Street Motorcycle

As a famous Racer Rossi select Monster 796 you want to try...?
According to Ducati, the Monster 796 produces 87 hp at 8,250 rpm and has 58 ft-lb. of torque at 6,250 rpm, compared to the Hypermotard 796’s 81 hp at 8,000 rpm and 55.7 ft-lb. at 6,250 rpm.Like its larger sibling, the M1100, the Monster 796 has a single-sided swingarm
The new Monster 796 will be available in Ducati Red, arctic white silk or diamond black silk, each with the classic red trellis frame. Ducati is also offering a series of customized graphics called “Logomania”, the second part of the Project Monster Art collection.
The Monster Art kits offer a number of options based on classic bikes from Ducati’s past. Also available for the Monster 1100 and Monster 696, the kits include tank covers, a mudguard, a micro-bikini fairing and seat cover.

MCN Ride Review
“The twisting mountain roads on the outskirts of Bologna prove to be a very practical test for the Monster 796; the third example of the present Monster range. There hasn’t been a Monster to fill the gap between the 696 and the 1100 since the demise of the Monster 750 several years ago. Ducati claim the Monster 796 is as easy to ride as the 696 but with greater performance and this is exactly how the 796 feels to ride.
“The bike has a strong spread of torque and makes the gears feel taller than they are. It pulls cleanly through the midrange and acceleration is strong – easily enough to make you smile as you barrel through – and between – the twists. This engine is perfectly suited to the stiff chassis of the traditional trellis frame and obligatory single sided swing arm. All in all, it’s a bike made to make you smile – and does so with ease. I like it.

While the Monster 796 is fitted with the micro-bikini fairing and single seat cover as standard, it also features a new seat designed with a comfort-enhancing shape, further accentuated with stylish red stitching. Furthermore, the rear sub-frame has been 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 rear-end.

2011 Monster 796 in 13 Colors

The new Monster 796 comes in traditional Ducati red, new arctic white silk or diamond black silk with all three colors against a red Trellis frame and black wheels, which feature a new red flash around 60° of the rim side, creating a red stripe at speed. Monster Art extends the 3 standard colors to 13 with the new collection, ‘Logomania.

Further aesthetic enhancements come from the footrest hangers finished in matte black to match the rear sub-frame and single-sided swingarm, new Ducati logo on the front mudguard and the Tricolore displayed proudly on the single-seat cover and fuel tank.

The 2011 Ducati Monster 796 will be slotted into the lineup between the 696 and 1100 models, both of which will still be produced. The new Monster is powered by an air-cooled Desmodue 796 engine, which first debuted in the Hypermotard 796 in late 2009.

A look at how the worlds premier motorsport event has managed to influence a Biker Next Door from India..

1. The curious case of Indonesians and MotoGP

Imagine Lorenzo wearing "एक कदम आगे" on his forearm..!!

Any guess which is the most MotoGP crazy nation of the world?

Italy and Spain may be producing lots of MotoGP champs but if Google Tends is to be believed (screen shot posted below), it is Indonesians which are clearly ahead in terms of internet search related to MotoGP.

Motorcycles sales currently account for a mere 10% of the 3rd largest 2 wheeler market of the world (Indonesia), the remaining 90% comprises of step thru and automatic scooter models. In spite of being a traditionally non-motorcycle market, MotoGP seems to be one of the most popular and followed sporting event amongst Indonesians.

Google Trends search for "MotoGP"

Watch the 2010 TV Commercial of the "Yamaha Jupiter MX" Step Thru, featuring Valentino Rossi (Ex-Yamaha rider and MotoGP Champ)..!!

2010 Yamaha Indonesia TVC featuring Valentino Rossi

One important phrase in this MotoGP crazy nation is “Semakin Di Depan”, which when translated into English from Bahasa (Indonesian) means “One Step Ahead”. This phrase happens to be the official tag line of Yamaha Indonesia. In 2010 this phrase appeared on the Yamaha M1 MotoGP bikes and also on the forearms of the Yamaha riders (Rossi and Lorenzo)..!!

Even in 2011 the same phase can be found on the Yamaha M1 bikes currently ridden by Lorenzo and Ben Spies (factory Yamaha MotoGP riders) and also on their forearms. Yamaha Indonesia has tried to cash in on the craze for MotoGP in Indonesia. No wonder than Yamaha is currently neck to neck with Honda in terms of 2 wheeler market share in Indonesia.

Imagine Lorenzo wearing "एक कदम आगे" on his forearm and on his bike. I guess you get the picture.


