Ducati announces 2018 Monster 659

Ducati is reintroducing the Monster 659 in Australia and New Zealand, where it is exclusively produced and sold. The bike is aimed at learner riders under both countries’ Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS). The bike has a low 785mm seat height to suit smaller riders.

The Monster 659 sports a 659cc air-cooled, L-twin engine which produces 51bhp and 46.5Nm of torque. This unit is mated to a six-speed transmission and final chain drive. The bike is based on the Monster 797, which is the smallest Monster available in India and has the same features as the latter. The Monster 659 gets 43mm upside down forks up front and a preload and rebound adjustable Sachs monoshock at the rear. It also shares the braking setup of the 797 with 320mm discs for the front and a 245mm disc for the rear with ABS as standard. 

Comparatively, the 659 has a slightly smaller fuel tank at 15 litres and a lighter 187kg kerb weight. The bike also has a low 785mm seat height to suit smaller riders. The bike will arrive at showrooms next month with a price tag of AUD 12,490 (Rs 6.42 lakhs). The Ducati Monster 659 rivals the Triumph Street Triple 660 in Australia and New Zealand.