I picked up the new 2026 Monster V2 a couple months ago and riding it has been a blast!

I'm coming from a 2008 Triumph Street Triple which had f\*ck all for rider aids so this is like teleporting into the future. The quick shifter is probably my favorite new feature. I'm also a sucker for little things like the sequential turn signals, temperature displays (both ambient and engine), battery voltage and a proper fuel gauge lol (although tbh I find the fuel gauge just gives me range anxiety).

So far I've done a few simple mods:

* Rizoma tail tidy
* Termignoni slip-on
* Euro-style front turn indicators

I might spring for the cruise control eventually but not jazzed about paying for a software locked feature.

Otherwise the ride is great, engine feels smooth with plenty of power. It's a little windy on the highway but manageable. I don't notice excessive heat in slower traffic like some of the bigger Ducatis (it does get warm though). I do miss the extra gallon that my Street Triple had; the Monster only has a 3.7 gallon tank. I've been getting \~42 mpg (similar to the Triumph).

I might spring for the Rizoma Stealth Max mirrors or the fly screen or belly pan when they become available but let's see. Happy riding!

New Ducati Monster V2 Thoughts