Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => General Monster Forum => Topic started by: Shieldze1025 on June 12, 2011, 03:10:07 PM



Title: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: Shieldze1025 on June 12, 2011, 03:10:07 PM
Hey what's up guys,  I'll be buying my first bike in a few weeks here and I had my heard set on a 696.  I've looked at them, haven't driven one yet but I love the feel and the size of the bike.  At hadn't even considered a 796, but when I was at the dealer it caught my eye.

I didn't even realize the DSS on the 696, and I love the traditional SSS that the 796 has.  Obviously the engine is a little bigger, and it has the red frame and better seat.  My question is, what other differences are there?  I love the white on the red frame and the SSS, so would a 796 still be a good starter bike? 

I've been through the whole buy new/buy used argument for my first bike so please don't bring that up.  Thanks in advance


Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: ChrisH on June 12, 2011, 04:22:37 PM
I love my 696, it's tons of fun.....that said, if I were buying a bike today, now that the 706 is out - I'd buy the 796. Considering it's only a grand more and you get more power, SSS, better wheels, more height for better lean angle, etc it's an easy buy IMHO.


Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: Shieldze1025 on June 12, 2011, 07:25:33 PM
I love my 696, it's tons of fun.....that said, if I were buying a bike today, now that the 706 is out - I'd buy the 796. Considering it's only a grand more and you get more power, SSS, better wheels, more height for better lean angle, etc it's an easy buy IMHO.

Thanks for the response.  That's exactly what I was thinking.  The wheels/SSS are huge sellers for me, and I'm a little bigger so the higher ride height would be nice too.


Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: Veloce-Fino on June 12, 2011, 09:34:18 PM
After spending some serious $$ on the 696, I wish I had waited the 6 months for the 796.



Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: Raux on June 12, 2011, 09:38:16 PM
to me, the difference is styling.

the power difference is negligible.

Either can be adjusted for height of rider pretty easily.



Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: Veloce-Fino on June 12, 2011, 09:41:43 PM
to me, the difference is styling.

the power difference is negligible.

Either can be adjusted for height of rider pretty easily.



SSS, you know you're envious.

The glory that is boomtubes on a SSS can tempt any man.

Plus, rear tire size.

all aesthetic though.


Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: DaveTheMailman on June 13, 2011, 04:28:14 AM
I think the 2011 796 comes with abs standard too. Mine did. Nice safety feature.


Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: Slide Panda on June 13, 2011, 05:08:33 AM
As a very first bike - I say neither. I say you go snag a 620, 695 or an SV650.

Any of the 3 can be had for a song these days. Being your first bike, the odds are it will suffer some damage at you hands - probably just a drop. But dropping your brand new bike would *suck*. Replacement parts for the 6xx monsters and even more so the SV are less expensive.

The 3 bikes I list have less power than the new monsters, but plenty enough for a new rider. Yeah they are far from the fastest bikes ever, but they are faster than most folks.

If you're worried about costs - you can generally expect to sell any of those bikes for near or the same price you purchased them for these days. I've known a couple folks who have managed to sell SVs after a year of riding for more than they purchased it for originally.


Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: redxblack on June 13, 2011, 05:36:07 AM
+1 to what Sad Panda said. If it were me, I'd go with something that wouldn't break my heart if I dropped it, at least until I got really comfortable. But if you are going to purchase a new Ducati, the 796 seems like the better purchase for a lot of reasons.


Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: thought on June 13, 2011, 05:47:01 AM
I basically did exactly what sad panda suggested... Got a 05 sv for my first bike for about 2900, rode it around for a year, traded it in for the 796 for 2600.  Basically paid 300 for a one year rental of a bike.

