Ducati Monster Forum

So, I've ridden some bikes before, scooters, XTs from 50cc to 600 but never on road with other car, motorcycles and staff, I just know balance, how to use the clutch and the basics... I've never been on a monster :-( but monster 696 is like a dream to me!! So, I am 21 years old and I can raise money but not THAT easily (I'm not gonna get any help from my folks, they don't really agree with me driving a motorcycle though I drive a car 2 years now perfectly as they both say, so I don't even want to ask for help) The thing is, I can't wait to raise 2k for a 250cc SPEND them and then start all over again to reach 9k plus, the time I will "lose" in learning !!

What I want to know is, I am a decent driver, I don't run too fast (only where I am 100% sure I can) , I know my limits and the limits of my car (all I know about me as a driver is my driving my car),

Is it able for me to buy a Ducati monster 696 and learn how to drive it with my experience? Not kill my self or damage my Ducatti?


Propably you'll all say it is possible but, bla bla bla... So I'd like a yes or no in the end of your posts, do it or no...

Thanks in regard!!

The first time you drop it, the repair costs will be more than a proper beginner bike.

You should learn to ride on something less expensive first. Ideally, something pre-rashed.

Driving a car fine lends itself to motorcycling in the same way that driving a zamboni fine lends itself to flying an airplane.

So no, don't do it.

I'm sure I'll get greif over this, but I think its fine.  The 696 isn't the most powerful bike on the planet, but its got enough power to get you into serious trouble (then again, ALL bikes do!).

If you're mature and have a great level of respect for what can happen to you on the bike, you'll be better off than experienced riders who think they are untouchable. 

btw, I'm speaking from experience.  I didn't start off with a 'beginners bike' and I've not had a crash/accident my whole riding career (I did drop my bike once though).  Stay off major roads and get as much seat time before you venture out to bigger things...

Just know the risks and make the decision yourself.

 [moto]

^and with that said, I'm sure I've just jinxed myself.  :-[

What experience?

If you can afford the insurance. do it. the reason i say that is that you most likely will have some sort of incident, albeit minor. but minor on a Ducati is an insurance claim unless you like riding around on a bike looking like you took a grinder to it.

but responsible throttle control is important. it's not a slow bike. it's not a superbike either.

My first bike was a 2003 Yamaha R6

Bottom line, It's only as fast as you make it.


The 696 is a forgiving bike to learn on. You can make a mistake and not have it end your riding career. Just remember be alert and respect the power. Don't showboat and don't ride scared. Take the Motorcycle safety course in your area to learn the basics. Don't think your above the course because you have had riding experience.

Oh, and most important!! Don't listen to any bullshit advice. The only person that can decide is you. If your mind is already decided and your looking for justification don't bother, just do it. If you are afraid and anticipate feeling regret, don't!

I think it's all in your mind... If you stay legally in the street and if you turn on your brain before a ride, I think a 696 it's not a trouble...

Remember only one thing before give it some gas: you have only one life! If you can fix this in your mind, I think there's not a problem to ride any bike.

IMHO

Another important thing: wear ALWAYS the helmet, gloves and jacket because the asphalt is tougher than every one...

 [thumbsup]

the other day i had a thought from the past when i was young and would ride skateboards , sitting down on the skateboard and riding down the hill when it would get stuck and i would keep going and end up with a grazed up arse  :'(

We're getting older...   [laugh]

But, because I had a close encounter with a side walk with no jacket (my fxxxxn' elbow bone came out the skin damn...  [bang] ) I put my stupid experience on use for the new guys that start to ride... ;)

PS: I had the same problems with a bob on the snow...  [laugh]

The big problem, IMO, is repair cost.  It seems like you are scrimping and saving for this bike and a minor tip over will put you in the poorhouse.  You might want to consider a used 620 with a discount for the pre-existing tank ding and scratched levers.

Power & delivery are fine for a new rider. 

Downside, that parking lot "oops" or botched take-off that winds up stalling the motor and resulting in a tip over will be expensive ~

JM

+1

When you can get an M750 for 2-2.5K, I really don't understand buying new if you're a beginner. That being said, As one of the younger members of the board, I recommend the OP get something a little smaller. From your post I don't particularly glean that you're a model of responsibility and maturity.

