The Ducati Monster took a major evolutionary step in 2021, abandoning the trellis frame that propelled naked motorcycles to stardom over a quarter-century ago. It got its Monster moniker as a reference to the bike’s Frankenstein nature: A parts-bin collection of various engine, transmission, and cooling components are pieced together within the original nest of metal bars. Now, the 2022 Ducati Monster Plus receives entirely new packaging. Here’s a look inside.
The 2022 Ducati Monster Plus has a smoother aluminum truss with styling highlighted by a “Bison” 3.7-gallon gas tank that shifts the overall profile noticeably upward, a serious departure from previous generations. Borrowed from Ducati’s Hypermotard and SuperSport 950 models, a 937cc Testrastretta four-valve twin with cylinder heads attaches directly to the frame and boosts output to 111 horsepower and 69 lb-ft of torque.
The new-to-Monster mill pumps out gobs of low-end torque but still prefers the higher rev range, while excellent throttle modulation throughout allows for a choice between easy acceleration or the gut punch of a hard launch at nearly any moment. A six-speed gearbox provides excellent shift pedal engagement and a new quickshifter function renders the adjustable shift lever largely irrelevant for smooth up and down shifts while in motion. Tall gear ratios do cause a fair amount of sputtering and lurching at low speeds, though, which leaves the scheming Monster sick of city commuting and longing to claw through the canyons or possibly even head out for some track days.
But the drivetrain’s sportier inclinations make the new bike’s more upright riding position somewhat confusing. The handlebars are higher and positioned backward, the narrow-waisted seat is scooted forward, and the Bison hump all depart from the original Monster’s exposed sportbike-meets-cafe-racer heritage. Instead, the Monster now hews closer to Hypermotard, Streetfighter, and Multistrada styling—a new design that contributes noticeably to riding dynamics.
Steady-speed cruising on the Monster reveals the two-faced nature, too, as non-adjustable Kayaba forks up front and only preload adjustment for the rear suspension gobble up most larger surface imperfections. And yet, the frame almost feels happier while leaning into a turn than going straight. Perhaps that sensation emerges from the biggest advantage to such an extreme generational redesign: weight savings. At a claimed 366 pounds dry, the Monster sheds excess poundage at nearly every component. The new engine weighs 5.3 pounds less, the front frame saves nearly 10 pounds versus the outgoing trellis, the rear subframe sheds 4.2 pounds further, and the wheels cut out another 3.8 pounds of unsprung weight. Overall, the 2022 model year tips the scales at fully 32 pounds below the outgoing 821cc bike.
Even for Ducati’s second-cheapest (or as Bologna probably prefers, the second most accessible) model, the Monster still packs plenty of tech into the picture. A jam-packed 4.3-inch digital gauge cluster (which borders on convoluted, really) displays multiple drive modes selectable via thumb controls on the left handlebar, including a lap timer, along with the typical readouts for RPM, gear selection, speed, fuel level, and temps. As an entry-level Ducati that nonetheless puts down enough power to satisfy experienced riders, safety features run the gamut from lean-sensitive anti-lock brakes to launch control, traction control, and even a wheelie control function to prevent new or tentative riders from letting their most monstrous intentions get the best of them.
But the tech never kills the fun of a peppy engine—and the 937cc unit remains the only single option available, at least for now, unlike in previous years when displacement ranged all the way up to 1200cc. Higher-spec Monsters still use the outgoing trellis frame, possibly due to supply chain issues that made 2021 model year base Monsters nearly impossible to find.
Instead of more power, the Monster Plus trim level signifies only the addition of a silly windscreen and pillion pad for the $500 price bump over the “base” bike, which starts at $11,995. For the 2023 model year, a track-tuned Monster SP model will also enter the lineup with Öhlins suspension, an upgraded Brembo Stylema front brake caliper, Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires, and a Termignoni exhaust silencer—all of which contribute to 4.4 more pounds of weight savings, not to mention plenty of style points. Good luck finding an SP from a dealer, though.
For now, all but the slowest rides in traffic or the tightest canyon curves provide a perfect opportunity to unleash the new Monster, if simply to reach high enough up into the power band that Frankenstein’s vengeance starts to stimulate the old lizard brain. But then again, would Dr. Frankenstein’s creation still scare anyone if he got a facelift that hides all the parts ingeniously cobbled together to bring him to life? Regardless, the universal appeal of the age-old story—not to mention a uniquely thrilling ride—still make the new, more modern Monster one scary-fun entrant in the prolific naked bike market.
