Ducati Monster Forum

I'm a new guy here, but not new to motorcycles. Done my research and I think a new 696 is in the wings for my new motorcycle. 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.

Finally, my local dealer will sell me a new one for $8499. I know they don't have a lot of room to negotiate on the smaller Ducs and this seems like a decent price. What says this knowledgeable forum?

Had mine almost a year and it's been good for me.
Is the maintenance a little pricey? yes. Is it expensive for a 696 cc bike? A little. Would more horsepower be nice? Of course. But any bike is going to be a comprimise of some sort. For your height and weight it's almost perfectly set up stock.
It handles better than anything else, looks cool, sounds cool, stops on a dime, cheap to insure and gets decent gas milage. I don't think you'll be disappointed and if you are; it's a motorcycle not an Aston Martin. Get something else.

I highly recommend it. I'm 5'5"  :(; and the bike is extremely light on the top which allows excellent handling. Sounds great, handling is superb, light weight with sufficient power for my type of riding (around town and short distances of 2 hrs).

Buy it.  ;D

Yes!

I'm 5'5". Let's start short riders club.  [laugh]

I'm 5' 3" and have short legs.  Though I don't have a 696, I was going to get one before I saw my S2R.  I found the bike easy to handle and a perfect fit for me. I was in love with it-  but, the tangerine dream won in the end. 

You must be all legs!

get it and ride it like you stole it.. [thumbsup]

Just buy the thing [thumbsup]

Dont buy it ! Get a 695...it has all the classic looks and its proven technology.
The 696 is a public beta test as you can see in the various topics like wiring harness recall and stuff.
But hey...I am just biased :)
If you like the looks and dig the ergos, make the tech the dealers problem...just dont buy a used one.
And please dont buy anything without a 2-3 test ride.
I rented out a couple of different Ducs before I put my money down...
For a reason...the price is 2,5 times of yours
God bless Denmark...no..actually not  [drink]

If you like the looks you cannot argue with its performance. I personally like the 695's looks better, but its your bike. Try to get the dealership to trow in some accesories, or at very least 15% off for 1 year....and get a Dark!!! [evil]

Welcome to the forum. [thumbsup]

Welcome!  Pull the trigger.  It's a great bike, that is tons of fun to ride.  One of the best choices for anyone looking for a low seat height.  The 695 is a great bike too, but they really do have very different styling.  Take a long look at both and reflect.

Ride Safe.

Did I mention to get  a dark??????

Get it.  I'm 6'1", 185, with no real issues that weren't solved by the touring seat.  The bike's handling & brakes make it worth it.  The price you were quoted is great, too.  Here in New England, most dealers are selling them right at around $9K, out the door.  Just make sure you get a test ride, to be sure. 

Oh, & Dark is the only way to go!

i have had mine since june of 08 and have honestly had a ton of problems. its seems that its in the shop more then on the road. i only have a measly 3,000 miles on it because every time i get to riding it, something else fails or breaks. maybe i have a monday bike.

I had some problems early on, and eventually had to have the wiring harness replaced. The bike has been completely problem free since then, and my dealer and DNA took wonderful care of me. Stuff happens on a brand new model, but it's been out for about a year now, so things seem pretty well sorted now.
The bike is fantastic - better than my old sv650 in every possible way. I would reccomend it to anyone.