VALENTINO ROSSI AND NICKY HAYDEN START SECOND SEPANG TEST ON THE RIGHT

valentino rossi test sepang

nicky hayden

Today marked the beginning of the second winter MotoGP test at Malaysia's Sepang Circuit, where the work will continue until February 24. The Ducati Marlboro Team riders took full advantage of an entire day without rain, although the temperatures were higher than they had been during the three-day test at the beginning of this month.

Valentino Rossi continued his important work on the GP11's setup, completing 53 laps and choosing some base settings on which his crew plans to concentrate in the future.
Nicky Hayden worked on his setup in an effort to reduce chatter, and despite a slow fall just before the lunch break, he was satisfied in the end with the progress he'd made.

"We can be satisfied with today as a first day, because we're a second from the top, like we were at the end of the first test but without trying a late ‘time attack' with the soft tyre like the others did. For the most part today, I was between fifth and sixth place, which is the goal we had set. I'm still losing about three tenths due to the shoulder, because I'm still stronger in the left turns, whereas I'm normally the opposite; the rest we'll have to find by working on the bike. I'm also happy because we spent all our time on the hard tyres, which we struggled with before today. In the end, we chose one of the two setups that we had settled upon at the last test, and that will now be our base to work from, and the one on which we'll concentrate our efforts in the next couple of days."

"It's good to be back at Sepang, working on and developing the GP11. We spent the morning checking a few things and confirming what we had learned the last time we were here. Everything pretty much went according to schedule, except I had a little crash in Turn 1 toward the end of the morning session. It was really hot, and I lost the front and tipped over, but I was going slow and didn't do any damage to myself or the bike. Today we experienced less chatter than we had last time, so that's quite good. We need to keep reducing that over the next two days and also find some more traction.

DUCATI STAS BLING BLING MODIFICATION

ducati stas blink blink modification

Touch of Color Yellow and Black Pearl Flat on ducati

What if a player moves the flow modifier of Harley-Davidson became modifkator Ducati? Applied the first time is a touch of "bling bling"-style Chopper told Sport-Touring motorcycles. The first step is to replace the colored base paint into Yellow Pearl Yellow solid. Color wheels and Subfram previously grayed out is now turned into a Black doff. Enough? Not yet! Headlights replaced the custom model into 2 sections and Sein kampu in a black smooke Increase Convenience with Rizoma parts!

Owner of the motorcycle accident is the official distributor Rizoma. Well, not wrong if part dong hi-end market after it was applied to the motor this? Virtually all parts of the cockpit of the first all black solid. Once completed, ranging from Grip Handle, fuel & clutch reservoir replaced Rizoma brand. Furthermore, standard off the clutch handle and replaced merk.Atention to Detail Engineering and Operations

Most motor modification is intended to display. So that part and the part the result of modifications to be fragile and vulnerable to damage. But modification of the motor which costs more than 50 million rupiah was not the case. All the parts that have been modified and accessories must be properly installed properly strong and solid, like an original part. Everything is done purely for the sake of the safety factor. The owner also said that if the motor can not modify the results of Operations, arguably modifier has failed.

source: http://ducatimonster.wordpress.com/2010/04/04/modifikasi-st4s-bling-bling/

2010 DUCATI MULTISTRADA 1200 REVIEWS

Ducati Multistrada 1200 pics 1

Ducati Multistrada 1200 pics 2

A dream Ducati - 4 bikes in 1. A action bike, long-distance tourer, burghal and alley enduro are now afar by aloof one click.

