It is about a year since I first googled “ducati monster†in my search for information about Monster 695 and found DML forum. In the beginning I concentrated mainly on 695 and after a while forum became my daily bookmark.
People, topics and manner of discussion seemed to be different than on other forums (“How old are you folks?†topic certainly gave a clue why â€" just joking). My knowledge of motorcycles, riding and gear was almost non-existent at that point so I started reading â€" a lot.
Your posts about general attitude towards bikes, crash reports, gear that survived or failed helped me tremendously in forming my opinions about the matter. (Oh, did I mention I never sat on a bike at that time? Well, I didn't. ) You suggested buying Lee Parks' “Total control†book from witch I learned plenty. I even started to appreciate modifications you do to your bikes (this took some time) and plan my own ones. Where I live only 1% of riders wear gear and know something about riding so spending time here gave me life-saving advantage.
For the non-believers - yes you can learn basics of riding from internet.
First time I was on little 125cc bike everything I was reading came in focus and felt natural.
With this I want to thank this community and all you geezers for sharing your knowledge and experience with the world and for inspiration you given me.
And now the real reason for getting a little sentimental:
I may have to say goodbye to Ducati brand.
My dealer (only one in this part of Europe) fooled me with promises that he will get me a M695 and now there aren't any left in Bologna factory and he is avoiding my calls and emails.
I dislike the looks of new Monsters (696 and 1100) and not being able to get 695 I am pushed towards other brands of bikes. Also, still being an inexperienced rider I may go for something smaller.
Only other option I have is buying used M695 from America and transport it to Europe witch have its own difficulties. (to buy one here would be more expensive, you know about dolar-euro thingy).
Cheers.
Ivan,
Good post and sorry to hear about your problems buying a Ducati. I don't much like the looks of the new ones either, but I've noticed that bike styles seem to grow on me and this time next year I'll probably think they are beautiful. I can assure you that there are lots of other great bikes and riding a Yamaha or any other bike is LOT better than no bike at all. You'll have plenty of opportunities to get a Ducati later on.
As far as engine size, I worked in Turkey the first half of this year and the only bike I could afford was a Yamaha YBR125 (125cc). I adapted to its suspension and engine limitations and put 10,000km on it, rode almost all over Turkey on it and had a great time. Liked it so much I bought a Yamaha XT225 trail bike when I got home. Other than the cheap thrills from finger burning acceleration from a big bike, smaller bikes are great and the light weight goes a long way to compensate for the lower HP. I think that we've to some extent been indoctrinated by marketing to think we have to have big engines in our bikes. Personally I don't like the concept that smaller engines are only for new riders. Also, 38km or so per litre can get addicting.
Ivan, the looks of the 696 are...uh...to say the least...controversial. On the other hand, I rode one for close to 50 miles and the bike is quite nice. Handles and rides better, good power and low speed stability is much better. If that doesn't work, there is the used market. If you buy fairly new you will have some warranty left and maybe some desirable upgrades.
Ivan,greetings from dark Denmark,
I totally understand your dislike of the 696 and Ducati will regret that design I believe.
But...that should not hinder you to get a 695...
Your dealer is of course more interested to sell you the new one just because its hassle free for him.
But I would just call some dealers in your close range European neighborhood.
I bet you will still find the classic, beautiful, perfect to ride 695.
Also you should be able to find a one year old 695 at some dealer thanks to the fashion victims trading them in for a 696 and a new haircut
Even better would be to contact the importer of your country directly.
The one way or the other you have to pay for shipping cost (around 250Euro)
But thats worth it...better than having to look at a 696 every day.
Don´t give up and buy some jap crap.
Bur if you get a Brutale or TNT now I would be just jealous ;) [beer]
You don't need to buy brand new to enjoy a Monster. In fact, you will probably regret it if/when you drop it. Especially if it is your first bike. You would probably enjoy a clean, low milage 695 that is a year or two old and already depreciated in value a bit.
+1 buy used and let someone else pay the depreciation. By the way the 695 is a great bike I love mine. Do a sprocket swap and Termi exhaust/ecu and you'll have a ton of fun.
Quote from: Ivan Vukchevic on October 12, 2008, 02:52:10 AM
It is about a year since I first googled “ducati monster†in my search for information about Monster 695 and found DML forum. In the beginning I concentrated mainly on 695 and after a while forum became my daily bookmark . . .
With this I want to thank this community and all you geezers for sharing your knowledge and experience with the world and for inspiration you given me . . .
And now the real reason for getting a little sentimental:
I may have to say goodbye to Ducati brand.
My dealer (only one in this part of Europe) fooled me with promises that he will get me a M695 and now there aren't any left . . .
Hey Ivan -
Clearly you have been infected with the Ducati-disease, right? Invested a lot of time and passion studying and learning about them. You've been inspired by WSB and MotoGP, no doubt. You realize that this brand is different and uniqe.
Good. Now don't give up. Keep that passion. To hell with that dealer. Stay positive and focused, have a little patience (I know that's hard), keep saving your pennies, and you will find that perfect M695 somewhere. It will be that much sweeter when you find it.
Keep in touch. I don't doubt that you will find a solution through this board.
good luck.
John
Besides shipping, I would be curious what is involved to retro-ship a Ducati to Europe.
The US-Spec versions have more, not less, items. Additional reflectors and EPA stuff than the Euro versions.
