Ducati Monster 696: A Review

Introduction

The Ducati Monster 696 is a naked motorcycle that was first introduced in 2008. It is the successor to the popular Monster 695 and features a number of improvements over its predecessor. The bike’s design is based on the original Monster, which was released back in 1993. However, it has been updated with modern technology and styling cues.

One of the key changes made to the Monster 696 is its engine. It is powered by a liquid-cooled, L-twin engine that produces around 80 horsepower at peak power. The engine has been designed to offer smooth power delivery across all rev ranges, making it an excellent machine for both city riding and long-distance touring.

In terms of aesthetics, the Ducati Monster 696 boasts an aggressive stance thanks to its exposed trellis frame and minimal bodywork. The bike features a single-sided swingarm which not only looks great but also improves handling characteristics. Additionally, there are several color options available including traditional red as well as white and black variants.

Safety features include Brembo brakes with ABS (antilock braking system), providing reliable stopping power even in adverse conditions. A digital instrument cluster provides essential ride information such as speed, fuel level and trip distance while maintaining visual appeal.

Overall, the Ducati Monster 696 offers an exciting ride experience coupled with Italian engineering prowess – all wrapped up in one iconic package that continues to be coveted by riders around the globe today!

Overview of the Ducati Monster 696

The Ducati Monster 696 is a naked motorcycle that was first introduced in 2008 as an entry-level model in the Monster lineup. The bike features a minimalist design with classic Italian styling, characterized by its exposed trellis frame and single-sided swingarm.

Powering the Ducati Monster 696 is a liquid-cooled, L-twin engine with a displacement of 696cc. The engine produces around 78 horsepower and has a maximum torque output of around 50 lb-ft. It is paired with a six-speed transmission that helps deliver smooth power delivery to the rear wheel.

The suspension system on the Ducati Monster 696 consists of an inverted front fork and a monoshock at the rear. Both are fully adjustable for compression and rebound damping, allowing riders to fine-tune their ride according to their preferences. The braking system comprises dual disc brakes at the front and a single disc brake at the rear, providing ample stopping power when needed.

In terms of electronics, the Ducati Monster 696 comes equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard, which enhances safety during sudden stops or emergency braking situations. Additionally, it also features digital instrumentation that displays information such as speedometer, tachometer, trip meter, fuel level indicator etc., making it easier for riders to keep track of vital data while riding.

Overall, the Ducati Monster 696 offers an excellent combination of performance and style in an affordable package that is ideal for both novice riders who want to experience what it’s like to ride one of Italy’s most iconic motorcycles or experienced riders looking for something different from their current ride.

Design and Features

The Ducati Monster 696 is a naked bike that boasts an unmistakable Italian design. The iconic trellis frame, which has been a signature of the Monster range for decades, is prominently featured on this model. The fuel tank and tail section are also designed to highlight the trellis frame.

The bike has a minimalist design approach with clean lines and sharp angles. This gives it a modern look while still maintaining its classic appeal. The headlight unit features dual lamps with LED technology that provides excellent visibility at night.

The instrument cluster is easy to read and features an LCD display with all the essential information like speed, fuel level, gear position, and trip meter. It also includes a clock and lap timer function.

One of the most significant new features on the 696 is its redesigned exhaust system. It now incorporates catalytic converters in each header pipe instead of just one shared converter as in previous models. This improvement reduces emissions significantly while improving performance.

Another notable feature of the 696 is its adjustable suspension system – both front forks and rear shock absorber can be adjusted according to rider preference or road conditions.

Overall, the Ducati Monster 696 offers riders an attractive package combining classic style with modern technology that delivers impressive performance on any roads or tracks it may encounter.

Performance and Handling

The Ducati Monster 696 is known for its impressive performance and handling abilities. With a powerful engine, responsive brakes, and agile frame, this bike delivers an exhilarating ride.

At the heart of the Monster 696 is a liquid-cooled L-Twin engine that produces 80 horsepower at 9,000 RPM and 50 lb-ft of torque at 7,750 RPM. This potent powerplant provides plenty of thrust to get this bike moving quickly on any road or track.

To help ensure precise handling, the Monster 696 features a lightweight trellis frame that provides exceptional rigidity without adding unnecessary weight. The suspension system includes fully adjustable Showa forks up front and an adjustable Sachs shock in the rear, allowing riders to fine-tune their settings based on their riding style and preferences.

Braking on the Monster 696 is handled by dual Brembo discs up front with four-piston calipers and a single disc in the rear with two-piston calipers. These high-performance brakes provide excellent stopping power while remaining easy to modulate for smooth braking performance.

