New Monster 696

[Irezumi aka Reuben]

Due to a surprising change in circumstances (and my SM not being practical ofr my uses anymore) I am considering something tarty.

Has anyone ridden one of these yet (I do intend to get a test ride)? Also does anyone know (a Ducati mechanic?) what they are like to work on. Or can anyone else tell from pics if they are similar to older air-cooled Ducati's?

This would be an every day commuting bike (yes I'm aware an old SV would probably do the job better for a 3rd of the price), can the electrics/general reliability handle it?

Thanks for any input.

[rac3r]

If I were you I'd hold out on the 696 as they've just released a 796

https://www.ducati.com/bikes/monster/796/index.do

The newer bikes are sorted and don't have any problems really and it's air cooled so pretty easy to work on as well.

Check out UKMonster for more info
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Bikes : 2006 CBR125R - 2004 Monster 620ie - 2004 ZX-6R B1H - 2005 Monster S2R 800 - 2011 Street Triple - 2009 Streetfighter 1098 - 2014 ZX-6R 636

[FURBAR]

What came first, the Monster or the Triple .. who inspired who ...
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Fuk um !!

[Dr. DaveJPS]

monster came first (1993)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ducati_Monster

triple was probly inspired by Steve burns monster
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"intelligent inattention is preferable to unintelligent tinkering"
www.davejps.com

[FURBAR]

Scarely similiar and both cost a bom and go like one !!! ... stil better round street corners on a 125 ....
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Fuk um !!

[27cows]

[rac3r]

7k new has an APTC clutch and with the option of ABS. You can get interchangeable panels so you can change it when you feel like it!

If the price is right in a few years I might get one second hand
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Bikes : 2006 CBR125R - 2004 Monster 620ie - 2004 ZX-6R B1H - 2005 Monster S2R 800 - 2011 Street Triple - 2009 Streetfighter 1098 - 2014 ZX-6R 636

[crackfinder]

I test rode the 696 last summer,
lovely to look at, very nice to ride, comfy, good brakes, sounds great, only downside was that i thought it was a bit on the slow side, might just be me, not being used to a twin, but i thought it was slow in comparison to my fazer

[rac3r]

[Irezumi aka Reuben]

Coming from a DRZ400 outright power isnt an issue. I've ridden all sorts of bikes and around 80bhp is mroe than enough for me. More than enough power for steady 70-80mph cruising and I barely go over 100 on any bike I use nowadays. Something reasonably comfy that can be fun is what I want.

I had seen the 796 is coming out, but you get a claimed 5bhp more and some more torque at lower revs. Considering I weigh very little and rarely take passengers the extra torque is negligable, and the power as mentioned redundant. For over a grand more in cost.

I shall get a test ride and see how it goes.

Edit: Both 696 & 796 apparently come with the APTC clutch. Both also have the option of ABS,so the cost saving would be beneficial to me.

[rac3r]

[Irezumi aka Reuben]

I had a sit on one and found it quite nice. Good position and a nice size for my little frame.

How have you found your bike to be in terms of reliability and maintanence rac3r? Do you use your bike for comuting at all as well, or is it just a summer toy?

[hanginoff]

they look great in white, but how long for?

[hanginoff]

they look great in white, but how long for?

[rac3r]

[Paivi]

YOu could also consider a 695, as you can pick them up for less than £3k. A lot of people bought them when they first came out in 2006 and are now selling to go up in size.
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My other bike's a Monster...

[rac3r]

[Seb]

I'd imagine the 796 monster will depreciate a little slower being the newer tartier model no? Something to factor in if you are planning on buying new.
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2010 Triumph 1050 Sprint ST

[Irezumi aka Reuben]

[rac3r]

Are you going stock or any accessories included? *cough* Termis *cough*
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Bikes : 2006 CBR125R - 2004 Monster 620ie - 2004 ZX-6R B1H - 2005 Monster S2R 800 - 2011 Street Triple - 2009 Streetfighter 1098 - 2014 ZX-6R 636

[garth]

G will disown you if you buy a duke.

Personally not a fan of the 696. Look a bit faggy to me.
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You ain't a has been if you never was

[Clanger]

Before you buy anything...go and have a look at the Benelli 899 Triple, it's gorgeous...and can be bought new for a snip at £8k. Spent a good amount of time sitting astride one today at a bike show.
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss

[Irezumi aka Reuben]