Ducati Monster 696

As the naked motorcycle segment continues to grow across the world, Ducati continues to listen to riders of their famed Monster line, making improvements every year.

Ducati Monster 696, the Italian manufacturer took much rider advice, and added a 20mm bar-riser for added comfort, 43mm Marzocchi front suspension, and two new color schemes. For added safety, the Monster is also offered with optional ABS.

Ducati maintains the "less-is-more" philosophy in the naked motorcycle segment, and this is what continually makes the Monster 696 a global leader. Every feature on this machine was carefully designed, including the race-derived chassis and the legendary Ducati L-Twin engine that powers the Monster 696.

Monster 696: Power Trip

The 696 engine produces 80hp (59kW) and 50.6lb-ft (7kgm) of torque ensuring a smooth and powerful delivery for a relaxed and enjoyable ride as well competitive and owner-friendly service intervals of 7,500 miles (12,000 kilometers).

The highly efficient, lightweight engine uses a bore and stroke of 88 x 57.2mm and, like the 796, features an advanced APTC ‘wet' clutch. With a ‘slipper' type action that prevents destabilizing of the rear-end under aggressive down-shifting, the APTC clutch also gives the extra benefit of a super-light feel at the lever, a great benefit in stop-start city traffic.

The oil-bath clutch represents a power-enhancing weight reduction over the ‘dry' system as well as having a considerably quieter operation.

Providing a deep and rich exhaust tone within current regulations is no mean feat, but the Monster 696 definitely provides Ducati's famous L-Twin sound.

Its bold, high-level twin mufflers not only make a striking style statement, but also provide a healthy increase in both power and torque and a discrete positioning for two lambda exhaust gas sensors, crucial for the optimization of fuelling and emissions.

Monster 696: High-Tech Chassis / Suspension / Brakes

An immensely strong but light tubular steel Trellis frame with aluminum rear sub-frame is the visual and structural backbone of all the Monsters. Delivering unparalleled rigidity with minimal mass, the frame design is pure Ducati in its ingenuity and simplicity and also enables a very useful 64 degrees of lock-to-lock steering travel.

The brand new lightweight aluminum sub-frame maintains visual continuity with the aluminum footrest hangers and swingarm, and is designed to accept a passenger-friendly grab-rail kit available from Ducati Performance. The kit further enhances passenger ride comfort without compromising the Monster's stylish lines.

Outstanding handling and control is now provided by brand new 43mm Marzocchi forks offering 120mm (4.7in) of finely controlled travel. At the rear, a progressive Sachs monoshock unit provides adjustability in both spring preload and damping.

Lightweight 3-spoke aluminum alloy wheels increase agility and reduce rider effort and use 120/60ZR front and 160/60ZR rear Pirelli Angel ST tyres. The end result provides a light, predictable and confidence- inspiring "feel" with outstanding stability at a wide range of speeds.

The Brembo brakes deliver exceptional braking power front and rear, enhancing rider safety. 320mm front floating discs are gripped by four-piston, radially mounted callipers, while a 245mm rear disc works in combination with a twin-piston calliper. This powerful braking set-up offers unrivalled feel and feedback that inspires confidence across a broader spectrum of riding abilities. Riders looking for even more security will benefit from the optional ABS system.

The optional ABS is designed to reduce the risk of wheel-lock under heavy braking or when braking in low grip conditions; the system reads wheel speed data from phonic wheel sensors to detect potential wheel lock. If the wheel speed differential falls below a specific safety limit, the control unit immediately reduces the brake system pressure to the appropriate caliper to avoid wheel lock.

The pressure reduction on each individual braking circuit is activated by electronically controlled valves, which then close as the wheel speed differential moves away from a locking scenario.

Every carefully selected component of the Monster 696 has a net benefit to the overall lightweight of the machine. The dry weight of 161kg (355lb) not only enhances maneuverability and ease of use, but also contributes directly to increased performance of both braking and acceleration.

Monster 696: Essential Instrumentation
Looking clean and minimalist in true Monster style, the brightly illuminated display provides all essential data by default, and even more by scrolling with the left-hand switchgear.

Data includes speed, revs, time, scheduled maintenance, oil temperature and battery voltage, while warning lights illuminate for oil pressure, fuel reserve, turn indicators, high beam and neutral selection.

In addition, the instruments present a reserve fuel trip, immobilizer status and automatic light-off function after 60 seconds with the key on as well as a memory to store lap times recorded by using the high-beam flash button as a stopwatch.

Monster 696: Riding with Ease
The riding position of the Monster 696 has been specifically designed to put the rider firmly in control. With its low 770mm (30.3in) seat height, new 20mm higher, easy-to-reach handlebar position and user-friendly 4- point adjustable levers suitable for all hand sizes, every rider will find it easy to master.

The beautifully sculpted fuel tank cover allows maximum comfort and control and the narrowing of the ‘waist' area of the 696 has the same effect as lowering the seat height, making it easier to get both feet flat on the ground.

Careful attention to every detail has led to a substantial weight saving, making the Monster 696 the lightest in its class at an impressive 161kg (355lb) (dry weight). Passenger comfort and safety are also carefully considered, with neat, under-seat grab handles molded into the seat unit maximizing pillion security without detracting from the legendary Monster 696 styling.

Monster 696+
Throughout its long and established history, the Monster's cult following has always attracted personalization. With Ducati's tempting in-house accessory range offering so many custom-fit parts, nearly every Monster is different.

The 696+ is a factory-personalized model featuring some neat designer touches. A beautiful single seat cover creates the clean look of a racing seat and easily unclips to allow room for a passenger while the neat micro-bikini fairing adds a custom touch to the front end. Options may vary in some countries.