Overall, the Ducati Monster 696 offers impressive performance capabilities that are sure to satisfy even the most demanding riders. Whether you’re looking for speed or agility, this bike has everything you need to take your riding experience to new heights.

Riding Experience

Riding the Ducati Monster 696 is an experience like no other. This bike is full of power and agility, making it a dream for any rider who wants to feel the thrill of speed and control on the open road.

The first thing you notice when you climb onto the seat of this bike is how comfortable and balanced it feels. The ergonomics are designed to put you in a natural riding position, with your feet positioned just below your hips and your hands reaching forward to grip the handlebars. This allows for easy maneuverability without sacrificing comfort.

Once you start up the engine, you’re immediately hit with a deep rumble that lets everyone know this isn’t just any ordinary motorcycle. The 696’s L-twin engine produces 80 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and 50 lb-ft of torque at 7,500 rpm, giving it plenty of power for acceleration or passing on highways.

But it’s not just about raw power – this motorcycle also has impressive handling capabilities thanks to its lightweight frame (in fact, it weighs only about 365 pounds). With such agility comes great confidence while navigating tight turns or winding roads!

Another feature that makes riding this bike so enjoyable is its suspension system- both front & rear have adjustable preload so that riders can customize their ride according to their specific body weight & preferences.

Overall – Riding a Ducati Monster 696 offers an experience unlike anything else out there – from its sleek design down to every ride detail; every piece has been crafted using premium materials which all ultimately contribute towards delivering a fine balance between performance & style!

Pros and Cons of Ducati Monster 696

The Ducati Monster 696 is a popular choice among motorcycle enthusiasts, thanks to its distinct design and impressive performance. However, like any other bike, it has both its good and bad sides. Here are the pros and cons of owning a Ducati Monster 696:

Pros

  • Stylish Design: The Monster 696 boasts an eye-catching design that stands out on the road. Its muscular fuel tank, exposed engine parts, trellis frame, and single-sided swingarm make it look aggressive yet elegant.
  • Solid Performance: This bike delivers strong acceleration with its powerful L-twin engine that produces 78 horsepower at 9,000 RPM. It also has a responsive gearbox that makes shifting smooth and effortless.
  • Nimble Handling: The Monster 696 is agile enough to handle tight corners with ease thanks to its lightweight chassis and sporty geometry.
  • Fuel Efficiency: Despite being a high-performance machine, the Monster 696 doesn’t consume too much fuel. It can cover up to 55 miles per gallon on average.
  • Affordability: The price point for this model fits into an affordable range for those looking for something in this style category but without paying premium prices.

    Cons

    • Rough Ride: The suspension system of the monster is designed more towards sport riding than comfort so riding over rough terrains or long distances can be uncomfortable.
    • Limited Storage Space: This bike does not come equipped with storage options as you would find in other bikes such as saddlebags or side cases
    • Expensive Maintenance: Ducati motorcycles are known for their high maintenance costs and the Monster 696 is no exception. Its complex engine design requires specialized attention which may be costly.
    • Not Suitable for Long Rides: Due to its aggressive riding position, the Monster 696 may not be comfortable for long-distance rides. The rider has to lean forward, which can put a strain on the back and shoulders.

    In conclusion, owning a Ducati Monster 696 comes with its share of pros and cons. While it offers an impressive combination of style, performance, agility, and fuel efficiency at an affordable price point compared to other models in this category but it does have some drawbacks that you should consider before making your decision.

    Conclusion

    After conducting a thorough review of the Ducati Monster 696, it is clear that this motorcycle offers an impressive combination of style, performance, and maneuverability. The bike’s distinctive design turns heads on the road, while its powerful engine delivers a thrilling ride.

    In addition to its excellent handling and acceleration capabilities, the Ducati Monster 696 also features advanced safety technology such as anti-lock brakes and traction control. These features make it an ideal option for riders who demand both speed and security.

    Overall, this motorcycle is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality sportbike with exceptional performance characteristics.

    Recommendation

    Based on our analysis of the Ducati Monster 696’s performance and features, we highly recommend this motorcycle to serious riders who are seeking an exciting riding experience. However, we do caution novices about the bike’s aggressive power delivery which could be challenging in inexperienced hands.

    Riders should also note that maintenance costs can be relatively high on this model due to its premium components and advanced technical systems. However, those willing to invest in quality will not be disappointed with what they get from owning a Ducati Monster 696.

    Ultimately if you’re looking for an Italian-designed beast that stands out from other motorcycles in terms of looks and performance then look no further than the Ducati Monster 696!

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