specification Ducati Multistrada 1200
Model:	Ducati Multistrada 1200
Year:	2010
Category:	Sport touring
Engine and transmission
Displacement:	1198.40 ccm (73.13 cubic inches)
Engine type:	V2
Stroke:	4
Power:	150.00 HP (109.5 kW)) @ 9250 RPM
Torque:	118.65 Nm (12.1 kgf-m or 87.5 ft.lbs) @ 7500 RPM
Compression:	11.5:1
Bore x stroke:	106.0 x 67.9 mm (4.2 x 2.7 inches)
Fuel system:	Injection. Tsubishi electronic fuel injection system, Mikuni elliptical throttle bodies
Valves per cylinder:	4
Fuel control:	Desmodromic valve control
Starter:	Electric
Cooling system:	Liquid
Gearbox:	6-speed
Transmission type final drive:	Chain
Clutch:	Light action, wet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run
Physical measures
Dry weight:	189.0 kg (416.7 pounds)
Seat height:	850 mm (33.5 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Wheelbase:	1,530 mm (60.2 inches)
Chassis and dimensions
Frame type:	Tubular steel Trellis frame
Rake (fork angle):	25.0°
Front suspension:	Marzocchi 50mm fully adjustable usd forks
Rear suspension:	Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Sachs monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarm
Front tyre dimensions:	120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre dimensions:	190/55-ZR17
Front brakes:	Double disc
Front brakes diameter:	320 mm (12.6 inches)
Rear brakes:	Single disc
Rear brakes diameter:	245 mm (9.6 inches)
Exhaust system:	Stainless steel muffler with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes, alluminium tail pipes
Speed and acceleration
Power/weight ratio:	0.7937 HP/kg
Other specifications
Fuel capacity:	20.00 litres (5.28 gallons)
Color options:	Red, white

2010 Ducati Monster 696 pictures Specification

2010 Ducati Monster 696 pictures 1

2010 Ducati Monster 696 pictures 2

specification 2010 Ducati Monster 696 pictures
Model:	Ducati Monster 696
Year:	2010
Category:	Naked bike
Engine and transmission
Displacement:	696.00 ccm (42.47 cubic inches)
Engine type:	V2
Stroke:	4
Power:	78.85 HP (57.6 kW)) @ 9000 RPM
Torque:	50.60 Nm (5.2 kgf-m or 37.3 ft.lbs)
Compression:	10.7:1
Bore x stroke:	88.0 x 57.2 mm (3.5 x 2.3 inches)
Fuel system:	Injection. Siemens electronic fuel injection, 45mm throttle body
Valves per cylinder:	2
Fuel control:	Desmodromic valve control
Starter:	Electric
Cooling system:	Air
Gearbox:	6-speed
Transmission type final drive:	Chain
Clutch:	APTC wet multiplate with hydraulic control
Physical measures
Dry weight:	161.0 kg (354.9 pounds)
Seat height:	770 mm (30.3 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Wheelbase:	1,450 mm (57.1 inches)
Chassis and dimensions
Frame type:	Tubular steel Trellis frame
Rake (fork angle):	24.0°
Front suspension:	Showa 43mm upside-down forks
Rear suspension:	Progressive linkage with preload and rebound Sachs adjustable monoshock
Front tyre dimensions:	120/60-ZR17
Rear tyre dimensions:	160/60-ZR17
Front brakes:	Double disc
Front brakes diameter:	320 mm (12.6 inches)
Rear brakes:	Single disc
Rear brakes diameter:	245 mm (9.6 inches)
Exhaust system:	2 aluminum mufflers
Speed and acceleration
Power/weight ratio:	0.4898 HP/kg
Other specifications
Fuel capacity:	15.00 litres (3.96 gallons)
Color options:	White, black, red

2010 Ducati Hypermotard 796 PICS and SPECIFICATION

2010 Ducati Hypermotard 796 PICS 1

bmw 796 rides the common ground between manners and madness, blending unparalleled Ducati twin-cylinder power and descent with light and minimalist sportbike concept supermotard.

2010 Ducati Hypermotard 796 PICS 2

specification ducati hyermotard 796 2010
Model:	Ducati Hypermotard 796
Year:	2010
Category:	Super motard
Engine and transmission
Displacement:	803.00 ccm (49.00 cubic inches)
Engine type:	V2
Stroke:	4
Power:	81.00 HP (59.1 kW)) @ 8000 RPM
Torque:	7.70 Nm (0.8 kgf-m or 5.7 ft.lbs) @ 7700 RPM
Compression:	11.0:1
Bore x stroke:	88.0 x 66.0 mm (3.5 x 2.6 inches)
Fuel system:	Injection. Siemens electronic fuel injection, 45mm throttle body
Valves per cylinder:	2
Fuel control:	Desmodromic valve control
Starter:	Electric
Cooling system:	Air
Gearbox:	6-speed
Transmission type final drive:	Chain
Clutch:	APTC wet multiplate with hydraulic control
Physical measures
Dry weight:	167.0 kg (368.2 pounds)
Seat height:	825 mm (32.5 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Wheelbase:	1,455 mm (57.3 inches)
Chassis and dimensions
Frame type:	Tubular steel Trellis frame
Rake (fork angle):	24.0°
Front suspension:	Marzocchi 43mm usd forks
Rear suspension:	Progressive linkage with adjustable Sachs monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarm
Front tyre dimensions:	120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre dimensions:	180/55-ZR17
Front brakes:	Double disc
Front brakes diameter:	305 mm (12.0 inches)
Rear brakes:	Single disc
Rear brakes diameter:	245 mm (9.6 inches)
Exhaust system:	Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter with twin lambda probes
Speed and acceleration
Power/weight ratio:	0.4850 HP/kg
Other specifications
Fuel capacity:	12.40 litres (3.28 gallons)
Color options:	Black, white, red