I wanted a M600 or M620 for my wife's learner bike.  If you can find them, they're pretty cheap.  My M750 has great power delivery, smooth and no surprises AND less power than a 696.  One of them had cheap would be a good one too.  A like Matador said, a ding & scratch will just get you a better deal ~

JM

I'd say go for a 620, too.  They can be had for $3000-$4000, ridden and maintained for a while, and then sold for just about the same price.  Plus, much cheaper to fix if you do drop it at some point.  620s have plenty of power for any road you'll ride, too.

I'd say go for it. I'm sure I've told this story here before, but here goes.

Never so much as rode a mini-bike before moving to FL. from CT. over 2-1/2 yrs ago. My agenda after moving to Florida was to own a Ducati. So I took the MSF course and the next week i bought a 696. Currently over 10k on the clock.  If you can afford it and you are confident in your ability,  the bike should a great beginner and beyond bike. Just my opinion.
Some of the factors that made it the perfect bike for me was the lower seat height and the lower weight.

my vote goes to used 620/695.  It's much more affordable and used parts are allover the place.  Not to mention it's one good looking bike!

The 696 is my first motorcycle. I've ridden a very modified Honda Ruckus for the last 3 years, and took the MSF last year, but just got my Monster about 4 weeks ago. I'm not sure how good an idea it is at 21, I know I was far braver then I should have been when I was 21  :P but as long as you can respect the bike and take it easy it would be fine IMHO.

i'm sure you could handle the power of a 696 without too much difficulty, but i agree with others ... go used for your 1st bike.  particularly if cash is tight.  i'll sell you my M620!  it was my learner bike and has been great!

Used 620/695 is my vote especially since you have only been driving for 2 years.  That is barely any experience on the road at all.  Do you have any dirtbike experience? 

Only reason i am voting for the 620/695 is because of cost, you will more than likely drop the bike with such limited road experience in general.  Do it to something you can afford to fix.  If you buy used you won't lose much on the resale value anyways.   I always wish i bought my bike's used it would have been a better choice financially.

First, spend the money and take a motorcycle safety class. That is an investment well worth it.

QFMFT! The msf course is very helpful, and give you an idea of what riding is like and whether you will like it.

I have to add one to the consensus of a M600-M750. If you can find one with a rebuilt salvage title, all the better. If you wreck, you could part it out and likely break even. If you don't wreck and continue to save, you could sell it for what you paid as long as you maintained it.

My first bike was a M750 i.e. It was too much bike for a first bike in all likelihood, but all that means is I only rode to my limits and not the bike's limits.

And +1 to the MSF class! It's a great program.

My first and only bike so far is a 696.  I say if you dig it then go for it.  I have never felt like the bike was too much for me to handle. As far as cost/repairs go, you know going into it that it will cost you some proper coin to repair/replace anything on it.  If you are cool with that then take the MSF, buy some gear, and pull the trigger.

You've been really helpful guys! I think I'll just go for a M620 dark and see how it goes, I'm still young so I have time to go for my M696 later on...

Thanks for help!!

Don't ride with out insurance.  And don't forget to get properly fitting gear.

Regardless of what anyone said, it's all going to come down to your maturity level.  I don't know how mature you are at 21, but I would of killed myself riding a motorcycle at 21.

That being said, my first motorcycle, first time riding a motorcycle (other than the one at the MSF course) is a 696.  I'm 36 and even at this age, there are times that I've caught myself twisting the throttle a bit too much.  I've got almost two years under my belt without any incident (knock on wood). 

So be honest with yourself, know your limit, wear proper gears, and enjoy the Ducati life style.

Wise to buy used based on experience level and finances.

If you want a Ducati, (no one here can blame you) 620 or is plenty.

Easy to mod, fix, find parts (wide range of Monsters for donor parts).

And hell yes it's fast enough.

I understand the desire for a particular bike, but the older Monsters have a pretty classic appeal IMO - won't go out of style until I'm dead and gone.

Good luck!

My 620 is my first bike.  Got a good deal on it (it did indeed come with a tank ding and scratched up levers) and it is plenty of bike, plenty of fun and plenty of style.  Plus it didn't break the bank and I don't worry about how much of a financial disaster it'll be if I mess it up.  696 is nice...but for the additional cost and worry, I don't think its worth the premium over a 620 or any of the other cheaper used alternatives.

yes