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2013 Ducati Monster 659

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2013 Ducati Monster 659
2013 Ducati Monster 659


2013 Ducati Monster 659 Review

2013 Ducati Monster 659

Naked essentiality

The “less-is-more” philosophy that has made the Monster a motorcycling icon is now accessible to Learner Riders with the new Monster 659, produced exclusively for the Australian market and the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMs) by Ducati, Italy.

The 659 shares many of the same key features and benefits that has made the Monster 696 such a big hit for many less experienced riders including; lightweight, easy handling, low seat height and rider friendly L-Twin power delivery. Essential Ducati detailing, high quality and safety is also evident throughout the 659 design, as is the styling, renowned by the iconic naked Monster family. When you choose to ride the Monster, you are not just choosing a bike, but an entire lifestyle opening the door to the World of Ducati.


 

2013 Ducati Monster 659 Key Features


Concept

Less is Monster

The ‘less-is-more’ philosophy behind all Monsters underlines Ducati’s never-ending pursuit of genuinely compact, high performance motorcycles, but these new models have succeeded in being even more ‘pared down’ than their predecessors.

Every single component has been redesigned and redeveloped so now more than ever, form follows function. With any details detracting from the Monster concept being eliminated, ‘less-is-more’ also means ‘less-is-Monster’. Less weight plus more torque equals fun-filled riding.

Monster Story

In 1992 Ducati unveiled a new prototype that was to become an icon. Ducati’s creation awed the crowds and the world’s media of that year’s Cologne International Motorcycle show. The 900 Monster was a motorcycle that created a truly new niche – dramatically styled, minimalist in stature yet bristling with innovative engineering solutions. The Monster’s radical styling has also provided the inspiration for an entire after-market sector specialising in hot-rod parts for this legendary machine. For this reason, rarely do you see two Monsters the same. This radical and refreshing design departure also influenced other manufacturers but, as the old adage states: imitation is the highest form of flattery… The Monster is characterised by a long and successful history, by its introduction during the years of numerous cylinders and uncountable colour options, but above all by a constant technological evolution that this year brings us to the birth of the last version: the Monster 1100EVO, “The Ultimate Monster”.

Monster ART

Called “GP Replica”, the new Monster Art collection features colour schemes that are a tribute to Team Ducati 2011, personalised with the distinctive emblems and graphics that are the hallmarks “The Doctor” and the “Kentucky Kid”.
Launched in 2009, the Monster Art project was initially all about Colour Therapy, a range of vivid colours that allowed everyone to express their own particular personalities perfectly.
The following year came Logomania, an extraordinary collection that paid homage to the evolution of the Ducati logo over the last fifty years.

Now, directly from the racing world, comes the GP Replica collection, which introduces two new graphic designs dedicated to the official riders of Team Ducati 2011: Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden.

The kit, consisting of tank cover, seat cover, mudguard and nose fairing, lets you transform the livery of your Monster into a replica of the one on the Desmosedici GP11 ridden by your favourite Ducati rider.



2013 Ducati Monster 659 Features and Benefits

Engine

APTC clutch

The APTC ‘wet’ clutch gives a ‘slipper’ type action that prevents destabilizing of the rear-end under aggressive down-shifting and also gives the extra benefit of a super-light feel at the lever, a great benefit in stop-start city traffic or during longer journeys. The 21-plate oil-bath clutch (11 friction and 10 steel) represents a power-enhancing weight reduction over the ‘dry’ system as well as having a quieter operation and requiring less maintenance.


Chassis

Monster Trellis – An immensely strong but light tubular steel Trellis frame with aluminium rear sub-frame is the visual and structural backbone of the Monster. Delivering unparalleled rigidity with minimal mass, the chassis design is pure Ducati in its ingenuity and simplicity. A separate, all aluminium sub-frame saves weight and adds a pleasing continuity with the aluminium footrest hangers and matte finished swingarm.

Sachs rear suspension – At the rear, a Sachs monoshock unit with progressive linkage provide a wide spectrum of both spring and damping settings.

Lightweight 3-spoke wheels – Lightweight 3-spoke aluminium alloy wheels increase agility and reduce rider effort. The 3.50×17 front wheel wears a 120/60ZR tyre while the 4.50×17 rear wheel runs 160/60ZR rubber. By resisting the temptation to over-tyre the 696 and the 659 for styling’s sake, the end result is light, predictable and confidence inspiring steering qualities at a wide range of speeds with truly outstanding stability.

Aluminium swingarm – The GP-style swingarm is chill-cast using aluminium in its most noble form. Gravity cast and heat treated, the component achieves the best mechanical characteristics as well as reduced final weight for improved handling.

Ergonomics – The heavily tapered and deeply sculpted fuel tank cover allows maximum comfort and control. The narrowing of the bike’s ‘waist’ has the same effect as lowering the seat height, making it easier for more riders to get both feet flat on the floor.

The steering-lock is vastly improved with a useful 64 degrees of lock-to-lock steering travel. Incredible attention to detail has gone into maximising the effective steering-lock.