Would def suggest this route as the best way to go for a first bike


Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: curtisc83 on June 13, 2011, 06:13:41 AM

I had a similar dilemma a couple weeks ago. Long story short the ex-wife sold my 2006 Monster 620 and I wanted a new bike when I came back from leave in Aug from Afghan. So the two choices for me are the 696 or the 796. In the end I picked the 796 because its height and single side arm. Another thing is I wanted a bike I can cruise down the interstate or highway and not feel like the bike is starting to get into its upper limit. Since I'm from Texas there seems to be lots of highway between towns. I'm not really concerned with dropping it and if I do oh well I will just get it fixed or whatever. I just don't want to look at my bike and tell myself I wish I got this or that....now I'm not staying because I want a Streetfigher I should go get one using the same logic. But the 796 seems to me to be a good compromise between form and function without going over the top.

This reminds me of when I put in the order for my Monster 796 the sales guy was trying to get me to buy a Monster 1100. I think the 796 will suit me for many years just fine I don't see why I need more power. Chances are I won't even use all the power of the 796 for a long time or even ever. Just seems a tad reckless for a sales guy to try and push a severely over powered bike on a guy that says he is a beginner rider. If I was a sales guy I wouldn't want to kill off my customer base so I can have repeat business.....LOL


Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: DucDodgers on June 13, 2011, 07:52:55 AM
+1 on the 620. Not only because I have one for a few years now but like Sad Panda said you can get them for a great price. For a beginner rider this bike will be much more bike that you'll need. Use the cash you save for gear and track days. Plus when it's time to sell it you won't lose much on the resale value. I look at riding as a lifetime activity to grow into, there will be plenty of time to move up to more powerful bikes. There is no need to rush into it.


Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: bikepilot on June 13, 2011, 08:07:40 AM
I'd second (or fourth of whatever we are up to now) SP  [thumbsup]

Between the two new bikes the 796 would get my vote.  You get a lot for relatively modest extra cost.

The 620 is a really good bike too - a bit longer stroke and flatter power curve than the 695/696 (and the classics are prettier :P)


Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: zooom on June 13, 2011, 08:37:09 AM
  Just seems a tad reckless for a sales guy to try and push a severely over powered bike on a guy that says he is a beginner rider.

YOU THINK?...tell that to the Suzuki dealer sales reps that put new riders on Hayabusa's and GSXR1000's...or any dealer that puts a newb on a liter bike....and yet, it seems to happen everyday.


Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: booger on June 13, 2011, 11:03:41 AM
YOU THINK?...tell that to the Suzuki dealer sales reps that put new riders on Hayabusa's and GSXR1000's...or any dealer that puts a newb on a liter bike....and yet, it seems to happen everyday.

Most noob squid riders that patronize Kawayamahonzuki dealerships want the crotch rockets, not the starter bikes. Starter bikes aren't the panty-pullers that the sportbikes have the reputation for being. Noob idiots don't want to work their way up. Since they're all invincible they want to go big or go home. It's a matter of intelligence or lack thereof.

That's capitalism for you. Social responsibility doesn't get involved here. If the customer didn't go into the dealership wanting these powerful sportbikes, the salespeople wouldn't be selling them. Commissions are better with the bigger bikes. Unfortunately a large percentage of these bikes get wadded up along with the owners. So it goes, but there's an upside. Cheap eBay parts.

I too had an SV650 and was all set to upgrade with GSXR forks, brakes, lightweight wheels, the works when I came upon the Monster I have now. In retrospect it was a fine bike, and a lot cheaper than a Monster, which made it satisfying in it's own right. A bit down on power, but some investment in lightening the bike and some simple inexpensive tweaks can improve the power-to-weight without overpowering it. Today's bikes are way overpowered. I kind if miss the SV. Ducati parts are annoyingly expensive, and I get tired of the corksniffing attitude some owners have (which is misplaced I will add).

In the end you will not change the mind of the wannabe noob rider. You will only be given the opportunity to confirm his or her original desire. If you try to change the mind of the wannabe noob rider you will only be met with contempt and resentment for the wisdom you are trying to relay to him or her. It's best to let them do what they will, and if they don't kill themselves they will be wiser from it. If they die, so what. There's an invincible superhero noob numbnuts born every second in this world. Gotta have some way of culling them out.

 


Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: Slide Panda on June 13, 2011, 11:20:20 AM
And Shieldze1025, I bet you thought you were asking  a simple question.

