DUCATI MONSTER 696 (2008 - 2012) Review

Item: DUCATI MONSTER 696
Rating: 4
Author: Adam Child

MCN rating 4 out of 5 (4/5)

Owners' rating 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)

12 2

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating:	4.1 out of 5 (4.1/5)
Annual servicing cost:	£380
Power:	68 bhp
Seat height:	Low (30.3 in / 770 mm)
Weight:	Low (355 lbs / 161 kg)

Prices

New N/A

Used £4,500 - £4,700

View bikes for sale

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Ducati Monster 696 was the Italian firm's most important bike for years. The Monster is the naked bike that brings in the money for Ducati and thankfully it seems they've got it spot on. Thankfully they’ve not played around with the styling too much, and just improved the old bike as a package, in terms of engine performance and handling. It was first revealed in November 2007 and hit dealers in April 2008.

Before it was even launched, the Ducati 696+ was unveiled, which featured two optional extras as standard: a micro bikini fairing around the dash and colour-coded seat cowl. The 696+ cost £5,750 when revealed in March 2008.

The modern version of this bike is the 'baby' Ducati Panigale V2.

Watch: Ducati Monster 696 video review

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine

5 out of 5 (5/5)

The Ducati 696 Monster is still distinctively a Monster, and feels like the original model on board, but it’s not an uncomfortable over stretch like the old bike. It still feels light and is easy to throw around.

Related: how to ride a motorbike on a trackday

The understeer feeling of the old bike has been rectified and so has the poor ground clearance thanks to the new re-routed exhausts.

Ducati Monster 696 cornering quickly with knee almost down

Engine

Next up: Reliability

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The cylinder head of the Ducati 696 Monster is very similar to the two valve 1100 Multistrada’s. Bore and stroke remain the same as the 695 but Ducati have managed to squeeze out an extra 9% of power. Thankfully it’s not lost any of its character, and still sounds and feels like a Monster.

Ducati Monster 696 engine

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value

4 out of 5 (4/5)

As you’d expect from Ducati in recent years, the finish on the Ducati 696 Monster is very high even for a 'budget' model. The engine hasn't changed too much and the old motor took a thrashing in its stride. Keep the bike regularly serviced and you shouldn’t have many problems.

Our Ducati Monster 696 owners' reviews show a bit of a mixed bag reliability wise. There are stories of electrical issues and corrosion, while other owners absolutely adore their bikes.

3 colour options for Ducati 696 - traditional red, white or black

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Cheap for a Ducati. You’re buying into a cool, fashionable brand but the competition is still considerably cheaper, bikes like the Kawasaki ER6f and Suzuki SV650. If you are buying with your heart then you’ll go for the Italian but if money is tight or you want a machine you can commute all-year on go for one of the Japanese bikes.

Ducati Monster 696 side on riding shot

Ducati Monster 696 - what else should I consider?

We'd suggest looking at a used Suzuki SV650.

According to MCN's road testers, the SV650's v-twin motor is "so smooth and eager it makes most European v-twins seem crude and impotent". Said engine puts out 69bhp (slightly more than the Monster 696) and loves revs. Plus it's mated to a Suzuki-smooth gearbox and light clutch.

The suspension and brakes might not have the fancy labels you'll find on the Monster 696, but they work - the SV650 is great fun and as happy thrashing down back roads as it is touring big distances.

Plus the SV's engine is un-stressed and bulletproof, it'll chug on forever. The only issue is that the SV650 is prone to corrosion (good for haggling a few quid off the asking price) and some were thrashed and abused in Mini Twins, so avoid anything that looks like it may of been raced.

Watch: Which Monster should I buy?

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Ducati 696 Monster’s clutch is feather light and comes as a slipper clutch as standard. The Brembo radial brakes up front are powerful but still progressive and ideal for novice riders. However, only the shock is adjustable and we’d expect fully adjustable suspension on a bike at this level.

In February 2008 Ducati announced you could have white or black paint as well as the standard red.

