Ducati Monster 696 vs. Aprilia Shiver SL 750 - Naked In The Middle
Updated Icon Or The New Naked From Noale?
2009 Ducati Monster 696 | Price: $8775
Hard Parts
Engine
The venerable air-cooled SOHC V-twin gets new cylinder heads this year, similar in design to the Hypermotard 1100. The 695's APTC clutch remains, as do bore and stroke figures of 88.0 x 57.2mm, with revised piston crowns and combustion chambers to take advantage of the new porting. New plain-bearing cams rotate directly on the head surface, eliminating weight and cylinder height. As with all '09 Ducati models, maintenance intervals have been increased to 7500 miles.
Chassis
An all-new trellis frame replaces the 851/888 chassis. The fuel cell resides within the lattice work, low and farther forward for better stability and handling. Rake is a sporty 24 degrees with a scant 3.8 inches of trail, stabilized by a solid 57.1-inch wheelbase. Ducati's trademark gullwing fork clamps help create the extra 64 degrees of steering lock for better maneuverability.
Suspension And Brakes
Four-piston Brembo radial-mount calipers bite into 320mm rotors; the gentle rear brake features a 245mm rotor and two-piston caliper. The 43mm inverted Showa fork is void of adjustments but blessed with suitable settings while the Sachs shock adjusts for preload/rebound.
Styling
The Monster maintains its classic short, muscular appearance with a cleaned-up engine and revised bodywork. A shallow headlight, compact instruments and low mirrors give the front end a truly naked look. The fuel tank features replaceable "skins" for easy repair or color changes. A flowing aluminum subframe blends into the stubby tail, beneath which are mounted dual oval mufflers. Passenger accommodations are hidden beneath the seat cowl.
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| Tech Spec | | |
| Engine type: a-c 90-deg. V-twin | Rear brake: Two-piston Brembo caliper, 245mm disc | Corrected 1/4-mile: 11.23 sec. @ 111.0 mph |
| Valve train: SOHC, 4v desmo | Front tire: 120/60-ZR17 Bridgestone Battlax BT56F | 0-60 mph: 3.92 sec. |
| Displacement: 696cc | Rear tire: 160/60-ZR17 Bridgestone Battlax BT56R | Top-gear roll-on 60-80 mph: 5.28 sec. |
| Bore x stroke: 88.0 x 57.2mm | Rake/trail: 24.0 deg./3.8 in. | Fuel mileage (high/low/avg.): 46/39/43 mpg |
| Compression: 10.7:1 | Seat height: 30.3 in. | Colors: Red, pearl white, matte black |
| Fuel system: EFI | Wheelbase: 57.1 in. | Availability: Now |
| Clutch: Wet, multi-plate slipper | Fuel capacity: 3.8 gal. | Warranty: 24 mo./unlimited mi. |
| Transmission: 6-speed | Weight (tank full/empty): 409/386 lbs. | Contact:
Ducati North America, Inc.
10443 Bandley Dr.
Cupertino, CA 95014
Fax: +1 408 253 4099
E-mail: hsk@408.253.0499ducatiusa.com
www.ducatiusa.com |
| Frame: Tubular-steel trellis with aluminum subframe and swingarm | Measured horsepower: 67.2 bhp @ 8250 rpm | |
| Front suspension: Showa 43mm inverted fork | Measured torque: 43.8 lb.-ft. @ 7750 rpm | |
| Rear suspension: Sachs shock with adjustable spring preload and rebound damping | | |
| Front brake: Dual four-piston Brembo calipers, 320mm discs | | |
Dyno
Power output rises and falls like the sack-slide at the county fair, without the laughter. Peak power of 67.2 bhp comes on at 8250 rpm, just a few moments before the rev limiter slaps your wrist.
Ergos
At 30.3 inches, this seat is within reach of anyone taller than Mini-Me. Male riders should invest in the touring saddle; with less forward slant it promises to be less painful. A relaxed reach to the bars is quasi-sportbike, but perfectly comfortable for extended rides.
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