Ducati Monster Forum

By the way My name is Andrew and I currently have been riding 3 years. I started on a Ninja 250R then graduated to a Suzuki Katana 600. I have been looking at the monsters for a while, they are sexy, customizable, flickable and and an all-round nice bike.

The only problem is I was hoping to go to a monster 696 but to be honest they look like they would go slower then my Kat, I know it's lighter but it seems like the hp and torque is lower. This is kinda dissapointing considering a Kat is not known for it's speed and it's a 2006.

Is this the case? Should I be looking then at the 1100. I am kinda on a budget but I would rather save up another year then be dissapointed.


[EDIT] Thanks alot guys, just a bit of info on my riding history I have about 30,000 Km in experience on a bike in the last 3 years. I am not a speed demon but I feel like if I am going to spend at least 4,000 cdn after my trade in for a bike I should at least get a power boost Even if I don't use it all the time it is a nice perk.

[Edit2] Yeah I must admit I am very specific about what I like and the new Ducati Monster is a very nice look. I am trying not to buy a (cbr 600 gsxr 600 kawasaki zx-6r) which are all clones but look nice and packed with performance for a great price. I would rather have some style and personality but I do want a performance boost. Those ducati look so fun to go around corners with.

You should be aware that Ducs are 2 valve engines and vary from the inline 4's that you're used to riding. Have you actually ridden one yet?

With your experience (time anyway), I'd say that you're probably good for a 1100. The torque is the best part of any Ducati (IMO) and make them a blast to ride. How many miles do you have under your belt for over the last 3 yrs (assuming that your 3 yrs of riding was the last 3)?

Good bikes to start on. This same conversation came up not too long ago...people were able to give precise info as far as hp and torque. As far as the bike, if you don't plan on cruising around everywhere at 120+mph, then it's a fun ride. I think the torque is awesome (for a 695) and I love riding it. This size bike is pretty forgiving, but if you already have experience and have doubts about a 696, then you can probably find a used 1100 for a good price. Honestly, if speed is your thing I probably wouldn't even recommend a 1100.
There's a lot of people on here that have specifics though.

If you can afford it, get the 1100. The ease of chain maintenance, SSS beauty, increased power, and better suspension are worth it.

If you're used to the inline 4 engines in Japanese bikes, you'll be in for a surprise with a Monster. I would test ride one if you can, it may not be what you're looking for.

Torque on an i4 600 *should* be lower than the 696.  HP, well that's a different story.  But as noted, a twin rides very differently than a 4 or even a triple - they won't do the same HP numbers, but generally more torque, and that torque is more available- you don't need to go WOT to get it.

Based on your experience, and budget concerns - have you considered something older?  There's some nice Monsters for sale. I just looked and there's an S4Rs with some nice extras in the sale section of the board for not much more than a new 696, and a good bit less than an 1100s... There's a kitted up 2000 900s also...

Unless you are married to new, I would seriously consider a used S2R1K based on your experience. You will easily be able to get into one for about the same price as a 696 and it is (in my biased opinion) the best 2V monster made.

If you are married to new, I suspect you will be wanting the 1100. The 696 is a fantastic bike, but the 1100DS motor is pure [bacon].

+11tyb on test riding them though. You have to get some butt time in to know for sure.

Definitely test one.  Before buying a 696 I had a '07 Bandit 650S, and although the torque and horsepower numbers look similar on paper, the Bandit has much more power than the 696, despite the fact it weighs about 130lbs more than the 696.

Do you do a lot of highway riding?  I definitely miss my half-fairing on the Bandit, as the windblast on the Monster at anything over 110 kms/hr is daunting.  I realize that this is an issue on all naked bikes, but it is something to consider.

Everything has a price my friend.   Less go for more show.
 I agree with the Ducati test ride.  I would even recommend to test ride the 696/1000 and the S2R/S4R  style bike.  Lot of differences between the two Ducati's.   
 

+1 [thumbsup]  The S2R1K is not going to be faster than an I4, but it pulls hard, is stable in the turns, and infinitely moddable--you can truly make it your own like no other on the street.  The only problem is you'll have to get used to having lots of college girls throwing their panties at you.  [evil]     

 

You want speed? get the s4r hehe.... it climbs trees  [thumbsup]

Used Monsters are great...I'd be careful of the plastic tank ones though.  :-\ I believe the 696/1100 are HDPE, so they won't have the expanding problems. The steel ones obviously won't either.

You are a race bike guy and should get an 848 or used 749r imho  [thumbsup]
The monster will never satisfy you, I believe...not the next 20 years

Whatever you do don't buy a ducati without the red key! Also thoroughly test ride the bike, if anything seems fishy don't buy it!

learn to spell.


 [coffee]

Man I had this same inner battle just very recently. In fact, I still have my 600 Kat in the garage next to my new 620 Monster. I have always wanted a Monster - it's the bike that single-handedly sparked my interest in riding - but I was aware of all the cons. I rode a few different bikes before finally riding a couple Ducs. When all was said and done I decided there was nothing that made me grin more than the Monster. I looked at everything from 620's to S4R's and decided the weight of the 600 bikes was better suited for what I am doing. Found a 620 at a killer price and here I am.

Coming from the Kat to the Monster is a little weird. For me the Monster is far more comfy in terms of seating position and manuverability, but of course the wind can be an issue. Handling is a no-brainer - the Monster excels here, and coming off the weighty Kat you will appreciate this even more. Brakes (lack thereof) were my biggest hang up on the Katana, and again this helps me appreciate my 620's Brembo's.

Now on to the engine: I bought the Kat instead of a 250 because I wanted to have some fun. At the time I had no idea how much fun this thing could be. Everyone told me "oh the Katana is so slow, it's a girls bike, its a pretend sportbike..." we've heard them all. Fact is, the Katana is an 11-second bike on a perfect day and it sounds great to boot. People have been trained to say the Kats are anemic, but they're not! They're just heavy! For this reason you may be disappointed when you open up a Monster. The Katana has an exciting build up to 7k rpm before it peaks and starts screaming. You have to keep the revs up to go fast and it's a lot of fun. The Duc, on the other hand, is perfectly content torquing around at relatively low rpm's. It's not as dramatic as an I-4 but I will say this - I could listen to that L-twin all day long.  [moto]

The first time I took my wife 2-up (last week), she thought I was trying to buck her off the bike. The torque is always on boil with the Monster, whereas an I-4 has to build up. Think of it in terms of a muscle car vs. a turbocharged 4cyl. The muscle car is going to torque out in front right away and put you back in the seat, but once that 4cyl turbo spools up things become even-up. As speeds increase TQ becomes less of a factor and HP comes into play... that's when the turbo car (or I-4) pulls away from the muscle car (or L-twin).

Having said all that I must say that in terms of straight-line performance the 620 does not feel like a step up from the Kat. I would rate them pretty equal, even though they're very different. If you really want a kick in the pants you should try a bigger Duc. If you're like me though, and the Katana was plenty fast for your needs, a 600-range Monster might make you very happy.

I also started on a Katana. I did not miss the Kat when I bought my 620. The monster is a blast! If you are looking for straight line speed you will not enjoy it as much. The smaller monsters are very fun on the twisties [thumbsup]

go big or go home.

I got out on some good twisties today for the first time. MY GOD what a difference from the Katana!!! I expected an improvement but wow... I feel like a pro on this thing! [bow_down]  [laugh]