The new Monsters

[Hillbilly]

Here are the Hi Res pix of the 696. (check out the new 848 as well while at the Ducati site) BTW, she only weighs 161kg thanks to the GP7 inspired trellis/aluminium hybrid frame. New desmo puts out 80 HP. Don't forget shes a 2 valve air cooled motor that's only 46cc larger than the liquid cooled Asian counterparts, the Suzuki SV650, Kawasaki the ER-6n, and the Hyosung GT650 Comet. I believe the seat height is 770mm - the same as the current 695.

[Pwalo]

Monsters have always left me a bit confused. I like the idea, but they always seem to look pre crashed.

Wouldn't mind seeing one in the flesh though.

[Coyote]

Pillion footpeg mounts would be quick to disappear too. Fecking ugly them

[James Deuce]

They're selling them with those exausts?!!!
God, the aftermarket suppliers will love them, good luck seeing one riding round with the stock system.

Within the next 5 years you won't be changing mufflers, so you'd best get used to the idea of them getting bigger and uglier too.

I love what they've done with the Monster, it was well past due for an update, S4Rs and S2R excepted. They were starting to look very old fashioned against the competition.

I'd still buy a Shiver ahead of a Monster though. Even with the daft name.

[manwithav8]

Within the next 5 years you won't be changing mufflers, so you'd best get used to the idea of them getting bigger and uglier too.

I love what they've done with the Monster, it was well past due for an update, S4Rs and S2R excepted. They were starting to look very old fashioned against the competition.

I'd still buy a Shiver ahead of a Monster though. Even with the daft name.

I like the style of the older carb'd models... I like my monster, wouldn't trade it for anything, oh um well, except for a 1098.. lol

[Hillbilly]

Well, so much for the April 2008 release date! Looks as if they'll be available some time after June as a "2009" model. That's according to the US Ducati website.

[oldguy]

Looks like a Hypermotardhttp://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/at...6&d=1194109303

[Chickenlegs]

Yip, nope, they are UGLY.

Why can other manufacturers like Moto Morini and even Aprillia with the Shiver, come up with what they do? Then along comes this...

Ducati have lost it a bit... They lost it with the cast subframe and piilion pegs...

[Hillbilly]

Dunno if this will change your mind, but here are some real photos of the 696 as opposed to the CGI's above:

[pug106xsi]

Haldanes sent me pricing and availability details for the Monster 696 (not quite sure why he had to SHOUT it ).

"AT LAST WE HAVE PRICES FOR THE 696 MONSTER STD VERSION $15995.00 -- 696 PLUS MODEL WITH MINI FAIRING AND SEAT COVER $16695.00. THE 696+ WILL ARRIVE JULY/AUGUST AND THE STD VERSION SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER"

[Hillbilly]

I was sent an email from Frasor Motorcycles in Newcastle inviting me for a test ride. Had to work though Nevermind! They're the same price here as the '07 695.

[awayatc]

Awesome, check it out, headlight housing straight off a Yamaha FZ1N.
Nice bike.

I know it has been sorted....BUT..Come on....The Japanese being copied..?
Only ones copying Japanese are in the same general area.....

Imagine if we all bought Japanese, and the Europeans and Americans stopped selling and thus designing.....try to imagine, and shudder or even cry

[NZsarge]

I know it has been sorted....BUT..Come on....The Japanese being copied..?
Only ones copying Japanese are in the same general area.....

Imagine if we all bought Japanese, and the Europeans and Americans stopped selling and thus designing.....try to imagine, and shudder or even cry

Oh whatever, the Japanese design some ugly bikes but they also design some really interesting bikes too, the european's have designed their fair share of rubbish looking bike too.
I'll keep riding my Japanese bike thanks and you can fix your Italian bike.

[Big Dave]

I was sent an email from Frasor Motorcycles in Newcastle inviting me for a test ride.

I was offered a ride at the Launch in Sydney last week...and reluctantly declined.

'Gorilla humping a football.'

Nice looking bike. Don't like the headlight.

[Dazza]

The Ducati is a nice bike for sure but I must agree, KTM for me..........






If I had the money

Me too, oh hangon I'm already there (they're getting cheaper & cheaper all the time,SH that is)Now lets talk about the proposed 1200 Shiver I think I'll hang out for the 1190 powered Super Duke replacement, my Super Duke'll be cheap as chips by then, she's just about to turn over 50,000k's.