Ducati Monster 696 2012 — Specifications

We’ve all seen it coming, that moment when the sacred Monster would have to refresh its looks. After nearly fifteen years of undisputed reign in the sporty roadster market, here it arrives in 2008 with an air of sudden modernity. And for those seeking a used Ducati Monster 696 today, it's this version, slightly refined until 2012, that embodies this bold transition. The question was simple: could one touch an icon without betraying it?

First contact, and the aesthetic shock takes hold. The famous oval headlight, the vents cut into the tank, the exhaust under the seat… One feels a desire to adhere to the spirit of the times, somewhat inspired by the Street Triple here, by a Brutale there. But the Monster DNA resists. The posture remains low and compact, that quiet aggression which is its charm. The 770 mm seat height remains a significant argument for smaller builds or urban riders seeking ease. And this Trellis frame, although hybridized with an aluminum swingarm to gain rigidity, still screams "Ducati" loud and clear.

Under the 15-liter tank, the evolution is more tangible. The 696 cm³ L-twin engine inherits the cylinder heads from the 1100, boosting its power to 80 horsepower and its torque to over 50 Nm. A nice progression which, coupled with the contained dry weight of 161 kg, gives a lively and responsive motorcycle. The APTC clutch softens maneuvers, but the soul remains present, vibrant, demanding. It's not the most docile machine for an A2 license, but a well-restricted Ducati Monster 696 can offer an exhilarating introduction to the Borgo Panigale brand. In use, one appreciates the adjustable Marzocchi and Sachs suspensions, and the biting radial braking, even if ABS remained a paid option at the time.

So, what is it today? With a new price approaching 8,000 euros, it clearly positioned itself in the premium roadster class. Today, on the used market, a Ducati Monster 696 2008 or newer represents a tempting entry ticket into the Ducati universe. It’s the perfect motorcycle for those who want a distinctive machine, full of character, without the extremes and maintenance costs of overpowered models. You just need to keep an eye on routine maintenance, such as the Ducati Monster 696 battery, and check tire pressures to preserve its characteristic agility.

Its flaw? Perhaps this little "in-between" aspect. Too radical for complete beginners, not equipped enough for the pure track rider. But that's precisely where its charm lies: it's a Monster at heart, with its crackles, its divisive design, and this unique ability to make you feel like a rider with every throttle opening. A motorcycle with character, simply.