FULL STOP. FAST FORWARD

The Monster 696: the beginning of a new era. Enhancing the "less-is-more" philosophy that has made the Monster a global legend, the Monster 696 continues to redefine expectations.

Every finely engineered element of the chassis and engine is on display allowing the true beauty of the 696 to be showcased for all to see. Naked ambition has never been so graphically described.

With its thinner waistline and wide handlebars, the Monster 696 provides unrivalled ergonomics for all riders whether cruising the concrete jungle or carving through canyon asphalt.

BALANCING ACT

The Monster 696 strikes a carefully designed balance between performance and every-day usability, appealing to a wide range of riders as a result.

With identical chassis technology to Ducati's World Championship MotoGP bike and the proven power and flexibility of the legendary Ducati L-Twin engine, the Monster 696 is as comfortable in city traffic as it is on the open road.

And that's the 696's strength; it can go where your mood takes you. Saint or sinner? You decide. The 696 delivers both.

THE BIRTH OF A LEGEND

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.

At the time Ducati's less-is-more design philosophy was at odds with the rest of the motorcycle market. Just as things were becoming more streamlined, more technical and more race-track orientated, the Monster screwed up the rule book and threw it away. This truly multi-faceted machine was clearly as much a statement of personal identity and individuality, as it was a performance machine.

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...

But perhaps the Monster's most ingenious ingredient is it's wide-spread appeal. Suddenly here was a motorcycle that held as much practical appeal for the experienced enthusiast as it did for the absolute newcomer...