2010 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 Evo Pictures and Specs

2010 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 Evo Pictures 1

2010 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 Evo Pictures 2

2010 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 Evo Pictures 3

Model:	Ducati Hypermotard 1100 Evo
Year:	2010
Category:	Super motard
Engine and transmission
Displacement:	1078.00 ccm (65.78 cubic inches)
Engine type:	V2
Stroke:	4
Power:	95.00 HP (69.3 kW)) @ 7500 RPM
Torque:	10.50 Nm (1.1 kgf-m or 7.7 ft.lbs) @ 10500 RPM
Compression:	11.3:1
Bore x stroke:	98.0 x 71.5 mm (3.9 x 2.8 inches)
Fuel system:	Injection. Siemens electronic fuel injection, 45mm throttle body
Fuel control:	Desmodromic valve control
Starter:	Electric
Cooling system:	Air
Gearbox:	6-speed
Transmission type final drive:	Chain
Clutch:	Dry multiplate with hydraulic control
Physical measures
Dry weight:	172.0 kg (379.2 pounds)
Seat height:	845 mm (33.3 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Wheelbase:	1,455 mm (57.3 inches)
Chassis and dimensions
Frame type:	Tubular steel Trellis frame
Rake (fork angle):	24.0°
Front suspension:	Marzocchi 50mm fully adjustable usd forks
Rear suspension:	Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Sachs monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarm
Front tyre dimensions:	120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre dimensions:	180/55-ZR17
Front brakes:	Double disc
Front brakes diameter:	305 mm (12.0 inches)
Rear brakes:	Single disc
Rear brakes diameter:	245 mm (9.6 inches)
Exhaust system:	Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter with twin lambda probes
Speed and acceleration
Power/weight ratio:	0.5523 HP/kg
Other specifications
Fuel capacity:	12.40 litres (3.28 gallons)
Color options:	Red, black

Ducati 848 2010 Pictures and Specification

Ducati 848 2010 Pictures 1

Ducati 848 2010 Pictures 2

Ducati 848 2010 specification:

General information Ducati 848 2010
Model:	Ducati 848
Year:	2010
Category:	Sport
Rating:	71.3 out of 100.
Engine and transmission
Displacement:	849.40 ccm (51.83 cubic inches)
Engine type:	V2
Stroke:	4
Power:	134.00 HP (97.8 kW)) @ 10000 RPM
Torque:	96.00 Nm (9.8 kgf-m or 70.8 ft.lbs) @ 8250 RPM
Compression:	12.0:1
Bore x stroke:	94.0 x 61.2 mm (3.7 x 2.4 inches)
Fuel system:	Injection. Marelli electronic fuel injection, elliptical throttle bodies
Valves per cylinder:	4
Fuel control:	Desmodromic valve control
Cooling system:	Liquid
Gearbox:	6-speed
Transmission type final drive:	Chain
Clutch:	Wet multiplate with hydraulic control
Physical measures
Dry weight:	168.0 kg (370.4 pounds)
Seat height:	830 mm (32.7 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Wheelbase:	1,430 mm (56.3 inches)
Chassis and dimensions
Frame type:	Tubular steel Trellis frame in ALS 450
Rake (fork angle):	24.5°
Front suspension:	Showa 43mm fully adjustable usd fork
Rear suspension:	Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Showa monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarm
Front tyre dimensions:	120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre dimensions:	180/55-ZR17
Front brakes:	Double disc
Front brakes diameter:	320 mm (12.6 inches)
Rear brakes:	Single disc
Rear brakes diameter:	245 mm (9.6 inches)
Exhaust system:	Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and lambda probe. Twin stainless steel mufflers
Speed and acceleration
Power/weight ratio:	0.7976 HP/kg
Other specifications
Fuel capacity:	15.50 litres (4.10 gallons)
Color options:	Red, white, black

