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Ducati Monster - would you?

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arry
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PostPosted: 13:33 - 07 Aug 2010    Post subject: Ducati Monster - would you? Reply with quote
Advice from those that know modern Ducatis please Smile

I picked up a bike mag the other day and there was an advert for the 696 Monster, reasonably decent finance deal on it.

Never really appealed to me before and I can't say I've paid much attention to them; always been more interested in the 848 which for some reason really flicks my switch.

However, the picture on the Ducati website made me sit up and take notice - I think it looks the nuts Exclamation

https://www.ducati.com/cms-web/fs/501/798/f3d/c93/cec/086/31d/271/814/733/52/01-696_mediagallery_output_image_[1920x1280].png

Anyway - any thoughts on what they're like to live with? Seem to get reasonably decent reviews, but anyone with any real world experience of them? Can you trust a modern ducati? Is it just as reliable as it's jap competition?

cheers

arry Thumbs Up
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Paivi
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PostPosted: 13:42 - 07 Aug 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote
Why don't you ask the good people on the UKMOC site; they can bore you to death about it.

Personally, I prefer the looks of the 695, probably just as well as I've got that in the garage. Every 696 owner I know loves their bike, though.
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arry
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PostPosted: 13:44 - 07 Aug 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote
Paivi wrote:
Why don't you ask the good people on the UKMOC site; they can bore you to death about it.

Personally, I prefer the looks of the 695, probably just as well as I've got that in the garage. Every 696 owner I know loves their bike, though.


Cheers for the link, and the info Thumbs Up
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Irezumi aka Reuben
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PostPosted: 14:33 - 07 Aug 2010    Post subject: Re: Ducati Monster - would you? Reply with quote
arry wrote:
Anyway - any thoughts on what they're like to live with? Seem to get reasonably decent reviews, but anyone with any real world experience of them? Can you trust a modern ducati? Is it just as reliable as it's jap competition?

I think there's been a few issues with the new monster's mechanically but overall it's as good as the Jap bikes. I had a go of all of the bikes in this class recently and for me personally I see no need for a sports bike. I prefer this riding position and my speed is dictated by my skill not the bikes performance. All the sports bike fairing does is allow me to speed on motorways more easily and potentially get banned. I also much prefer the look of naked bikes and the feel of wider/flatter bars as opposed to clip-ons.

I previously wrote:
Recently got a (new) bike in this sort of area after having done a fair bit of research and had test rides. My requirements are slightly different from yours as I use the bike mainly to commute and also for fun as it's my only form of transport. Coming from a DRZ400SM, and prior to that a ZX6R and Triumph Sprint.

Most of these bikes are new so it may be slightly out of your price range but hopefully gives a good idea.

I found all the four cylinder bikes relatively gutless and boring for what I wanted. I tried the GSR, XJ6 diversion, Z750 and Hornet. I am very light so all were reasonably well sprung in terms of suspension but I found them all a bit gutless bar the Z750, which I found a bit too bulky as I'm only a little bloke. The Hornet was the best, but like all Honda's I ride totally uninvolving for me. I had a go on the ER6f and found it a bit too bouncy suspension wise. I also found the engine a bit too gutless. Too much of an entry level/hack bike for my needs. New the prices have also gone up lately for Jap bikes, though you can easily haggle down, but the poor quality compared to the European bikes still shows.

I've not ridden any of the 690 SM's but if it's only a toy that you intend to use on very twisty roads then single cylinder bikes are great fun. Even the older KTM's lack a bit of oomph once the road opens up. On anything other than twisty roads and city centres theyre a chore to ride, and constant fuel stops can become annoying (80 miles or less are possible!). Good toy in specific environments.

After this I narrowed it down to the Europeans. Aprilia Shiver (same engine as Dorsduro), Monster 696 and the Street Triple.

The Shiver is a very good bike. Slightly larger physically so good if your tall. I was on tiptoes though I'm only 5"7. The De-cat toasted my left leg which was annoying and from idle to about 3000rpm the engine was very 'fluffy' and useless, not what I expected from a twin. Over that it was fine, very good bike. Stable handling and a bit slower to turn than I thought it would be. Front brakes were extremely good, rear was uselss. The different fuel maps were interesting too, although the 'sport' mode with the most power/torque wouldnt comfortably sit on a constant throttle which was annoying. Sounded amazing too.

The Monster was much better for my physically, so maybe not good if larger. It's a very very small bike. The engine was a lot better than expected but again there was a bit of a flat area until 3000rpm, it also seemed to be a bit lacking in town/city stuff probably due to being air cooled. Best quality of all the bikes I rode, and the brakes were exceptional. The handling was very stable like all Ducati's I've ridden but a bit more flickable probably due to it's physical size.

