ducati monster 695 2013 - 2014
Its 1992. Ducati and parent company Cagiva are struggling. Ducati designer Miguel Angel Galluzzi has been tasked by Ducati Technical director Massimo Bordi to design a new bike ‘something which displayed a strong Ducati heritige but which was easy to ride and not a sports bike’ Bordi wants a cruiser, but Galluzzi has a different idea. He comes up with a concept for a naked bike; a bike which in a short space of time, will turn out to be both Ducatis most popular model, plus the bike that ultimately saves the company. By 2005 the Monster will account for more than half of Ducatis sales
To keep costs low, ‘Il Mostro’, was designed as a ‘parts bin special’. The front of the trellis frame and the engine were previously used in the 900ss and the front forks are donated by the 750. The bike was designed to be used without any bodywork, heralding a new era of naked motorbikes.
Between 1993 and 1996, Ducati unveiled the M400, M600, M750 and the top of the range M900, which ironically was the first bike released in 1993. Remaining pretty much unchanged, with the exception of several limited edition models, in 2000, the M900 received fuel injection and was joined in 2001 by the S4 which was powered by a slightly detuned 916 Superbike engine. The biggest visual clue to this potent roadster was the twin double exhausts on the right side of the bike and the sweet single sided swing arm.
In 2002 the M600 was heavily updated and became the Monster 620, which by 2006 has morphed into the 695, which was quickly replaced in 2008 by the 696. As well as the continued evolution of the S4, with RS, 800 and 1000 models, from 2008, the Monster family would now include the 1100 models.
From 2010 the range included the 696, a limited market specific 795, the 796 and 1100 Evo and in 2013, Ducati unveiled that latest addition to the family, the Monster 1200 which has replaced the 1100 Evo, leaving the current range as only the 696, 796 and 1200.
Often seen as a great first big bike, The Monster is also a great way to enter the world of Ducati ownership.
To keep costs low, ‘Il Mostro’, was designed as a ‘parts bin special’. The front of the trellis frame and the engine were previously used in the 900ss and the front forks are donated by the 750. The bike was designed to be used without any bodywork, heralding a new era of naked motorbikes.
Between 1993 and 1996, Ducati unveiled the M400, M600, M750 and the top of the range M900, which ironically was the first bike released in 1993. Remaining pretty much unchanged, with the exception of several limited edition models, in 2000, the M900 received fuel injection and was joined in 2001 by the S4 which was powered by a slightly detuned 916 Superbike engine. The biggest visual clue to this potent roadster was the twin double exhausts on the right side of the bike and the sweet single sided swing arm.
In 2002 the M600 was heavily updated and became the Monster 620, which by 2006 has morphed into the 695, which was quickly replaced in 2008 by the 696. As well as the continued evolution of the S4, with RS, 800 and 1000 models, from 2008, the Monster family would now include the 1100 models.
From 2010 the range included the 696, a limited market specific 795, the 796 and 1100 Evo and in 2013, Ducati unveiled that latest addition to the family, the Monster 1200 which has replaced the 1100 Evo, leaving the current range as only the 696, 796 and 1200.
Often seen as a great first big bike, The Monster is also a great way to enter the world of Ducati ownership.
Bike specsFrame Tubular steel trellis
Rake Angle 24 degrees Wheelbase 1440mm Seat height 770mm Weight (dry) 168kg Capacity 695cc Bore 88mm Stoke 57.2mm Comp Ratio 10.5:1 Tank size 14l |
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MODS and SODS
Sil moto exhausts
I didn't have any choice in these aftermarket exhausts as they were already on the bike when I bought it. Lighter than the standard OEM ones, these Sil Moto cans come with a removable baffle, which when removed give the bike a great deep growling soundtrack, which is especially evident on the overrun when they pop and bang. I decided to remove the branded metallic sticker from the sides as I thought they would look much better plain.
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motopart heated grips
As this bike is being used almost every day in all weathers, heated grips were a must. Having previously used R&G versions on the Ninja, I originally wanted to go down the same route, but following problems with others falling apart, Mike at Metropolis suggested these as an alternative. They are a little thicker than standard and they come with three settings; off, low or high, which is controlled by a small switch that has been secured in the middle of the handlebars. Low is not hot enough and high is too hot. I spend most journeys flicking between the settings at the lights just so they help. Less than ideal really.
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hand made hand guards
In an attempt to get as much wind protection for my hands as possible, I started investigating the possibility of some hand guards. Following several discussions on the UK Monster Forum www.ukmonster.co.uk one of the members introduced these handmade guards that he made himself. In order to support the Monster community and as I like to support 'the little man' I was keen to give these a go. Installation was pretty easy, although I did have to modify the guard for the right bar as it turns out my brake reservoir is fractionally larger then the makers own Monster. The quality of the product is second to none and they do keep the majority of the wind blast off my hands. They could do with being a fraction larger, but I'm not disappointed in them and I'm glad I've got them.
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