Ducati 1198 S 2010 Specs and Pics

Ducati 1198 S 2010 Pics 1

Ducati 1198 S 2010 pics 2

Ducati 1198 S 2010 pics 3

General information
Model:	Ducati 1198 S
Year:	2010
Category:	Sport
Engine and transmission
Displacement:	1198.40 ccm (73.13 cubic inches)
Engine type:	V2
Stroke:	4
Power:	170.00 HP (124.1 kW)) @ 9750 RPM
Torque:	131.53 Nm (13.4 kgf-m or 97.0 ft.lbs) @ 8000 RPM
Compression:	12.7:1
Bore x stroke:	106.0 x 67.9 mm (4.2 x 2.7 inches)
Fuel system:	Injection. Marelli electronic fuel injection, elliptical throttle bodies.
Valves per cylinder:	4
Fuel control:	Desmodromic valve control
Cooling system:	Liquid
Gearbox:	6-speed
Transmission type final drive:	Chain
Clutch:	Dry multiplate with hydraulic control
Physical measures
Dry weight:	169.0 kg (372.6 pounds)
Seat height:	820 mm (32.3 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Wheelbase:	1,430 mm (56.3 inches)
Chassis and dimensions
Frame type:	Tubular steel Trellis frame in ALS 450
Rake (fork angle):	24.5°
Front suspension:	Öhlins 43mm fully adjustable usd forks with TiN
Rear suspension:	Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Öhlins monoshock with top-out spring. Aluminium single-sided swingarm
Front tyre dimensions:	120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre dimensions:	190/55-ZR17
Front brakes:	Double disc
Front brakes diameter:	330 mm (13.0 inches)
Rear brakes:	Single disc
Rear brakes diameter:	245 mm (9.6 inches)
Exhaust system:	Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes. Twin stainless steel mufflers
Speed and acceleration
Power/weight ratio:	1.0059 HP/kg
Other specifications
Fuel capacity:	15.50 litres (4.10 gallons)
Color options:	White, black, red

2010 Ducati GT1000 Sport Classic

2010 Ducati GT1000 Sport Classic

2010 Ducati GT1000 - International Specifications
MSRP: See Dealer

Chassis

Frame
Tubular steel Trellis frame
Wheelbase
1425mm (56.1in)
Rake
24°
Front Suspension
Marzocchi 43mm usd forks
Front Wheel Travel
120mm (4.7in)
Front Wheel
Spoke wheel with chromed steel rim, 3.50 x 17
Front Tyre
120/70 R17
Rear Suspension
Twin shock absorbers with adjustable preload
Rear Wheel Travel
133mm (5.2in)
Rear Wheel
Spoke wheel with chromed steel rim, 5.50x17
Rear Tyre
180/55 R17
Front Brake
2 x 320mm semi-floating discs, 2 piston, 2 pad floating caliper
Rear Brake
245mm disc, 1-piston floating caliper
Fuel Tank Capacity
15l - 3.9gallon (US)
Dry Weight
185kg (407lb)

Instruments
Electronic panel: speedometer, rev counter, warning light for low oil pressure, warnings for hi-beam Warning lights for: Neutral, turn signals, high-beam, immobilizer. Display for time, fuel trip

Warranty
2 years unlimited mileage
Body Colour (Frame/Wheel)
Red (black / chrome) - Black with white stripe (black / chrome)
Versions
Dual seat
Seat Height
810mm (31.8in)


DDA
Not available on this model


DTC
Not available on this model

ABS
Not available on this model

Engine
Type
L-Twin cylinder, 2 valve per cylinder Desmodromic, air cooled
Displacement
992cc
Bore x Stroke
94 x 71.5mm
Compression Ratio
10.01:1
Power
92hp (67.7kW) @ 8000rpm
Torque
67.25 lb-ft 9.3kgm @ 6000rpm
Fuel injection
Marelli electronic fuel injection, 45mm throttle body

Exhaust
Chromed, stainless steel exhaust system with one muffler per side

Transmission
Gearbox
6 speed
Ratio
1st 37/15, 2nd 30/17, 3rd 27/20, 4th 24/22, 5th 23/24, 6th 24/28
Primary Drive
Straight cut gears, Ratio 1.84:1
Final Drive
Chain; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 39
Clutch
Wet multiplate with hydraulic control

