Milan Tech: Ducati Monster - First Look

Finally, it’s here, the totally revised Monster. The frame structure uses a steel trellis front section teamed to a cast-aluminum rear subframe. The engine is a largely revised sohc 696, i.e. a 695cc fitted with redesigned heads that sport straighter intake runners and a more solid structure that dissipates heat more efficiently—to the point that a more substantial compression ratio has been adopted. The final result is a surprisingly lively engine that generates, says Ducati, 80 horsepower at 9000 rpm, with 50.6 foot-pounds of peak torque at 7750 revs.

At a mere 359 pounds, the new Monster is lighter than the previous 695 and benefits from a more ergonomically correct riding posture. This has been achieved by shortening the tank and moving the rider a little forward, with benefit to the dynamic weight distribution (with rider aboard). The actual gas tank and airbox are integrated in a compact unit that is hidden under a cowl in the shape of a neat-looking tank. This offers possibilities for personalization thanks to a wide list of alternative cowls in different color schemes and also in carbon-fiber.

The bike looks daring, lean, mean and more compact than the previous Monster. To my eyes, a very good styling effort and long overdue. Next a new Monster 1100?