Ducati Monster 796

Ducati launched Monster 796 in the year 2010. Since then, this bike has proved to be a huge success for Ducati worldwide. In this review, we will try to get into the detailing of this new age Monster.

Design and Style

This modern Monster looks way stylish and aggressive than the previous generations. The bike has a low and narrow stance which makes it look aerodynamic. The bike has an up-raised fuel tank which features sharp lines on it. The steel trellis frame and black colored engine makes this bike look like a true Ducati bike. Ducati has placed split seats on this bike. Monster 796 is equipped with a wide and compact handle bar which features black colored rear view mirrors on it. The explicit triple parabola light at its front gives it a unique identity which helps you to recognize it from a distance. The clear lens indicators are placed on the both side of this headlight which lacks any type of visor and cowl. The macho front tyre, twin disc plates and massive forks get supported by a sharp front fender. It’s small in size though but makes a good contribution to the styling of this bike. The five spoke black finished alloy wheels looks fantastic on this bike. The rear cowl of this bike is quite angular in size which also houses a stylish LED tail light in it. On the left side, you will notice an up-swept muffler which gets covered with an extended heat shield. The rear styling of the bike includes a fatty rear tyre and an elongated fender featuring side indicators and number plate on it.

Instrument Console

The instrument console of this bike can also be seen in its younger sibling, Monster 795. It’s a fully digital dashboard with all essential LED indicators. The twin LCDs of this bike uses blue back lit for illumination at night. It displays digital tachometer, speedometer, odometer, 2-trip meter and fuel gauge. Ducati has also equipped this bike with lap timer, stop watch and DDA ready.

Engine and Gearbox

Ducati Monster 796 debuted with L-twin, 4-valves 803cc engine. It’s an air-cooled engine which pumps out a power output of 87 bhp at 8250rpm. The torque production of this engine is of 78 Nm which is available at 6250 rpm. Ducati has equipped this bike with a six-speed gearbox which has one gear down and five gears up-shift pattern.

Acceleration and Performance

This new age engine feels quite impressive in terms of performance. The engine takes no time in delivering the power to this bike. It offers an instant throttle response thanks to the well-spaced gear ratios. Monster 796 does 0-100km/hr in less than 4.5 seconds and it can do this without a single gear shift. The gear transitions of this bike are quite smooth and enjoyable. You don’t have to worry about city traffic either as there is no need of frequent gear transitions. Moreover, the torque of this bike arrives early which improves its acceleration at low rpms. It’s a refined motor which is tuned perfectly with its gearbox. The noise and vibration levels are quite low and the bike can easily take all the hard pounding. It can cross the speed of 180km/hr in its third gear while it can go beyond that if you push it really hard. This air-cooled engine stays calm at high rpms and gives you a superb mid-range which is quite enjoyable on highways.

Mileage

Ducati Monster 796 may return you a fuel efficiency of around 15-17km/ltr in city conditions while these figures improve up to 5km/ltr on highways.

Comfort while Driving

It’s a comfortable naked machine for driver as well as pillion rider. Both riders get split seat and rear set foot pegs which improves the aerodynamics of this bike. The spacious fuel tank of this bike offers strong grip to the rider as you can grab it by your knees while you can get a firm palm grip from its compact handle bar. The control switches and buttons are of premium quality and definitely enhances your comfort while driving it.

Storage Space and Safety Features

Naked bikes don’t offer any kind of storage space but as far as your safety is concerned, the headlight of Monster 796 is capable enough to cut through the dark and provide you clear vision of roads at night.

Suspension and Brakes

The upside down front telescopic forks of 43mm and pro link with adjustable Sachs monoshock at the back makes a good pair of suspension system for this bike. Ducati has incorporated ABS as a standard part of this bike. Monster 796 has twin disc brakes of 320mm at its front and a rear disc brake of 245mm. The bike also has 4-pistron brake calliper at front and 2-piston calliper at the back.

Ride and Handling

The bike has an extended wheelbase of 1450mm which helps you to turn this bike around corners easily at high speeds. The Pirelli tyres offers good grip of roads to this bike and makes it quite stable on uneven conditions. The high ground clearance of this bike acts as a boon as you can also take this bike off road. It handles brilliantly and steers as per your need. With advanced ABS, you always find this bike under control and its braking system boosts your confidence on highways. The bike stays grounded at high speeds thanks to its capable suspension system which can easily carry the weight of this bike.

Tyre Size, Shades and Variants

The bike has 17 inches alloy wheels. Ducati offers this bike in one variant and four shades.

Verdict

Monster 796 may cost you around INR 9.43lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). We certainly feel it’s an overpriced bike as there are many other naked bikes available in our Indian bike market which is more powerful than Monster 796. Moreover, the bike can easily be mistaken as its much cheaper sibling, Monster 795 as these both bikes look identical to each other. If it had a different engine and styling than its younger sibling then it would have been a value for money bike but not for now.