblocs clamping 320mm discs, and the Pirelli Diablo Rosso IVs.
Even the electronics survive the price cut, with a 6-axis IMU running cornering ABS, traction, wheelie, and engine brake control across four ride modes.
So Where Did the Savings Come From?
Mostly from the paint booth Ducati skipped. The Dark Stealth treatment pairs black wheels and a single-material seat with a raw, unpainted front frame, intake snorkel, and exhaust end caps that really play into the mechanical look.
Dynamic turn signals have become static units, and the up/down quickshifter moves to the accessory catalog (which is our only real gripe here).
At $12,995, the Dark slides in $300 under the standard Monster and a full grand below the Monster+. To hammer the point home, Ducati launched it with an IMLegend campaign starring Marc Marquez, Troy Bayliss, and Carl Fogarty.
Spec Sheet
Model: Ducati Monster Dark
Model Year: 2027
Engine: 890cc Liquid-Cooled 90° V2 w/ Variable Intake Timing
Power: 111 HP @ 9,000 RPM
Torque: 67 LB-FT @ 7,250 RPM
Transmission: 6-Speed
Weight: 386 LBs (No Fuel)
Seat Height: 32.1 Inches
Suspension: Showa 43mm USD Fork & Preload-Adjustable Monoshock
Brakes: Brembo M4.32 Monoblocs w/ Cornering ABS
Tires: Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV
Colorway: Dark Stealth
MSRP: $12,995
Pricing & Availability
The Ducati Monster Dark lands at dealers this month with a $12,995 MSRP, making it the least expensive route into the Monster range by $300. European riders can also spec a 35kW A2-compliant version. Head over to Ducati’s website to build yours.
Recap
2027 Ducati Monster Dark
Ducati revives its budget-black Dark badge for the fifth-gen Monster, undercutting the rest of the range while keeping the 111HP V2 fully intact.
