Filed under: Euro, Motorcycles
Officially Official: Ducati unveils the new 2008 Monster 696
click above image to view high-res gallery of the Ducati Monster 696
Let the speculation end! Ducati has officially unveiled the 2008 Monster 696. Now that we know exactly what the new air-cooled Ducati Monster will look like, we're honestly a bit disappointed. It's not at all that the bike is bad looking, because it's not. The problem is that it's all covered up. We love naked bikes here at Autoblog, and this one's just not naked enough for our tastes. You not only miss out on the wind and road protection of a faired bike, you also don't get to display the crown jewel -- the engine -- in all its glory, like the original Monster. The trademark trellis frame is half present, connecting to an aluminum subframe and swingarm. The engine is an updated version of the previous 695cc unit, with enough changes to yield a 9% boost to 80 hp (59 kW) and an 11% increase in torque to 50.6 lb-ft. Weighing just 359 lbs, the power to weight ratio is better than ever before, so performance should remain quite high. The light-weight Monster still features a slipper clutch, which is quite rare in the segment in which it competes.
We're pretty excited about this bike, despite the fact that we were hoping for a slightly different design direction. It's still a looker and the performance might make up for our aesthetic reservations. Check out Ducati's full press release after the jump.
[Source: Ducati]
Gallery: Ducati Monster 696
PRESS RELEASE:
DUCATI MONSTER 696
The new Ducati Monster 696 is the next generation naked and the final word in urban excitement. Ride the Monster 696 around your favourite downtown routes in relaxed style or, when the spirit moves you, unleash its dark side to deliver more naked performance than ever before.
DESIGN
Refined style and design are the clear motivations behind the new Monster and the continued perfection of the Desmo engine ensures that its 'saint and sinner' image will impress any rider. A comfortable and confidence-inspiring chassis combine with the famously smooth and powerful Ducati L-Twin engine to provide the most enjoyable riding experience. The balance of new technologies expressed in stylishly finished materials is shaped around the original cool Monster heritage.
Maintaining its traditional Monster silhouette, the 696 now looks more muscular than ever. Its wide tank tapers to the thin waistline of a comfortable narrow seat ensuring sure-footed confidence when at the traffic lights. The large diameter Hybrid Trellis frame blends stylishly into an aluminium sub-frame and swingarm while minimalist instrumentation and simple controls at the front of the Monster contrast with twin, bold, Ducati-style mufflers at the rear to enhance its urban-ready image.
With a fuel tank form created with ingenious removable outer skins that enable quick and easy colour swaps, changing the personality of your Monster has never been easier. The quickly removable rear seat cover makes it even easier to completely colour coordinate and, when removed, reveals a place for your favourite passenger.
The Monster cult
The Monster is the original 'naked' motorcycle. Launched to rave reviews in the early '90s, it immediately created a devoted following and became a cult motorcycle. With its fully exposed engine and 'less is more' minimalist attitude, the Monster delivers style and real sport bike performance. It has defined the 'naked' class and become the bike of choice for top designers, Hollywood stars and Formula One racing drivers alike while creating a unique motorcycle lifestyle that is accessible to everyone.
CHASSIS
The 696 ergonomics have been improved with subtle but effective changes to the riding position. A shorter reach to the bars and a slightly lower, more forward footpeg position, together with the lowest seat height of any Ducati and a reduction in weight, empowers any rider to become the master of this Monster.
The chassis of the new Monster is made up of a new Hybrid Trellis frame with larger diameter tubes directly inspired by the 2007 World MotoGP title-winning Desmosedici GP7 machine. To this is attached a rear aluminium sub-frame.
The front brake system is the envy of its class and becomes the new benchmark for the category with two 320 mm discs and four-piston radial calipers.
At the rear, the dual-sided aluminium swingarm draws inspiration from Ducati Corse's finest racing products in this area.
The instrumentation is now totally digital and continues the tradition of all Ducati's latest-generation hypersport models, guaranteeing lightness, ease of use and a wealth of information.
The new exhaust system stands out for its re-routed downpipes that now give the underside of the Monster a cleaner appearance and terminate with twin, bold Ducati-style mufflers.
The headlamp unit is characterized by a new triple arc main beam, while the rear light uses modern LED technology.
The unmistakable tank boasts ingenious removable outer skins which makes it easy to change the personality of the Monster 696.
In line with the latest-generation Ducatis, the new Monster 696 has undergone a weight reduction of 5kg from the previous model and now becomes the lightest bike in its category (359 lbs – 163 Kg).
