Ducati Monster 696 to Launch in India

The latest developments of the Indian two-wheeler market suggest that Indian Government's decision to increase excise duty on the motorcycles above 800cc is working positive for the industry. While, bike brands like Harley-Davidson and Honda has decide to assemble their bikes locally, other manufacturers are planning to launch premium bikes lower than 800cc, which means the Indian two-wheeler market is going to get twin-fold benefits from the decision.

After Harley-Davidson's decision of assembling Softail range of motorcycles, it seems like Honda is going to assemble CB1000R, CBR1000RR Fireblade, VFR1200F and VT 1300 CX (Fury) locally, which all are being imported as CBU units. But the biggest news is that superbike manufacturer Ducati has hinted about the launch of their infamous entry level bike, Monster 696 in India.

The Monster 696 is the smallest member in the Monster family, which is known for its smaller trellis frame and sharing some components with the Monster 795. The 696 also shares designing traits with its elder siblings. Monster 696 shares its key specifications with the bigger Monster 795, which includes a 1450mm wheelbase, saddle height of 770mm, fuel tank capacity of 15 litres, rim and tyres and brakes, while it weighs 2 Kg lesser than the 795. Ducati blessed the 696 with a 696cc, L-twin, air-cooled and Desmodromic valve train engine, which dishes out massive power output of 80bhp at 9000rpm. As we said above, being under 800cc bike, the Monster 696 won't faces extra duty, and only 60 per cent of excise duty will be applicable on the bike.

Though the sales will be limited as the Ducati has a niche following in the sub-continent, but the arrival of the baby Monster will work for the brand Ducati for sure. “Given the overall situation of the Monster 795 assembled in Thailand, we, along with our local importer in India, are currently evaluating the most appropriate steps for the market,” says an official statement from Ducati to Autocar Professional.

Ducati Monster 696 Specification:

Ducati Monster 696 Price in India: Rs. 5.50 Lakh (Expected, Ex-Showroom)

Ducati Monster 696 Launch in India: 2013-end

Ducati Monster 696 Engine Specification:

Type: L-Twin cylinder, 2 valve per cylinder Desmodromic, air cooled

Displacement: 696cc

Bore x Stroke: 88 x 57.2mm

Compression ratio: 10.7:1

Power: 80bhp @ 9,000 rpm

Torque: 69 Nm (50.6 lb-ft) @ 7,750 rpm

Fuel injection: Siemens electronic fuel injection, 45mm throttle body

Exhaust: 2 aluminum mufflers

Ducati Monster 696 Transmission :

Gearbox: 6 speed

Primary drive: Straight cut gears; Ratio 1.85:1

Gear Ratio: 1st 32/13, 2nd 30/18, 3rd 28/21, 4th 26/23, 5th 22/22, 6th 24/26

Final drive: Chain; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 45

Clutch: APTC wet multiplate with hydraulic control

Ducati Monster 696 Chassis :

Frame: Tubular steel Trellis frame

Ducati Monster 696 Suspension:

Front suspension: 43mm upside-down forks

Rear suspension: Progressive linkage with preload and rebound Sachs adjustable monoshock

Front wheel travel: 120mm (4.7in)

Rear wheel travel: 148mm (5.8in)

Ducati Monster 696 Wheels:

Front wheel: 3-spoke light alloy 3.50 x 17

Rear wheel: 3-spoke light alloy 4.50 x 17

Ducati Monster 696 Tyres:

Front Tyre: Pirelli Angel ST 120/60 17”

Rear tyre: Pirelli Angel ST 160/60 17”

Ducati Monster 696 Brakes:

Front brake: 2 x 320mm discs, 4-piston radial caliper

Rear brake: 245mm disc, 2-piston caliper

Ducati Monster 696 Dimensions and weight :

Dry weight: 161kg / 163kg ABS version

Wet weight: KERB 185Kg

ABS wet weight: KERB 186kg

Seat height: 770mm (30.3in)

Wheelbase: 1450mm (57.1in)

Rake: 24°

Trail: 87mm (3,42 in)

Fuel tank capacity: 15 litres/ 13.8 litres ABS Version

Number of seats: Dual seat

Ducati Monster 696 Instrumentation:

Instrumentation Digital unit displaying: Speedometer, rev counter, clock, scheduled maintenance warning, oil temperature, trip fuel, air temperature, lap time, warning light for low oil pressure, fuel level, fuel reserve, neutral, turn signals, overrev, immobilizer. Ready for DDA system

Source: Autocar Professional