Finally presented to the world and available in April is the new Monster 696.
Not just a mere restyling on the previous version, this is a brand new, naked bike.
Each single element of the chassis and the engine has been created and cared for down to the very last detail.
The sinuous and elegant lines, slim at the waist, are emphasized by the wider handles, offering ideal ergonomic driving for every style, both in city traffic and on windy roads.
Chassis technology is the same as the Ducati Desmosedici, unquestionable queen of the MotoGP Championship, while the power and elasticity derive from the legendary twin-cylinder L engine.
Given these technical factors, the Monster 696 is a pleasure to drive in any situation, city and country driving, particularly mountains.
Ducati Monster 696 The new driving position of the Monster 696 guarantees total comfort and control for the rider.
Anyone can “dominate” with ease thanks to the high seat at only 770mm from the ground, and an intuitive and ergonomic position for the handles, with functional and soft controls.
The instrumentation is completely digital allowing for easy performance control and visibility of all information included in the “on-board computer”.
With just one touch of the finger, information available includes maintenance advice, oil and air temperature, mileage, revs, petrol reserve light, low oil pressure notice, indicators and immobilizer.
The DDA (Ducati Data Analyser) is also available, as is data gathering.
Scroll comands are equipped on the left handle so the driver never has to let go of the controls.
The tank has been re-shaped and re-positioned to allow for maximum control and comfort.
The thinner sides of the 696 easily allow the rider to place feet comfortably on the ground, and compared to previous models it has the advantage of an entirely new riding position for greater comfort and control for a sporty drive.
A big change for the Monster 696 is the reduced weight – making it the lightest bike in its class.
At only 161 kg it has been reduced by seven kilograms.
Safety and comfort of the passenger has also been a priority with two comfortable and robust handles being included under the seat: a perfect solution that increases safety while taking nothing away from the bike’s design.
The bike now includes a Hybrid Trellis frame based on the 2007 World MotoGP title-winning Desmosedici GP7 machine.
Attached to this is a rear aluminium sub-frame.
Additional aesthetic elements enable colour change of the tank and removable rear seat cover.
Great handling and exceptional control are enhanced by a Showa fork at 43 mm and the rear includes a Sachs shock absorber.
Brake system includes the new Brembo with two front 320mm discs and four-piston radial calipers.
The rear brakes are at 245 mm with a dual-sided aluminium swingarm.
The Monster 696 has a new exhaust system with re-routed downpipes giving the underside of the Monster a cleaner appearance, and twin, bold Ducati-style mufflers.
The engine is an evolution of the previous 695 version.
At 696cc, power is boosted to 80hp (up 9%) and the torque is 50.
6lb-ft.
This is still the best horsepower per litre ratio of Ducati’s range of air-cooled units.
For a more sporty drive the 696 has an advanced APTC (Adler Power Torque Clutch) clutch and the bike comes in classic colours with some new options.
All this means that fans, who have always been inspired and fascinated by the Monster, can still enjoy the legend of its technology and class, while also including some personal options through refined design accessories.
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