When Ducati unveiled the Monster 696 in April 2008, the bike was a significant redesign of the previous generation Monster 695. Although the M-696 uses a revised and improved version of the air-cooled, two-valve-per-cylinder, L-Twin engine from the 695, the 696's chassis and styling are notable departures from proceeding Monsters.
Since Ducati held a world press launch (in Barcelona) for what many would consider a not-so-significant model, it wasn't much of a stretch to suspect at the time the 696 also served as a sign of things to come for the Monster line.
Sure enough, only five months after the 696's launch, Ducati announced the Monster 1100.
Nearly two years have passed since the 1100 hit the streets. Would the Monster lineup consist of only two models?
More:
2011 Ducati Monster 796 Review on Motorcycle.com