2008 Ducati Monster 696 - Bologna's "Beginner Bike" Grows Up
By Alex Hearn, Photography by Milagro
Yes, in this form the desmo V-twin may not stir the blood, but it makes all the right noises and performs with a little effort. The real joy of the 696 is found in its chassis, which could easily cope with extra power-and we know it will, sooner or later. The thought of the Hypermotard 1100 motor snuggled up tight between those skinny frame tubes certainly gets the blood pumping....
Ducati couldn't afford to get the Monster 696 wrong. Lucky for us, it got it very right.
Tech Spec
Evolution
The original 1993 Ducati Monster 900 begat the carburetted M600, which grew into the fuel-injected 620, then the 695 and ultimately the 696.
Rivals
Harley 883 Sportster, Hyosung GT650, Kawasaki Ninja 650R, Suzuki SV650 ... did we forget anyone?
| TECH |
| Price | $8775 |
| Engine type | a-c 90-deg. V-twin |
| Valve train | SOHC desmo, 4v |
| Displacement | 696cc |
| Bore x stroke | 88.0 x 57.2mm |
| Compression | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel system | Siemens EFI |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate slipper |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Claimed horsepower | 80 bhp @ 9000 rpm |
| Claimed torque | 50.6 lb.-ft. @ 7750 rpm |
| Frame | Steel trellis with aluminum swingarm |
| Front suspension | 43mm Showa inverted fork |
| Rear suspension | Sachs shock, adjustable forspring preload and rebound damping |
| Front brake | Dual Brembo four-piston radialcalipers, 320mm discs |
| Rear brake | Two-piston Brembo caliper,245mm disc |
| Front tire | 120/60ZR-17 Bridgestone Battlax BT56 |
| Rear tire | 160/60ZR-17 Bridgestone Battlax BT56 |
| Rake/trail | 24.0/4.7 in |
| Seat height | 30.3 in. |
| Wheelbase | 57.2 in. |
| Fuel capacity | 3.8 gal. |
| Claimed dryweight | 355 lbs. |
| Color | Red, black, white |
| Available | Now |
| Warranty | 24 mo./unlimited mi. |
Contact
Ducati North America
10443 Bandley Dr.
Cupertino, CA 95014
408.343.4400
http://www.ducati.com
Verdict
Forgiving enough to suit outright beginners yet good enough to entertain experienced riders.
By Alex Hearn
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