DUCATI LAUNCHES THE MONSTER 796

The 'Urban Icon'

The Monster family introduces the 796, an exciting addition to the line-up that combines the user-friendliness of the 696 with the sports character of the 1100. Delivering 87hp (64kW)and a dry weight of just 167kg, the stylish new Monster 796 returns the magic of mid-range to the Monster family.

The Monster 796 is fitted with the micro-bikini fairing and single seat cover as standard and features a new seat designed with a comfort-enhancing shape, further accentuated with stylish red stitching. Additional new features also include a rear sub-frame constructed ready to accept new accessory grab-handles designed to provide a confidence-inspiring grip for the passenger, while blending into the natural line of the tail-end.

The riding position has also been revised by reducing the seat height by a full 10mm to 800mm, and the combination of redesigning the seat shape and raising the handlebars by 20mm has improved posture and increased comfort. With the brand new Desmodue 796 engine at the heart of the machine, a single-sided swingarm and revised ergonomics, the Monster 796 perfectly balances lifestyle performance with everyday functionality to enhance the original Monster spirit.

The new Monster 796 comes in traditional Ducati Red, new Arctic White Silk or Diamond Black Silk. All three colours are set against a red Trellis frame and black wheels, which feature a new short-style red flash around the rim side that creates a full red stripe at speed.

Launched as an early 2011 model, the Monster 796, which will be available in Europe from late April 2010 onwards (Australasia from July), opens a new road to the world of Ducati Monster and becomes the 'urban icon' of hand-built Italian naked motorcycles.

Source: Bikedeadline

STONER OUT NEXT 3 GP'S-KALLIO / FABRIZIO PROMOTED

words: Todd Sutherland
Factory Ducati and title contender Casey Stoner has announced that he will not be riding in the next three Grands Prix. Stoner has suffered from a mystery virus and is confident that a full rest period will aid a healthy return.
A game of musical chairs will see Mika Kallio on Stoner's bike, with World Superbike Ducati pilot, Michel Fabrizio landing on Kallio's Pramac Ducati.
Don't hold your breath for any results though. Stoner has long been the only rider (ironically since Capirossi was sacked two seasons ago) capable of running at the front on the Italian marque.
Kallio is the top Ducati rider in the Pramac team, sitting in 15th place in the championship. Niccolo Canepa, Pramac's other rider, is the only other full time championship rider with less points in the championship. In fact if you add Nicky Hayden's (the other works Ducati rider) championship points to the other two Ducati riders totals, you'll find an unwell Stoner still has 40 points more than the trio combined, by himself!

Let's hope that Fabrizio's recent racing at this weekends Brno circuit (he podiumed in the second race, at the World Superbike round, mid July) will give Ducati some kind of result in Stoner's absence.