Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery...

[v3rp]

Ducati announces Monster 696. Sounds familiar eh?

http://www.webbikeworld.com/ducati-m...s/monster-696/

[Jon.sb]

Nice looking bike although on paper the performance doesn't look to be as good as the Street though.

I wouldn't be surprised if a few manufacturers tweek their mid range bikes or release new bikes to try and jump on the bandwagon since Triumph have proved that a true performance naked would grab all the awards.

I would expect to see a revised semi-naked "R" spec Shiver from Aprilia as well as some other Japanese models.

The question will be how this type of bike effects other bike sales because I suspect that if you could buy a Honda that had the Street Triple performance for the price of their current Hornet what do they do with the bike that they have today. Do they drop it's price or drop it from the line-up altogether???

[Weasel Pete]

My guess is that the rest of the Monster line will get a similar look. I like it, even though it looks like a cheaper version of the MV Brutale. Personally, I liked my '99 monster styling since it looked more like a modernized cafe racer. I think the 696 motor specs are spot on if not a little too powerful for their intended market. It is supposed to be an entry level bike. I just wish that they would offer an upgrade like a big discount on the S2 with trade-in or something like that for a reasonable cost. It would help to insure customer loyalty and sell the bigger bikes IMO.

[doggy675]

That looks OK to me, I really wanted an S4RS but couldn't afford one so had to settle for a street triple instead.

[spiki-spikester]

So Doggy, are you happy with the compromise option

[doggy675]

Most definately, it goes well, looks good and was at a bargain price!

[Jamie]

MV Agusta reportedly (Italian press) working on a small displacement (600cc?) triple. Jamie

[doggy675]

Oh please tell me more, where can i see a pic?

[Jamie]

No pic yet. Just journalist's hearsay. But more might be revealed at the Milano show (going on, as this is written). If so, I' ll report back. Best. Jamie

[vega 0]

Hear is an 'artist's impression'