In 1996, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer launched the Ducati Monster 900, a standard or naked machine presented at the 1992 International Motorcycle Fair in Cologne and released in 1993.
Ducati introduced three Monster models in the first generation, including the M600, M750, and M900, where the numbers denoted the engine size. The M900 was the first to arrive in 1993, followed by the M600 in 1994 and M750 in 1996.
Starting in 1994, the manufacturer also launched a small 400cc version, specially made for harsh markets where the tax or license systems were too high for more significant displacement or powerful motorcycles.
The 1996 Ducati Monster 900 was similar to its predecessors, without significant modifications. It was equipped with standard features, such as a small cowl on the front with a small windscreen and a round headlight, a single seat, a dual exhaust system with a muffler on each side, and three-spoke aluminum wheels.
As for power, the 1996 machine was driven by the same 904cc four-stroke air-cooled V-twin engine as its predecessors, delivering an output power of 73 hp with a peak at 7,000 rpm and 76 Nm (56 lb-ft) torque at 7,000 rpm.
The bike's power was handled by a six-speed manual transmission with a dry multi-plate clutch and a final chain drive. With a dry weight of 184 kg (405 lbs), the machine reached 190 kph (118 mph).