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DUCATI MONSTER 796 (2010 - 2013) Review

MCN rating 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Owners' rating 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Specs Owners' reviews Bikes for saleFor sale
Ducati Monster 796
3

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Annual servicing cost: £300
Power: 87 bhp
Seat height: Medium (31.5 in / 800 mm)
Weight: Low (368 lbs / 167 kg)

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Yee-haar. Puzzled? Don’t be. The simple truth is Ducati’s 796 slots nicely between the first-timer Monster 696 and the more powerful Monster 1100 and it's one of biking’s easy-to-net pleasures. It’s not under or overpowered, not expensive to buy second hand or maintain, easy to ride and a looker to boot. Plus it carries one of the most recognisable brand names ever on its fuel tank: Ducati.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Showa non-adjustable forks and the usual Sachs rear shock are a serious partnership – they’re tuned to work together so perfectly. Ok, so fast riding over bumps produces uppercut punches to the buttocks, but the first ride was on Italian roads that are far worse than the UK’s. Thankfully Ducati’s Monster design team has seen the light and started to move the wide one-piece tapered handlebar up and away from the front wheel spindle (20mm higher than other models). There’s still an amount of bodyweight propped on the wrists but it’s better and picking up the pace gives instant relief. An agile chassis that gives feedback a plenty front and rear makes for a purposeful road chaser, in or out of town. 

Engine

Next up: Reliability
4 out of 5 (4/5)

All the requisites of a medium sized air-cooled V-twin are here in the Monster 796’s 803cc engine. A rolling mist of torque stretches across the rev range and is topped with an acceptable level of horsepower that won’t scare freshly licenced riders, or bore veterans of 130bhp and more. There are more details involved in making the 796 an enjoyable riding experience: 1) light throttle action, 2) boom-bastic reverb from the airbox on the overrun, 3) quality throttle response, and 4) it handles…

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Monster 696 and 1100 are sorted machines that have revealed no major concerns for owners or potential buyers. This way of thinking surely applies to the 796. Aesthetically, Ducati’s constant battle to boost build quality shows with every new model – wiring and frame clips are mostly out of view, tip-top coating finish. Shame about the piss-poor mirror mounts that can come loose in the breeze.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
4 out of 5 (4/5)

However much you pay, the amount of fun the Ducati supplies is worth considerably more than the bike’s asking price. It can rock along at a good pace, cut the mustard through traffic and it’ll even be a good blast on a track day. And it looks good to boot. Find a Ducati Monster 796 for sale.

Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

On the face of it the 796 comes with very little by the way of toys or gizmos. However, the LCD race-replica dash while tasty is nothing new in Ducati-ville. Like the sporting 1098/1198 bikes the Monster carries a facility to record and download to computer throttle position, revs, gear selected etc via an accessory device.

Specs
Engine size 803cc
Engine type Air-cooled, 4v Desmodromic four-stroke, 90° V-twin. Six gears. Fuel injection
Frame type Tubular steel trellis
Fuel capacity 15 litres
Seat height 800mm
Bike weight 167kg
Front suspension Non-adjustable
Rear suspension Adjustable for preload and rebound damping
Front brake 2 x 310mm discs with 4-piston radial calipers
Rear brake 245mm disc with dual-piston caliper
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size 180/55 x 19

Mpg, costs & insurance
Average fuel consumption 38 mpg
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £300
New price -
Used price -
Insurance group 11 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance
Max power 87 bhp
Max torque 58 ft-lb
Top speed 125 mph
1/4 mile acceleration -
Tank range 127 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

2010: Monster 796 released

Other versions

An ABS version is available for £7965. The ABS doesn’t detract from the rider’s pleasure one iota.

Owners' reviews for the DUCATI MONSTER 796 (2010 - 2013)

10 owners have reviewed their DUCATI MONSTER 796 (2010 - 2013) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your DUCATI MONSTER 796 (2010 - 2013)

Summary of owners' reviews
Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Engine: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Equipment: 3.8 out of 5 (3.8/5)
Annual servicing cost: £300
4 out of 5 Great all around bike
29 April 2024 by Mina Y.

Version: ABS

Year: 2011

Great low-end power. Very nimble around bends and turns. Not the smoothest at low speeds.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Had issues with the starter motor. Had it replaced at 10K miles.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 10/10
01 August 2022 by Dani Rossi

Year: 2013

Annual servicing cost: £500

Previous bike was an ER6N so any bike was an upgrade, but this blew my mind, I waited a year before I reviewed it so I'd have a good idea how it actually performs, and it's been perfect, I've used it in every weather commuting to work, fun at weekends and some track action and its not missed a beat.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

For every day stuff it's great, very comfortable even with my girlfriend on the back, I wish the front forks were adjustable though as on track they are too soft and a little squirmy, but they're still good and predictable!Brakes have good power and feel, I use EBC pads over the OEM ones, ABS doesn't feel intrusive at all.

Engine 5 out of 5

Very torquey, surprising amount of top end, very good on fuel too.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Fuel pump was cutting out, contact sprayed the switches and it never happened again, apart from that no issues.No rust or corrosion anywhere.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Desmo service cost me £200, people complain about high service costs but I think it's quite reasonable, although I don't drive a car so I can afford to spend a bit more on a bike.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Ducati went for a minimalistic approach with the monster, people complain about the lack of fuel gauge and gear indicator, personally I don't care.I use S22 rear tyre and BT016 front, they are a good pair and very solid on track.

