Ducati Monster Forum

Hello everyone,

Just joined up on the forum.  Recently got my M license and I'm in the market for a Monster 695/696.  I saw this ad on craigslist  and was curious if anyone had any input on it. 
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1831218144.html (http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1831218144.html)

I probably won't have time to go look at it until Thursday or later so I figured this would be a good way to get some good information. 

Really looking forward to getting a Ducati. 

Also, any tips on ways to build good riding skills?  I grew up riding on the sand dunes in NV but that was years ago.  I took the safety class and while that was good I think I made 3rd gear once for about a second.  It would have been nice to have had some exposure to more real world riding.  Not saying it was bad, just wish it had been more. 

Thanks in advance.

congrats and welcome.  I too grew up on dirt bikes but if you know how to ride in sand you'll be just fine on a street bike, difference being cars of course.  ;D

the bike you have posted looks very nice and some on here have had them without any problems, not to mention they run a lot faster than you'd think too.....rider(s) had lots to do with it  [evil]
You may also consider something like this http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1900754984.html (http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1900754984.html) which has a single sided swing arm so it comes down to taste.  By the way, that's my old bike and I can assure you, if you go that route, she's in pristine shape.  Let us know what you decide on, surely there will be a lot of input forthcoming from others here.

looking forward to meeting you.  do you live in the Dallas or Fort Worth area?

Also if you want a little more power here's one for sale from a guy most of us here know http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1855594687.html (http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1855594687.html)  Nice thing about this one is it has a dry clutch, if you like the famous Ducati chatter.
If you like the new design better here's an alternative in Houston http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/1905707747.html (http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/1905707747.html)  you can buy different skins for this one which is great when you get tired of black.

and another choice is http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/1848226421.html (http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/1848226421.html)  I saw this one yesterday while in Houston and she looks great but entirely different in both power, weight and aesthetics.

Thanks for the input.  I'm in the Dallas area, in the uptown area, which should make for interesting riding.  Love those roads. 

I was thinking about the S2R too, it looks great, wasn't sure how it would be as a started bike but that's just because I haven't done any research on it yet. 

I should give a quick disclaimer about my past riding, it was on a four wheeler which was formerly a three wheeler my buddy and I converted with a front end kit.  Great bike, low CG, 250CC Honda, fast on the sand, but it still had four wheels.  Not that I stayed on them all the time  :)

then I'd say the 695 or s2r 1000 would be just right.  The s4r is too finicky IMO for starting out.

I started on a 695 and think it was a good thing.  [moto]

+1.


+1.

Thanks everyone.  Everything I've read or heard about the 695 seems very positive, especially for new riders.  Plus, just look at the thing. 

don't forget the S2R 800 as well, if you want a single sided swing arm but otherwise they are pretty much the same.  now go get one and lets ride.  I hear there's a cold front coming in this weekend pushing temperatures to 95 degrees.........burrrrr

So help me out on that.  Other than ease of maintenance and the fact that it looks better, what is the functional benefit of a single sided swing arm?  Reduced weight?

It adds to the top speed of the bike. Less weight of the single sided swingarm equals 15-20 mph more on the top end. Plus the mega sexy factor is good for 5 mph more! OK... you have now passed the newbie, bullshit test!! [laugh]

No, they are actually slightly heavier than the DSS setup (depending on bike you are comparing it to) and also sometimes less stiff. Obviously they work very well for Ducati's race teams, as they've been using the setup since the 916, with the 749/999 being the exception, and only shortly.

Maintenance on a SSS is 10x (for most things) easier than on a DSS.

Plus:

If you remove the wheel for a tire change, you do not have to adjust your chain when you put the wheel back on.
You don't have to reach around shit to check tire pressure, access valve stem.
Looks great.
Can remove wheel in a matter of seconds, not minutes for the average joe.
There's no "axles-lineup" exercise when putting wheel back on.
There's no removal or fuss with brake caliper/rotor when doing wheel maintenance.

