Ducati Monster Exhaust & Accessories: Best Aftermarket Upgrades for 696, 821, and 937

by Euro Motards Performance

Since its debut in 1993, the Ducati Monster has been the iconic Italian naked bike — accessible enough for everyday riding, characterful enough to keep experienced riders engaged. Today the Monster range spans from the entry-level 797 through to the 937 (previously 821) platform, and the aftermarket support across all generations is extensive.

This guide covers the most popular and worthwhile aftermarket upgrades for the Ducati Monster, with a focus on exhaust systems, crash protection, and cockpit accessories.

Monster Exhaust Upgrades

What to Know Before Buying

The Ducati Monster uses a different exhaust configuration depending on the generation:

  • Monster 696 / 796 / 1100 (2008–2014) — classic L-twin with a high-mount rear silencer and a distinctive horizontal cylinder. These bikes have strong exhaust support from GPR, Termignoni, and others.
  • Monster 821 (2014–2020) — uses the Testastretta 11° engine with a more complex header configuration. The 821 has a side-exit exhaust in many configurations.
  • Monster 937 (2021+) — the most recent generation with a significantly revised frame and swingarm, and a new underbelly/low-mount exhaust configuration. Parts for this generation are more recent but well-supported by Italian brands.

Exhaust Options by Generation

For the Monster 696 and 796, a slip-on replacement for the rear silencer is the most common upgrade. These bikes have a particularly muffled stock exhaust (to meet EU noise limits) and benefit significantly from an aftermarket can. GPR produces direct-fit options in their Trioval and M3 Inox series that are road-legal and deliver a notably more characterful L-twin sound.

For the Monster 821, the exhaust configuration is more complex and buyers should pay careful attention to model year as there are early and late variants with different pipe routing. Slip-on systems are available from several Italian brands. A full system on the 821 delivers the most significant performance and weight saving, as the stock headers and cat are quite heavy.

For the Monster 937, the aftermarket is growing and several brands now offer both slip-on and full system options. The underbelly exhaust configuration of the 937 is quite different from earlier Monsters so parts are not cross-compatible between generations.

Crash Protection for the Ducati Monster

The Monster is a naked bike, which means there's no fairing to protect the engine and frame in a fall — but it also means frame sliders can be fitted without cutting bodywork.

CNC Racing and Ducabike both produce fitment-specific frame sliders for the Monster range. These mount to the engine case bolts or dedicated frame points and protrude to the side, protecting the engine and frame from direct contact with the ground in a tip-over.

Key crash protection items for the Monster:

  • Frame sliders — essential for track day riders; also useful for urban riders who park in busy areas
  • Engine case protectors — small bolt-on guards that protect the clutch and alternator covers from abrasion in a fall
  • Axle sliders — protect the front and rear wheel axles, which are exposed on the Monster

Cockpit Upgrades: Ducabike for the Monster

Ducabike produces some of their best work for the Monster platform. Popular upgrades include:

  • Billet handlebar clamps — adjustable height and offset, available in multiple colours. These are a visible, tactile upgrade that significantly improves the quality feel of the cockpit.
  • Clutch cover — on older dry-clutch Monster models (696, 796, earlier 1100), a transparent or decorative clutch cover that shows the working clutch mechanism is one of the most iconic Ducabike products.
  • Levers — adjustable CNC aluminium brake and clutch levers in multiple colour options, typically in matching anodised finishes (black, red, gold, titanium).
  • Bar ends — billet aluminium bar ends to replace the stock rubber items, available in complementary colours.

Which Colour to Choose?

Both CNC Racing and Ducabike offer their aluminium components in multiple anodised finishes. The most popular choices for the Monster, historically, are:

  • Red — matches well with Monster Red bodywork; classic Ducati pairing
  • Gold — popular on black-bodied Monsters for contrast
  • Black — clean, subtle look on any colour Monster

The critical thing is consistency — choose one colour for your aluminium parts and stick to it across the bike for a coherent look.

Buying Tips: Check Your Model Year

The Monster has been through several significant revisions over its 30-year history. When purchasing:

  • Double-check the compatibility list — Monster 821 parts are not compatible with Monster 696/796 and vice versa
  • Monster 937 (2021+) parts are a separate fitment from all earlier models
  • Some parts (particularly clutch covers) are specific to dry-clutch or wet-clutch variants
  • If unsure, contact us at sales@euromotards.com with your year, variant, and what you're looking for

Browse our full range of Ducati Monster parts including exhaust systems and crash protection at Euro Motards Performance, with fitment-specific listings across all Monster generations.

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