ENGINE
The engine of the new 696 is an evolution of the previous 695 version. Measuring 696cc it boasts a series of updates and refinements.
Power output gets a 9% boost to 80 hp (59 kW) and an 11% increase in torque to 50.6 lb-ft.
This new engine continues to have the best horsepower per litre ratio of all Ducati's air-cooled units, and it ensures a smooth and powerful delivery for a relaxed but thrilling ride in all conditions.
This increase in power has been achieved by the introduction of new cylinder heads, which are now similar to the ones on the 1100 2V engine fitted to the Multistrada and Hypermotard. Bore and stroke remain identical to the previous 695 model at 88 x 57.2 mm, but the pistons and combustion chamber have been revised to optimize the fluid dynamics of the new ports.
The camshafts now rotate on bearing surfaces directly in the cylinder head and are supported by means of oil pressure. The elimination of the bearings has enabled the weight of this unit to be reduced considerably and the layout simplified.
Furthermore the cooling fins of the cylinders and the cylinder heads have a new shape, and an improved casting process allows them to be produced closer to one another so as to increase their number and improve thermal exchange.
Like its predecessor, the new Monster 696 has an advanced APTC clutch, which makes down-shifting safe and helps keep the clutch lever action light and easy, especially in urban riding where frequent stops require high use.
Like every bike in the new range, the Monster 696 also has a new scheduled maintenance programme that reduces costs for the customer.
All the information is available at http://www.ducati.com/en/bikes/index.jhtml
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
raz 3:54PM (11/06/2007)
Looks cool, but what i am really into is Piaggio MP3. Now that is a great bike. A chick magnet, plus it is the most unique bike out there.
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Chris 3:59PM (11/06/2007)
Don't worry, like any previous Duc, she'll strip if you need her to.
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Lister 3:59PM (11/06/2007)
Ah yes, another Terblanche disaster.
When will Ducati realize that this dude simply cannot design anything that grabs you by the beans?
The Multistrada, the failed 999, the "borrowed" 1098, and now this. Taking a similar shape and just changing an angle or two is what most would consider to be completely unoriginal.
Tamburini at MV or Adrian Morton at Benelli may not design bikes that everyone loves, but at least they put their heart into their creations.
Sorry Ducati, until you get rid of this guy, you're destined to releasing white-bread let-downs, plain and simple.
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2004m3driver 5:23PM (11/06/2007)
1098 looks great imo even if its borrowed from the 998. So what if it did. As for bikes, I'd say its 80% rider 20% machine. They all compete really well.
Dr. Phil 4:14PM (11/06/2007)
Ducati aligns itself with Ferrari when it comes to prestige. Well, Ferrari does look nice and posh, contrary to Ducati. To be honest, every single Ducati model looks like a home-made replica of 1970s-1980s Japanese bikes.
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Bill Ford 4:23PM (11/06/2007)
"Ferrari of motorcycles" my ass. Ducati is as much Ferrari of motorbikes as Brilliance or Chery (*Cheap-looking Chinese cars) are "Ferrari" of cars, if you know what I mean.
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lauralemay 4:35PM (11/06/2007)
That is....kind of odd. The tank and the frame don't really work together. Those tailpipes are way out of proportion. And why is it a 696? I thought they discontinued the little monsters because they sold horribly. Puzzling.
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Torqued 5:29PM (11/06/2007)
Don't know where you heard that. The Monster line sells better than any other bike for Ducati. They are a gold mine.
I like the design, but I'm not in love with it. i think it'll grow on me some, but i agree with AB that it's not as raw and naked as it should be. The previous was truly a classic design, but it was getting a little stale. I would have preferred a more subtle facelift.
lauralemay 5:43PM (11/06/2007)
The bigger monsters (900cc) sell like crazy, but the smaller-displacement ones don't, AFAIK. The 600 monster was discontinued last year, and the 750 is an 800 now, isn't it? (I'm not sure...)
Actually double-checking that it appears to be a USA-only problem with small bikes, as usual. The 600/620 monsters have been way popular outside the US.
cowboy bob 4:42PM (11/06/2007)
How much does this thing cost? I also wonder how it rides for a long haul, does your back scream "get off"?
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Fooman 4:50PM (11/06/2007)
OMG how do you screw up the great lines of a monster...