There’s no doubt when the weather turns colder as we settle into winter, stouts take center stage. And while we enjoy all its iterations: standard stout, imperial stout, and robust barrel-aged stouts, we think this malty, chocolate-filled beer’s close cousin deserves a little respect as well. Of course, we’re talking about the oft-overlooked porter. And the best porters, oh buddy, they’ll have you rethinking your seasonal bevvie of choice.
For those uninitiated, the porter style had its genesis in England like many other iconic beer styles. It first appeared in the 1700s and is (you guessed it) named after porters—individuals tasked with transporting luggage.
A confusing origin story
“Stout is the direct descendant of porter. In the 1700s, it was common to use the word ‘stout’ to refer to a bolder, higher-alcohol version of any beer style, much in the same way we use the word ‘imperial’ today,” says Zach Fowle, advanced cicerone and head of marketing for Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. in Phoenix, AZ. “Porter was the most popular beer of the day, and over time, “stout porter” became a popular variant. But by the late 1800s, demand for regular porters evaporated, and stout porter shortened simply to stout.”
But more has changed between the 1800s and today than just our penchant for wearing top hats. “Today, most brewers seem to market beers as either stout or porter based on vibes, rather than on any notable stylistic differences,” he says.
Specifically, porters are known for their dark, almost pitch-black color and rich, sweet flavor profile. If you were to drink a porter and a stout side by side, you might even have difficulty discerning the differences between the two.
Stout versus porter is an enduring topic of discussion in the brewing industry. “While there’s no debating the porter came first—and stout used to be called stout porter, so it was a stronger version of a porter—the lines have become very blurred over the years,” says Rob Lightner, co-founder of East Brother Brewing in Richmond, CA.
“I would venture that even among professionals, a blind taste test would often yield inconclusive results,” says Lightner.
The difference between porters and stouts
Porters tend to be on the milder, more chocolatey end of the spectrum, Lightner says, whereas stouts are typically a little stronger and more roasty. Of course, this isn’t a hard and fast rule
Fowle agrees, “Porters tend to be fruitier, sweeter, and less bitter than stouts, with cocoa and caramel flavors in balance with dark malt bitterness. And stouts are usually hoppier, drier, maltier, and more coffee-forward—and may even have a touch of acidity.”
Whether or not they fit neatly into boxes, one thing’s for sure: both make for incredible cold-weather brews.
“As the nights grow longer, drinking a light, summery beer just doesn’t seem right,” says Fowle. “Porter is the perfect style for the transition to winter: warming and toasty yet not too heavy, with flavors of coffee, chocolate, and pie crust that correspond with autumn weather and holidays.”
It’s the perfect time to broaden your repretoire. Sweet, robust, warming, and well-suited to the season, here are the best porters to drink now.
1. Deschutes Black Butte Porter
There are few porters more well-respected than Deschutes’ iconic Black Butte Porter. It’s brewed with Cascade and Tettnang hops as well as 2-row, Chocolate, Crystal, and Carapils malts as well as wheat. This 5.5% ABV year-round offering is great for cold-weather drinking because of its mix of roasted malts, coffee, and chocolate. It’s a robust, subtly sweet beer perfect for imbibing on a crisp fall night.
The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.
“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.
If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.
Directions
Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.
Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength
Circuit 1
A. Barbell Back Squat
Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps
B. Renegade Row
Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side
Circuit 2
A. Dumbbell Bentover Row
Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps
B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised
Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 3
A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Circuit 4
A. Pullup
Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top. Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 5
A. Dumbbell Pushup
Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
B. Biceps Curl
Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
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If you haven’t picked up a jump rope since elementary school, you’re missing out on a fantastic cardio workout. Not only will you burn a ton of calories in a short amount of time—200 to 300 calories in 15 minutes—but jump ropes can also improve your coordination and agility. Better yet, jumping rope doesn’t require much space, so it’s easy to do at home, and it’s often more mentally stimulating than jogging or swimming.
Choosing a Jump Rope
When deciding which jump rope is best for you, it’s important to determine what your goals are. While lightweight speed ropes are popular for cardio-focused training, weighted or drag ropes will be best for those focused on strength training.
No matter what your training goals are, we’ve got you covered with this roundup of 10 jump ropes from top brands including Crossrope, TRX, Rogue, and more.
The Best Jump Ropes of 2022
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