2008 Ducati Monster 696, worlds first test coming!
We know very well that a lot of people are particularly excited about the first all new Ducati Monster since 1993! Don't get me wrong, I know that the S4Rs got a different exhaust etc. But the Monster have still looked pretty much the same since it was launched. As a taste of what is coming Ducati redesigned the all new 696 completely at the same time as it did the 999-1098 design transition. The new Monster 696 comes with "custom" side panels that can easily be swapped depending on whether you feel red, black or white that particular morning. I believe you only get one set of panels when you buy one, but as an accessory you can buy the extra panels in the different colours. 80 horsepower from the smallest Ducati air-cooled engine and a dry weight of only 161 kilos should make for a nippy city bike indeed. We will test it on the roads around Barcelona and also in the city itself in early April at the world launch. Main differences from the current Monster 695 are: 7 kilos lighter, new frame and swingarm (with some technology from Stoner's GP7...), 7 more horsepower and 9 more Nm of torque, new Showa 43mm upside down fork where some proper Brembo radial bling is attached to the fork and 1 litre extra fuel capacity (15 litres). Watch this space for the monstrous test soon to come! Check out the below links in the meantime to see some of the vast competition... TS
