Thinking of Getting A Ducati Monster 696
 

Got bored with the Triumph Bonneville quicker than I thought. Fun bike, but time to move on. I really like the naked Ducs. Don't need nose bleed power. Seems like the 696 is just the bike for a vertically challenged (5'8", 160 lbs.) guy like me. Any negatives about the bike? I've done a fair amount of research and except for the size (not for big guys) and low power (80hp) it gets rave reviews.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...ster-696-1.jpg

I have nothing nice to say about the new monsters, so I will say nothing at all.

When I bought a bike last year, it came down to the 696 Monster and the KTM 690 Duke. After riding both I went with the Duke. It just flat-out handles. One of the moto mags did a reveiw of the two and the Duke came out on top. If you get a chance ride both back to back.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/ktm/2008...duke-white.jpg

The only issue is the standover height (I'm 5'8" as well). It is usually just one foot down at stops.

I'd like to hear what you have to say. Hearing negatives are as important as positives.

for one third the money you could do some suspension upgrades to the bonneville. it would stop being boring.


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1242746143.jpg

Boring in what way? It's more exciting to ride a slow bike fast, than a fast bike slow. ;)

Seriously though, check out the Ducati Monster Forum, lots of info and feedback there. I think there's even an active thread on there with a guy that is bored with his 696. :D

The only downside I've heard to the 696 is the angle of the seat forcing you into the tank and the tendency for resulting high levels of discomfort, ummm, "down there". :eek:

Boring in that I have a short attention span and ready for another bike. :D

I've already registered on the Ducati forum and saw the posts there.

Everything I hear or read says they are great bikes. Do what you think is fun; that's what riding is all about. If the Triumph no longer gets the juices flowing, get something that will. If the Monster is that "something", go for it. I don't think you will regret it.

Get an older S4R, they run about the same $$$ as a new 696 and sometimes cheaper and you won't get bored quickly with that kinda pony power.

Well my specific complaint is that they let bean counters design the bike.

Look at the delicate trelis frame on the original Monsters (gratuitous photo of mine added below :D ). That frame was made by hand, there was some artisian ship involved. The new frame look hideous. Fat cartoonish looking tube frame up front, the entire rear replaced by a big hunk of cast aluminum.

The orignal metal tank has been replaced by a plastic tank, and the sides of the tank are actually just snap on pieces, so you can change the color like hookers change their wig.

And that front head light! What the hell is that thing supposed to be? Overall, it looks like they riced the bike. Check our a Suzuki Gladius. The 696 and the Gladius look like siblings.

I guess the only think I like is exhaust. The headers look nice, and like the fact that it comes with high mounts from the factory.

Don't listen to me, I'm just a grumpy old cuss.....:D

I will point out, that for $6k, you could get a very, very nice older monster dripping with upgrades.

Ghey headlight.
http://www.bikercafe.co.uk/images/st...20696%2008.jpg

Now THATS a monster.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3384/...79ed6f98_o.jpg

Like the 1098 Tricolore, they look a lot better in person. It's that mini-fairing above the light that really looks out of place IMHO.
Swap out the stock pipes (first thing you do on any Ducati), get rid of the rear fender, and I think it would look fine.

my friends talk. the group feels the bike is underpowered (in general). didnt the earlier version of the same bike come about just to appeal to women?

i have never ridden one. i have ridden bigger monsters, i liked my friends SV650 better on all counts.

Have you considered the Triumph Street Triple? It shares the excellent 675cc triple with their fantastic Daytona model and will leave the 696 Monster in the dust:

http://www.triumph675.net/images/Str...e-1280_000.jpg

Of course, the styling isn't for everyone but if you're into the Streetfighter look, the Street Triple is hard to top! For a little more oomph, try the 1-liter Speed Triple. :)

+1 on the "cartoonish" looks of the new duc. Much prefer the simpler lines of the older bikes-not to mention the value aspect of buying preowned.
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/g...1/CIMG1516.jpg

The 696 has grown on me, but it still isn't my favorite Monster.

Really depends on what you want, and what you want to do on the bike. If you need an Italian v-twin, then nothing else will scratch that itch. If you want a fun naked-ish playtoy, there are a lot of choices. It also depends on if you want to do your own maintenance, if you have a good dealer near you, etc. Since I'm not a great DIY person, having a good dealership near you is important if you want to get a Duc, Aprilia, KTM or even Triumph.

The Street Triple is a pretty small bike (which sounds like a good thing in your case), and it will walk all over a 696. But it ain't a v-twin, so if that is important, then think Duc or Aprilia (if you have a good dealer nearby). I'm bummed that BMW isn't bringing the F800R to the states - I kinda dig that bike. But my budget is tapped now anyway.

I believe I have the itch!

And oddly enough (considering I live in what some consider the middle of nowhere) the Ducati dealer is 20 miles from my house. The nearest Triumph dealer is 145 miles!

Amazing to see these side by side. It's always hard to believe that someone could take a design as pure and good looking as the yellow bike, and replace it with an abortion like the red bike and call that progress.

How much you want to spend?

The 696 has a fairly tight riding position. You also might be able to find leftover older bikes at the dealer. Frankly, I think the Multistrada is the most fun bike Ducati has...it'll do most anything. That said I lust after an 848 - until I sit on one and my knees howl in anger.

Ditto for the 993 going to the 996.

Agreed.