Incorporated into the tubular trellis frame, the fuel-injected powerplant pairs to a six-speed gearbox through a hydraulic slipper clutch. Gear changes are smooth as butter and finding neutral was never an issue when coming to a halt at a long stoplight. One thing that did take some getting used to, however, was just how much attention this bike gets around town. Mind you, the standard-issue Ducati red paint certainly didn’t help.

Suspension duties are handled by non-adjustable 43-mm Showa forks up front and a progressive Sachs monoshock in the rear, allowing 148 mm of rear suspension travel. (Photo: Matt Ball - Dustin A. Woods/Moto123.com)

Never twitchy or unmanageable, this Monster’s power delivery is complimented by impressive handling and an exceptional braking prowess. While the seating position is relatively neutral, the handlebars are situated slightly forward and the pegs slightly aft. This makes the versatile Monster comfortable enough for long hauls, but happy to accommodate aggressive riding. Suspension duties are handled by non-adjustable 43-mm Showa forks up front and a progressive Sachs monoshock that is preload and rebound-adjustable in the rear, allowing 148 mm of rear suspension travel.

Perhaps the only manner in which one could slow down the Monster 796 faster would be to equip an anchor on board. The front wheel gets four-piston 320-mm Brembo brakes, while the rear wheel gets a two-piston, 245-mm single disc setup. Equipped with optional ABS, the MSRP of my tester rang in at $11,995 before taxes and freight. The system can easily be disengaged, but I opted to leave it on due to the single-digit temperatures and variable precipitation that week. The system did activate a couple times during spirited riding, but never felt overly intrusive or jarring, which let the 17-inch Pirelli Diablo Rossos do their job.

Everything about this medium-sized Monster seamlessly combines form and function. The single-sided swingarm is not only a fetching design, but it is also lighter than the traditional double setup found on the 696, for instance. The sculpted plastic covering the 15L fuel tank (13.5 for ABS version) is aerodynamic and comfortable for my six-foot frame to straddle but also exhibits subtle styling elements that evoke a unique view from every angle.

The front wheel gets four-piston 320-mm Brembo brakes. (Photo: Matt Ball - Dustin A. Woods/Moto123.com)