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Tyson 5:20PM (11/06/2007)
more "hybrid" trellis design is fine with me, as it looks more modern. maybe thats what ppl dont want out of a monster tho.
that headlight ruins everything tho. i dont like, it wont grow on me. needs to come out further. and slip on mufflers are going to be a big aftermarket seller... because they are just too big. wtf were they thinking?
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mk 6:27PM (11/06/2007)
wow, a lot of ducati downers.
I am not quite sure yet, whether i like this or not.
It isn't faired, so that is good. The seat frame is thick, which isn't as good. it looks a bit bland at first glance, but I like the tank, and the headlight might look better after a good look.
I have a 1989 Honda Hawk GT 650, which pre-dates the original ducati monster, and was the first modern naked sport V-twin. It has an elf single-sided swingarm, before the street VFR got one, and before the 916 was designed with one. It also is one of the first street bikes with an aluminum spar frame, before most other japanese sport bikes, and when most other non-faired bikes still had old-school steel perimeter frames.
My bike is not flashy like a 916-998, but it is much cleaner a design than the original, or this new ducati monster, but probably not as fast, though, either. It is, however, the original design of this type, before any of the middle-weight 'naked' sport bikes like the SV650, or others.
I am certainly not trading my Hawk GT for this. Maybe for a Ducati Sport Classic 1000 retro bike, though. At least THAT looks like what it is supposed to be, a modern take on a classic. More powerful, better handling, and rarer than the also retro-cool Triumph Bonneville Thruxton 900.
At this rate, about the only bikes I would trade for, are no longer new, or at least have been on the market for a bit. The BMW R1200S. MV Agusta 750, Triumph Daytona 955i 01-02, before the ugly fairing change, or a similar speed triple. Maybe last-year's red-white-and-dark blue retro-painted VFR800.
Brand new bikes aren't really pushing my hot button at the moment.
BTW, if you don't like the look of modern Ducatis... do you really like the Ferrari 612, 599, or Enzo? Or even the previous 550/575, 456, and 360? Or 348? Heck, even the Testarossa/512M wasn't as classically beautiful as it was an outrageous answer to Lamborghini. They may be fast, but they aren't as gorgeous as Ferraris of the past. 430, 355, and 288GTO are sure hawt, though.
I have to say that the Multistrada is one of the ugliest modern bikes, bar-none, though...
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Tyson 7:36PM (11/06/2007)
why is it that all hawkgt owners love talking about their bike?
-former 89 hawkgt owner too.
mk 10:39PM (11/06/2007)
because they were so undeservedly ignored when they were new, owners feel like they deserve every remaining chance at publicity.
:D Always nice to see someone who knows what a Honda Hawk GT is, let alone a current or former owner. I have contemplated becoming a former owner, but I have a feeling I would regret it. I think I will stay on the owner bandwagon a little while longer.
Thanh T. 7:14AM (11/07/2007)
I like Ducati's 2008 Monster 696. For me, I prefer the relax/bare style motorcyles. I think the relax/bare style motorcyles feels and rides more comfortable for me than the high performance-sport street bikes.
I try me best to stay away from racing sport bikes...loss too many friends to crashes-drag a knee therapy!
The design for Ducati's 2008 Monster 696 still looks traditional...has nice a power ratio. I think some guys/gals might switch the handle bars, exhaust, wheels/tires etc...overall, nice comfortable bike.
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sortofannoyed 10:02AM (11/11/2007)
Design should be always "progressive" and it's not meant to be "pleasing everybody" instantly.
A few comments here are against anything new and forward thinking, like the new Monster, the old 999 or even the odd, but extremely advanced Multistrada.
If some of you could Design something it would look just like the current or even previous model because Imagination doesn't seem to be the strength for some of you...
BTW Ducati Designer Terblanche was not responsible or even involved with the design of the 1098 or the new Monster
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Duc 5:54PM (11/12/2007)
I love the new design. It's updated and modern which is why it's called the future if anyone missed that. For those that loves the classic design, buy a use Monster. My 1098 is about to share space with a 998 because I love the classic design.
Tamburini has no vision, the 916 was/is iconic. The F4 is beautiful but has not been updated since 99. Where's the vision, the 2007 120k CC looks just like the 2000 F4 750 design wise.
with a quick exhaust change, the Monster will be a success. Seeing the new lower-priced Ducati trends, I'd say it's going to reasonably priced.
I love the new Monster, I think the Brutale has a much cleaner and visually appealing design but 17k for a 910R doesn't work for me.
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