Ducati Monster Forum

Hey all
I am in the market for a new bike. I am tired of wrenching on my '72 Honda that I have now. I have been riding for about 5 years. My previous rides were a Yamaha Radian 600 and a Yamaha R6.

I am looking at a new Monster 696...(due to price). I am short so I need something with a low saddle... preferably under 31".

Is it worth the extra dough to get a new bike.... or would a used larger displacement bike be a better bet?

I am in my mid 40s ... I don't need something really fire-breathing. I am sure the 696 has more than enough power to keep me entertained.

Personally I would go with a used larger displacement bike. A tad or two more power never hurts  ;D

696 is a great bike. easy to ride and low height, decent power (unless you're 6'6" and 250)

a decent used one that has ALL its service isn't a bad deal either.

I bought a new 696 last month, I have a 30" inseam.  The stock seat height is perfect for me. 

don't waste your dough on a new bike when you can find an equal or better machine used....for less money

Mine is 27.5". I am sure with the low seat I would be fine. My R6 was 32.3 seat height. I could manage it but it got a little dicey sometimes in the parking lot. I never did drop it but it came close a few times... most notably when I got pulled over by a cop. It was very embarrassing.

I am just concerned about buying a Ducati used. I have heard that service is expensive and that having one without warranty might be expensive if something goes wrong with it.  You never can tell if the bike was abused/neglected mechanically from looking at it.

 [thumbsup]

Any recommendations then? I know zippo about Monsters aside from they look cool and I want one.  [laugh]

The 696 will work.

Take a look at the women's section (sorry not sure if you are male or female) because there are a few tips/tricks for setting up Monsters for inseams of that length.

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=1853.0 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=1853.0)

Somegirl put that thread together.

From what you describe, the 696 should work for you. Or at least, it sounds like your needs for a bike are similar to mine, and you couldn't pay me enough to part with the 696. I am in my mid 40's, (with a family) so going 170 just doesn't appeal to me like it used to. The 696 doesn't have the top end like an R6 but the low end torque will keep you in smiles all day long. Going from zero to suburban speeds is a complete blast.

The handling is every bit as good as any other sport bike, so the twisties will not be a problem. But for me, the 696 is as much a daily driver as it is a weekend bike. So ergonomics and in-traffic maneuvering are very important.

I am also shorter than "average" height... with a 28 inch inseam. With the Ducati sport seat (which is about an inch lower than the stock seat) and riding shoes, I can just about touch both heels without stretching. While shopping around for a bike, salespeople kept telling me that a lower seat is only for beginners... I've been riding since age 8' and have no desire to wiggle and squirm my butt around at every intersection, trying to get good footing, while looking like a complete jackass because I put my foot in a pothole. I will believe the seat height propaganda when I see taller people raising their bikes to get on their "tippy-toes".

When it comes to styling, I prefer the 696 to its bigger brothers.... again my preference only YMMV... but I like the symmetry of the 2 sided swing arm and the twin exhaust pipes. That being said, if Ducati offered a symmetric 796 or 1100 with a lower seat, I may have considered getting one of those.

and JUST in case you want a larger motor

both the 796 and 1100 can be changed to the 696 height for a whopping $20

The 696 is a great bike.  Good power (awesome torque) and good gas mileage (if you care about that).  On Ducatis, the maintenance is a little more frequent and little more expensive than the japanese bikes, but as long as it's taken care of, it should be very reliable for you.

Typically on the Ducatis, the larger displacement bikes come with better suspension (i.e. higher quality and more adjustability).   Often, people who would have otherwise been happy with the smaller engine will buy the larger engine bikes for the higher quality suspension (and sometime dry clutch).


I'm also all about buying a used bike for the cheaper cost.  As long as maintenance has been completed you shouldn't need to worry.  Monsters LOVE to be ridden.

.....and yes, I know I use a lot of commas and parenthesis.   [cheeky]

Cool thanks guys! I will for now scan craigslist and if all else fails the 696 seems to be exactly what I am looking for.

I am just looking for something with lots of torque for around town and a decent highway pace. ( not ludicrous speed)

I am 5'4 (optimistically)  [roll]  How does the shaved seat compare to the low seat option? I am not terribly worried about the seat height. I am sure I could manage it anyhow even stock. It just would be nice to be a little flat-footed. Even balls of the feet would be a fine fit.

Another question. What does maintenance cost on a Monster? How about fixing it if stuff goes wrong? Are parts expensive? I am fairly decent at mechanics now after dealing with the trials of having a vintage bike.  ;D

A warranty sure would be nice. How reliable are Monsters?

I don't mean to hijack this thread, but what mod are you referring to in order to do this Raux?

Thanks.

796/1100 shock mount
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5182/5626603426_4142048bfb_b.jpg)

side by side parts image

(http://ducatiseattle.smugmug.com/photos/671456484_GCDTX-L.jpg)

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=30414.msg527082#msg527082 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=30414.msg527082#msg527082)

Sorry $26.89
829.1.970.1A is the 696 part numbers
I think Link reported a 33mm change in ride height. That's pretty significant.

Does this modification work on an s2r or s4r ?

No the S*R have a ride-height adjuster. It's the bar that goes from the swingarm to the shock pivoted mount.

I finally went to see the bikes in the flesh today. I have to say that I really like the 696 best. It feels the most comfortable for me.

The OTD price... wow.    :o   I am on the lookout for a used 2011 or 2012 696   

The 2 valve air-cooled motors are very reliable.  They do run hotter than a liquid cooled i4 though so you will feel that heat when not moving.  Also, Ducati motorcycles don't sound like other bikes.  That might be a little unnerving until you get used to the sounds they make... especially if it has an open clutch cover.

If the bike is clean, low mileage, has maintenance records, and isn't leaking fluids that would be enough for me to pull the trigger personally but you can always have a mechanic look it over if you are unsure.

I have been extremely happy with my M1100 EVO.  Lots of grunt and great looks.  Very fun to ride in the twisties.

The one I was looking at was a demo that had Termie pipes on it. The OTD price was crazy though. They list for $9995 here in Canada... OTD was $12K!
 I am thinking a used 2010 or 2011 would be a wiser move.
I when bought my 2005 Yamaha R6 new ..OTD was $13k. I sold it 2 years later for $7700. Buying new doesn't make any sense.

remember it's a hobby so you will ALWAYS lose money.  If you're in it to keep your cash find another hobby.  [cheeky]

I pretty much said the same thing a few minutes ago in his other thread on that other forum.   [thumbsup]

My last hobby was photography. Motorcycles are much cheaper... believe it or not.

you live once.  If there's any cash left over after your passing bury it with you and invite me so I can relieve you of that and write you a check.  :o

Where in Canada are you? I've seen some decent deals in Alberta. I bought a 2011 796 ABS with 3000k on it for $10 500 in the spring. Flawless condition but I may sell for a Multistrada next spring.

Little late in the thread, but I am a returning rider after a 10+ year break and have been enjoying my S2R1k for a couple of weeks now. I too am a short ass at 5'4" and have no issues, I can't flat foot both sides, but compared with my CBR from years ago it's heaven. If you pick one up you might want to ride it a bit before you start to spend money on mods for height. I should have listened to my brother as I spent 70$ on an extra seat with plans on lowering it due to my paranoia about seat height.