Ducati 696 Monster

[gypsy]

Well I haven't seen one in the flesh yet but I put down a deposit on a 2008. The dealer doesn't expect them in this part of the world until June but I am looking forward to pretending I'm a hooligan! Wanted something smaller than the FJR and my body and a true sport bike don't go hand in glove. So after looking around I decided on my first non-Japanese bike. Also Ducati red is just way-cool!!

gypsy

 

[Old Michael]

You've made June like 5 years away now! It's gonna be a long 6 months.

Congratulations though. Surely you'll document the delivery and your impressions?

 

[MikeYork5]

Well ya can pobably guess my feelings ---- congrats, should be a fun ride.

 

[Fencer]

Looked at the Ducs Heavily before I bought the Gixxer. After speaking with several folks I shied from them due to HIGH maintenance, valve checks like every 3000 miles or so (something like that I don't remember the specifics) If I were to Go I-talian. It would prob be an Aprillia..

Ducs sure are pretty though. Hope you have found more 2 wheel happiness.

 

[gypsy]

Looked at the Ducs Heavily before I bought the Gixxer. After speaking with several folks I shied from them due to HIGH maintenance, valve checks like every 3000 miles or so (something like that I don't remember the specifics) If I were to Go I-talian. It would prob be an Aprillia..
Ducs sure are pretty though. Hope you have found more 2 wheel happiness.

They have doubled that inspection interval. Besides I still have the FJR so I won't be clocking up big miles on the Duc. The FJR is for that.

gypsy

 

[slapnpop]

We get to tease waiters again!!! :haha: :rofl:

 

[Checkswrecks]

As I mentioned in another thread, the Duck I owned was a great bike and Honda/Kawa/ZukiMaha reliable. You're a lucky man!

Bob

 

[Fencer]

We get to tease waiters again!!! :haha: :rofl:

I thought it, but wasn't gonna be that mean :lol:

 

[FastJoyRide]

You'll have fun with that one Jude!

 

[Ric in Sac]

Way cool. :clapping:

I have been drooling over the Monster 695 but do not know much about the 696. What changes has Duc made and is it worth the wait?

Why wife loves it too because it is light and low enough for her to flat foot on it.

 

[Dusty]

Saw Monsters at the bike show in Novi Michigan - Very Cool. Ducati had a very impressive manufacturers showroom as well - especially the model greeting everyone entering. Class all the way.

I've always liked the sound of the Ducati motor - you know it's a Ducati coming without even looking. Not as sure about the look of their unusual frames though.

Enjoy!!

 

[Wolfhound]

I test rode a Monster 695 this summer & had a blast. Sure make a fun twisty/mountain bike ! I checked insurance for me & couldn't believe how high it would be . . .

 

[Bugnatr]

Yeah that Monster is cool, but the new Triumph Street Triple is getting some good reviews too. Can't we just have one of each?

 

[Ari Rankum]

Well I haven't seen one in the flesh yet but I put down a deposit on a 2008. The dealer doesn't expect them in this part of the world until June but I am looking forward to pretending I'm a hooligan! Wanted something smaller than the FJR and my body and a true sport bike don't go hand in glove. So after looking around I decided on my first non-Japanese bike. Also Ducati red is just way-cool!!
gypsy

Chicks dig Ducks!!!

Congrats. ...and, yes, that is Hella Red.

 

[xcsp]

Way cool. :clapping:
I have been drooling over the Monster 695 but do not know much about the 696. What changes has Duc made and is it worth the wait?

Why wife loves it too because it is light and low enough for her to flat foot on it.

Not much if anything is the same from the 695 to the 696, look here to see the new 696: https://www.ducati.com/en/bikes/my2008/Mode...p;model=M696-08

Did Gypsy get his bike, did I miss his review??

I stopped by the closest Duc shop (100 miles away) and really like that new 696, and of course they had to have a demo with the Termigoni mufflers on it!! Sounds NICE!!

 

[Niehart]

Well Gypsy, did ya get the bike? Love my S4RS but having to have a lawyer on retainer kind of sucks ..

 

[gypsy]

Well Gypsy, did ya get the bike? Love my S4RS but having to have a lawyer on retainer kind of sucks ..

I got it last Tuesday...only 8 months after this thread began. I originally said it was a 2008 but given the late release it is a 2009. I was away working last week and have been home for three days but the odometer still says '0 kilometers'...sad huh?! As for a review...it sure looks nice in my garage...and it is real pretty red...sounds good too. The rest will come later.

gypsy

 

[DynaSport]

I have a 696 in my garage as well. It is actually my son's, but he is away at college and he actually told me to ride it. So I do. It is a fun, nice handling, light bike. It is too new to speak to reliability, but so far so good. I find it shifts nicely. Many people complain about the clutch engagement, but I don't have any issues with it. The seat does seem to make me slide a bit forward onto the airbox cover, but not too bad. If it was my bike I'd probably try their tour seat to see if it helped with that. Also, I can't see much but my shoulders in the mirrors. I have tried adjusting them every way I can, but it just gives me different views of my shoulders. I would put some bar end mirrors on it.

I'd like to ride the Street Triple to compare the two. The Triumph seems to get better reviews, but the Duc is a nice bike. Beautiful too. Red of course.