Viva DUCATI

Monster story rewritten with new cast members.

Northeast Exclusive.

On the Ride with an Eye Toward Design:

John M. Rossi, Founder, VivaDUCATI.com

Dates: August, 2008        Locations: NY, CT, MA, NH
Acknowledgements: Ducati North America, Vanson Leathers, Penguin Road Racing School, Rob's Dyno Service, Phototechnik Boston.

I had great expectations to test ride this entry-level motorcycle since the 08 release event in Manchester, NH. The call from Cupertino, California finally came from John Paulo Canton, DUCATI North America’s Public Relations Coordinator to arrange my test ride of the new 2009, 696 DUCATI Monster. Besides the usual great trip into New York City to pick-up the motorcycle, I was excited to be riding the 696 on the heels of my recent tests of GT1000/Sport Classic, 1098 Superbike, and Hypermotard. Not that I was writing a comparison test but, a contrasting perspective of Ducati’s entire model line can be helpful when sharing honest, real world riding characteristics and design insight of these high-performance motorcycles.

Photo: Reginald Harper, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com.

I left Boston for New York to find my press bike waiting with 340 miles on it.  It was a red-frame with black bodywork and sported a micro-bikini fairing — the only factory bike in the U.S. wearing this color dress.

Jackie Halpa takes the 696 into a modest lean through turn 1-A at NHMS to find feet and pegs being the primary limitation of this very capable motorcycle. Photo: McAllister, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696. Jackie Halpa takes the 696 into a modest lean through turn 1-A at NHMS to find feet and pegs being the primary limitation of this very capable motorcycle. Photo: McAllister, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696.

The 696 Monster is readied at Ducati New York, (left) Marcos, Service Manager, Ms Mersades Nigle, and John M. Rossi. Photo: Reginald Harper, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696. The 696 Monster is readied at Ducati New York, (left) Marcos, Service Manager, Ms Mersades Nigle, and John M. Rossi. Photo: Reginald Harper, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696.

Monster brakes for the little monster are impressive 4-pot Brembos on dual 320mm rotors Ð complete overkill but, a joy to use. Photo: J.Rossi, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696. Monster brakes for the little monster are impressive 4-pot Brembos on dual 320mm rotors Ð complete overkill but, a joy to use. Photo: J.Rossi, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696.

The cast aluminum swingarm on the 696 Monster is a beautifully crafted piece, single wall-construction, with a micro-chain adjuster that looks just woefully undersized and out of scale. Photo: J.Rossi, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696. The cast aluminum swingarm on the 696 Monster is a beautifully crafted piece, single wall-construction, with a micro-chain adjuster that looks just woefully undersized and out of scale. Photo: J.Rossi, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696.

A beautiful new header pipe is routed up and over the wet-clutch housing. Photo: J.Rossi, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696. A beautiful new header pipe is routed up and over the wet-clutch housing. Photo: J.Rossi, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696.

Ahost of new cast a aluminum components mark the evolution of the Monster including swingarm, rider and passenger footpeg assembly, and rear sub-frame assembly. Aesthetically, they are beautiful. Functionally, there are a few issues, particularly with the footpeg placement, and heat gain from the header pipe. Photo: J.Rossi, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696. Ahost of new cast a aluminum components mark the evolution of the Monster including swingarm, rider and passenger footpeg assembly, and rear sub-frame assembly. Aesthetically, they are beautiful. Functionally, there are a few issues, particularly with the footpeg placement, and heat gain from the header pipe. Photo: J.Rossi, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696.

The iconic Monster tank is redefined in a plastic veneer and new details most notably, dual air intakes that serve as a pocket for switch controls and help to increase turning radius. Photo: J.Rossi, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696. The iconic Monster tank is redefined in a plastic veneer and new details most notably, dual air intakes that serve as a pocket for switch controls and help to increase turning radius. Photo: J.Rossi, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696.

Edgy new tank details, rubber mounted bars, analog instrumentation, and a micro bikini-fairing. The cat-eye mirrors present a host of limitations. Photo: J.Rossi, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696. Edgy new tank details, rubber mounted bars, analog instrumentation, and a micro bikini-fairing. The cat-eye mirrors present a host of limitations. Photo: J.Rossi, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696.

The removable seat on the 696 Monster gains access to a toys-r-us tool kit and an underseat storage area for a credit card and string bikini bottom. Its about priorities. Photo: J.Rossi, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696. The removable seat on the 696 Monster gains access to a toys-r-us tool kit and an underseat storage area for a credit card and string bikini bottom. Its about priorities. Photo: J.Rossi, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696.

The removable seat on the 696 Monster gains access to a toys-r-us tool kit and an under seat storage area for a credit card and string bikini bottom. Its about priorities. Photo: J.Rossi, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696. The removable seat on the 696 Monster gains access to a toys-r-us tool kit and an under seat storage area for a credit card and string bikini bottom. Its about priorities. Photo: J.Rossi, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696.