Cons:
If you adjust the chain, you should check ride height, because the wheel is on an eccentric, and changes to the eccentric for chain tension can adjust your ride height. Simply take measurement, adjust to manual specs, and ride away. Most people won't notice if the ride height is slightly changed anyhow.

You realize this is another newbie bullshit test, right? [laugh] Just kidding! ;D

At least you are putting effort into the newbie test  [thumbsup]
Good information though, thank you. 

I guess if I really wanted a fast bike I'd just put racing stickers on it since there's no room for a big wing. 

Big wing and a fart can "tuner" muffler! [laugh]

get the 695! you won't be disappointed...........i promise. it's plenty quick. besides most people with s4r's and such never really get to use all that power and you will. something to be said when you know you have gotten everything your bike has to offer! besides they can as great or as bad as you want. look at the black on black thread thats a 695.

No problem with the 695!

I would check the tank for swelling, dimpling. There is a known issue with monster plastic tanks that should still be covered for replacement by a dealer. The main areas to check are where the tank sits on the frame (rubber rests do not line up to the frame) and where the tank latches in front (tight and tough to unlatch).

Watch out--these bikes are addictive!

Good luck with the hunt.

Howdy and welcome!  If I may throw in my .02 cents on this one; I never rode a motorcycle until I was 43.  My first bike was a 2005 Ducati 620 Dark (bargain basement priced at the time  ;D ) that I bought from AMS when they were still only in Alvarado.  

Originally I wanted a Kawasaki 250 Ninja since I ultimately knew I wanted to "graduate" to a sportbike once I had gained some experience.  But In talking with a several folks who had been riding for years, I decided to skip the training-wheels Ninja phase and just went for the 620 straight away... Never looked back.  Best motorcycle ever.  

In two years I put close to 28,000 miles on it.  Yeah, I dropped it once or twice but it never was enough to significantly damage anything other than my pride. Maintenance costs were reasonable (in Ducati terms  [bang]  [laugh] ) since it was an air-cooled, two valve per cylinder motor.  

Of course being able to mod the hell out of the Monsters helped the ownership experience too.  By the time I ended up selling it, my bike was truly an "original."  Damn, really loved that bike... it's still in the area which is nice since I get to see it every now and then!

All of that to say, I would definitely endorse your choice in Monsters.  Consider a 620 fuel injected bike.  My 2005 was one of the last with a metal tank and 320mm Gold Line 320mm Brembo front rotors.  And the "little" 620 has plenty of usable power and TORQUE (yea!!!) at low engine speeds to keep you amused.  Can't go wrong, IMHO.

Now get on out there and buy one  [evil]

Lisa

steel?

Yeah... prolly steel.  Gonna go with 'metal.'   That's my final answer...  [laugh]

Steel. (Though there is a company that makes alu ones.... but my mods budget funds have already been claimed...)

I seriously suggest a fuelie for a first bike. Carbs are fun, a bit cantankerous, but not necessarily newb-friendly.

Good advice all.  I'm sure having not been on a bike in years the power will be more than enough with a 695 through there are some good looking S2R's out there.  Low miles too.  I'm surprised at the milage on some. 

That HICO run looks like fun, any suggestions or input on that?  How long is it, what to bring, etc?

you are going to want to pack 2 pb&js, plenty of sunscreen, a bag of wet-wipes, one bocce ball set, and three small boxes of toothpicks.

Gas and lunch money! I will be wearing the camelback but something like that is individual pref


Btw i ride a 695 so if u want you can follow me for awhile to see the bike in action.

he's such a tease

Following that particular 695 is a bold challenge for most of us  [moto]  You will have fun whichever one you settle on, there are few bad choices.

I would like to politely disagree... Having owned a certain Monster 620, & also a S2R 800, I would recommend at least an 800 or better. I outgrew the 800 pretty quick, & it's time & money to sell/buy. You can always go slow on an 1198, but you can't go faster on a 695 ;D

I can get all the titanium bolts and carbon fiber pieces to make the 695 weigh next to nothing. That way it'll be "fast"er.

