Ducati has announced the introduction of the 2018 Ducati Monster 659 exclusively for Australia and New Zealand under the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS).

The 2018 Ducati Monster 659 is based on the 2017 version of the Monster 797. Expect the bike to look identical to its bigger brother. Ducati says the bikes share the same key features, benefits and levels of safety, including ABS as standard. Another notable feature is the low seat height of 785 mm, which makes it accessible to shorter riders. The seat height is 20 mm less than that of the Monster 797. The motorcycle will reach the dealerships and will go on sale from October 2017, with an introductory price of AUD 12,490.


The Ducati Monster 797 employs an 803cc L-twin engine with oil cooler. It generates 73 PS of power at 8,250 rpm and 67 Nm of torque at 5,750 rpm. The engine pairs with a 6-speed transmission with slipper clutch. Expect the Monster 659 to use the same engine but in re-bored and detuned form.

Suspension components include 43 mm upside down front fork and a Sachs rear monoshock. For anchorage, the bike uses dual 320 mm front discs and a single 245 mm rear disc, both with Bosch ABS. When launched, the 2018 Ducati Monster 659 will rival with the 2018 Kawasaki Z650L, and Triumph Street Triple S (LAMS) in the country.