It beat its 1100cc big brother to the new Monster look, now the entry-level 696 is set to get the jump on the latest tech.
Ducati’s entry-level Monster will get ABS in 2010, making it the only current Ducati to use anti-lock technology, and an even better first big bike. Leaked documents reveal the new system carries no weight penalty, but is expected to push the price of the £6195 to around £6500. A non-ABS 696 will continue to be available.
The last Ducati to get ABS was the touring ST4S, which Ducati said performed less intrusively than less-sporting rival firms’ systems, being tuned for ‘more aggressive riding’. The 696’s ABS isn’t expected to be switchable on and off, like the ST4S’s system.
The news is further confirmation ABS is approaching the tipping point of mass acceptance among bike buyers, with demand for Honda’s ABS-equipped Fireblade and CBR600 taking the firm by surprise this year, and BMW – the first firm to fit anti-lock brakes to bikes – recently selling its millionth ABS-equipped bike.