Lastly was the Street Triple. Having ridden a few Triumphs (mainly 955 engines) I dont like triple engines, I find them very boring and bland. The 675 engine though has a very flat torque curve and pulls hard and cleanly from low revs in any gear, very flexible. However it also has a peaky-ish bit at the top to keep it interesting. Probably my favourite engine I've ever had the pleausre to ride which I wasnt expecting. Handling was very flickable without being unstable, steering lock is a bit crap and could see it being an issue during filtering but no worse than the Ducati. On the standard bike I test rode the brakes were more than good enough but needed re-bleeding to get back to optimum it appeared. Strret Triple R has adjustable suspension (though I found the standard fine if a little harsh) and better radial brakes off the Daytona which are supposedly superior. Certainly a very fun and entertaining bike.

In the end I got a new Street Triple. Very very fun bike with more than enough power. At least 10hp more than anything else in the group it seemed like. Also very tractable as well though so good for commuting. Good comfy seating position (if you like naked bikes) and very easily useable and intuative.

Edit: If youve read this far well done for staying awake. I'd suggest getting some test rides!


Also, as for price and finance the best deal I found was on the Triumph. Although since then the Jap companies are doing 0% finance and you can probably knock them down a bit.
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arry
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PostPosted: 14:52 - 07 Aug 2010    Post subject: Re: Ducati Monster - would you? Reply with quote
Irezumi aka Reuben wrote:

I think there's been a few issues with the new monster's mechanically but overall it's as good as the Jap bikes. I had a go of all of the bikes in this class recently and for me personally I see no need for a sports bike. I prefer this riding position and my speed is dictated by my skill not the bikes performance. All the sports bike fairing does is allow me to speed on motorways more easily and potentially get banned. I also much prefer the look of naked bikes and the feel of wider/flatter bars as opposed to clip-ons.

Also, as for price and finance the best deal I found was on the Triumph. Although since then the Jap companies are doing 0% finance and you can probably knock them down a bit.


Star, cheers Thumbs Up

I off to book a test ride of the Monster and the Triumph Smile
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Frost
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PostPosted: 14:52 - 07 Aug 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote
I was looking at one the other day. No pillion seat, exhaust looks stupid as its a 2-1-2 with FAT end cans, and the headlight looks horrible.
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Irezumi aka Reuben
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PostPosted: 15:27 - 07 Aug 2010    Post subject: Re: Ducati Monster - would you? Reply with quote
arry wrote:
Star, cheers Thumbs Up

I off to book a test ride of the Monster and the Triumph Smile

Depending on your height I'd also consider the Aprilia Shiver if you like the looks of it. The engine in that above 3000rpm is very sweet. Apparently that fuelling glitch can be fixed with a power commander type system, although that's extra cost. Overall I'd place it Triumph, Aprilia, Ducati then Jap stuff.

Quote:
I was looking at one the other day. No pillion seat, exhaust looks stupid as its a 2-1-2 with FAT end cans, and the headlight looks horrible.

Each to their own, I think the Monster is the best looking of the bike I listed, although close with the Triumph. The pillion seat is just covered in those pics. Still not much space for a pillion once that's removed though.

Edit: Just seen youre just over the river from me arry. As far as Aprilia and Triumph go I know places that can do good deals on them and offer test rides.
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WishayKillie
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PostPosted: 15:40 - 07 Aug 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote
What about the 769 Hypermotard? Not much more expensive than a 696 Monster.




https://www.crunchgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/HYM0077-620x464.jpg
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swiftb
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PostPosted: 15:43 - 07 Aug 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote
The monster is hideous, even in the flesh. Just proportioned all wrong and downright ugly. The 796 ^^^^ however is a work of art. Absolutely beautiful, one of my 'future' bikes for definite. Drooling
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arry
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PostPosted: 16:31 - 07 Aug 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote
swiftb38 wrote:
The monster is hideous, even in the flesh. Just proportioned all wrong and downright ugly. The 796 ^^^^ however is a work of art. Absolutely beautiful, one of my 'future' bikes for definite. Drooling


Now I see it the other way round. Hypermotard just sounds retarded too, so I'm not sure I could do that. Imagine the conversation:
Girl: "What bike you got?"
Me: "Ducati Monster"
Girl: "Ooo that sounds really cool!"

Conversely:
Girl: "What bike you got?"
Me: "Ducati Hyperretard"
Girl: "Ooo that sounds really gay!"

You can see where I'm going with this Laughing

I'll try the Ap Shiv as well, since I'm nigh on 6ft.

Cheers for the advice so far Thumbs Up
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SamJL
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PostPosted: 16:36 - 07 Aug 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote
Hypermotard FTW Thumbs Up

I thought you always wanted an XJR1300 Arry?
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MonkeyKnuckle
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PostPosted: 16:43 - 07 Aug 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote
They both look the nuts, I've always liked the Monster though. Thumbs Up
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arry
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PostPosted: 16:58 - 07 Aug 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote
SamJL wrote:
Hypermotard FTW Thumbs Up

I thought you always wanted an XJR1300 Arry?


