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• New generation of monsters
• Basis for a new series of monsters
• Drive and brakes
• Data Ducati Monster 696

Gargolov

Driving report Ducati Monster 696

New generation of monsters

After 15 successful years, the old monster era is sealed with the new 696. Fundamentally modernized from the engine to the tank to the wheels, the anxious question arises: is the 696 still a real monster??

In front of the Museo d ?? Art Contemporani de Barcelona, ​​or MACBA for short, all hell breaks loose in the evening. Hundreds of young people and students noisily abuse the concrete walls, stairs and stainless steel railings around the contemporary museum with their skate boards, while a completely different show is going on inside the Kunsthallen on April 4, 2008: Ducati presents the new Monster 696, the successor to one, to journalists Cult series that has been successful for over a decade and a half. The location was chosen very deliberately. Ducati wanted to create a design work of art with the 696.

Characteristic elements such as the tubular space frame, the bulbous tank or the short stubby tail should not only be retained, they should be even more dominant and emphasize the muscular character of the naked bike. With a diameter of 34 millimeters, the frame tubes are thicker than ever and form a characteristic connection with the bolted, two-part, slim rear frame and the massive swing arm, both made of die-cast aluminum. The 15-liter plastic tank, combined with a ten-liter airbox under the tank cover, has also increased significantly in size and appears all the more dominant because the flat headlight and the tiny digital cockpit on the massive upper triple tree are much more subdued.

The rear section, however, is characterized by two voluminous, raised rear silencers, above which the narrow, short bench seat including the passenger cover is hardly visible. Nevertheless everything looks harmonious, fits into one another homogeneously, consciously concentrates on a few, elementary things ?? which is why the 696 is instantly recognizable as a monster.

Basis for a new series of monsters

Feat or coincidence? The 696 is in the right place on the sundial: It is the first 2nd generation monster.

The hectic hustle and bustle of a big city like Barcelona is admittedly not ideal terrain for presenting a sporty naked bike like the 696. On the other hand, where better to demonstrate that the handiness, maneuverability and drivability of the air-cooled 90-degree V-Twin have greatly improved compared to its predecessor 695. But one after the other. When you sit down, you notice the pleasantly low seat height. At 770 millimeters, it remains the same as before, but the knee joint is narrower. The tank only appears voluminous because of its flanks, which extend over the thighs. The slightly recessed footrests sit as if they were tailor-made, their position allows a relaxed knee angle and forces the upper body into a bent, slightly sporty posture.

That fits exactly to the well-known monster-typical flat, wide and barely cranked handlebars, on which the driver grabs the 696 broad-shouldered, with slightly stretched arms like a bull by the horns. The driver does not have to use a lot of strength to tame the monsters. The 696 should weigh only 161 kilograms? dry. With all supplies, the weight could be just under 180 kilograms. As light-footed and lively as it bustles through the city traffic, one would like to believe it. In doing so, she behaves extremely tame and willing. Nothing is reminiscent of the idiosyncratic driving behavior of the 695, which drove fidgety through curves and bends. Her successor runs through all radii more precisely. Course corrections are rarely necessary. With its Bridgestone BT 56, which is fitted as standard, it does not react wobbly, nor does it stand up uncomfortably when braking in an inclined position. And especially enjoyable for test drivers at the obligatory photo shoot:

With a steering angle of 32 degrees instead of the previous 27 degrees, a Monster can finally be turned in one go even on narrow country roads. When choosing the suspension elements, Ducati relied on the tried and tested. The not adjustable upside-down fork from Showa does its job well, reacts sensitively enough to small bumps and can also handle harder hits. The laterally arranged Sachs shock absorber, which can be adjusted in the spring base and rebound damping, has to manage without deflection. At least in Barcelona a good compromise was found between athletic rigor and sufficient comfort. In sporty country road use and with a full load, the fork and shock absorber will first have to prove themselves in a test.

Drive and brakes

The lively engine of the Monster scores with a soft throttle response.

With their radially arranged four-piston calipers and the 320 mm discs at the front, the high-quality brakes give the impression that they could drop anchor at full speed. In truth, however, its effect is rather inconspicuous, in no way aggressive, with a firm pressure point and good controllability. The rear brake provides good, well-dosed support. Speed ​​limits, speed cameras, high police traffic ?? poor prerequisites for scrutinizing an engine. The engineers went to great lengths to give the air-cooled two-valve engine a power injection despite the Euro 3 corset. By redesigning pistons, cylinders and combustion chambers, they increased the performance of the V-Twin, unchanged in bore and stroke, by seven to 80 hp.

Indeed, with the typical Ducati sound, the engine looks a bit livelier from medium revs upwards, revving up willingly to gently seal off at 9500 rpm. On the other hand, he allows himself a slight breather between 4,000 and 6,000 tours before pulling back on the chain with a clear pull. Much more important, however, is how well mannered the 696 has become compared to its predecessor. Soft, clean throttle response, hardly any load change reactions and no constant travel jerks are the result of two lambda probes and additional sensors that enable a more precise measurement of the throttle valve position. An important step forward. Sometimes it’s worth taking a look back. When the M 900 came onto the market 15 years ago, it cost 18,277 marks. The Monster 696 is available for 7950 euros. As you can see, works of art don’t have to be that expensive anymore. But more importantly, the 696 is a real monster.

Data Ducati Monster 696

Gargolov

The modern Monster surprises with a low and compact seating position.

engine
Air-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke 90-degree V-engine, one overhead, toothed belt-driven camshaft, two valves per cylinder, desmodromic actuation, injection, Ø 45 mm, regulated catalytic converter, multi-plate oil bath clutch, six-speed gearbox, O-ring chain.

Bore x stroke 88.0 x 57.2 mm
Cubic capacity 696 cm³
Rated output 58.8 kW (80 PS) at 9000 rpm
Max. Torque 69 Nm at 7750 rpm

landing gear
Composite frame made of steel with bolted cast aluminum parts, upside-down fork, Ø 43 mm, two-arm swing arm made of aluminum, spring strut, directly hinged, adjustable spring base and rebound damping, double disc brake at the front, Ø 320 mm, four-piston fixed calipers, disc brake at the rear, Ø 245 mm , Two-piston fixed caliper.

Cast aluminum wheels 3.50 x 17; 4.50 x 17
Tires 120/70 ZR 17; 160/60 ZR 17

Dimensions + weights
Wheelbase 1450 mm, steering head angle 66.0 degrees, spring travel f / r 120/148 mm, seat height 770 mm, dry weight 161 kg, tank capacity / reserve 15.0 / 3.0 liters.

Guarantee: two years
Colors: red, silver, black
Price: including additional costs 7950 euros

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