2020 Ducati Monster 821 Stealth: Matte black loud pack

This middleweight Monster looks mean and has a big bark, but won't bite you.

That friendliness is down to Ducati's excellent frame geometry, stellar electronics suite and tractable engine.

Don't get me wrong, it still looks and feels like the Italian exotic that you'd expect, just not so intimidating.

The 821-cc L-twin engine makes 109 epic-sounding horsepower and plenty of torque.

But it's delivered in a way that's tractable and easy on new riders.

The Monster 821 Stealth also has a solid gearbox with a standard quickshifter that makes riding the canyons a blast.

My highly-accessorized test bike is just the right side of too much with all its carbon and milled aluminum bits.

The controls are typical modern Ducati -- simple and nicely laid out.

The Monster is unique among many motorcycles thanks to its big aluminum lever that simplifies tank removal.

The flyscreen and LED lighting add to the look but also make riding nicer thanks to the increased wind protection and conspicuity.