It's official! Italian superbike manufacturer Ducati is the latest bike maker to enter the premium end of the Indian automotive market. We had the opportunity to ride the Ducati 821 Monster around the roads of lush Chiang Mai in Thailand. The Monster's design theme follows what the management describes as "Bologna dove corre la passione" (Bologna drives passion).

 

Indeed, the Monster 821 looks strong and uncompromising, yet compact. Its muscular and sculpted 17.5-litre petrol tank combines with the signature minimalist LED headlamp unit to hold an aggressive stance. The effect is drop-dead gorgeous. Details like the double-sided swing-arm, steel handlebar, sculpted aluminium mirrors, the all-LCD instrumentation, double barrel exhaust and the exposed trellis frame only add to its charm.