Ducati Monster 696 clocks

Specs
Engine size	696cc
Engine type	8v Desmo V-twin, 6 gears
Frame type	Tubular steel trellis
Fuel capacity	15 litres
Seat height	770mm
Bike weight	161kg
Front suspension	43mm USD forks, non adjustable
Rear suspension	Single shock, preload and rebound adjust
Front brake	2 x 320mm, four poston calipers
Rear brake	245mm disc
Front tyre size	120/60 x 17
Rear tyre size	160/60 x 17

Mpg, costs & insurance
Average fuel consumption	45 mpg
Annual road tax	£117
Annual service cost	£380
New price	-
Used price	£4,500 - £4,700
Insurance group	11 of 17 How much to insure?
Warranty term	Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance
Max power	68 bhp
Max torque	44 ft-lb
Top speed	128 mph
1/4 mile acceleration	-
Tank range	150 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

2008: Ducati 696 launched.
2012: Bike goes off sale.

Other versions

Ducati 696 Monster Plus: Same sas Monster but with cowling and seat hump.

Owners' reviews for the DUCATI MONSTER 696 (2008 - 2012)

17 owners have reviewed their DUCATI MONSTER 696 (2008 - 2012) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your DUCATI MONSTER 696 (2008 - 2012)

Summary of owners' reviews
Overall rating:	4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Ride quality & brakes:	4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Engine:	4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Reliability & build quality:	4.1 out of 5 (4.1/5)
Value vs rivals:	4.1 out of 5 (4.1/5)
Equipment:	4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)
Annual servicing cost:	£380

5 out of 5 Perfect lil Ducati!

12 December 2020 by Lj

Version: +plus

Year: 2008

Annual servicing cost: £300

Beautiful Italian styling, and the best colour (Ducati red) Worst feature is the headlight design

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Easily gone a good hundred miles and good 3 hours in the saddle and was comfy, pillion not so comfy because of leg angle but nice wide seats! Brakes are in my opinion very good, they are not abs which I prefer, but factory brembo brakes do the job

Engine 4 out of 5

Revs to 9000rpm bit of a torque monster, hit 60 in first gear easy, and the lovely thud of a Vtwin

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Built very well, no corrosion, broken down a few times but it’s always been battery related Needed a new clutch at 21,000 miles though

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5

Regular services and belts change every 2 years

Equipment 4 out of 5

I changed tires instantly to my fave (road 5s) The termignoni exhaust are great! With the racing ecu from factory it sounds amazing

5 out of 5

29 June 2020 by Graham Applin

Year: 2009

Annual servicing cost: £600

Character and fun

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Engine 5 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5

electrical problems

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Equipment 4 out of 5

4 out of 5 Ducati 696 a great little bike

11 April 2020 by Barry Williams

Version: Plus

Year: 2008

Annual servicing cost: £500

Bike is great only let down by paint on the engine

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

The ride quality is a bit on the hard side but okay the brakes are brilliant In the area where I live it’s a great all rounder I am 75 years old and can ride for a good hour or so without a break not the bikes fault just old age

Engine 5 out of 5

Starts first time every time goes well better than I expected as my last bike was Ducati 748 and I was expecting it to be a bit tame but no the engine has been a pleasant surprise Only gripe is it does get a we bit hot in traffic

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Corrosion around the engine main problem

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

I bought the bike used from local dealer who said it had had a service and belt change but when I checked the belts they were loose So it was sent into Ducati Stoke who gave it a major service and belt change Has been great since

Equipment 4 out of 5

Information on the dash could be better fuel gauge and gear indicator not available Mine has no abs or traction control etc but I do not miss them as it is si easy to ride

Buying experience: Bought from a dealer price a bit high but condition good and mileage very low Dealer had not sorted paperwork out properly but was rectified quickly

4 out of 5

04 April 2020 by Tim

Version: Plus

Year: 2010

Annual servicing cost: £110

Brilliant first big bike, low seat height, enough power, great handling, looks fabulous and sounds like thunder.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Couldn't fault either.

Engine 4 out of 5

Pulls well from low revs, I did reduce the front sprocket by one tooth, but that did mean that it felt a bit more strained at constant cruising speed.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Only problem in almost fours years of ownership was a misfire caused by a loose battery connection. A real bugger to get at and re-tighten.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Belts and valve clearances cost a bit more but nowhere near the £700 that is bandied about in chat rooms. Only needed it done once.

