2016 YAMAHA XSR900 VS. 2016 DUCATI MONSTER 821
COMPARISON TEST
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>>SECOND OPINION – CRISTI FARRELL
It's the reason why you tune out midconversation and turn
your head to catch a glimpse of that throaty bass note in
action. The sound of a Ducati engine is unmistakable; dare
I even say…sexy? Sitting on the 2016 Ducati Monster 821,
I fell under its spell and revved the throttle like an overeager
sportbike rider at a stoplight.
Surprised to say I was disappointed before reaching the
next stoplight. The throttle response was not as smooth
nor the power delivery as linear as its competition in this
comparison, the 2016 Yamaha XSR900. The throttle
response on the Monster 821 was reminiscent of the FZ-09
in its introductory year in 2013. Much like the XSR900 with
A, B, and Standard ECU mapping modes, the Monster 821
has its own equivalent Sport, Urban, and Touring modes.
The throttle sensitivity issue on the Monster 821, however,
felt like it propagated itself across all three modes. Having
thoroughly enjoyed logging miles deep in the north Geor-
gian mountains a few months back on a Multistrada, I was
hoping this version of the Testastretta engine would have
a similar feel in its transitions between gears and modes.
After the Monster's 23rd year of production, there still is no
cure for seared thighs as a result of the radiant heat from
between engine and exhaust. The criticism seems harsh,
but after logging close to 1000 miles on the XSR900 for a
