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2012 Ducati Monster 796 Overview
Ducati Monster 796 is a naked bike motorcycle, displacing 803 cc. Power comes from a Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic 2 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 11.0:1. On the performance side, it delivers 64 kW @ 8250 rpm of peak power and 78.5 Nm @ 6250rpm of torque. Top speed is factory-quoted at 200.4 km/h. On the road, the 2012 Monster 796 tips the scales at 187 kg, carries a 15 L fuel tank, offers a seat height of 800 mm and spans a 1450 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 13.6 kg lighter than the average naked bike in our database. The full 2012 Ducati Monster 796 spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2012 Ducati Monster 796 compared with other bikes in the Naked bike category
We checked the recorded figures for the 2012 Ducati Monster 796 against up to 1125 bikes in the Naked bike category in our database, counting each model once at the model year nearest to this one.
- Only 136 of the other 580 bikes in the Naked bike category have a higher power-to-weight ratio than the 342 W/kg of the Monster 796.
- With 187 kg, the Monster 796 has the joint 277th lightest wet weight of 942 bikes in the Naked bike category, 7% below the category average of 200.6 kg.
- Power output of 64 kW is higher than that of 735 of the other 1124 bikes in the Naked bike category.
- Narrowing the field to the 191 models within five model years of it, the power-to-weight ratio of 342 W/kg is higher than that of 126 of the other 190.
Versus the 2011 model
The figures we track are unchanged from the 2011 model: peak power, peak torque, wet weight, displacement, seat height and top speed all match.
2012 Monster 796 - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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⚡
Strong power output: With 64 kW @ 8250 rpm and 78.5 Nm @ 6250rpm of torque on tap, the Monster 796 is no slouch for its class.
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Fuel injection: Fuel injection means consistent cold starts and clean throttle response without the fussiness of a carbureted setup.
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Strong front braking: Stopping power up front is strong thanks to the disc setup, with plenty of room to upgrade further with braided lines.
Considerations
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⚙️
Chain final drive upkeep: Budget time for routine chain maintenance - it's cheap to replace but needs consistent attention to avoid premature sprocket wear.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Heat management in traffic
Because the Monster 796 relies on airflow rather than a coolant jacket, expect noticeably more radiant heat at low speed and in traffic. It's inherent to air cooling, and ventilated gear largely offsets it.
Fuelling & injector care
The Siemens electronic fuel injection on the Monster 796 needs little beyond good fuel and periodic use of an injector-cleaner additive - no jetting or float-bowl maintenance to worry about.
Brake disc and pad wear
Braking up front comes from 2 x 320mm Discs, 4 piston calipers - solid stopping power, with disc and pad wear best checked on the same schedule as tyre changes.
Suspension condition on used examples
The Monster 796's suspension runs Showa 43mm upside-down forks at the front. The rear uses Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Sachs monoshock with piggy back aluminum swing arm. Fork-seal condition and rear linkage play are the two things worth checking before buying used.
Final drive maintenance
The Monster 796 uses chain final drive, which is cheap to replace but needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get a full service life out of the sprockets.
Frame & chassis check
Built around a Tubular steel trellis, the Monster 796's chassis is straightforward to inspect: look for corrosion, cracks or repair welds around stress points like the head-stock and swingarm mounts.
Monster 796 - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
Before handing over money for a used 2012 Ducati Monster 796 with its 803 cc naked bike, cover the fundamentals: service book and oil change history, drivetrain wear, and any sign of oil weeping around the casings. This model runs chain final drive, so check chain slack and sprocket tooth profile specifically - a worn sprocket is a cheaper fix now than after it's chewed up the next chain. Now 14 years old, this naked bike is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Cold-starting it yourself tells you a lot - a healthy Monster 796 should catch quickly and settle into a smooth idle.
Oil and filter changes
Nothing protects the Monster 796's 803 cc four stroke, 90° °l° twin cylinder, sohc, desmodromic 2 valves per cylinder like disciplined oil changes - stay on the manufacturer's schedule (roughly every 6,000 km or annually). With an 11.0:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Match the viscosity grade to what the owner's manual specifies, not what's cheapest.
Fuel system care
Fuel injection on the Monster 796 needs little attention beyond decent fuel and an occasional system-cleaner additive. Anything left standing for three months or more should have its fuel drained and replaced before it varnishes the injectors.
2012 Ducati Monster 796 - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Ducati Monster 796 have?
The 2012 Ducati Monster 796 uses a Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic 2 valves per cylinder engine with 803 cc of displacement. It is air cooled.
