Ducati Monster 696 2010 — Specifications

Do you remember the first time you saw a Monster? That blend of brutality and simplicity, that bare frame that seemed to defy all logic? In 2010, Ducati took a monumental risk by retouching this icon. The new Ducati Monster 696 arrived, and it didn't win everyone over at first glance. Some cried sacrilege, others applauded the audacity. One thing is certain, it didn't leave anyone indifferent.

Visually, it retained the low and stocky DNA, but with a head tucked into the shoulders and a headlight that gave it a family resemblance to certain MV Agusta models. The fuel tank with its perforated gills was the detail that divided opinion. But the real shock for purists came from the chassis. The mythical trellis frame, the heart of the Monster's soul, now ended in a cast aluminum swingarm. A hybrid, like on the MotoGP Desmosedici. It was a technical revolution, but a small sentimental betrayal. For the equipment, however, no compromises. It featured pure sport braking with radial four-piston calipers and a massive swingarm, far more robust than necessary for its 80 horsepower.

Because yes, the V-twin engine also evolved. With 80 horsepower at 9000 rpm and a torque of 7.2 Nm, it gained nearly 10% compared to the previous 695. This power came from cylinder heads shared with the 1100, reworked pistons, and improved cooling. The APTC clutch made maneuvers in town much more docile. On the road, it was still that unique feeling. The raspy sound, the frank push in the back at mid-range, and that agility inherited from a dry weight of 161 kg. A seat height of 770 mm made it an ally for smaller riders or new license holders, an excellent candidate for a Ducati Monster 696 A2 conversion.

In use, it seduced with its modernized practicality. Farewell to analog gauges, make way for a much more readable digital dashboard, even if some regretted the analog charm. The rear light switched to LEDs. These evolutions, coupled with reasonable fuel consumption of around 6L/100km, made it a more accomplished everyday road bike. But it required maintenance, as did any self-respecting Italian. Searching for a Ducati Monster 696 battery or a specific Ducati Monster 696 accessory was part of the game.

So, who should look for a used Ducati Monster 696 today? It's the perfect entry point into the Ducati universe for a rider looking for character without the madness of large displacement engines. Its original price of around €8000 seems derisory compared to current prices. A Ducati Monster 696 2008 or 2010 in good condition represents an excellent value for money. It appeals to those who want a motorcycle with a history, a defined temperament, and who accepts its small youthful flaws. It's no longer the pure and hard Monster of 1993, it's a more refined, more mature version, but which has kept in its entrails the spark that started it all.