dark motorcycles Ducati 1198S (2010)

Like Giulio Malagoli, the Monster's lead engineer, said of his creation, "Isa one hundreda percenta Ducati. For sure-a it'sa Monster."

Ducati knows what butters its exotic bike bread, and for you, Monster fan, they've created the new 696 in a sharp new package. The improvements to the chassis, suspension and braking are complemented by a smartly revised mill, with the bike's looks and accouterments as most delicious icing on the cake.

If you're an experienced rider looking for a multi-tool ball-of-fun with loads of character, or a new or shorter rider, or a long-time devotee of this line of minimalist Italian bikes, be sure to get your deposit in soon, as my guess is that they'll be flyin' out the door faster than free cheese. Hopefully you’re the patient type, though, as the bike isn't slated to appear in the U.S. until June-ish '08 as a 2009 model. The 695 will complete its full production run during that time, so there'll be some overlap for awhile. When the 696 does hit American dealers, we'll be getting the model with pillion cover and little flyscreen as standard, all for $8775.

2010 Ducati Monster 696

The 696’s simplified trellis main section is meatier (same stock as the 1098R) and now joins with a cast-aluminum subframe that blends so well that the eye can be fooled into thinking no subframe exists. A new hefty swingarm and unique footpeg hanger complete the package.

All three pieces of the chassis are new for the 696 and are the heart and soul of the excellent handling of the newest Monster.

All three pieces of the chassis are new for the 696 and are the heart and soul of the excellent handling of the newest Monster.
The heart of the Monster. A number of internal changes to the mill result in a claimed 80 hp and 51 ft-lbs, up by 7 and 6 respectively over the 695.

The heart of the Monster. A number of internal changes to the mill result in a claimed 80 hp and 51 ft-lbs, up by 7 and 6 respectively over the 695.

Overall dimensions remain largely the same save for a minute 4/10ths of an inch increase in the wheelbase (56.7 vs. 57.1); rake and trail are still 24-degrees and 96mm, respectively. One figure that hasn't changed is the rider-friendly 30.3-inch saddle height. Combined with a fuel tank reshaped for narrowness where it meets the seat, the rider triangle has only become friendlier and should be very endearing to the ladies with its easy reach to the bars. Despite a tighter design, cramped never came to mind on my two separate ride outings. It was equally as cozy droning the freeway as it was hustling through the tight mountain passes. Lest I'm accused of not being impartial, some taller riders, say those well over 6 feet, may feel a tad confined.

dark motorcycles Ducati 1198S (2010)

Like Giulio Malagoli, the Monster's lead engineer, said of his creation, "Isa one hundreda percenta Ducati. For sure-a it'sa Monster."

Ducati knows what butters its exotic bike bread, and for you, Monster fan, they've created the new 696 in a sharp new package. The improvements to the chassis, suspension and braking are complemented by a smartly revised mill, with the bike's looks and accouterments as most delicious icing on the cake.

If you're an experienced rider looking for a multi-tool ball-of-fun with loads of character, or a new or shorter rider, or a long-time devotee of this line of minimalist Italian bikes, be sure to get your deposit in soon, as my guess is that they'll be flyin' out the door faster than free cheese. Hopefully you’re the patient type, though, as the bike isn't slated to appear in the U.S. until June-ish '08 as a 2009 model. The 695 will complete its full production run during that time, so there'll be some overlap for awhile. When the 696 does hit American dealers, we'll be getting the model with pillion cover and little flyscreen as standard, all for $8775.

2010 Ducati Monster 696

The 696’s simplified trellis main section is meatier (same stock as the 1098R) and now joins with a cast-aluminum subframe that blends so well that the eye can be fooled into thinking no subframe exists. A new hefty swingarm and unique footpeg hanger complete the package.

All three pieces of the chassis are new for the 696 and are the heart and soul of the excellent handling of the newest Monster.

All three pieces of the chassis are new for the 696 and are the heart and soul of the excellent handling of the newest Monster.
The heart of the Monster. A number of internal changes to the mill result in a claimed 80 hp and 51 ft-lbs, up by 7 and 6 respectively over the 695.

The heart of the Monster. A number of internal changes to the mill result in a claimed 80 hp and 51 ft-lbs, up by 7 and 6 respectively over the 695.

Overall dimensions remain largely the same save for a minute 4/10ths of an inch increase in the wheelbase (56.7 vs. 57.1); rake and trail are still 24-degrees and 96mm, respectively. One figure that hasn't changed is the rider-friendly 30.3-inch saddle height. Combined with a fuel tank reshaped for narrowness where it meets the seat, the rider triangle has only become friendlier and should be very endearing to the ladies with its easy reach to the bars. Despite a tighter design, cramped never came to mind on my two separate ride outings. It was equally as cozy droning the freeway as it was hustling through the tight mountain passes. Lest I'm accused of not being impartial, some taller riders, say those well over 6 feet, may feel a tad confined.

all New 2011 Ducati 848 Evo: Perfomance test

soul-stirring sound and seductive, liquid-red styling inherent to a long bloodline of championship-winning Ducati sportbikes. Yesterday's triumph, however, is just that, and the bigger the trophy, the more dust it tends to attract. Ongoing product evolution is what maintains a competitive edge, and the Bologna boys aim to kill in the hotly contested middleweight supersport category with the new 848 EVO recently rolled out as an early-release 2011 model.