2. Indians are an interesting breed

We Indians like Mac Donalds or KFCs, but only when it is stuffed with “paneer tikka” or “chicken tikka”. We like our MTV but only when it runs Bollywood numbers or Indian fusion on it. We like wholesome family entertainers like "3 Idiots" and "Dabang", replete with song and dance numbers.

When it comes to sports, we need a team/figure with whom we can associate and start rooting for that team/sportsman. The Mahindra team which have a cash rich Indian promoter but without any desi blood steering its bike, it would be just like Dr. Vijay Mallya’s “Kingfisher” Force India F1 team with no Indians to cheer for.

In short, you one buy out a foreign team and give it an Indian name but as long as the “Paneer Tikka” is missing in the form of an Indian talent, the connect with the common Indians wont be there.


3. I finally persuade myself to sit through a MotoGP race

I had posted earlier that since our Indian teams Mahindra and WTR-Ten10 will be participating in the 125 cc class this year, I might start following MotoGP. So last weekend I did watch the race held at Assen (on TV of course). It was the seventh race in a total of eighteen for this season. I accept that I am late, but it’s a start for a MotoGP virgin like me.

125 cc class: Throughout the race instead of following the leading group, I was more interested in the list that used to come on the TV screen, which let me know about the position of the Mahindra riders in the race. At the end, the 9’th and 13’th places for the Mahindra team was the best result for them in this season.

Sarath Kumar (from the WTR-Ten10 team) created history by becoming the first Indian to participate in a MotoGP (125 cc class).

But he has so far just managed to feature only in a single race (he finished last in it). Post that race, he has been replaced due to an injury with a foreign rider. With no Sarath in the Assen race, I wasn’t keen on looking out for WTR-Ten10.

I know it’s very tough just to qualify and finish the race. It might be a big achievement just to get into the top 10 positions. But for a spectator like me, it is far from being fun or exciting to get to know about your favorite team’s standings from a list rather than watching the riders slug it out in the race.

Moto2 (600 cc class) : With no team to root for, I was like a lost puppy during the race. With quite a few crashes it was an eventful race though.

Moto GP: After hearing a lot about Valentino Rossi over the years, so I made him my favorite for the race. But it seems that this season Mr. Rossi is finding it hard to adjust to his new team and bike (Ducati). Rossi ultimately finished 4’th.


Q. So would I like to follow the next race of the season?

Ans: If Sarath would qualify, I would definitely like to. Else, I can always read the race results from the MotoGP site.


The winds of change could be just around the corner

With the "Buddh International Circuit" coming up in Noida, F1 in 2011 and hopefully MotoGP in 2012 should arrive in our nation of 1 billion plus (with a burgeoning middle class) population.

But all said and done, till there is an Indian talent to add “spicy masala” at MotoGP and hopefully start making podium finishes, Cricket would still continue to be the number one sport in India for a long time to come.

Motorcycles happen to be my passion, but I do not have any pretension to accept that like a common Indian, my interest lies in Cricket and not in MotoGP or motorsports (at least till now).

Related Posts

• Mahindra & Ten10 to be the first Indian teams to feature in MotoGP

Disclaimer:

This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.

Make Model	Ducati Monster 796 Hayden MotoGP Replica
Year	2011
Engine	Air cooled, four stroke, 90°“L”twin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic 2 valve per cylinder.
Capacity	803
Bore x Stroke	88 x 66 mm
Compression Ratio	11.0:1
Induction	Siemens electronic fuel injection, 45mm throttle body
Ignition / Starting	Marelli electronic / electric
Exhaust:	Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter with twin lambda probes
Clutch	APTC wet multiplate with hydraulic control
Max Power	87 hp @ 8250 rpm
Max Torque	8.0 kg-m 58 lb-ft @ 6250rpm
Transmission / Drive	6 Speed / chain
Gear Ratio	1st 32/13, 2nd 30/18, 3rd 28/21, 4th 26/23, 5th 22/22, 6th 24/26
Frame	Tubular steel trellis Wheelbase: 1440 mm / 56.7 in Rake: 24°
Front Suspension	Showa 43mm upside-down forks . 120mm front wheal travel
Rear Suspension	Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Sachs monoshock with piggy back aluminum swing arm. 148mm rear wheal travel
Front Brakes	2x 320mm discs 4 piston calipers
Rear Brakes	Single 245mm disc 2 piston caliper
Front Tyre	120/70 -ZR17
Rear Tyre	160/55 -ZR17
Dry-Weight	167kg - 369 lb / 169kg - 373 lb ABS version

Ducati has launched a pair of GP Replica Monster Art schemes dedicated to their factory riders, Nicky “The Kentucky Kid” Hayden and Valentino “The Doctor” Rossi that will be available to Monster owners.

