2011 Ducati Monster 796 Gladiatorial first ride review
Improved riding position and mid-capacity engine make new Monster 796 a very rounded entry-level proposition
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Regardless of engine capacity a Ducati Monster always seems to be more than the sum of its parts. Somehow, the Italians have bred a distinctive character into this model range and owners often seem as attracted to the name as the rideability, which has undoubtedly improved over recent years.
The ‘new generation’ 696 Monster, launched in 2008 was the first of its kind to record five figure sales in one year. It’s no surprise really, not only has Ducati sold more than 225,000 Monsters since 1994, this entry level version adopted a new riding position that was a noticeable improvement over the stretched out versions that had preceded it.
The Monster 1100 came six months later, combining practical new ergonomics with the impressive power of the Hypermotard/Multistrada 1078cc air cooled L-twin engine. And now there’s another addition to the family, the 2011 Monster 796.
This new middleweight is the most comfortable Monster yet. The tapered aluminium handlebars are 20mm higher and the four-point adjustable levers make life easier still. The 800mm seat height is 10mm lower than the 1100 Monster and while it’s retained the traditional trellis frame, a new subframe makes aftermarket pillion grabhandles easier to add.
It’s supposed to sit neatly between the 696 and 1100, so it’s powered by the 803cc Desmodue engine which offers a friendly 85.7 bhp at 8250 rpm and 58ft/lb of torque at 6250 rpm over the 696’s 79bhp and 50ft/lb. There’s nothing really crazy-new about it, it’s simply another Monster – no bad thing.
The Italians have a habit of picking the twistiest roads imaginable to highlight a bike’s agility and this launch was no different. Endless switchbacks curled around hillsides like strands of twisted spaghetti, demanding full attention. Weighing a manageable 167kg (169 with ABS) it flicks from side to side with reassuring stability. The Showa 43mm usd forks are non-adjustable yet absorb most challenges without too much complaint. The rear benefits from a preload and rebound adjustable Sachs monoshock.
