APTC Clutch

The APTC ‘wet’ clutch gives a ‘slipper’ type action that prevents destabilizing of [...]]]> Ducati Naked essentiality 

When you choose to ride the Monster, you are not just choosing a bike, but an entire lifestyle. A desire to experience the exhilaration of naked power from an iconic motorcycle.

Ducati Monster 696 Features:

APTC Clutch

The APTC ‘wet’ clutch gives a ‘slipper’ type action that prevents destabilizing of the rear-end under aggressive down-shifting and also gives the extra benefit of a super-light feel at the lever, a great benefit in stop-start city traffic or during longer journeys.

The 21-plate oil-bath clutch (11 friction and 10 steel) represents a power-enhancing weight reduction over the ‘dry’ system as well as having a quieter operation and requiring less maintenance.

Lightweight Crankcases

The new crankcases hug the gearbox internals much closer to create a smaller and more compact outer profile and achieve considerable weight savings over previous cases.

Power & torque curves: The Monster 696 produces 80hp (58,8kW) @ 9,000rpm and 50,6lb-ft (7,0kgm) of torque @ 7,750rpm

Desmodue

The engine of the Monster 696 is the legendary Desmodue, 696cc, air cooled, Dual Spark L-Twin engine whose 80hp gives it that unmistakable Ducati sound. Developed for an incredibly flexible power delivery, the 696 Desmodromic engine provides enough torque to exit the most challenging of corners. The impressive torque, typical of the Ducati L-Twin engines, will excite with every twist of the throttle.

exhaust system

Providing a deep and rich exhaust tone within current noise and emissions regulations is no mean feat, but the Monster 696 definitely provides the L-Twin sound famous of Ducati. Its bold, high-level twin mufflers also make a striking style statement.

The exhaust system on the 696 has one Lambda probe dedicated to each cylinder, enabling precise fuelling for a smoother power delivery as well as complying with current emission regulations.

Equipment Features:

M696 ABS

For the first time since its debut, the Ducati Monster is available with ABS (anti-lock braking system).

Unlike the majority of motorcycle ABS set-ups, this system has the advantage of ensuring a more natural braking ‘feel’ for the rider.

The Monster 696 ABS is equipped with ABS, the single seat cover and the neat micro-bikini fairing.

Instrumentation

Visually simple digital instrumentation provides an array of data on command or, at a glance, just speed and revs. Information available at your fingertip include: scheduled maintenance warning, oil temperature, trip odometer, lap time, fuel reserve, warning light for low oil pressure, turn signals, over-rev warning, immobilizer and neutral warning light.

M696+

The 696+ is a factory-personalised model featuring some neat designer touches to help you stand out from the crowd. A beautiful single seat cover creates the clean look of a racing seat. The cover easily unclips to allow room for your favourite passenger while the neat micro-bikini fairing adds a custom touch to the front end.

Silencer Covers

The new silencer guards feature a longer shape and provide improved heat protection

Headlight

The triple-parabola headlight on the Monster utilises the latest optical technology and advanced construction techniques to provide an incredibly compact lighting package. In spite of its compact size, the headlight throws a broad and deep beam to provide excellent visibility and make night riding safer. Viewed from the side, its discrete silhouette mimics the radical shape of the fuel tank.

DDA Ready

The instrument display also doubles as a control panel for the activation of the Ducati Data Analyser (DDA) system, which is available as an accessory from Ducati Performance.

The bike has been built ‘system-ready’ for the data acquisition kit, which consists of special DDA software and a memory key that slots into a plug under the seat.

The same plug also doubles as the connection for a handy new battery charger available as an accessory from Ducati Performance.

Adjustable Levers

The new user-friendly brake and clutch with 4-point adjustable levers provide easy-to-reach control for all hand sizes.

LED Taillight

An LED rear light unit satisfies the minimalist, weight-saving design ethos found throughout the Monster 696. The specially designed strip of LED are enhanced by a special diffuser lens to deliver outstanding light clarity and incredible longevity.

For the Monster 1100^EVO, even the license plate light uses LED technology.

Stopwatch

The digital display is programmed with a stopwatch function that, when enabled, can be triggered by using the high-beam flash button and each recorded time stored in a memory. After your journey or track session, the times or lap times can be recalled from the memory and scrolled through by using the instrumentation buttons on the left-hand switchgear.

Chassis Features

Sachs rear suspension

At the rear, a Sachs monoshock unit with progressive linkage provide a wide spectrum of both spring and damping settings.

Aluminium Swingarm

The GP-style swingarm is chill-cast using aluminium in its most noble form. Gravity cast and heat treated, the component achieves the best mechanical characteristics as well as reduced final weight for improved handling.

Marzocchi Forks

Outstanding grip and unbeatable riding comfort are ensured by a 43 mm Marzocchi upside down stanchion fork, which provides 120 mm of suspension travel.

Ergonomics

The heavily tapered and deeply sculpted fuel tank cover allows maximum comfort and control. The narrowing of the bike’s ‘waist’ has the same effect as lowering the seat height, making it easier for more riders to get both feet flat on the floor.