At least you didn't open the 'which oil should I use' can of worms...


Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: Shieldze1025 on June 13, 2011, 11:48:19 AM
And Shieldze1025, I bet you thought you were asking  a simple question.

At least you didn't open the 'which oil should I use' can of worms...

Well I thought saying "save me the buy new/used conversation" would have prevented that, but after years of forum use I should have known better.

I want to buy used but I live in Hawaii.  Now bikes are popular here, but for some reason there are no good used bikes for sale.  All I see is used Kawa 250s and harleys.  I looked across the spectrum and to get something decent I'm still looking at 6-7k.  IMO if I'm spending that much, I might as well spend 9k and get what I want.  YES I'll probably drop it.  YES I'll be upset.  YES I can afford to fix it.

I've ridden plenty of times, I'm comfortable on two wheels but I have never had my own bike.  Always used friends/family's bikes.

-----

Apart from that, thanks for all of the responses.  I'm taking my time right now and hopefully a respectable used bike shows up, but for now I was just asking the 696/796 question.  Seems like I got the answers I was looking for, which I thank you all for that. 

To bergdoerfer, thanks for staying on topic  [bang]


Most noob squid riders that patronize Kawayamahonzuki dealerships want the crotch rockets, not the starter bikes. Starter bikes aren't the panty-pullers that the sportbikes have the reputation for being. Noob idiots don't want to work their way up. Since they're all invincible they want to go big or go home. It's a matter of intelligence or lack thereof.

That's capitalism for you. Social responsibility doesn't get involved here. If the customer didn't go into the dealership wanting these powerful sportbikes, the salespeople wouldn't be selling them. Commissions are better with the bigger bikes. Unfortunately a large percentage of these bikes get wadded up along with the owners. So it goes, but there's an upside. Cheap eBay parts.

I too had an SV650 and was all set to upgrade with GSXR forks, brakes, lightweight wheels, the works when I came upon the Monster I have now. In retrospect it was a fine bike, and a lot cheaper than a Monster, which made it satisfying in it's own right. A bit down on power, but some investment in lightening the bike and some simple inexpensive tweaks can improve the power-to-weight without overpowering it. Today's bikes are way overpowered. I kind if miss the SV. Ducati parts are annoyingly expensive, and I get tired of the corksniffing attitude some owners have (which is misplaced I will add).

In the end you will not change the mind of the wannabe noob rider. You will only be given the opportunity to confirm his or her original desire. If you try to change the mind of the wannabe noob rider you will only be met with contempt and resentment for the wisdom you are trying to relay to him or her. It's best to let them do what they will, and if they don't kill themselves they will be wiser from it. If they die, so what. There's an invincible superhero noob numbnuts born every second in this world. Gotta have some way of culling them out.

 



Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: Raux on June 13, 2011, 12:22:06 PM
I had a similar dilemma a couple weeks ago. Long story short the ex-wife sold my 2006 Monster 620 and I wanted a new bike when I came back from leave in Aug from Afghan. So the two choices for me are the 696 or the 796. In the end I picked the 796 because its height and single side arm. Another thing is I wanted a bike I can cruise down the interstate or highway and not feel like the bike is starting to get into its upper limit. Since I'm from Texas there seems to be lots of highway between towns. I'm not really concerned with dropping it and if I do oh well I will just get it fixed or whatever. I just don't want to look at my bike and tell myself I wish I got this or that....now I'm not staying because I want a Streetfigher I should go get one using the same logic. But the 796 seems to me to be a good compromise between form and function without going over the top.