Plus the Euro3 spec is "weaker" than the EPA spec for the 2007 model year. Private importing is a pregnant dog though.
Call the factory and ask them for help to get one from the USA since you want that model.
Also, the Ducati factory has a company store and employees sell their old bikes in the store. You might find a Ducati-ridden, Ducati-serviced 695 there.
Quote from: ducatizzzz on October 12, 2008, 10:00:24 PM
Besides shipping, I would be curious what is involved to retro-ship a Ducati to Europe.
The US-Spec versions have more, not less, items. Additional reflectors and EPA stuff than the Euro versions.
Plus the Euro3 spec is "weaker" than the EPA spec for the 2007 model year. Private importing is a pregnant dog though.
Call the factory and ask them for help to get one from the USA since you want that model.
Also, the Ducati factory has a company store and employees sell their old bikes in the store. You might find a Ducati-ridden, Ducati-serviced 695 there.
doesn't the US version only have the extra Charcoal canister and associated plumbing.
Quote from: Raux on October 12, 2008, 10:45:55 PM
doesn't the US version only have the extra Charcoal canister and associated plumbing.
side reflectors, and i think that's about it.
point is the differences are minimal and probably easier US to euro than otherways.
QuoteOnly other option I have is buying used M695 from America and transport it to Europe witch have its own difficulties.
?!?!?
Plenty of used bikes f e in Germany, here is 14:
http://suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/search.html?isSearchRequest=true&sortOption.sortBy=price.consumerGrossEuro&sortOption.sortOrder=ASCENDING&lang=de&scopeId=MB&_features=on&negativeFeatures=EXPORT&category=&makeModelVariant1.makeId=7800&makeModelVariant1.modelDescription=695&makeModelVariant2.makeId=&makeModelVariant2.modelDescription=&makeModelVariant3.makeId=&makeModelVariant3.modelDescription=&minFirstRegistrationDate=&maxFirstRegistrationDate=&minMileage=&maxMileage=&minPowerAsArray=&minPowerAsArray=KW&maxPowerAsArray=&maxPowerAsArray=KW&cubicCapacities=&minPrice=&maxPrice=&fuel=&transmission=&damageUnrepaired=NO_DAMAGE_UNREPAIRED&ambitCountry=&zipcode=&adLimitation=&daysAfterCreation=&drivingMode= (http://suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/search.html?isSearchRequest=true&sortOption.sortBy=price.consumerGrossEuro&sortOption.sortOrder=ASCENDING&lang=de&scopeId=MB&_features=on&negativeFeatures=EXPORT&category=&makeModelVariant1.makeId=7800&makeModelVariant1.modelDescription=695&makeModelVariant2.makeId=&makeModelVariant2.modelDescription=&makeModelVariant3.makeId=&makeModelVariant3.modelDescription=&minFirstRegistrationDate=&maxFirstRegistrationDate=&minMileage=&maxMileage=&minPowerAsArray=&minPowerAsArray=KW&maxPowerAsArray=&maxPowerAsArray=KW&cubicCapacities=&minPrice=&maxPrice=&fuel=&transmission=&damageUnrepaired=NO_DAMAGE_UNREPAIRED&ambitCountry=&zipcode=&adLimitation=&daysAfterCreation=&drivingMode=)
You`re welcome, just go for it! [thumbsup] ;)
Your math is off e7500 = $10,238.89 at today's exchange rate.
Cars, bikes, consumer electronics... are cheaper in the US.
What country are you in?
Are you inside of the Euro zone?
Having one imported and licensed is more than just shipping cost.
You will have to pay the VAT (depending on what country your in this could be + 25% of the value of the bike) inspection, and licensing fee... It ads up quick.
Mobile.de is a good place to start.
or go to
ebay.it
ebay.de
motorkari.cz
The list goes on I could be more helpful if I knew what Country you live in.
Quote from: 13 on October 14, 2008, 10:41:11 AM
Mobile.de is a good place to start.
or go to
ebay.it
ebay.de
motorkari.cz
The list goes on I could be more helpful if I knew what Country you live in.
i always get stuff off marktplaats.nl
for some reason the dutch folks (as with most of the teutons) keep their bikes very neat.
Don't get too discouraged. When you find the right bike, you will know it.
Good luck hunting for a Monster.
can you buy in italy then bring it back. what are the import costs?
http://shop.ebay.it/_Moto-e-Scooter__W0QQModelloDucatid811c3d8ZMonsteraceddfbaQQMarca46ae21cZDucati7aa8c384QQ_catZ9804QQ_gcsZ14QQ_pcatsZ422QQ_sopZ10 (http://shop.ebay.it/_Moto-e-Scooter__W0QQModelloDucatid811c3d8ZMonsteraceddfbaQQMarca46ae21cZDucati7aa8c384QQ_catZ9804QQ_gcsZ14QQ_pcatsZ422QQ_sopZ10)
i would assume the costs would be less for a bike in italy so even if you have to pay import taxes you could come out ahead.
or here's one in Germany
http://www.motoscout24.de/Public/Detail.aspx?id=wrwrzgbwgg (http://www.motoscout24.de/Public/Detail.aspx?id=wrwrzgbwgg)
buy in italy and ride it back [moto] ;)
Quote from: DuCaTiNi on October 15, 2008, 04:36:46 AM
buy in italy and ride it back [moto] ;)
Damned fine idea you have there my good sir!!