2011 Ducati 848 Evo Action

Torque builds quickly off idle before easing into a soft spot around 5000 rpm. While the mid-rpm lull is perceptible even at slight throttle settings, fueling remains good, allowing the bike to cruise dead-steady in the lull zone at freeway speeds. The sweet spot for smooth running spans from 4000 to 5000 rpm, yielding an indicated 70 to 87 mph in top gear with only modest engine vibration seeping through the handgrips. Strong power pulses quake the footpegs and frame while chugging along at basement revs or spinning the engine in its upper rpm range. There is little driveline lash, even when casually lugging along at 3500 rpm in a tall gear.2011 Ducati 848 Evo

all New 2011 Ducati 848 Evo: Perfomance test

soul-stirring sound and seductive, liquid-red styling inherent to a long bloodline of championship-winning Ducati sportbikes. Yesterday's triumph, however, is just that, and the bigger the trophy, the more dust it tends to attract. Ongoing product evolution is what maintains a competitive edge, and the Bologna boys aim to kill in the hotly contested middleweight supersport category with the new 848 EVO recently rolled out as an early-release 2011 model.

2011 Ducati 848 Evo Action

Torque builds quickly off idle before easing into a soft spot around 5000 rpm. While the mid-rpm lull is perceptible even at slight throttle settings, fueling remains good, allowing the bike to cruise dead-steady in the lull zone at freeway speeds. The sweet spot for smooth running spans from 4000 to 5000 rpm, yielding an indicated 70 to 87 mph in top gear with only modest engine vibration seeping through the handgrips. Strong power pulses quake the footpegs and frame while chugging along at basement revs or spinning the engine in its upper rpm range. There is little driveline lash, even when casually lugging along at 3500 rpm in a tall gear.2011 Ducati 848 Evo

2010-2011 new Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP stance.

2010 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP Front Angle View

Remember the questions posed at the very beginning of our review? Their answers are a little bit of yes and a little bit of no. The Hyper is completely capable of fulfilling its role as a maniacal supersize supermoto, there's no doubt about that. But it can also function perfectly well as a method of getting you from point A to point B with reasonable comfort and refinement. Well, maybe not refinement, especially not with that Termognini exhaust -- it's not exactly good etiquette to roll into work setting off car alarms... but at least comfort. So, in closing, what we have here is a $14,995 motorcycle with multiple personality disorder. And we mean that in the best way possible.

2010 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP Motorcycle

2010-2011 new Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP stance.

2010 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP Front Angle View

Remember the questions posed at the very beginning of our review? Their answers are a little bit of yes and a little bit of no. The Hyper is completely capable of fulfilling its role as a maniacal supersize supermoto, there's no doubt about that. But it can also function perfectly well as a method of getting you from point A to point B with reasonable comfort and refinement. Well, maybe not refinement, especially not with that Termognini exhaust -- it's not exactly good etiquette to roll into work setting off car alarms... but at least comfort. So, in closing, what we have here is a $14,995 motorcycle with multiple personality disorder. And we mean that in the best way possible.

2010 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP Motorcycle

Detail Pictures The 2011 Ducati Diavel Carbon Exhaust View

The Diavel project was born when Ducati designers applied their wish-list of bike “basic instincts” to a blank canvas. With a “what if?” approach to creating a dream bike, they sketched inspiring shapes which became a lower and longer motorcycle.

“The challenge of building a muscular silhouette over a pure-bred competition motor had to be met with determination and a delicate touch, and the result is a frontal area that looks like a power athlete on the starting blocks,” explains the team at Ducati Design responsible for the project. “With the front wheel kept close to the Diavel’s body and using the short tail of a sport bike, we were able to blend this muscular design with a chassis that matched.”

2011 Ducati Diavel Carbon Exhaust View

2011 Ducati Diavel Carbon Images

Detail Pictures The 2011 Ducati Diavel Carbon Exhaust View

The Diavel project was born when Ducati designers applied their wish-list of bike “basic instincts” to a blank canvas. With a “what if?” approach to creating a dream bike, they sketched inspiring shapes which became a lower and longer motorcycle.

“The challenge of building a muscular silhouette over a pure-bred competition motor had to be met with determination and a delicate touch, and the result is a frontal area that looks like a power athlete on the starting blocks,” explains the team at Ducati Design responsible for the project. “With the front wheel kept close to the Diavel’s body and using the short tail of a sport bike, we were able to blend this muscular design with a chassis that matched.”

2011 Ducati Diavel Carbon Exhaust View

2011 Ducati Diavel Carbon Images