Equipment 5 out of 5

For my needs at the time it was perfect. On the occasions that I took my daughter out as a pillion it was a bit small.

Buying experience: Bought privately, no problems.

5 out of 5

07 June 2017 by andrew_malta

Year: 2009

Amazing Bike

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Just a joy to ride, light and easy to handle.

Engine 5 out of 5

Engine delivers whenever needed, it's a well balanced bike in terms of power and daily usability - the low end torque of the L-twin is unbeatable - also love the engine sputtering on engine breaks!

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Till now, no problems at all, considering it's 2009 and second hand, though I bought it in good nick and was well looked after previously.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Equipment 4 out of 5

As expected from a bike in its class.

4 out of 5 Ducati Monster 696

08 July 2015 by Mick

Year: 2011

A well balanced bike and perfect for the smaller rider. I haven't ridden a bike now for a good part it thirty years and decided to opt for a Ducati Monster 696cc. It's light, fast and a very comfortable ride.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

The brakes are very responsive and comforting to know when the situation for a quick stop arises they will perform superbly. Not the bike for a long term pillion passenger though, unless you're willing to carry out regular stops en route.

Engine 4 out of 5

The engine is very responsive and the power delivery is pretty amazing overall.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

So far the bike has not failed me at all. It has been built solidly with the rider in mind. The overall quality of the Ducati Monster is second to none and I would recommend this bike to any serious rider.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Equipment 4 out of 5

The Ducati Monster is always ready to perform and a simple twist of the wrist gets one up and away from problems. The accessories have been well thought out and positioned.

Buying experience: I purchased this bike second hand from a dealer.

4 out of 5 Photo No. 6...

05 January 2013 by Carlosoul

is not a 696 and is the 796 as it has a single sided swingarm, careful if you spend lots of money on it and its the wrong one.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Engine 4 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Equipment 4 out of 5

5 out of 5 Great!

18 March 2011 by dankatz

I purchased a 696+ with the yellow skins and 14T sprocket with the Termignoni racing package. I bought it used in the US and got a terrific deal (60% of what new would have cost for a one and a half year old bike). I like that it is very nimble, grunty, agile, economical and brakes well. It has tons of character (unlike my previous FZ6) and very usable power. I can ride for hours with the touring seat and the riding position is actually very comfortable. Amazing for a bike that is the size of a 250cc bike! I highly recommend it especially if most of your riding is around town and suburbs.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Engine 5 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Equipment 4 out of 5

2 out of 5 haha reliability sucks

23 July 2009 by spikersv1000

5 trips to dealer so far , let down by ducati spares availability, build quality CR*P , Never ever darken the ducati dealer door unless you want endless trouble,

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Engine 3 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 1 out of 5

Value vs rivals 2 out of 5

Equipment 3 out of 5

5 out of 5 well happy

15 July 2009 by jonnyconcrete

This was my first big bike and i have to say im more than happy with it. The bike has fantastic handling and the all new LCD display. I haven't been let down by the bike either. Go and see the alternatives then go and see this. The differences are in the build quality and finish. For me it was between this bike and the triumph street triple. I chose this for two reasons one because its nice and two because Triumph were not offering 0% finance like Ducati were. After owning the bike for a few months now im pleased as punch with it.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Engine 5 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Equipment 5 out of 5

5 out of 5 It's a great bike!

05 July 2009 by weemull

Love this bike, forward riding stance, amazing sound, super grunty bike! Perfect for zipping about town or the B roads.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Engine 5 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Equipment 3 out of 5

5 out of 5 MCN you got it wrong

15 June 2009 by jonnyconcrete

MCN are quoting the wrong information in their specs for the 696 monster The Ducati monster 696 has 80 BHP @ 9000rpm not 67.5 as shown in your technical data. Also your torque figure that MCN have quoted is 44ftLb when the actual torque is 50.6ftLb

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Engine 5 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Equipment 5 out of 5

3 out of 5 696

23 January 2009 by scoobers

2 months old and visit number 7 to the dealer due on Tuesday. So far the dealer has accused my riding and plugged the leads with silicon ...

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Engine 2 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 1 out of 5

Value vs rivals 2 out of 5