Equipment

LED taillight

An LED rear light unit satisfies the minimalist, weight-saving design ethos found throughout the Monster 696 and 659. The specially designed strip of LED are enhanced by a special diffuser lens to deliver outstanding light clarity and incredible longevity.
For the Monster 1100EVO, even the license plate light uses LED technology.

Headlight

The triple-parabola headlight on the Monster utilises the latest optical technology and advanced construction techniques to provide an incredibly compact lighting package. In spite of its compact size, the headlight throws a broad and deep beam to provide excellent visibility and make night riding safer. Viewed from the side, its discrete silhouette mimics the radical shape of the fuel tank.

M659 ABS

For the first time since its debut, the Ducati Monster is available with ABS (anti-lock braking system). Unlike the majority of motorcycle ABS set-ups, this system has the advantage of ensuring a more natural braking ‘feel’ for the rider. The Monster 696 ABS is equipped with ABS, the single seat cover and the neat micro-bikini fairing.

DDA ready

The instrument display also doubles as a control panel for the activation of the Ducati Data Analyser (DDA) system, which is available as an accessory from Ducati Performance. The bike has been built ‘system-ready’ for the data acquisition kit, which consists of special DDA software and a memory key that slots into a plug under the seat. The same plug also doubles as the connection for a handy new battery charger available as an accessory from Ducati Performance.

Stopwatch

The digital display is programmed with a stopwatch function that, when enabled, can be triggered by using the high-beam flash button and each recorded time stored in a memory. After your journey or track session, the times or lap times can be recalled from the memory and scrolled through by using the instrumentation buttons on the left-hand switchgear.

Instrumentation

Visually simple digital instrumentation provides an array of data on command or, at a glance, just speed and revs. Information available at your fingertip include: scheduled maintenance warning, oil temperature, trip odometer, lap time, fuel reserve, warning light for low oil pressure, turn signals, over-rev warning, immobilizer and neutral warning light.

Adjustable levers

The new user-friendly brake and clutch with 4-point adjustable levers provide easy-to-reach control for all hand sizes.

Silencer covers

The new silencer guards feature a longer shape and provide improved heat protection

 

 



2013 Ducati Monster 659 – Australia Specifications/Technical Details
Australia MSRP Price: See dealer for pricing in AU

Engine
TYPE
L-Twin cylinder, 2 valve per cylinder Desmodromic, air cooled
DISPLACEMENT
659cc
BORE X STROKE
88 x 54.2mm
COMPRESSION RATIO
10.2:1
POWER
38 kW @ 8250rpm
TORQUE
46.5Nm (4.8kgm) @ 7500 rpm
FUEL INJECTION
Siemens electronic fuel injection, 45mm throttle body
EXHAUST
2 aluminum mufflers
Transmission
GEARBOX
6 speed
PRIMARY DRIVE
Straight cut gears; Ratio 1.85:1
RATIO
1st 32/13, 2nd 30/18, 3rd 28/21, 4th 26/23, 5th 22/22, 6th 24/26
FINAL DRIVE
Chain; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 45
CLUTCH
APTC wet multiplate with hydraulic control
Chassis
FRAME
Tubular steel Trellis frame
FRONT SUSPENSION
43mm upside-down forks
FRONT WHEEL
3-spoke light alloy 3.50 x 17
FRONT TYRE
Pirelli Angel ST 120/60 17″
REAR SUSPENSION
Progressive linkage with preload and rebound Sachs adjustable monoshock
REAR WHEEL
3-spoke light alloy 4.50 x 17
REAR TYRE
Pirelli Angel ST 160/60 17″
FRONT WHEEL TRAVEL
120mm (4.7in)
REAR WHEEL TRAVEL
148mm (5.8in)
FRONT BRAKE
2 x 320mm discs, 4-piston radial caliper
REAR BRAKE
245mm disc, 2-piston caliper
INSTRUMENTATION
Digital unit displaying: Speedometer, rev counter, clock, scheduled maintenance warning, oil temperature, trip fuel, air temperature, lap time, warning light for low oil pressure, fuel level, fuel reserve, neutral, turn signals, overrev, immobilizer. Ready for DDA system
Dimensions and weight
DRY WEIGHT
161kg (355lb) / 163kg (359lb) ABS version
SEAT HEIGHT
770mm (30.3in)
WHEELBASE
1450mm (57.1in)
RAKE
24°
FUEL TANK CAPACITY
15l – 3.8 gallon (US) / 13.5l – 3.6 gallon (US) ABS version
VERSIONS
Dual seat
Warranty
WARRANTY
2 years unlimited mileage
Emissions and Consumption
STANDARD
Euro 3 (Europe) – USA: follows the US Federal Regulation

 

 


 

2013 Ducati Monster 659 – USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: NA

Model not available

 


 

2013 Ducati Monster 659 – Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: NA

Model Not Available

 



2013 Ducati Monster 659 – Europe/UK Specifications/Technical Details
European MSRP Price: NA.
UK RRP: £NA (Prices are recommended and inclusive of VAT @ 20% and delivery)

Model not available

 

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