Maintaining on the ball foot position is difficult for the rider as aluminum footpeg assembly obstructs the heel from tucking-in and encourages poor foot placement to hang forward off the peg from the heel and dangle in the breeze. A dangerous prospect for spirited riding and real-world lean angles this motorcycle is capable of. Photo: J.Rossi, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696. Maintaining on the ball foot position is difficult for the rider as aluminum footpeg assembly obstructs the heel from tucking-in and encourages poor foot placement to hang forward off the peg from the heel and dangle in the breeze. A dangerous prospect for spirited riding and real-world lean angles this motorcycle is capable of. Photo: J.Rossi, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696.

The 696 is a pretty nice package on the whole, warts and all. Photo: J.Rossi, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696. The 696 is a pretty nice package on the whole, warts and all. Photo: J.Rossi, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696.

Beautifully engineered with rubber bar mounts are practically un-noticeable to the trained and untrained eye but, make a world of difference on a high-revving 696 DUCATI. Photo: J.Rossi, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696. Beautifully engineered with rubber bar mounts are practically un-noticeable to the trained and untrained eye but, make a world of difference on a high-revving 696 DUCATI. Photo: J.Rossi, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696.

Jackie Halpa of the Penguin School lends a woman's perspective on the handling and confidence inspiring 696 DUCATI Monster. Photo: J.Rossi, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696. Jackie Halpa of the Penguin School lends a woman's perspective on the handling and confidence inspiring 696 DUCATI Monster. Photo: J.Rossi, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696.

The Woods from left, Eric and Jeff, and Head Tech, Dana Temple size up the 696 as a possible track trainer for the Penguin School. All agree . . . it's got real potential. Photo: J.Rossi, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696. The Woods from left, Eric and Jeff, and Head Tech, Dana Temple size up the 696 as a possible track trainer for the Penguin School. All agree . . . it's got real potential. Photo: J.Rossi, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696.

John Rossi is joined by Steve Nogueria at the Penguin Road Racing School at NHMS. Steve takes the 696 into a modest lean through turn 1-A to find feet and pegs being the primary limitation of this very capable motorcycle. Photo: McAllister, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696. John Rossi is joined by Steve Nogueria at the Penguin Road Racing School at NHMS. Steve takes the 696 into a modest lean through turn 1-A to find feet and pegs being the primary limitation of this very capable motorcycle. Photo: McAllister, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696.

The Dyno doesnÕt lie. Rob Swartz takes the 696 for a spin to reveal its true performance specifications of 66.75 rear wheel HP, and 43.54 ft. lbs. of torque. Photo: J.Rossi, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696. The Dyno doesnÕt lie. Rob Swartz takes the 696 for a spin to reveal its true performance specifications of 66.75 rear wheel HP, and 43.54 ft. lbs. of torque. Photo: J.Rossi, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696.

Smart choices. MIT. The 696, and friend Todne Texeira who joined me for a perfect sunny afternoon ride throughout Boston and Cambridge on her trusted Monster she has ridden more than 30,000 miles. Todne is an accomplished Jazz vocalist who can be heard in Boston and New York City. Give a listen at VivaDUCATI.com. Photo: Willie van Tassel, Phototechnikboston.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696. Smart choices. MIT. The 696, and friend Todne Texeira who joined me for a perfect sunny afternoon ride throughout Boston and Cambridge on her trusted Monster she has ridden more than 30,000 miles. Todne is an accomplished Jazz vocalist who can be heard in Boston and New York City. Give a listen at VivaDUCATI.com. Photo: Willie van Tassel, Phototechnikboston.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696.

John Rossi is joined by Steve Nogueria at the Penguin Road Racing School at NHMS. Steve takes the 696 into a modest lean through turn 1-A to find feet and pegs being the primary limitation of this very capable motorcycle. Photo: McAllister, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696. John Rossi is joined by Steve Nogueria at the Penguin Road Racing School at NHMS. Steve takes the 696 into a modest lean through turn 1-A to find feet and pegs being the primary limitation of this very capable motorcycle. Photo: McAllister, courtesy VivaDUCATI.com. John M. Rossi test of the Ducati Monster 696.

The DUCATI 696 Monster is compact. In traditional Monster fashion, its design builds around the iconic tank. The new model incorporates a very noticeable details to the tank design that has defined the Monster as a cult classic and DUCATI’s highest selling and longest running model of 15-years. Perhaps the boldest design intervention are the symmetrical air intakes on the tank. They look cool, feed air directly into the breather box, and enable full-lock steering maneuvers. It is still a good idea to safeguard against crushed fingers between the bar and the tank. The bar-mounted switch controls now drop neatly into the scalloped-out, negative volume of the air intake grill. The tank is made of plastic veneer ala Swatch Watch and Smart car. This means interchangeable colors panels you can alternate depending on your mood or who you are dating. Fuel is actually carried within an internal mold-injected tank behind the foe-panels that extends below the rider seat area. They are also paintable I am told however, your magnetic tank bag is now an E-bay item.

Urban defenses.

I felt stealth and urban on 696 on the SoHO streets of Lower Manhattan, touring around the void of the Twin Towers, and crossing into Brooklyn, New York eventually en route to Boston where I spent 10-days with this bike and ride nearly 800-miles. My defensive riding skills were on code red as I instantly noticed how the 3800-word test of the Monster 696, complete with dyno run results, technical specifications, and photos awaits you. Login to gain full access to VivaDUCATI.com tests, articles, events, and exclusive V.I.P. travel to world class events.

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