It's true that few sets of wheels speak of evocation and passion as well as Ducatis. The marque, which has had a presence in India for a while now albeit with a product range starting upwards of Rs 9 lakh and somewhat out of reach, has launched its most inexpensive model in India. The Monster 795, previously launched in Malaysia, the Asia-specific model will be made in Ducati’s Thailand facility thus allowing the Italian firm to price it competitively in the Indian market with much lower import duties than importing the motorcycles from Bologna.
The move has brought the Monster in at an ex-showroom price of Rs 6.99 lakh. The bike was officially launched at the 2012 Auto Expo by Mirko Bordiga, Ducati Asia Pacific CEO and Ashish Chordia Ducati India CEO.
To keep the pricing affordable for emerging markets, the strategy adopted by Ducati is efficient part-sharing and churning out an impressive model with minimal investment. The Monster 795 junks the expensive but ultra-gorgeous single-sided swingarm seen on the 796 for a rather conventional yet absolutely functional double sided swingarm.
The stunning lightweight 5-spoke wheel rims from the 796 are also replaced by the subtle yet lightweight 3-spoke wheel rims. Essentially, the 795 employs the swingarm and wheels from the lower-spec 696 model but is powered by the 803cc Vee-twin 796 powerplant.
Parts sharing irrespective, the Monster 795 comes as a timely and impressive introduction which should not only add fuel to the sportbike passion, but also bring in a touch of Italian motorcycle aesthetics within reach of buyers.