The Monster 696 Drops
This morning the much rumored Monster redesign officially dropped on the Ducati.com website in the form of a brand new Monster 696. You can check out the flashy flash animation intro’ing the bike here.
The bike is claimed to weight 11 pounds less then its predecessor, is up 7 horsepower, has more torque, supposedly comes with a slipper clutch (if that’s true me thinks 1098 owners will be screaming mad), and replaceable gas tank side panels (really??? do we need that???). Obviously however the real news is the all new styling.
So, Ducatista, what do you think? Did Ducati pull it off? Did they manage to modernize a 15 year old design yet keep its essence alive and well?
update: more picts of the new 696 from the intro event over on ProItalia’s Blog.
update 2: more picts from launch on Mike Werner’s Bikes in the Fast Lane Blog.
update 3: more picts & info at One Wheel Drive.net.
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Hi,
Here is a writeup and a few more pics from different angles:
http://www.sundaymorningrides.com/motorcycle-news/ducati-2007/16-monster-696.shtml
- Abel
Great site Dylan–I can’t believe this is the first time I’ve visited (found through Technorati).
I’m happy to see Ducati has done the much-needed update. I think it’s a progressive, but not radical design. Many knew that they couldn’t get too radical with the redesign for two reasons: 1. Ducati seems to make progress in small increments and they always keep around a central design. How long has the Desmo valve train been in use? Look at how they’re still using a steel trellis frame in the GP bike.
2. They couldn’t alienate the goodwill created by their monster. It’s been so successful.
It’ll probably handle well, but if you take a look at Aprilia’s Shiver, doesn’t it just seem more “modern?” I know many hated the man, but I would have liked to have seen Terblanche’s take on the monster redesign.
I can’t believe it! Ducati’s designers should be kidin’ us! Look, carefuly, look the 696!
The muffers exhaust are so ridiculous! Lookslike a Speed Triple adaptation and so fat! the curve from the front exhaust pipe thru the motor, its seemed a home-made pipe.
Now, the best undesign are the rear mirrors! The design from all parts (head light, rear mirrors and handlebar) remember a donkey! The mirrors look like a donkey ears!
Sorry, I’m a Ducatisti, but with any sense yet!
The seat and muffers and cowl rear seat plus the tires 60 gives to this new monster a big fat ass!
I’m very disappointed with the Ducati’s designers!
For example well taste: Benelli TNT, MV Agusta BRUTALE…
The rage is not (necessary) ugly!
I’ve got to say I’m disappointed. The view from the rear is good, front too though it feels Brutale-ish. But the side view doesn’t look right. The seat angle looks extreme and guaranteed to slide your nads against the tank, the new shock design and aluminum subframe remind me of a Kawi ER-6N or Shiver and I don’t care for the new cannisters either. Ducati designs typically flow well. This feels like parts were stuck on without working very well with each other. The mechanicals, though, are really impressive. Ducati will probably sell a lot of these, but I hope we don’t have to live with the design for another 12-15 years!
I think I’ll withhold judgment until I see the new Monster in person, though I’ll admit this feels vaguely similar to the 999 introduction. That being said, when pushed to make a choice between new vs. old styling and better performance, I tend to usually go with the better specs.
Good thing ,I have bought my Monster 695 earlier…or else, I’ll end up buying this crap.Thank you.
I think the 696 is gorgeous! I have not stopped looking at her since I stumbled on it on Ducati site yesterday. I love the tank vents, they seem to fit the design scheme with the front air ducts on my 1098S. Also, I think the 696 stumped cans are a fresh look and can’t wait to see and test ride this one with full termis in the spring. The frame is a great move, improve handling and drop some kg, but retain the classic trellis look. The rear fat tire sets it off to give it a sexy meaty look. The LEDS and mirrors are also an excellent choice for stock parts. As a prior Monster owner (I traded to a 1098S this past spring), the classic looks were no longer enough to make me long for another Monster, this one makes me rethink that thought. This will be a fun easy to handle and ride bike. One that you can just wring out!! My only complaint is my love for the dry clutch on a Ducati. That is my only disappoinment with the new bike. How much in US??
I love the new styling. Incremental improvements, and just as Monster Owners all want, lots of room for mods. Sure the exhaust is fat, but a termi transition will sort that out. I love the chunky trellis frame - looks like it means business! Would like to see it carried through a bit more, but I’m sure there are logical reasons for the move.
One thing about Ducati is they look further ahead than the “flock” - 5 years from now this will be a “classic” and “innovative”. At the moment it’s just a bit much.
The 999 is a great example. It is actually (IMHO) a great looking bike, but took one step too many. The 1098 is similar, but because it harkens back to the 916, people are more accepting.
Now, stick an 1100 engine in it and I’ll sign up!
I’m with ya Dave - Once Ducati puts a bigger engine in the Monster it’ll be a much more attractive bike imho…
So beautiful! Great work ducati!
Love it…looks like the Street Triple and Brutale had an illegitimate child. I like the idea of a tank you can replace the sides on — drop it and only pay for the cover? Thank you. I like the high pipes and short end, but I ride a Speed Triple.
My wife was looking at the 695 and Street Triple, now she’s settled on the 696…especially if they got the handlebars close enough to sit properly. The S3 was looking to win out, since you sit upright. Much better for commuting.
Well, IMHO it looks good enough to spur me on to finally sort my licence, and I cant see me getting to the end of the month with out putting a deposit down !!!!!
I finally weakend and popped into the Local Ducati Store, to look at monsters, and they had the 696 pre-production bike next to the 695… Im sold
It really looks the dogs in the flesh, and tidies up a few biks on the older bike..G
has anyone experienced any HIGHT issues for short legged riders?
I’m 5″5 and almost flat footed on the 696 - in my Red Wing linesman boots. Even with riding boots it wouldn’t be bad. It’s a low seat alright! Coming from a Sportster of all things, it’s ***Light*****!!!
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