Bring your wallet and first born.

If it's possible to twist a throttle off a bike
Chris will be the one.  8)

I have had T tell me riding behind me on fm 219 that he saw 127 on the speedo. If u feel the need for me speed than that then u need a bigger bike.

Remember this most of the guys like scott, richd, ron, brian, lisa, marty, etc. Are just better riders but the grin on my face after giving her all she's got is plenty big!!

and that's all that matters.


also, shame on you for not including me in your list of fast people (though, rightly so).

well, I'm honored to be included on such an austere list, but I've only been riding seriously a coupla years, & besides that, I'm old!!! :o



;D

man this is a good buy.
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=41961.0 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=41961.0)

Great looking bike too.  I'm looking at the 695 tomorrow and hoping to get it for 4,500, budget is around 5k.  If the deal doesn't go through I'm going to look at a few of the S2R's out there.

Boooyahh!  Got the bike!  695 and she looks and runs great! Can't wait to start riding with everyone. 

Nice choice--congrats  [thumbsup]

Thanks, I just drove her home, damn that was fun!

Congrats!!!  [thumbsup]

congratulations!!!!!!

I say we do a Thursday night meet somewhere in the Dallas area. 

Awesome!   [thumbsup]
Yep it's time for weekday meets again.

I'm totally in.  I'm going to try and take her down to AMS tomorrow and get some different mirrors.  The guy replaced them with these really small ones and while they look ok I couldn't see anything behind me.  Hopefully they can give it a quick look over.  I'd like to do the HICO run with everyone on Sunday. 

Very cool.  Can't wait to see your new bike  [thumbsup]   

ATG/ATT

you should consider the bar-end mirrors.  the stockers shake too much to be effective, at least for my Monster's that's been the case.

Funny you say that.  I've seen them and originally I didn't like the look.  After today's ride I see how those would be really practical.  The cool thing is it's a 2008 model with 2400 miles and other than the mirrors is bone stock.  Nothing better than a blank page to start from. 

hide your cash, it will walk away when it gets near carbon.

Mmmm, carbon fiber  [evil]

 I'd like to do the HICO run with everyone on Sunday. 
[/quote]
HICO, HICO! [moto] [thumbsup]

+1.   You don't need to know the year/submodel/driver's hair color with motorcycle mirrors, just need to know if there is, in fact, a car there, and if it has its blue lights on.

Did someone named Jason have fun today? ;D

well, I guess  ;D
That was insane fun.  I can't believe I've waited this long to get a bike.  Great group of people.  [thumbsup]

Lesson learned today was....u can have alot of fun on a 695!

If u have any questions or need something just ask!

+1  [moto]

 

If u have any questions or need something just ask!
[/quote]
Leave me alone!  [cheeky]

"insane fun". You picked a great way to start [moto]

I still want to replace those mirrors.  I had them dialed in about half way through but a slight bump and they are worthless again.  If anyone has some stock 695 mirrors that would fit an 08 model I'd be happy to buy them off you.

Thanks. 

U can have mine via trade. yours for my stock ones. first you can use my stock ones and make sure that is the route you want to go.

crg bar ends or rizoma bar ends are quite functional. and look nice

It does help to know if the drivers around have crack pipes in their hands,  :P

or even worse, if they are texting  >:(

Fair enough. I've removed my horn on the 900 so now I have a free bush button electric circuit... What to do, what to do....

Did I tell y'all a witnessed a dude on an HD bagger field a call on his cell while riding?  He almost killed himself when he tried to get it back in its hip holster.   :P

Back to the lecture at hand: Yeah, bar end mirrors work surprisingly well.   [thumbsup]

I saw the same thing.  I don't ride with that shithead anymore.


FYI.......CRG bar ends!

When they're texting with a crack pipe you know they should have pulled over several rocks ago...   :P

I'll take you up on your offer Cal. I'll send a PM and we can figure out a time and place to switch them out.  I'm going to be out of town until Friday.  I think starting back at stock is a good way to figure out which was is best. 

Thanks.