The Ducati Monster 821, introduced in 2014, is part of the iconic Monster family that revolutionized the naked bike segment. This custom iteration of that same model is the work of French builder Jérémie Duchampt, aka Jerem Motorcycles. Sporting drastically revised proportions and a vibrant new color scheme it’s a far cry from Miguel Galluzzi’s original vision yet this custom Monster demands just as much attention.
The 821 was hailed as the user-friendly Ducati Monster. Powered by the same 8-valve V-twin found in the corresponding year Hypermotard, it offered Ducatista 107 manageable horses and a tune well suited to city riding. The 821 also holds a significant place in the Monster’s evergreen lineage since it was one of the last models to sport the iconic trellis frame that was arguably one of the best features of Monster styling.
Beyond the showy color scheme of this 821, several dramatic modifications are sure to raise the eyebrows of seasoned Monster fans. Amongst them is the heavily modified rear end.
First and foremost is a new subframe, or lack thereof. To create the new look Jérémie removed the conveniently bolt-on stock subframe and replaced it with one of his design. Jérémie’s Monoposto design uses a trellis structure that complements the rest of the frame and adds ample strength to the structure. Atop the subframe sits a custom seat built for one. Upholstered by Yaya Brush Sellerie, it features two types of fabric with contrasting stitching to create a look that is both elegant and modern.
Beneath the seat are twin carbon and titanium-tipped mufflers by Firetorch. The new cans hang off a full stainless custom exhaust that uses pie-cut sections to reach its destination. The new system is reminiscent of the under-seat slung systems seen on many of Ducati’s sportbikes and early model Monsters. In addition to the seat and exhaust the frame is also sporting a set of tiny Kellermann LED brake/turn signals and a Motogadget keyless ignition fob integrated into its design.
Another of the drastic changes to this Monster’s rear is the conversion to a single-sided swingarm. Transplanted from a Monster 1200S it brings with it an Ohlins monoshock that further simplifies things. Both wheels are custom additions too, also hailing from the 1200S donor. Jérémie painstakingly machined and fabricated the parts to get them to mate with the 821. Once fit he wrapped them in purposeful Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa rubber and rebuilt the forks and brakes to optimize their performance.
Although less striking in its appearance the front end of this 821 boasts plenty of custom tweaks. The laundry list of custom parts includes new clip-ons, an LED headlight with halo DRL, tiny Kellerman turn signals, aftermarket grips, bar end mirrors, controls by Accossato, and a trick Jerem Motorcycles plate identifying this bike as Jérémie’s 17th creation. The changes continue with a custom-made aluminum front fender, rear set footpegs from CNC Racing, and a bespoke belly pan.
A custom Ducati isn’t complete without a spattering of performance parts and this 821 is no exception. the bike now benefits from a Ducabike hydraulic clutch conversion, GB Racing water pump, and CNC racing slave cylinder. There are also plenty of carbon fiber engine components to shave a few grams from the curb weight and a trick see-through clutch cover so onlookers can marvel at the oil tumbling around inside the basket.
Completing the work is a paint scheme that’s very hard to miss. The stock Monster tank, fork legs, and subframe have been finished in vibrant Alpine Blue. Jérémie has paired the blue with a gold-painted chassis and gold anodized aftermarket additions for a refined finish. Coined the ‘Icon’, this 821 is a bold statement, and while some Ducatista may label it sacrilege, we think it’s nothing short of magnifico.