Ducati Monster 696 Review: A Timeless Naked Icon for City Thrills and Everyday Fun
When Ducati introduced the Monster 696, it wasn’t just launching another naked bike—it was adding a new chapter to its legacy of muscular streetfighters. As the entry point to the iconic Monster family, the 696 brought Italian soul and character to everyday riding. Designed to be approachable yet thrilling, this bike earned a reputation for being a gateway into Ducati ownership and a beloved staple for both beginners and seasoned riders looking for a nimble urban companion.
Spare Parts Collection for the Ducati Monster 696
Design and Aesthetics
The Monster 696 stays true to the raw, stripped-down design language that defines the Monster series. Minimalist yet aggressive, it boasts a compact steel trellis frame that exposes just enough mechanical beauty to turn heads. Its sculpted tank merges with the narrow tail, giving it a muscular stance even when parked.
Offered in classic Ducati Red, Matte Black, and Pearl White, the 696 presents a look that can go from stealth to standout depending on the colorway. Twin under-seat exhausts, a signature Monster headlamp, and tidy tail give it a refined yet rebellious character. It’s not just a motorcycle—it’s a statement.
Technology and Features
While the Monster 696 doesn’t come overloaded with tech, it offers the essentials in a user-friendly package. The digital display provides clear readouts for speed, revs, trip meters, and fuel status. It lacks ride modes and advanced rider aids found in newer bikes, but that’s part of its analog charm—less interference, more connection between rider and machine.
Its simplicity is a benefit for riders who want to develop real riding skill without too much electronic intervention. For those wanting upgrades, aftermarket quick shifters, bar-end mirrors, and LED indicators are easy additions that enhance both looks and functionality.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Ducati designed the 696 with a low seat height of 770 mm (30.3 inches), making it accessible to a wide range of riders. The upright riding position, mid-set footpegs, and slightly forward handlebars strike a balance between sporty and comfortable. You can ride through traffic or spend hours in the saddle without excessive fatigue.
The suspension features a 43 mm Showa front fork and a preload-adjustable rear shock, tuned more for urban comfort than track stiffness. It absorbs bumps confidently while keeping the bike stable during spirited rides. Riders seeking a plush experience might consider an aftermarket suspension upgrade, which can be found easily in our store.
Braking and Safety
Equipped with dual 320 mm front discs and a single 245 mm rear disc, the Monster 696 offers sharp and controlled braking. Brembo calipers provide excellent stopping power with good feedback. While early models didn’t come with ABS, later versions offered it as standard, improving confidence and safety, especially in wet conditions.
The bike’s lightweight chassis and grippy tires contribute to stable braking, helping it feel planted and predictable under hard stops.
Fuel Efficiency and Maintenance
The Ducati Monster 696 offers respectable fuel efficiency for a mid-sized naked bike, averaging around 45 to 50 mpg depending on riding style. With a 15-liter fuel tank, it delivers a decent range that suits city commuting and short weekend trips.
As with most Ducatis, the 696 benefits from regular maintenance—especially valve clearance checks due to the Desmodromic system. While service intervals are manageable, using high-quality aftermarket parts such as oil filters, clutch kits, or air filters can optimize performance and extend reliability. Our store carries OEM-compatible options that are both affordable and high-performing.
Engine and Performance
The Ducati Monster 696 is powered by a 696cc L-twin Desmodromic engine, air-cooled and fuel-injected, producing around 80 horsepower at 9000 rpm and 50.6 lb-ft of torque at 7750 rpm. The engine is lively and responsive, delivering punchy acceleration that makes city commuting exciting and weekend canyon carving even more rewarding.
With a top speed of nearly 120 mph, the 696 feels fast without being intimidating. Its six-speed gearbox is smooth and precise, and the clutch offers light action, ideal for newer riders. The bike truly comes alive in urban environments and twisty roads where agility and low-end torque shine.
Comparison and Competitors
In the midweight naked segment, the Ducati Monster 696 faces competition from bikes like the Yamaha MT-07, Kawasaki Z650, and Triumph Street Triple 675. While those rivals may offer more features or horsepower on paper, the 696 stands apart with its Italian flair, premium build quality, and raw, mechanical feel.
What sets it apart is the visceral riding experience—it’s less about stats and more about connection. Riders who appreciate character and emotion in a machine often find the Monster 696 far more rewarding than its spec-heavy counterparts.
Ideal Riders and Target Audience
The Monster 696 is an excellent choice for riders transitioning from smaller bikes or returning to motorcycling after a break. Its approachable nature, lightweight build, and forgiving power delivery make it perfect for daily commuting, city exploring, and weekend getaways.
It also suits experienced riders looking for a second bike—something agile and fun without sacrificing Ducati heritage. If you value style, soul, and sound over raw speed, this bike checks all the boxes.
Ducati Monster 796 Engine Parts
Conclusion and Final Verdict
The Ducati Monster 696 isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s an experience. It combines iconic naked-bike aesthetics, agile performance, and Ducati’s storied engineering into a package that’s as thrilling to ride as it is to admire. While it lacks the latest tech bells and whistles, it makes up for it with personality and pure riding enjoyment.
For those looking to personalize or upgrade their Monster, our store offers a range of high-quality accessories—whether you're after a Termignoni exhaust for a throatier growl, frame sliders for protection, or CNC Racing parts to enhance the look and feel. The Monster 696 is a blank canvas that invites creativity and performance tuning.
If you're ready to own a bike that blends passion, practicality, and timeless design, the Ducati Monster 696 is waiting to make your garage a little more Italian.