Emissions
Standard
Euro 3

2010 Ducati Hypermotard 796 Desktop Wallpaper

2010 Ducati Hypermotard 796 Motorcycle Desktop Wallpaper

2010 Ducati Hypermotard 796 Bike Desktop Wallpaper

2010 Ducati Hypermotard 796 Side View

2010 Ducati Hypermotard 796 Desktop Wallpaper

2009 Ducati Monster 110S Wallpaper

2009 Ducati Monster 110S Silver Sportbike Wallpaper

2009 Ducati Monster 110S Red Sportbike Wallpaper

Video Review 2009 Ducati Desmosedici RR SE

Following the example of Ferrari and Lamborghini, Ducati goes exclusive with the Desmosedici RR, as exclusive as a bike developed with Casey Stoner on its back can be. The L-four cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, Desmodromic, four valves per cylinder engine with gear driven camshafts features 86mm bore and 42,56mm stroke, just like on the 2006 MotoGP Ducati (the D16GP6), ending up displacing 989cc. Fed through a Magneti Marelli fuel injection system with four 50mm throttle bodies spraying microjets through their 12-hole injectors and breathing out through a 102 dB race pipe, the extremely refined piece of mechanical engineering develops a mind-blowing 200hp at 13,800rpm and 85,55 lb-ft of torque at 10,500rpm.

The extremely powerful motor works with a cassette type six-speed gearbox and hydraulically actuated dry multi-plate slipper clutch, both units being the closest things you’ll get to those on the racing bike, if not THE real thing.

The engine is used as a stressed member of the tubular steel Trellis hybrid frame, while the rest of the chassis is the same as on the 2006 MotoGP one. You get the 43 mm upside-down Ohlins FG353P pressurized forks (PFF), with TiN coated sliders, which are fully adjustable in preload, rebound and compression, while the rear shock is also provided by Ohlins and is rebound, low/high speed compression adjustable and hydraulic preload adjustable.

Ducati Monster 1100S Wallpapers and Pictures Gallery

Ducati Monster 1100S Big Motorcycle Wallpapers

Ducati Monster 1100S Motor sport Wallpapers

Ducati 1098 Street-Fighter Year 2009

Jakarta, 17 November 2008. Some motorcycle websites abroad, or from the media in this country now more warm-warm motor strip 'street-fighter'.

No less interesting if the weblog has also published articles on the motorcycle 'street-fighter' bro Tono property, as of October 28 ago (see here).

What are busy talking about?

Will present a new motorcycle 'street-fighter' from the Ducati 1098, which is called the "New Ducati 1098 Street-Fighter". He said this motor will circulate in the next year, 2009.

Motor new 'Ducati 1098 Street-Fighter' has karateristik as' the naked bike '.
Just another some experience in my life

* Home
* Foreword
* Signs

New Bike: Ducati 1098 Street-Fighter Year 2009
17 November 2008
tags: Street Fighter Ducati 1098, Ducati Bike New, PT Indonesia SuperMoto
by Admin-SL

ducati_1098_streetfighter_tank-smallJakarta, 17 November 2008. Some motorcycle websites abroad, or from the media in this country now more warm-warm motor strip 'street-fighter'.

No less interesting if the weblog has also published articles on the motorcycle 'street-fighter' bro Tono property, as of October 28 ago (see here).

What are busy talking about?

Will present a new motorcycle 'street-fighter' from the Ducati 1098, which is called the "New Ducati 1098 Street-Fighter". He said this motor will circulate in the next year, 2009.

Motor new 'Ducati 1098 Street-Fighter' has karateristik as' the naked bike '.

All are also in the know, if the motor Sportbike Ducati 1098 which have been circulating dipasar always use fairing (full-faired) and the 1098 motor is always used in the racing circuit.

In the event the most prestigious races, WSBK (World Super Bike), we know the World Champion in 2008 is WSBK Troy Bayliss of Ducati Xerox Team.

How about the new Ducati motorcycles 1098 Street Fighter? Whether motor fairing also use this?

Certainly not lah yau .. :-) Motor incoming class this' the naked bike 'alias motor where the naked bone, heart and stomach can be seen clearly.

Overview of the face motor is a mix between the 1098 Ducati Superbike, Ducati Multi Strada and 1000DS Ducati Hypermotard.