I do, but I think the weight of it is going to be too much until I get my garage done properly - I'd have to ride in frontwards then move the car out of the garage to swing it about, which would wind me up. At the moment with the CBR I can just swing it around outside the garage and walk it up the slope backwards - can't see me doing that with something that's 50kg heavier though Sad
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WishayKillie
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PostPosted: 17:15 - 07 Aug 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote
There's an 08' 1100 Hyper for sale at Ducati Glasgow for £5,995.

Dont worry about the conversations with the ladies, just say "Ducati" and things work out Thumbs Up

Girl: "What bike you got?"
Me: "A Ducati "
Girl: "Would you like to see the thing I pish with!"
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arry
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PostPosted: 17:25 - 07 Aug 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote
WishayKillie wrote:
There's an 08' 1100 Hyper for sale at Ducati Glasgow for £5,995.

Dont worry about the conversations with the ladies, just say "Ducati" and things work out Thumbs Up

Girl: "What bike you got?"
Me: "A Ducati "
Girl: "Would you like to see the thing I pish with!"


LOL, yeah I'm not really worried - I'm married anyway

Shit, I thought I had it all worked out and now I don't even know where to start Embarassed

Well I do, I'm definitely going to test the Monster, I'll test the Hyper while I'm at it or at least have a good look over it, then off to Triumph. I'll think more after that lot's sunk in.

Cheers Thumbs Up
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BenR
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PostPosted: 17:29 - 07 Aug 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote
arry wrote:
WishayKillie wrote:
There's an 08' 1100 Hyper for sale at Ducati Glasgow for £5,995.

Dont worry about the conversations with the ladies, just say "Ducati" and things work out Thumbs Up

Girl: "What bike you got?"
Me: "A Ducati "
Girl: "Would you like to see the thing I pish with!"


LOL, yeah I'm not really worried - I'm married anyway

Shit, I thought I had it all worked out and now I don't even know where to start Embarassed

Well I do, I'm definitely going to test the Monster, I'll test the Hyper while I'm at it or at least have a good look over it, then off to Triumph. I'll think more after that lot's sunk in.

Cheers Thumbs Up


How much is the CBR going up for? Twisted Evil
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arry
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PostPosted: 17:37 - 07 Aug 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote
BenR wrote:

How much is the CBR going up for? Twisted Evil


I'd like to get 1300 quid for it, but realistically it'll probably be less. Shame really, for that I think I'd rather keep it as a winter hack.
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rac3r
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PostPosted: 17:42 - 07 Aug 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote
I agree with Paivi on this, there's something about the 696 that doesn't look right. They are still great bikes though

If you can why not stretch to the Monster 796? Single sider, more power etc etc

https://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss108/Rover_02/DucatiMonster796B.jpg
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arry
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PostPosted: 17:44 - 07 Aug 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote
rac3r wrote:

If you can why not stretch to the Monster 796? Single sider, more power etc etc


To be fair, I probably can stretch to it no worries, just not really thought it through.

Not sure how much more expensive it is mind. I'll look it up, and compare the two later
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MonkeyKnuckle
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PostPosted: 17:47 - 07 Aug 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote
Will this mean more tagging? Laughing Thumbs Up
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rac3r
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PostPosted: 17:47 - 07 Aug 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote
Or even the 1100 Laughing
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arry
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PostPosted: 17:49 - 07 Aug 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote
MonkeyKnuckle wrote:
Will this mean more tagging? Laughing Thumbs Up


Hell yes Mr. Green I did mean to go off today and get that one but I ended up picking up 10 litres of paint from orpington instead - don't ask Rolling Eyes


Rac3r - I don't think I need 1100cc in my life, although I'm sorely tempted just for the "fuck it" appeal Very Happy Laughing
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rac3r
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PostPosted: 17:54 - 07 Aug 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote
I really want the 796, I see them at work everyday!

IMO you get a fair bit for your money USD's, radial brembo's, Marchesini wheels, etc etc

The new Monsters also have that colour therapy thing where you can change the colour like phone covers if that's your sort of thing Laughing
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MonkeyKnuckle
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PostPosted: 17:59 - 07 Aug 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote
rac3r wrote:

The new Monsters also have that colour therapy thing where you can change the colour like phone covers if that's your sort of thing Laughing


Like so....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBG7b8GX8DU

Do you have to tell the DVLA every time you change them? Thinking
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rac3r
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PostPosted: 18:03 - 07 Aug 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote
MonkeyKnuckle wrote:

Do you have to tell the DVLA every time you change them? Thinking


Thats what I was thinking
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