DUCATI Monster 696 (2008-2009) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Ducati Monster 696 was a standard or naked machine part of the Monster family. The Ducati Monster was introduced in 1993 and packed almost the same appearance over its production time. The 696 model debuted in 2008 and continued production through 2014.

Since its introduction in 1993, Ducati has sold over 200,000 Monsters, which at one point amounted to 60 percent of Ducati's production. The Monster was a cheap-to-build machine and remained like that during its production.

In 2008, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer launched the Ducati Monster 696, a naked motorcycle that packed standard features, such as a tubular steel Trellis frame, a round headlight, a one-piece dual seat, a high-mounted exhaust system, and blacked-out three-spoke aluminum wheels.

In the performance department, the 2008 Ducati Monster 696 was brought to life by a 696cc four-stroke air-cooled V-twin engine with a fuel injection system in charge, boasting 80 hp with a peak at 9,000 rpm and 89 Nm (66 lb-ft) torque at 7,750 rpm.

The engine power was handled by a six-speed manual transmission with a wet, multi-plate hydraulic clutch and a final chain drive, pushing the machine to 210 kph (130 mph).

The bike's suspension was handled by a 43 mm upside-down Showa telescopic fork on the front and an adjustable Sachs shock absorber with progressive linkage on the rear, offering excellent handling.