This reminds me of when I put in the order for my Monster 796 the sales guy was trying to get me to buy a Monster 1100. I think the 796 will suit me for many years just fine I don't see why I need more power. Chances are I won't even use all the power of the 796 for a long time or even ever. Just seems a tad reckless for a sales guy to try and push a severely over powered bike on a guy that says he is a beginner rider. If I was a sales guy I wouldn't want to kill off my customer base so I can have repeat business.....LOL

nowhere in the states will you be legally able to reach the upper limits of even the 696.
even with 14t sprocket she'll do 120mph


Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: curtisc83 on June 13, 2011, 01:02:51 PM
nowhere in the states will you be legally able to reach the upper limits of even the 696.
even with 14t sprocket she'll do 120mph

I have no doubt about that and the 696 is a great bike from what I have heard and read. I'm 6ft tall and weight 225-230ish pounds and felt cramped on my 620. And I want to do 2 up riding with my GF for day trips to wherever and the 7 extra hp it has will help tote around a extra person easier then if it didn't have it. I had a 15t sprocket on my 620 and going 75mph felt buzzy on the highway. I know it could still smoke most cars on the road but I decided my next bike would be something like a 696 or a 796 with ABS.

I do know that you can change the ergo's of any bike and that would solve the being cramped issue. But since I have two weeks in the states I really don't want to fool around with any of that. I want a bike that fits me right out of the box with little to no changes and have max time to ride. And the 796 from what I have read and researched would be just fine for me.

I also have zero intentions of going triple digits I just want to putt around and have a nice and relaxing time with or without my GF.

I'm no expert and don't have all the answers but the 796 just feels like the right bike for me. And its only 1k more then the 696 so just seemed like a good choice.


Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: ChrisH on June 13, 2011, 03:53:11 PM
I rode modified scooters for a few years, but the 696 is my first motorcycle. If you ar remotely responsible it or the 796 could be a great first bike that you won't grow out of IMHO.


Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: danaid on June 13, 2011, 10:43:17 PM
 Both have lame suspension,  :(  get a used 1100/s and tear up those awesome Hawaiian twisties.


Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: slvrflme147 on June 14, 2011, 05:27:51 AM
Went through the same question when I was buying my first Monster last winter.  In the end a white 796 abs won over the 696 for the added value I saw for a little more cost.  This is my first bike but I've been riding for a bit over a year on other bikes and I don't regret the purchase at all.  As other have said if you know your limits the bike has plenty of power and easy handling. 


Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: Veloce-Fino on June 14, 2011, 09:04:26 AM
Both have lame suspension,  :(  get a used 1100/s and tear up those awesome Hawaiian twisties.

If you want to kill yourself, do this ^^


If it really is your first bike and you have no experience riding, you WILL in all probability CRASH.

So do it on a less expensive bike.


Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: Boreas on June 14, 2011, 09:43:13 AM
For what its worth... I just bought a new 696.

I was looking at the 796 too. In my opinion though, the height, power and SSS didn't outweigh the extra cost (both initial and insurance) and the ABS. Mostly the ABS though  [thumbsdown]


Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: thought on June 14, 2011, 12:02:00 PM
For what its worth... I just bought a new 696.

I was looking at the 796 too. In my opinion though, the height, power and SSS didn't outweigh the extra cost (both initial and insurance) and the ABS. Mostly the ABS though  [thumbsdown]

dunno why abs is such a big issue with some people, esp when it can be easily turned off.


Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: danaid on June 14, 2011, 03:12:34 PM
If you want to kill yourself, do this ^^


If it really is your first bike and you have no experience riding, you WILL in all probability CRASH.

So do it on a less expensive bike.

 WTF???  Please explain further.

 People have crashed more expensive bikes, not very relevant.

 There are many new, left over 1100/S in California that will give you more value for the money then a new 696 or 796 for about the same price.




Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: swampduc on June 14, 2011, 04:58:40 PM
WTF???  Please explain further.

 People have crashed more expensive bikes, not very relevant.

 There are many new, left over 1100/S in California that will give you more value for the money then a new 696 or 796 for about the same price.



I think veloce-fino's referring to the fact that the OP is a relatively new rider. The 1100 has a lot of muscle for an inexperienced rider to handle.

OP, if you're set on new, I'd say the SSS and wheels are a lot of value for the extra cash. Both make more than enough power for a new rider, so I don't think the small power difference should be a decider, either for or against.


Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: Shieldze1025 on June 14, 2011, 05:44:50 PM
Thanks guys.  I def am not getting an 1100.  I've ridden before but this will be my first bike that I've purchased.