The steering-lock is vastly improved with a useful 64 degrees of lock-to-lock steering travel. Incredible attention to detail has gone into maximising the effective steering-lock.

Brembo Brakes

Lightweight 3-spoke aluminium alloy wheels increase agility and reduce rider effort. The 3.50×17 front wheel wears a 120/60ZR tyre while the 4.50×17 rear wheel runs 160/60ZR rubber. By resisting the temptation to over-tyre the 696 for styling’s sake, the end result is light, predictable and confidence inspiring steering qualities at a wide range of speeds with truly outstanding stability.

Seat height

The riding position of the Monster 696 has been specifically designed to put you firmly in control. The seat height is only 770mm (30.3in), making it easier for get both feet firmly planted on the ground.

Lightweight Construction

Every carefully selected component of the Monster 696 has a net benefit to the overall light weight of the machine. The dry weight of 161kgs (355lb) has dramatic effects on not just manoeuvrability and ease of use, but also by contributing directly to increased performance, braking and acceleration.

The Concept behind the Monster 696 Naked Motorcycle

Less is Monster

The ‘less-is-more’ philosophy behind all Monsters underlines Ducati’s never-ending pursuit of genuinely compact, high performance motorcycles, but these new models have succeeded in being even more ‘pared down’ than their predecessors.

Every single component has been redesigned and redeveloped so now more than ever, form follows function. With any details detracting from the Monster concept being eliminated, ‘less-is-more’ also means ‘less-is-Monster’. Less weight plus more torque equals fun-filled riding.

Monster Story

In 1992 Ducati unveiled a new prototype that was to become an icon. Ducati’s creation awed the crowds and the world’s media of that year’s Cologne International Motorcycle show. The 900 Monster was a motorcycle that created a truly new niche – dramatically styled, minimalist in stature yet bristling with innovative engineering solutions. The Monster’s radical styling has also provided the inspiration for an entire after-market sector specialising in hot-rod parts for this legendary machine.

For this reason, rarely do you see two Monsters the same. This radical and refreshing design departure also influenced other manufacturers but, as the old adage states: imitation is the highest form of flattery… The Monster is characterised by a long and successful history, by its introduction during the years of numerous cylinders and uncountable colour options, but above all by a constant technological evolution that this year brings us to the birth of the last version: the Monster 1100^EVO, “The Ultimate Monster”.

New for 2011, the 848EVO is the year’s most significant middleweight sport bike

Cupertino, Calif. (20 July 2010) – Ducati proudly announces today the most powerful middleweight sport bike on the market; the 2011 Ducati 848EVO Superbike.

The Ducati 848 EVO

The new Ducati [...]]]> PRESS RELEASE

DUCATI ANNOUNCES THE 848EVO SUPERBIKE

New for 2011, the 848EVO is the year’s most significant middleweight sport bike

Cupertino, Calif. (20 July 2010) – Ducati proudly announces today the most powerful middleweight sport bike on the market; the 2011 Ducati 848EVO Superbike.

The Ducati 848 EVO

The new Ducati 848EVO is the pinnacle of sport bike engineering, designed to be the leader in the middleweight class. Weighing only 369 pounds and propelled by 140 horsepower and 72 lb/ft of torque, it is the most powerful motorcycle in its category.

The 848EVO is based upon Ducati’s best ever selling middleweight Superbike- the 848. Along with the “EVO” designation comes a significant amount of upgrades based on AMA Pro Racing feedback and consumer demand.

At the heart of the 848EVO is the Testastretta Evoluzione engine, significantly redesigned for a higher power output. All new cylinder heads, pistons, throttle bodies and camshafts combine for a forceful output of 140hp @ 10,500rpm and 72.3 lb/ft of torque @9,750rpm. All of this significant engine performance is wrapped in new black cylinder cases.

In addition to the more powerful engine, the 848EVO’s chassis and braking systems have been upgraded. A cross-mounted steering damper has been added for greater control of the steering system, and the welcome addition of Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires will ensure maximum grip while delivering every last horsepower to the asphalt.

The 848EVO receives a massive upgrade to the braking system in the form of Brembo Monobloc calipers. These single-piece calipers are machined from solid alloy and achieve a higher rigidity and resistance to distortion during extreme braking. The resulting increase in hydraulic efficiency not only delivers incredible braking power, but also provides an enhanced and precise ‘feel’ at the brake lever.

All this combines to form the most potent, powerful and lightweight middle class sport bike available; both for the road or race track usage. For 2011, a special “Dark” version will be available; which unlike “Dark” editions of Ducati’s past will be a truly black bike from front to rear, giving the motorcycle an aggressive look and attitude.

The Ducati 848EVO Superbike will be available in North American Ducati Dealerships at the end of August, 2010. Impressively, MSRP will remain unchanged from the 2010 848 it replaces: $12,995 for the “Dark” edition, and $13,995 for Ducati Red.

[Source: Ducati]