Next Bike Sdn Bhd (Ducati Malaysia) enthralled Ducati fans and superbike enthusiasts with the reveal of the latest addition to the Monster family, the Monster 796 S2R at the Welcome Centre of the Sepang International Circuit, in conjunction with the Malaysian MotoGP weekend (24-26 October) and coincided with the 3rd Asia Ducati Week (ADW2014).
Present at the event were Mr. Pierfrancesco Scalzo, Ducati Asia General Manager, Mr. Zakaria Ismail, Vice President, NAZA World Group of Companies, Mr. Juan Chow Wee, Associate Vice President, Next Bike Sdn Bhd, and Mr. Steven Tan, Head of Sales, Next Bike Sdn Bhd.
The Monster successfully earned its image as the unchallenged icon of naked motorcycles is the result of investing over 20 years of Ducati engineering, design and styling experience. The Monster has always been a statement on two wheels, an expression that created a cult following and, above all, a premium lifestyle motorcycle easily accessible to everyone.
“The iconic Ducati Monster range continues to captivate motorcyclists across the globe with its subtle evolution, remains a roaring success for more than two decades on since its sensational debut back in 1992,” said Datuk Wira HJ SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, NAZA Group of Companies Joint Group Executive Chairman.
“Ducati Monster is a very important model to Ducati Malaysia. The Malaysian biking community is strong and very supportive towards the brand and this particular model. With this latest addition of this Monster 796 S2R to the Ducati family, we are confident to achieve our target sales, breaching the 1,000 unit sales target for 2014,” added Datuk Wira HJ SM Faisal.
The stunning new Monster 796 S2R, dressed in distinctive white with a sophisticated red racing stripe and sporty red wheels. Establishing itself as the ultimate air-cooled naked, the beautiful machine further underlines the Monster’s essential mix of sporty minimization and iconic style by presenting a connoisseur’s choice that will surely stand out from the rest of the crowd.
Sporting aesthetic touches such as dark finished handlebars and front fork bodies, the Monster 796 S2R combines user-friendliness with sports character, delivering 87hp (64kW) from a dry weight of just 167kg (368lb).
The new model is equipped with the Desmodue 796 engine at the heart of the machine, a single-sided swing arm, excellent ergonomics and ABS as standard equipment. This impressive combination perfectly balances lifestyle performance with everyday functionality to enhance the original Monster spirit. Suspension up front is handled by user-friendly 43mm Showa forks, while the sporty Ducati single-sided rear swing arm is controlled by a single rear Sachs unit, with adjustable spring preload and return damping for passenger load optimization.
The crankshaft is designed with a lightweight 848-type flywheel and uses a 66mm stroke, which maximizes power to an impressive 87hp (64kW) @ 8250rpm and torque to 58lb-ft (78Nm) @ 6250rpm. The power unit maintains the smooth and enjoyable character, famous of all Desmodromic L-Twins, and provides an excellent riding experience. While the Monster 796 S2R is fitted with the micro-bikini fairing and single seat cover as standard, it also features a comfort-enhancing seat, further accentuated with stylish red stitching.
The Ducati Monster 796 S2R is being offered at a sensational price of RM 64,888 (net selling price).