I think I've decided on the 796.  The SSS, ABS and wheels are a big selling point for only 1,000 more.  The power difference isn't too much, and the seat and color combo (red frame) are an even better bonus.


Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: Veloce-Fino on June 14, 2011, 07:31:29 PM
Thanks guys.  I def am not getting an 1100.  I've ridden before but this will be my first bike that I've purchased.

I think I've decided on the 796.  The SSS, ABS and wheels are a big selling point for only 1,000 more.  The power difference isn't too much, and the seat and color combo (red frame) are an even better bonus.

Agreed.

Get insurance quotes BEFORE you buy the bike and make sure you can afford it.

Jumping over the 700cc barrier can have a drastic increase in rates, especially under age 25.


Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: thought on June 14, 2011, 07:37:52 PM
Agreed.

Get insurance quotes BEFORE you buy the bike and make sure you can afford it.

Jumping over the 700cc barrier can have a drastic increase in rates, especially under age 25.

yeah, good point... it's one of the reasons i was heavily leaning towards a street triple... insurance rates were lower... but in the end, i always wanted a monster so i had to get one.  haha


Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: Shieldze1025 on June 15, 2011, 12:09:00 AM
Agreed.

Get insurance quotes BEFORE you buy the bike and make sure you can afford it.

Jumping over the 700cc barrier can have a drastic increase in rates, especially under age 25.

Yea I already thought about that.  Calling my insurance agent tomorrow. Thanks though  [thumbsup]


Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: bikepilot on June 15, 2011, 04:01:35 AM
For what its worth I don't think State Farm has any weird barriers.  So far all my rates from them have been reasonable - ranging from little dual sports to antiques to liter bikes.


Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: Boreas on June 15, 2011, 05:20:05 AM
dunno why abs is such a big issue with some people, esp when it can be easily turned off.
Even if you turn it off, it would still be there like some parasitic twin attached to the back of your neck. Weighting you down (4 lb extra) and killing your endurance (0.2 gal less capacity)  ;D . Its the principle dude, why have something there if you're not going to use it.


Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: Veloce-Fino on June 15, 2011, 02:14:00 PM
I checked every single company known to man, including riders.

Foremost was lowest by $500 a year. Somehow a 23 year old on a motorcycle came out to $38 a month with full coverage... progressive was $110/mo!!


Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: ChrisH on June 15, 2011, 03:33:14 PM
Just wait until you get older  :) I pay $130 a year for 2 bikes  [beer]


Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: Veloce-Fino on June 15, 2011, 06:31:21 PM
Just wait until you get older  :) I pay $130 a year for 2 bikes  [beer]

Trust me, I can wait to get older. I'll gladly pay the premium for my age, and beauty.  ;D


Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: Shieldze1025 on June 16, 2011, 12:10:47 AM
696- ~$700/yr
796- ~$900/yr

That's for full coverage


Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: sgollapalle on June 16, 2011, 06:58:54 AM
I just got myself a 696 ABS.. I just started riding this year. I've ridden smaller 100-200cc cycles for 6 years in Asia.. I was very inclined to the 796 because of the added benefits for the small price, but when I test rode it, I thought it was too powerful to start with.. And I'm 5'6" so the inch taller 796 became a no.. no..

Good luck riding!!


Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: Shieldze1025 on June 16, 2011, 11:29:42 AM
Yea, I'm 6'0" and 210, so the 796 is a better fit for my size.  We'll see when I ride them both though.  Thanks!


Title: Re: Buying my first bike - 696 vs 796?
Post by: iRam on June 17, 2011, 12:50:33 PM
I rode motorcycles when I was in high school, Low displacement bikes. The 796 was my first REAL motorcycle. I've had it for a year, riding it to work as often as I can. Haven't dropped it so far. The main thing is if your set on going with a new bike, 696 or 796. Do the responsible thing. Take an MSF class, have lots of practice(specially defensive driving) and ride smart all the time. Whatever you go with it's going to be fun!  [Dolph]


SimplePortal 2.1.1