DUCATI MONSTER 696 AUSTRALIAN MARKET RELEASE

The Monster 696. Global success. Legend. Icon. And shagariffic International Bike of Mystery.

Ducati have released the Monster 696 to the Australian market.

The Ducati Monster 696 represents the beginning of a new Monster era, enhancing the less-is-more philosophy that made the Monster a global success.

We think this stuff has something to do with "Monster .Fast Forward". Sounds kinda computerese, huh?

The front: inverted Showas, radial Brembos, 3-spoke Marchesinis

The new donk: 9% more power, 11% more torque, longer service intervals And legend.

And icon.

We think this stuff has something to do with Monster .Fast Forward. Sounds kinda computerese, huh?

The front: inverted Showas, radial Brembos, 3-spoke Marchesinis

The new donk: 9% more power, 11% more torque, longer service intervals

Certainly the Ducati Monster 696's most ingenious ingredient has been its wide-spread appeal. The user friendliness of Monster is well recognized and appreciated by beginner through to the most experienced riders.

Everything about Ducati Monster has been improved in the 696 - new design, new styling, new technology, less weight, more power. It's "Monster .Fast Forward", Ducati tell us. We have no idea what they're talking about. And how do you say that anyway? "Monster dot fast forward"? "Monster period fast forward"? "Monster point fast forward"? Buggered if we know. And why do they call it "Fast Forward"? So people don't get it mixed up with that other motorcycle that goes fast backwards?

Honestly, marketing people. Just reading their crap makes us want to drink hard liquor and clean our firearms collections here at BIKE ME!

With its thinner waistline, low 770mm seat height, shorter reach to higher bars and feather-light controls, the ergonomics have been taken care of for all riders - male or female, short or tall, young or mature.

Black or white.

Transgendered or lesbian.

The hybrid chassis design, taken directly from Ducati's MotoGP championship winning experience with Casey Stoner, features only the highest quality components: inverted Showa forks, Sachs mono-shock with progressive linkage, Brembo brakes with radial design at the front, and Marchesini 3-spoke wheels. This formidable fitment of the highest quality components puts 696 not only well ahead of all other models in its class, but other manufacturers. With a dry weight of 161kgs, the 696 is also the lightest in its class.

Combined with the light weight is increased power and torque from the Desmo V-Twin engine. Power is increased by 9% to 80hp and torque by 11% to 7kgm. As with all other current Ducati models, the 696 enjoys longer service intervals, reducing costs by up to 50% from previous models.

The Ducati Monster 696 is available in two versions; the 696 and 696+. The "+" version features a neat micro-bikini fairing and a single seat cover that completes the look of a racing seat.

Both versions of the Ducati Monster 696 are available in the same three colour options - Red with Red Frame and Black Wheels, White with Matte Black Frame and Black Wheels, Matte Black with Matte Black Frame and Black Wheels.

This last option, our favourite here at BIKE ME!, gives the impression that the rider is rolling in carbon credits, which we understand are the Currency of the Future.

The 696 RRP is $12,995 (plus Dealer and Statutory Charges) which is the same as the Monster 695 it's replacing. The 696+ RRP is $13,595 (plus Dealer and Stat Charges). Inclusive of the RRP is a 2-Year / Unlimited Kilometre Warranty and 2-Year / 24 Hour Ducati Rider Assist Emergency Service. The 696+ is available now. The 696 will be available from approximately October 2008 onwards.