2011 Ducati Monster 796

2011 Ducati Monster 796

A midsize Monster hits the street

ROUNDUP

QUICK RIDE

DUCATI'S LATEST GENeration of Monsters started life in 2009 with the entry-level 696cc model. Also joining the lineup at that time was the much-beefier Monster 1100. Since then, Ducati has realized that the gap between its naked-bike bookends needed to be filled.

Enter the midsized Monster 796. Actual engine displacement is 803cc (88 x 66mm bore and stroke)—the same as with the Hypermotard 796. It also retains the 'Motard's 11.1:1 compression ratio, 45mm throttle bodies and Siemens fuel-injection system. Mated to an elaborate twisting and turning exhaust system and larger airbox, the otherwise unaltered mill is rated at 87 hp at 8250 rpm and 58 ft.-lb. of torque at 6250 rpm. Power is transferred to the rear wheel through a wet slipper clutch and six-speed gearbox.

Always looking to reduce weight, Ducati used a proprietary "vacural" casting process for the crankcase, which lightened the engine by 2.6 pounds compared to that of the 696. Overall, Ducati claims the 796 weighs 363 lb., which is 4.5 less than its smaller sibling. Adoption of a single-sided swingarm is largely responsible for the remainder of the weight difference and gives the 796 an added touch of refinement. The Sachs shock has provisions for spring preload and rebounddamping adjustability, but the 43mm Showa fork does not. Braking is handled by a pair of radial-mount, four-piston Brembos up front with 320mm discs and optional ABS ($1000). Seat height measures 31.5 inches (almost half an inch lower than that of the 1100).

In the hills around Bologna, Italy, I threaded my way along some secluded, narrow backroads where the long, hard winter had carved mean potholes that, teamed with pine-tree roots under the asphalt in the curves, made the ride more challenging for both bike and rider.

Thankfully, the 796 feels very light and has a comfortable, upright riding posture. Although the suspension tune wasn't ideal for those rootstrewn comers, once back on more civilized (smooth) and twisty mountain roads, the Monster 796 was right at home—agile, surefooted and capable of seriously crankedover lean angles.

The engine progresses eagerly through the gears but definitely needs all of them, given the rather tall final gearing. For a shudder-free response, revs need to be kept above 3500 rpm in any gear above second, but from that point all the way to 9000 rpm, the engine pulls very strongly through the flat torque curve. The hydraulically actuated slipper clutch is light, precise and progressive in its action.

"The Monster 796 was right at home—agile, surefooted and capable of seriously crankedover lean angles."

At $9995, the 796 is a nice overall package. Standard colors include black, white and Ducati red; but with Ducati's "Logomania" Art Body Kits ($600), 10 other color schemes, including many historic and iconic looks from the past, are available to dress it up further.—Bruno dePrato