Motorman's Roadtest
2009 DUCATI 696 MONSTER
Let's say you're a biker who values performance over all else. But maybe you're over 40 and prefer your performance with a smidgen of comfort and rideability. You could choose a performance custom cruiser, but maybe you also want to carve up your favorite winding road and the sound of scraping pegs doesn't excite you. Well, you could buy any number of sportbikes, but since you’re over 40 the riding position of the out and out sportbike is probably going to cause a serious pain in the neck as well as many other places. The answer: the naked bike. Most naked bikes offer 98% of the performance you'll find on your average fairing equipped sportbike with a much less painful riding position. If funds are limited, and if you enjoy a light motorcycle, the middleweight class is where you should be looking.
It just happens that Ducati, arguably the inventor of the naked bike, has a brand new for 2009 Ducati Monster 696. The new Monster is equipped with Ducati's air cooled 90-degree V-Twin. If you’re not familiar, of all V-Twins the 90-degree configuration is said to be the smoothest design. Of course, the Monster is fuel injected and its drivability is among the best. No coughing, sputtering or hiccupping on this highly refined Ducati.
The wide ratio 6-speed transmission shifts effortlessly. This Ducati is equipped with a wet multi-plate clutch with hydraulic control. While the effort needed to squeeze the clutch lever is very light, no adjustment is available.
The front brakes on the 696 are 4 piston radial-mount Brembos covering 320mm rotors. They are very powerful and easy to modulate. Ditto the 245mm rear brakes.
The 696 instrumentation has moved upscale as well. Instead of the old dual analog clocks, it now has an easy to read LCD panel that includes a lap timer, clock and ambient temperature layouts. Ducati's DDA Data Logger plugs right in for extra track day fun.
Ducati's also managed to shave a few pounds off of last years Monster. Full of gas and oil, the 696 weighs in at a mere 407 pounds. Combine that light weight with 80 HP at the crank and 50 pounds of torque and you've got a serious performance machine.
Ducati has long been known for wonderful handling and nimble motorcycles and the new Monster lives up to that reputation. Up front you'll find a 43mm male-slider forks with 4.7 inches of travel and out back there's a lay down mono shock, adjustable pre-load and rebound damping with 5.8 inches of travel.
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The riding position of the Monster is definitely on the sporting side, though you’re reaching forward to grab the tubular handlebars, the reach is not excessive. In fact once above 55 or 60 MPH the wind rush against your chest will lift the majority of weight off your hands. The rear set foot pegs also offer just the right amount of compromise between comfort and your typical sportbike position.
With all this said, the ride is the thing. The Monster handles beautifully at any speed, on any road. Find your favorite set of twisting switchbacks and you and the Monster will become one. You'll swear that your hands are actually gripping the front tire and turning it with barely a thought. If you happen to downshift in the middle of a turn into the wrong gear, the slipper clutch will keep you out of trouble.
Twist the throttle and listen to the beautiful music of that Ducati V-Twin. Run it up to 10,000 RPM in each gear, the hairs on the back of your neck will stand up from the combination of acceleration and the beautiful music of that Ducati motor; all the while averaging 55 MPG.
Yes, there are less expensive middle weight naked bikes than the Ducati, but none offer the pedigree, character and excitement of this motorcycle. In other words, to the discerning rider the Monster is worth every penny of its $8,775 asking price.
The Monster is available in matte black, pearl white, and of course red, my personal preference.
For a closer look and a test ride, see your local Ducati dealer.
copyright 2008 Jerry Motorman Palladino
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