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If it seems that all the trendy parts of town are overrun with Ducatis these days, it’s probably because of the Monster. The Italian motorcycle maker was barely visible on the U.S. motorcycle scene back in 1992 when the Monster was introduced. Today, Ducati sells more than 10,000 bikes a year here. Sure, a good many are the superbikes and the retro-cool Sport Classics, but the Monster still comprises the bulk of Ducati sales.
For 2009, the Monster has been treated to its first real redesign, which makes it more rider-friendly with a more upright riding position, closer handlebars, and a narrower waist. The new chassis preserves the signature exposed-framework (”naked”) design, but the bike’s look is updated with a reshaped tank, an oblong headlamp, and LED taillights. Ducati also offers various accessories that allow owners to customize the design.
The 696, which replaces last year’s 695, is the base model (MSRP $8775), and is the first of the redesigned Monsters to arrive. Its 696-cc, L-twin engine sports new cylinder heads, which yield more power: 80 hp at 9000 rpm and 51 lb-ft of torque at 7750 rpm, all sent through a six-speed gearbox. New brakes, by Brembo, help reign in overexuberance.
Having driven the new Monster 696 for my first-ever motorcycle lesson, I can tell you that I thought it was cool, though I obviously have no point of reference for comparison with other bikes. I also can tell you that I barely tapped its performance capabilities (less than 3 seconds from 0 to 60 mph, and a top speed estimated at 135 mph). It was kind of like taking Drivers’ Ed in a Ferrari.
Base price: $8775
Engine: 696-cc, 4-valve, L-2
Horsepower: 80 hp @ 9000 rpm
Torque: 51 lb-ft @ 7750 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Drive: Rear-wheel
Curb Weight: 355 lbs
Fuel economy (estimated): 45 mpg

admin Auto Base Model, Curb Weight, Cylinder Heads, Drivers Ed, Ducati Monster, Engine Sports, Fuel Economy, Handlebars, Headlamp, Hp 9000, Italian Motorcycle, Lb Ft, Motorcycle Maker, Motorcycle Scene, Performance Capabilities, Point Of Reference, Riding Position, Six Speed, Speed Gearbox, Sport Classics

2008 seems to be the year of the BMW M1. Not only have we witnessed an amazing concept hinting at the revival of the mid-engine sports coupe, but BMW’s also planning to revive the M1 Procar series at this weekend’s German Grand Prix.
Introduced in 1979, the Procar series was BMW’s last-ditch attempt at campaigning the M1 in motorsports. Although the car had been developed for Group 4 racing, FIA rules mandated that 400 road cars be built across a two-year span. By 1978, production delays at Lamborghini, originally contracted to build the M1, made such a feat impossible (roughly 400 cars were built in three years by a different supplier). In order to actually use the cars, BMW, with the help of Formula One chairs Bernie Ecclestone and Max Mosley, crafted the M1-exlusive series.
The Procar events became a preamble to Formula One events across the world. The five fastest drivers on a Friday practice qualified for a seat in an M1, while fifteen other cars were piloted by up-and-coming drivers. Although early critics dismissed the series as a flash in the pan, a number of fans remain loyal to the M1 and the Procar events, spurring BMW to create this revival.
Although original race-spec M1s will take to the Hockenheim circuit this weekend, the driver mix will be slightly more eclectic. The field includes BMW test driver Marc Surer, Prince Leopold of Bavaria, as well as F1 legends Jacques Laffite, Dieter Ouster, Christian Danner and Harold Grohs. Even the father of the M1 – Jochen Neerpasch himself – is expected to take the wheel of his creation.

admin Auto Bernie Ecclestone, Bmw M1, Bmw Test, Cars Bmw, Christian Danner, Engine Sports, Flash In The Pan, German Grand Prix, Jacques Laffite, Last Ditch Attempt, M1 Procar, Marc Surer, Max Mosley, Mid Engine, Prince Leopold, Procar Series, Production Delays, Road Cars, Sports Coupe, Test Driver