Buying experience: Bought for £3300 with just under 20,000 miles (I think) in October 2021, prices have gone ho slightly

4 out of 5 A motorbike for the enthusiast
03 April 2020 by Billy2807

Year: 2013

Annual servicing cost: £100

The qualty of the finish is very good and to me its like mechanical art! If you wish to do your own maintenance, it does require a reasonable level of competence and does not like a slip shod approach.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Great handling and brakes. I use Pirelli Diablo Rosso 2 tyres at 30 psi front and 32 rear.

Engine 5 out of 5

This engine produces lovely power across its powerband. The only annoyance is a vibration throughout the rev range that tends to cause the rear view mirrors to shake and distort when cruising and accelerating but this ceases if you back off the throttle.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Always starts well winter and summer but does require a fair amount of warming up in cold weather. The brakes are excellent and l have no criticisms of either its ability to go or stop. In short a great bike!

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Ducati servicing is not cheap but a good mekchanic is priceless!

Equipment 4 out of 5

I don't carry anything heavy but i use a waterproof kit bag if l need to carry anything light. I use this bike a a roadster not as a tourer.

Buying experience: Bought from a dealer with a part exchange deal. Very helpful guys and we struck a reasonable deal.

5 out of 5 Brilliant naked
02 September 2019 by Harvey

Year: 2011

A great learner-friendly naked bike, but with enough power to remain fun

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Firm ride, but well balanced front to rear. Very sharp and rolls into corners well. Brakes are good and strong, with twin disks up front. Even the rear brake is capable!

Engine 4 out of 5

Big V-twin, so plenty of torque everywhere. Replace the standard exhausts with a decat and it really flies up to the redline. A little lumpy below 3000 RPM, but above that the fuelling is perfect. The only fly in the ointment is the fuel economy - mid-30s is about all I can get.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Everything feels high quality, cables are well clipped and routed, all the fixings and fasteners are lovely. Everything comes apart and goes back together no bother at all.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Being a naked everything is easy to access, Ducati parts are easy to get hold of. Service intervals are huge these days - first valve clearance isn't due for 5 years/40,000 miles.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Dash is clear and easy to read, but there aren't any driver aids or other gizmos. What's present works flawlessly, but it doesn't have anything to make the heart of the tech freak beat quicker.

4 out of 5 Ducati Monster 796 2013
07 April 2016 by Minimal_Criminal

Year: 2013

Best: 1) Design and style; 2) Riding position; 3) Engine responsiveness at medium and high rotations; 4) Racing spirit and comfortable on city traffic; 5) Maintenance cost. Worst: 1) Engine responsiveness at low rotations; 2) Heat near ankles and between legs; 3) Efficient loss and heating at low rotations; 4) Gear config makes 1st gear too long for city traffic; 5) Low autonomy (~200 km).

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Comfortable for long rides, good riding position for both city and road, good breaking stability.

Engine 3 out of 5

Heating and efficience loss at low rotations

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Mirrors tend to get loose.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5

The Pirelli Angel GT tire is a better option than the original Pirelli Diablo Rosso II. It lasts longer and it is better in wet roads.

4 out of 5 Serious hoot
21 September 2015 by KB

Version: 20th Anniversary

Year: 2013

Fun bike, great in the Scottish glen roads.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Front can feel a bit stiff on some poor surfaced roads. Brakes are very good.

Engine 5 out of 5

Ride the torque wave.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

2 years old no corrosion, although used for summer runs only.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Needs it belts done every 2 years or 7500mls.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Minimalistic, I cannot even see the see speedo it is that small.

Buying experience: Private sale

5 out of 5 a fun bike with character
03 September 2015 by Gammon ham phil

Year: 2013

Recommended..... a fun bike!!! not too powerful but with great character!!!!

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Have to use 1st gear in many occasions

Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5

No gear indicator, no fuel gauge.... Why ducati....??? How expensive is it.....???

Buying experience: Get a termig.... pipe!!!!!

5 out of 5 Great Monster
29 May 2015 by Del B

Year: 2012

Great fun on the twisty bits, i am quite new to big bikes thought this was going to be difficult to ride, very supprised at how easy it is.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Comfortable,

Engine 5 out of 5

Love the torque and great sounds

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

No issues to date

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Tyres seem to be wearing quite quickly

Equipment 4 out of 5

Buying experience: Bought from a dealer. good value and customer service

5 out of 5 M796
04 April 2011 by danwells999

My previous bike was an '08 fireblade and I now know what is mean't be character. The sound even with sock cans is great, the twin rumble, power delivery and popping on the over run are fantastic With me on it the M796 is much faster in the twisties as the riding position allows you to be in control. I miss the power for overtakes but can still bumble along at a healthy 125mph. I'm racking up the miles as this bike brings a constant smile....less is more!!!

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 Monster 796
13 August 2010 by

Since having a Suzuki SV650S as my first proper bike, I had a Honda CB1300S (excellent but not enough leg room), VFR800 (Rubbish fuelling) and a CBR600RR which was a very good bike, comfortable, but I just missed having any sort mid-range power. So I saw the 796 & went to my local dealer to see if I could get a test ride, but I could only get a test ride on a 696. After test riding the 696 I bought a 796 on the spot & picked it up a week later. I've now covered just over 2000 miles & fingers crossed no problems yet. It's my first duke & I always wanted one. I thought it might disappoint me because of my high expectations, but so far it hasn't one little bit. As an everyday road bike, I can't find one fault with it. The ride and handling is spot on & so far I haven't had any problems with the reliability of it. After always having japanese bikes and being told of how to be wary of italian bikes, so far, I don't see what all the fuss is about. It's excellent & almost seems cheap compared to some of the japanese bikes now. As long as it doesn't start having reliability problems or start costing a fortune to maintain, I don't see why I'd want to go back to any of the japanese four.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
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