Ducati Monster 769

The motorcycle that singlehandedly started the streetfighter craze (arguably our favorite bike trend here at LIAS) is back in its perfect size: the Ducati Monster 796. The Monster 796 is the perfect synthesis between sports performances, aesthetics and daily riding pleasure — combining the user-friendliness of the 696 model with the sports performance of the 1100. The mid-range Monster features Ducati’s brand new air-cooled L-twin Desmodue 796 engine at its heart, which boasts 87 hp while weighing in at just 368 lbs (167 kgs). Moreover, as should be expected of such an aesthetically pristine Italian brand, the Monster 796 comes out of the box available in a variety of beautiful colorways — all part of the Monster Art project, Logomania. Logomania plays tribute to famous Ducati logos and historical color schemes that span more than 50 years of brand heritage. First introduced in 2009, the Monster Art project offered an additional 10 colors, 3 of which will be retained for this 2010 model range, as well as introducing 7 new schemes. Consisting of tank panels, micro-bikini fairing, single-seat cover and front mudguard, the kits have become a unique method of Monster personalization, making it the perfect way to ease yourself into a Ducati. And for around $9,995, the money’s more than right, too.