If you want a class in 1098, this motor can enter; spelled like class Multi Strada can enter, and the last style ala Hypermotard motorcycles can also receive, even if somewhat forced. But clearly there are many differences.

As a general overview, this motor will have a data spesikasi as follows:

* Capacity 1099cc engine with a model L-Twin engine produces 155 Hp.
* 2-1-2 exhaust system exhaust system has a 'twin stainless steel mufflers'
Showa front forks * 43-mm 'fully adjustable.
* Ducati motorcycles have a class' Special ', usually used Ohlins shock or other additional asesories.
* Ohlins Suspensi behind brands.
* Sitem brake depam's 4-piston Brembo brake system and rear 2-piston.
* Approximate price in the range of USD40, 000 or more.

When will be present in Indonesia?

Yes, of course we are waiting the official announcement of PT Indonesia SuperMoto recognized as ATPM Ducati in Indonesia.

Ducati Monster 1100 and 1100S-2009

monster 2009 of Ducati 1100 and 1100S obtain very a swingarm with simple face nine, whereas the 1100S also obtains the suspension of haut-SpEc. hlins, wheels but-painted and the shock absorber before carbonfibre. The two bicycles are equipped with same the 1100cc v-twin, which makes 95bhp with 7,500rpm and 10.5Kgm of couple with 6,000rpm.

Engineers de Ducati managed to obtain a motor bike much more essential that with its 169 kilogrammes 168 kilogrammes for the version of S being the general public as lighter in its class.

The monster S 1100 and 1100, sold under the series of cupolino and coprisella are equipped in the whole world with the charismatic-cylinder 1100 DC Desmodromico 2 valves, famous for the single character provided by cv 95 paid to the dall of 7.500 t/mn to the 'minute of impressive and the couple of 10.5 Kgm to 6000 t/mn.

Ducati Monster 696

Lighter, sleeker and optimised for sporty riding - the 2008 Ducati Monster 696

Ducati released the first official pics of the 2008 Monster 696 in November last year. The all-new Monster wasn’t as radical as we’d been hoping for, but we still liked the bike anyway. The motorcycle press worldwide was recently given a chance to ride the 696, and more details on the bike are now available.

Designed for the city and for twisty mountain roads, the Monster 696 features improved ergonomics, a low seat height (770mm), and fully digital instrumentation, which among other things, also has a built-in lap-timer and is compatible with Ducati’s DDA (Ducati Data Analyser) system.

The Monster 696’s air-cooled L-twin engine only makes a modest 80bhp and 69Nm of torque, but given that the bike only weighs 152 kilos dry, performance should be at least reasonably sprightly. Ducati also say the Monster 696’s steel-tube trellis frame is stiffer than ever before, and along with the new aluminium swingarm, the whole package has been optimized for high-speed stability.

Looks all right we suppose, though we do wish Ducati had been a bit braver with the 696's styling...

The suspension comprises of a 43mm Showa USD front fork, and a preload-adjustable Sachs monoshock. The bike rides on 17-inch wheels, shod with 120/60 (front) and 160/60 (rear) ZR-rated rubber. Other bits include Ducati’s APTC slipper clutch, six-speed gearbox, twin 320mm brake discs (Brembo) with radial-mount four-piston calipers at the front, and 245mm rear brake disc.

MCN’s Adam Child, who recently rode the 696 in Barcelona, says, ‘On first impressions it kind of feels like the old Monster – there is a lot of character and feel of the old machine – like the position of the tank and the trellis frame. But the new bike is way, way better. The Monster now handles a lot better than the old one. The old Monster had a tendency to understeer, but the 696 handles beautifully with really sharp steering.’

‘Brembo brakes and no weight amount to great stopping power, and it comes with a slipper clutch as standard, so there is no worry for new riders about the engine braking from the v-twin. But the thing that really impressed about the monster is just how good the gearbox and fuelling is,’ says Child.

For those who want a bit more style and exclusivity, Ducati have also released the Monster 696+ which is a specially customized variant of the regular Monster. The 696+ is fitted with a small front fairing and a removable rear seat cowl. But that’s not all – a very wide range of accessories is being made available for the 696. The list of optional fancy bits includes titanium silencers (supplied with a new ECU and air-filter), carbon racing exhaust system, a special touring seat made of high-density foam, LED turn indicators, shorter tail guard, and many carbonfibre bits and pieces.