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.
