Picture Motorcycle: 2010 Ducati Monster 696 and 796,

2010 Ducati Monster 696 and 796

Desmodue engine

The brand new 796 Desmodue power unit uses fully redesigned crankcases to save an incredible 1.2kg (2.64lb) over the 696 castings, and are responsible for the major part of the impressive 1.9kg (4.2lb) total saving over the 696 power unit. The clutch and alternator outer casings of the new engine are finished in carbon grey.

The crankshaft is designed with a lightweight 848-type flywheel and uses a 66mm stroke instead of the 696’s 57.2mm, helping to maximise power to an impressive 87hp (64kW) @ 8250rpm and torque to 58lb-ft (78Nm) @ 6250rpm while maintaining the smooth and enjoyable character, famous of all Desmodromic L-Twins. An oil cooler is fitted to protect power delivery by maintaining optimum efficiency.

The 803cc swept volume is compressed to a ratio of 11:1 – compared to the 696’s 10.7:1 – then injected and ignited by Siemens controlled electronics. The 2-1-2 catalytic exhaust system uses twin lambda probes and regulating valve to provide finer fuel mapping and Euro 3 conformity. The system’s lightweight and compact design is achieved by using 1mm thick tubing and terminates in the Monster’s signature twin lateral mufflers, stylishly updated with the latest style of heat guards.

An APTC ‘wet’ clutch gives a ‘slipper’ type action that prevents destabilising of the rear-end under aggressive down-shifting and 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 quieter operation and requiring less maintenance.

The new easy-to-own Monster 696 and 796, 13 different colors offers competitive service intervals of 12,000 kilometres (7,500 miles).

Controls

The Monster 696 and 796, 13 different colors has enhanced comfort and control with 20mm higher bar-risers gripping sturdy tapered section aluminium handlebars.

Integral type Brembo master cylinders are used for both the clutch and brake systems and maintain a clean handlebar arrangement for the rider. They are fitted with user-friendly 4-point adjustable levers that provide easy-to-reach control for all hand sizes and the APTC clutch offers a super-light lever action ideal for use in the city.

Looking clean and minimalist in true Monster style, the bright white illuminated display provides all essential data by default, and far 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, immobiliser 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.

The display also doubles as a control panel for the activation of the Ducati Data Analyser (DDA) system, which is available as an accessory from Ducati Performance. The Monster 696 and 796, 13 different colors has been built ‘system-ready’ for the data acquisition kit, which consists of a special DDA software and memory key that slots into a USB style plug under the seat. The same plug also doubles as the connection for a handy new ‘battery maintainer’ available as an accessory from Ducati Performance.

New Monster, new features

While the Monster 696 and 796, 13 different colors is fitted with the micro-bikini fairing and single seat cover as standard, it also features a new seat designed with a comfort-enhancing shape, further accentuated with stylish red stitching. Furthermore, the rear sub-frame has been constructed ready to accept new accessory grab-handles designed to provide a confidence-inspiring grip for the passenger, while blending into the natural line of the rear-end.

Monster 696 and 796, 13 different colors in 13 colours

The new Monster 696 and 796, 13 different colors comes in traditional Ducati red, new arctic white silk or diamond black silk with all three colours against a red Trellis frame and black wheels, which feature a new red flash around 60° of the rim side, creating a red stripe at speed. Monster Art extends the 3 standard colours to 13 with the new collection, ‘Logomania’. Further aesthetic enhancements come from the footrest hangers finished in matte black to match the rear sub-frame and single-sided swingarm, new Ducati logo on the front mudguard and the Tricolore displayed proudly on the single-seat cover and fuel tank.