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Ducati Monster 796 (2010-current)

Detail	Value
New price	£7,295
Used price range	View Ducati MONSTER 796 bikes for sale to see current asking prices
Engine size	803cc
Power	87bhp
Top speed	125mph
Insurance group	11

	MCN ratings	Owners' ratings
Overall
Engine
Ride & Handling
Equipment
Quality & Reliability
Value

MCN overall verdict

Yee-haar. Puzzled? Don’t be. The simple truth is Ducati’s 796 - the Bologna-based company’s latest air-cooled Monster – slots nicely between the first-timer Monster 696 and the more powerful Monster 1100 and it's one of biking’s easy-to-net pleasures. It’s not under or overpowered, definitely not expensive to buy or maintain, easy to ride and a looker to boot. Plus it carries one of the most recognisable brand names ever on its fuel tank: Ducati.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

All the requisites of a medium sized air-cooled V-twin are here in the Monster 796’s 803cc engine. A rolling mist of torque stretches across the rev range and is topped with an acceptable level of horsepower that won’t scare freshly licenced riders, or bore veterans of 130bhp and more. There are more details involved in making the 796 an enjoyable riding experience: 1) light throttle action, 2) boom-bastic reverb from the airbox on the overrun, 3) quality throttle response, and 4) it handles…

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Showa non-adjustable forks and the usual Sachs rear shock are a serious partnership – they’re tuned to work together so perfectly. Ok, so fast riding over bumps produces uppercut punches to the buttocks, but the first ride was on Italian roads that are far worse than the UK’s. Thankfully Ducati’s Monster design team has seen the light and started to move the wide one-piece tapered handlebar up and away from the front wheel spindle (20mm higher than other models). There’s still an amount of bodyweight propped on the wrists but it’s better and picking up the pace gives instant relief. An agile chassis that gives feedback a plenty front and rear makes for a purposeful road chaser, in or out of town.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

On the face of it the 796 comes with very little by the way of toys or gizmos. However, the LCD race-replica dash while tasty is nothing new in Ducati-ville. Like the sporting 1098/1198 bikes the Monster carries a facility to record and download to computer throttle position, revs, gear selected etc via an accessory device. Partial rim tape on both wheels doesn’t look clever in freeze-frame photos, but through eyes looks superb. Single-sided swingarms always float MCN’s flotilla. Compare and buy parts for the Monster 796 in the MCN Shop.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Monster 696 and 1100 are sorted machines that have revealed no major concerns for owners or potential buyers. This way of thinking surely applies to the new 896. Aesthetically, Ducati’s constant battle to boost build quality shows with every new model – wiring and frame clips are mostly out of view, tip-top coating finish. Shame about the piss-poor mirror mounts that can come loose in the breeze.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The amount of fun the Ducati supplies is worth considerably more than the bike’s asking price. It can rock along at a good pace. It can cut the mustard through traffic. It’ll even be a good blast on a track day (medium group). And it looks good. Find a Ducati Monster 796 for sale.

Insurance group: 11

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2010: Monster 796 released

An ABS version is available for £7965. The ABS doesn’t detract from the rider’s pleasure one iota.

Specifications

Top speed	125mph
1/4-mile acceleration	secs
Power	87bhp
Torque	58ftlb
Weight	167kg
Seat height	800mm
Fuel capacity	15 litres
Average fuel consumption	mpg
Tank range	miles
Insurance group	11

Engine size	803cc
Engine specification	Air-cooled, 4v Desmodromic four-stroke, 90° V-twin. Six gears. Fuel injection
Frame	Tubular steel trellis
Front suspension adjustment	Non-adjustable
Rear suspension adjustment	Adjustable for preload and rebound damping
Front brakes	2 x 310mm discs with 4-piston radial calipers
Rear brake	245mm disc with dual-piston caliper
Front tyre size	120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size	180/55 x 19

See all Ducati MONSTER 796 motorcycles for sale

Ducati
MONSTER 796

540 miles

£6,850

Ducati
MONSTER 796

617 miles

£5,999

Ducati
MONSTER 796

miles

£7,495

Ducati
MONSTER 796

2400 miles

£5,495

Ducati
MONSTER 796

3409 miles

£5,995

Owners' Overall Rating (2 reviews)

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M796

danwells999

Average rating

Show Details

Overall
Ride and Handling
Equipment
Quality and Reliabilty
Value
Engine

My previous bike was an '08 fireblade and I now know what is mean't be character. The sound even with sock cans is great, the twin rumble, power delivery and popping on the over run are fantastic With me on it the M796 is much faster in the twisties as the riding position allows you to be in control. I miss the power for overtakes but can still bumble along at a healthy 125mph. I'm racking up the miles as this bike brings a constant smile....less is more!!!

04 April 2011
Monster 796

Anonymous

Average rating

Show Details

Overall
Ride and Handling
Equipment
Quality and Reliabilty
Value
Engine

Since having a Suzuki SV650S as my first proper bike, I had a Honda CB1300S (excellent but not enough leg room), VFR800 (Rubbish fuelling) and a CBR600RR which was a very good bike, comfortable, but I just missed having any sort mid-range power. So I saw the 796 & went to my local dealer to see if I could get a test ride, but I could only get a test ride on a 696. After test riding the 696 I bought a 796 on the spot & picked it up a week later. I've now covered just over 2000 miles & fingers crossed no problems yet. It's my first duke & I always wanted one. I thought it might disappoint me because of my high expectations, but so far it hasn't one little bit. As an everyday road bike, I can't find one fault with it. The ride and handling is spot on & so far I haven't had any problems with the reliability of it. After always having japanese bikes and being told of how to be wary of italian bikes, so far, I don't see what all the fuss is about. It's excellent & almost seems cheap compared to some of the japanese bikes now. As long as it doesn't start having reliability problems or start costing a fortune to maintain, I don't see why I'd want to go back to any of the japanese four.

13 August 2010