What is the top speed of the 2012 Ducati Monster 796?
The 2012 Ducati Monster 796 has a factory-quoted top speed of 200.4 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 2012 Ducati Monster 796 weigh?
The 2012 Ducati Monster 796 weighs 187 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2012 Ducati Monster 796 make?
The 2012 Ducati Monster 796 produces 64 kW @ 8250 rpm of power and 78.5 Nm @ 6250rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2012 Ducati Monster 796?
The 2012 Ducati Monster 796 has a 15 L fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 250-300 km between stops.
Is the 2012 Ducati Monster 796 suitable for shorter riders?
The 2012 Ducati Monster 796 has a seat height of 800 mm. This is a moderate seat height that suits a wide range of rider heights.
What brakes does the 2012 Ducati Monster 796 have?
The 2012 Ducati Monster 796 uses 2 x 320mm Discs, 4 piston calipers at the front and single 245 mm disc, 2 piston caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2012 Ducati Monster 796 use?
The 2012 Ducati Monster 796 runs 120/70 -ZR17 front and 160/55 -ZR17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2012 Ducati Monster 796 have?
The 2012 Ducati Monster 796 is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.
Ducati Monster 796 Spec Evolution
The Ducati Monster 796 was produced across 5 model years (2010-2014). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
| Fuel Capacity |
15 L / 4.0 USgal / 3.3 Imp gal (13.5 L / 3.6 US gal / 3.0 Imp gal ABS version) |
15 L / 4.0 USgal / 3.3 Imp gal (13.5 L / 3.6 US gal / 3.0 Imp gal ABS version) |
15 L / 4.0 USgal / 3.3 Imp gal (13.5 L / 3.6 US gal / 3.0 Imp gal ABS version) |
15 L / 4.0 USgal / 3.3 Imp gal (13.5 L / 3.6 US gal / 3.0 Imp gal ABS version) |
15 Litres / 4.0 US gal / 3.3 Imp gal (13.5 L / 3.6 US gal / 3.0 Imp gal ABS version) |
Key Specifications
Engine
Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic 2 valves per cylinder
Power
64 kW / 87 hp @ 8250 rpm
Torque
78.5 Nm / 8.0 kgf-m 58 lb-ft @ 6250rpm
Top Speed
200.4 km/h / 124.5 mph
Fuel Capacity
15 L / 4.0 USgal / 3.3 Imp gal (13.5 L / 3.6 US gal / 3.0 Imp gal ABS version)
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Full 2012 Ducati Monster 796 Specifications
Year
2012
Make Model
Ducati Monster 796
Seat Height
800 mm / 31.5 in
Wheelbase
1450 mm / 57.1in
Dry Weight
167 kg - 369 lbs / 169 kg -373 lbs ABS version
Fuel Capacity
15 L / 4.0 USgal / 3.3 Imp gal (13.5 L / 3.6 US gal / 3.0 Imp gal ABS version)
Wet Weight
187 kg / 412 lbs
Displacement
803 cc / 49.0 cu in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic 2 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke
88 x 66 mm
Compression Ratio
11.0:1
Cooling System
Air cooled
Exhaust
Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter with twin lambda probes
Fuel Consumption
5.2 L/100 km / 19.1 km/l . 45 US mpg / 54 Imp mpg
Fuel Induction
Siemens electronic fuel injection, 45mm throttle body
Ignition
Marelli electronic
Starter
Electric
Clutch
APTC wet multiplate with hydraulic control
Final Drive
Chain; front sprocket 15; rear sprocket 39
Gear Ratios
1st 32/13, 2nd 30/18, 3rd 28/21, 4th 26/23, 5th 22/22, 6th 24/26
Primary Drive
Straight cut gears; ratio 1.85:1
Transmission / Drive
6 Speed
Frame Type
Tubular steel trellis
Suspension - Front
Showa 43mm upside-down forks
Suspension - Rear
Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Sachs monoshock with piggy back aluminum swing arm
Rake
24°
Trail
87mm / 3.42 in
Wheel Travel - Front
120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
148 mm / 5.8 in
Instrumentation
Digital unit displaying: Speedometer, rev counter, clock, scheduled maintenance warning, oil temperature, trip fuel, lap time, warning light for low oil pressure, fuel level, fuel reserve, neutral, turn signals, overrev, immobilizer. Ready for DDA system.
Brakes - Front
2 x 320mm Discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - Rear
Single 245 mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front
120/70 -ZR17
Tyres - Rear
160/55 -ZR17
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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