Monster 696

The Ducati Monster 696 is the entry-level Monster that replaced the older Monster 695 in 2008 and was produced until 2014. Power comes from an air/oil-cooled 696cc desmodromic 90-degree L-twin producing around 80 hp and 69 Nm, paired with a 6-speed gearbox and APTC slipper clutch running wet plates. The chassis is a tubular steel trellis derived from the original Monster, with a cast aluminium swingarm, adjustable forks and ABS from 2010. Pierre Terblanche's bodywork moved away from the harder lines of earlier Monsters while staying instantly recognisable as a Ducati naked.

The 696 is aimed at new riders and step-up customers who want a Ducati without the cost and weight of a Monster 1100. A low 770 mm seat, light steering and a smooth power delivery make it A2-restrictable. Period rivals are the Suzuki SV650, Yamaha XSR700 and Kawasaki ER-6n. It is less suited to long motorway runs because of wind blast and a 15 litre tank. Important: although the 696 uses a smaller desmo engine, it still needs the same 2-year timing belt service and 12,000 km valve clearance check as the larger Monsters.