Twisting Asphalt - A SoCal Ducati Motorcycle Blog

So a couple days after posting something about a mysterious rumored new Monster, Ducati offically announced the brand new Monster 695… Funny how rumors get cracking mere minutes before the big announcements…

The move makes a great deal of sense since Ducati stills appears to be coming to grips with the inevitable turmoil that comes from switching corporate ownership - certainly continuing to refresh your core economic assest is prudent, though I suspect that merely bumming the horsepower of the basic Monster still falls short of the wishes and dreams that many Monster enthusiasts have for a new re-designed Monster. You can read more about the bike on Ducati’s website or take a glance at the press release below…

THE EASIEST WAY TO OWN A DUCATI
The 695 is a most unique offering in the world of motorcycles – welcoming to beginners, and yet able to deliver a level of performance that can also thrill advanced riders.

Compared to the 620, which it replaces, the 695 is a leap forward in performance. The potent new L-twin delivers much greater horsepower and torque – the highest output per cc of any Ducati air-cooled engine. But just as important, the 695’s engine produces smoother and more fluid power, while still making every twist of the throttle exciting.

The 695 introduces new graphics and colour treatments in step with its increased performance. A matte black colour combined with red, long associated with Ducati Corse, has been selectively applied to the bike.

The engine of the 695 is its most important technical advancement, and much more than an additional 75 cc’s of displacement might indicate. The new L-twin delivers new levels of horsepower and torque but also, just as important, smoother and more fluid power. The 63 hp of the 620 has been increased to 73 hp for the 695, the highest output per cubic centimetre of all Ducati air-cooled engines.

The rider’s environment on the 695 is one of comfort, control and confidence. With the lowest seat height of any Ducati, riders can plant both feet securely on the ground. The rider’s position is more upright as hands reach to a set of raised handlebars that are a bit wider for increased comfort and control. The footpegs strike a comfortable balance between a rearward ’sport’ position and a forward ‘laid-back’ sport cruiser position. All in all, a rider feels confident and in control aboard a Monster 695.

The 695 takes full advantage of the confidence inspiring road-holding and stability contribution of the Ducati trellis frame design. The trellis frame is light, rigid and beautiful, and distinctively Ducati. Quality Marzocchi 43 mm inverted forks and a Sachs rear shock, both crafted in Italy, smooth out the bumps and add their share of poise to the 695’s road manners.

Edit: I didn’t catch this tidbit at first glance, but it’s worth pointing out is that Ducati has reworked the mantinence schedule for the new Monster…

Maintenance
Ongoing investment in the Ducati factory’s processes, machinery and training has reaped significant and quantifiable improvements in component reliability on every Ducati motorcycle. As a result, every new Monster 695 owner benefits from an extended, less frequent scheduled maintenance program, which does not call for the first complete service until 12,000 Km (7,500 miles).

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