The paintschemes are part of the Monster Art series which now has the “GP Replica” to add to the range. Previous models in the Art series have added around £540 to the price of the standard bike.

The kit consists of of tank panels, micro-bikini fairing, single-seat cover and front mudguard with the riders’ respective logos and racing numbers and will fit any Monster range.

First introduced in 2009, the innovative Monster Art project offered an additional range of colours to the standard factory options with a collection called “Colour Therapy”, while in 2010 the introduction of the “Logomania” collection celebrated 50 years of historic Ducati logo styles.

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), a dry weight of just 167kg (368lb) and optional ABS, the stylish new Monster 796 returns the magic of mid-range to the Monster family.

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.

Launched as an early entry model year 2011, the Monster 796 opens a new road to the world of Ducati Monster and becomes the ‘urban icon of hand-built Italian naked motorcycles.

Monster 796 Specs

Ducati have continued to listen to its passionate Monster owners and used their valuable feedback in the design of the new Monster 796. The riding position has been revised by reducing the 1100s seat height by a full 10mm (0.4in) to 800mm (31.5in) and the combination of redesigning the seat shape and raising the handlebars by 20mm (0.8in) has improved posture and increased comfort. Combined with a dry weight of just 167kg (368lb), thanks to its new lightweight engine, and the option of being equipped with ABS, the new naked inspires confidence to make life simpler in the city.

Suspension up front is handled by user-friendly 43mm Showa forks, while the sporty Ducati single-sided rear swingarm is controlled by a single rear Sachs unit, with adjustable spring preload and return damping for passenger load optimization.

In pure Monster style, the entire chassis set-up is unified into a sturdy, great handling package by a bright red Trellis frame. Lightweight and with incredible torsional stiffness, the large diameter tube construction flows into the cast aluminium rear sub-frame which matches the matte black rear swingarm and footrest hangers.

Twin 320mm semi-floating discs are gripped by radically mounted 4-piston Brembo calipers to provide powerful and progressive front-end braking with rider-friendly ‘feeling, while the rear is equipped with a 245mm disc and 2-piston caliper, also by Brembo. The Monster 796 offers the added option of ABS to further underline the models focus on ease of use and everyday security.

The 17" wheels are in the five ‘Y-shape spoked style and produced in lightweight aluminum to keep the unsprung weight low and handling, braking and acceleration performances high. To differentiate the 796, the wheels sport a stylish pin stripe for 60° of the circumference of the rim which creates a full circle of red when in motion. They roll on the same 180/55 rear and 120/70 Pirelli Diablo Rosso tires enjoyed on the 1100.

Desmodue Engine

The brand new 796 Desmodue power unit uses fully redesigned crankcases to save an incredible 1.2kg (2.64lb) over the 696 castings, and are responsible for the major part of the impressive 1.9kg (4.2lb) total saving over the 696 power unit. The clutch and alternator outer casings of the new engine are finished in carbon grey.

The crankshaft is designed with a lightweight 848-type flywheel and uses a 66mm stroke instead of the 696s 57.2mm, helping to maximize power to an impressive 87hp (64kW) @ 8250rpm and torque to 58lb-ft (78Nm) @ 6250rpm while maintaining the smooth and enjoyable character, famous of all Desmodromic L-Twins. An oil cooler is fitted to protect power delivery by maintaining optimum efficiency.

The 803cc swept volume is compressed to a ratio of 11:1 - compared to the 696s 10.7:1 - then injected and ignited by Siemens controlled electronics. The 2-1-2 catalytic exhaust system uses twin lambda probes and regulating valve to provide finer fuel mapping and Euro 3 conformity. The systems lightweight and compact design is achieved by using 1mm thick tubing and terminates in the Monsters signature twin lateral mufflers, stylishly updated with the latest style of heat guards.

An 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. The oil-bath clutch represents a power-enhancing weight reduction over the ‘dry system as well as having a quieter operation and requiring less maintenance.

The new easy-to-own Monster 796 offers competitive service intervals of 12,000 kilometers (7,500 miles).
Controls

The Monster 796 has enhanced comfort and control with 20mm higher bar-risers gripping sturdy tapered section aluminum handlebars.

Integral type Brembo master cylinders are used for both the clutch and brake systems and maintain a clean handlebar arrangement for the rider. They are fitted with user-friendly 4-point adjustable levers that provide easy-to-reach control for all hand sizes and the APTC clutch offers a super-light lever action ideal for use in the city.

