Ducati's Monster 695 entry level bike capable of thrilling experts

Ducati’s ability to make performance motorcycles that are easy to ride is uncanny. It’s original mid-range L-twin, the Pantah 500, was both an ideal learners machine yet the basis for many a sweet-handling racebike. Now the newly announced Ducati 695 represents a unique offering in the world of motorcycles and in the Ducati Monster family in much the same way; it is a motorcycle that is welcoming to novice riders but, at the same time, is capable of delivering a level of performance that can thrill far more advanced riders. While becoming the new entry point to the Monster family, Ducati claims the Monster 695 will transform a motorcyclist into a Ducatista, a member of the Ducatisti tribe of fans whose motorcycle looks, feels and sounds like no other. The Monster 695, a preview of the Model Year 2007, replaces the 620, and is a quantum leap forward in terms of handling, riding pleasure and performance. The potent new 695 cc L-Twin delivers much greater horsepower and torque – the highest output per cc of any Ducati air-cooled engine – while producing smoother and more fluid power, making every twist of the throttle exciting and satisfying.

When Ducati unveiled the Monster 900 at the Cologne Show in the autumn of 1992, it created an overnight sensation. Moreso, the original ‘naked’ Monster introduced a unique street fighter attitude to a new generation of Ducati fans. The ‘look’ is defined by its essential approach to motorcycle design, with its bodywork pared down to the minimum and its characteristic twin-cylinder engine fully visible. Today the streets of the world pulse with the rumble of more than 170,000 Monsters.

One of the most popular Monsters of all time is the Monster 600, which was presented in 1994. The 600 introduced a less intimidating, yet high quality and performance entry into the world of Ducati. The sales success of this, the lightest and most versatile model in the range, was amazing, and it remains an important contributor in creating the iconic status that the Monster enjoys today.

Growing popularity led to the introduction of the Monster 600 Dark in 1998. The idea of the Dark was born based on the observation that so many Monsters were being customized and what better place to start than with the ‘blank canvas’ of the Dark’s black matte paint job. The ‘Dark’ became a style unto itself with its understated attitude and even more essential and fashionable look. The next stage in development was a substantial restyling of the entire Monster family in 2000. Fuel tank, seat, tail section, and many other components were reshaped and modernised.

2002 saw the first major re-engineering of the original 600 with the launch of the Monster 620 i.e. It was the first middleweight Monster to be fuel injected, and this was combined with significant engine, frame and suspension advancements and updates. The result was a more powerful, smoother running bike that achieved new levels of reliability and efficiency.

This long success story now sets the stage for the next evolution of middleweight Monsters, and the introduction of the new DUCATI Monster 695.

The Engine

The engine of the 695 is the most important technical advancement, and much more than an additional 77 cc of displacement might indicate. The new L-Twin delivers new levels of horsepower and torque, but maintains a smooth and fluid power delivery that ensures an exciting performance in all conditions.

The 695’s increase in displacement was achieved with the application of an even more ‘over-square’ design compared to the 620. The enlargement of the cylinder bore from 80mm to 88mm and the reduction in the stroke from 61.5mm to 57.2mm results in a larger combustion chamber which allows the use of larger intake and exhaust valves, as well as 17% lower piston speeds for greater reliability.

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