The cheapest entrance into the world of Ducati is without a doubt the Monster 696. But for some, the 696 is a bit small.
The next step is the 796, a much bolder brother. And for 2012, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer offers the 796 in three colors: Ducati Red, Arctic Silk White and Diamond Black Silk.
The Monster 796, which arrived on the scene last year, basically features the 796 Desmo offered in the Hypermotard, and stuffed it into the Monster 1100’s chassis. What you get is a naked sportbike with 87 horsepower, weighing in at a light 412 lbs. wet.
And of course all the Monster styling is there, also, such as the single-sided swingarm, exposed trellis frame and bikini fairing. The price? $10,295.
Attached above is studio shots that make for great wallpaper; for a preview of the 2012 Monster 796, click here.
Click motorcycle thumbnail to expand. Right click motorcycle wallpaper to download.
Benda motorcycles are beginning to make a ripple on US shores with four intriguing and competitive models, courtesy of its partnership with Keeway Group. We were impressed with the Napoleonbob 500 and have now gotten our gloves on the persuasive, entry-level 2026 Benda Chinchilla 300, with its modest MSRP of $4999. It would be difficult to design a more welcoming entry-level cruiser than this easy-handling, visually appealing boulevard bobber. Editor Don Williams and Associate Editor Kelly Callan discuss the Benda Chinchilla 300 and how it actually rode for them.
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Our guest this episode is Jesse Merriman, Chief Technician for Jeremy McWilliams at the Arch Motorcycle racing project. Arch Racing was founded by Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reevs to compete in the Moto America Super Hooligan race series. Teejay Adams chats with Jesse about the Arch motorcycle and the challenges of extracting the absolute most from an air-cooled V-Twin racing engine and custom chassis.
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Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well.
Don’t forget to leave us your comments on our social media—we’re on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there’s something you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear those ideas too!
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