Looking clean and minimalist in true Monster style, the bright white illuminated display provides all essential data by default, and far more by scrolling with the left-hand switchgear. Data includes speed, revs, time, scheduled maintenance, oil temperature and battery voltage, while warning lights illuminate for oil pressure, fuel reserve, turn indicators, high beam and neutral selection. In addition, the instruments present a reserve fuel trip, immobilizer status and automatic light-off function after 60 seconds with the key on as well as a memory to store lap times recorded by using the high-beam flash button as a stopwatch.

The display also doubles as a control panel for the activation of the Ducati Data Analyzer (DDA) system, which is available as an accessory from Ducati Performance. The Monster 796 has been built ‘system-ready for the data acquisition kit, which consists of a special DDA software and memory key that slots into a USB style plug under the seat. The same plug also doubles as the connection for a handy new ‘battery maintainer available as an accessory from Ducati Performance.

New Monster, New Features

While the Monster 796 is fitted with the micro-bikini fairing and single seat cover as standard, it also features a new seat designed with a comfort-enhancing shape, further accentuated with stylish red stitching. Furthermore, the rear sub-frame has been 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 rear-end.

2011 Monster 796 in 13 Colors

The new Monster 796 comes in traditional Ducati red, new arctic white silk or diamond black silk with all three colors against a red Trellis frame and black wheels, which feature a new red flash around 60° of the rim side, creating a red stripe at speed. Monster Art extends the 3 standard colors to 13 with the new collection, ‘Logomania.

Further aesthetic enhancements come from the footrest hangers finished in matte black to match the rear sub-frame and single-sided swingarm, new Ducati logo on the front mudguard and the Tricolore displayed proudly on the single-seat cover and fuel tank.

The 2011 Ducati Monster 796 will be slotted into the lineup between the 696 and 1100 models, both of which will still be produced. The new Monster is powered by an air-cooled Desmodue 796 engine, which first debuted in the Hypermotard 796 in late 2009.

According to Ducati, the Monster 796 produces 87 hp at 8,250 rpm and has 58 ft-lb. of torque at 6,250 rpm, compared to the Hypermotard 796’s 81 hp at 8,000 rpm and 55.7 ft-lb. at 6,250 rpm.Like its larger sibling, the M1100, the Monster 796 has a single-sided swingarm
The new Monster 796 will be available in Ducati Red, arctic white silk or diamond black silk, each with the classic red trellis frame. Ducati is also offering a series of customized graphics called “Logomania”, the second part of the Project Monster Art collection.
The Monster Art kits offer a number of options based on classic bikes from Ducati’s past. Also available for the Monster 1100 and Monster 696, the kits include tank covers, a mudguard, a micro-bikini fairing and seat cover.

MCN Ride Review
“The twisting mountain roads on the outskirts of Bologna prove to be a very practical test for the Monster 796; the third example of the present Monster range. There hasn’t been a Monster to fill the gap between the 696 and the 1100 since the demise of the Monster 750 several years ago. Ducati claim the Monster 796 is as easy to ride as the 696 but with greater performance and this is exactly how the 796 feels to ride.
“The bike has a strong spread of torque and makes the gears feel taller than they are. It pulls cleanly through the midrange and acceleration is strong – easily enough to make you smile as you barrel through – and between – the twists. This engine is perfectly suited to the stiff chassis of the traditional trellis frame and obligatory single sided swing arm. All in all, it’s a bike made to make you smile – and does so with ease. I like it.

Perhaps the existence of the MotoGP 800cc engine will not last long. The problem has now emerged about the idea of the FIM-level capacity to 1000cc.

800cc four-stroke era began since 2007 when the (International Motorcycle Federation) FIM 990cc lowering of standards that have been used since 2002.

But that era probably will not last long after the President of the FIM, Vito Ippolito stated his idea of an increase to 1000cc. Ippolito himself gave a discourse is not with any reason.

According to all the manufacturers who are in the highest class would agree with the idea that will make the competition due to more attractive. Ippolito also sure it will not appear in conflict with World Superbike event which was also one-liter engine, because each race has its own characteristics.

"Manufacturers want MotoGP 1000cc engine, so it is what it is. 800cc engine is not working because it has power roughly the same (to 990cc) but only increased the speed of turning," he said in Autosport Motosprint as preached.

800cc own the system often got complaints from the riders related to the amount of electronic equipment involved in it. Criticism of them came from Valentino Rossi who called the current MotoGP quite boring.