Finally Unveiled: The All-New 2008 Ducati Monster 696

Ducati unveiled an all-new 2008 Monster at the 2007 Milan Motorcycle Show, the first full redesign in the bike's 15 year history.

The new entry-level Monster 696 retains its trademark trellis frame, which is now mated to an aluminum subframe, a setup found in Ducati's $65,000 Desmosedici.

Other features include:

• A new air-cooled L-twin that produces 9% more power than last year's 695 model, along with a reduced overall weight of 355 lbs
• Radial brakes and an all-digital, MotoGP-style instrumentation.
• Wide plastic fuel tank sides are easily swapped with inexpensive, differently colored panels-- a feature which should appeal to riders who like to switch their bike color like they change jeans.

Considering that a strong Euro forced a $1,000 price increase for this year's base 1098 model, we're not holding our breath that the Ducati Monster 696 will be the bargain of the century... but based on its specs, it looks like it will be one heck of a bike.

So forget the rumors and alleged spy photos, check out Ducati's official photos in our 2008 Ducati Monster 696 photo gallery, and decide for yourself if this new Monster was worth the wait.

Photo © Ducati