I've heard from several people that the gear ratio on the 696 is "Too Tall". Not really sure what this is supposed to mean. I commute about 20 interstate miles each way every day and It seems to be comfortable at about 3.5 to 4 k running about 75ish on the interstate... Do people really hate good gas mileage that much? [bang]
I had an M1100S and could not see the problem with gearing even in town. My first one was stock, then my second one had the 14 tooth front, and I could not see a benefit to the 14.
A lot of people tell me to change the front sprocket, but I like my 696 the way it is now. I admit I'm curious though.
I found my M696 gearing too tall. I also found my M1100 gearing too tall (currently running 15/43, down from stock 15/39).
Do I hate fuel economy? It's just not an issue worthy of any significant consideration IMO.
If you find your M696 gearing not too tall, then it isn't [thumbsup]
It feels a tad on the tall side for me (225-230#'s).
It feels just right for Jenn (me - 100#'s). [laugh]
So it really depends on the person and usage.
I found on the 620 it is tall. Much taller than the 600cc bikes I am used too. I would not change it to a 14t because I don't spend much time in first gear.
Someone who puts around from light to light, or in traffic etc would do better with a 14t.
If you spend any time on the open road you will regret it.
Quote from: JamesBill on October 27, 2013, 10:45:34 PM
I found on the 620 it is tall. Much taller than the 600cc bikes I am used too. I would not change it to a 14t because I don't spend much time in first gear.
Someone who puts around from light to light, or in traffic etc would do better with a 14t.
If you spend any time on the open road you will regret it.
Not sure how the final drive and overall gearing compare between a 620 and a 696..., but you might be comparing apples to kumquats. ;)
In the case of my 796, stock final drive is 15/39 which is absurdly tall for any use other than EC drive-by noise testing. 6th in stock form was made useless below 75 - 80 MPH. No way would it pull red line in 6th. With a 14T it just "might". ;D YMMV
Quote from: JamesBill on October 27, 2013, 10:45:34 PM
Someone who puts around from light to light, or in traffic etc would do better with a 14t.
If you spend any time on the open road you will regret it.
I completely disagree about the open road regret. I only ride open road and back road twisties. The lower gearing suits me and that kinda riding much better than stock.
Quote from: Curmudgeon on October 27, 2013, 11:27:33 PM
Not sure how the final drive and overall gearing compare between a 620 and a 696..., but you might be comparing apples to kumquats. ;)
In the case of my 796, stock final drive is 15/39 which is absurdly tall for any use other than EC drive-by noise testing. 6th in stock form was made useless below 75 - 80 MPH. No way would it pull red line in 6th. With a 14T it just "might". ;D YMMV
^^ This.
Although all that said.... there's not any correct gearing, there's only suitable gearing. What suits me may not suit the next bloke.
Quote from: ungeheuer on October 28, 2013, 03:20:18 AM
there's not any correct gearing, there's only suitable gearing. What suits me may not suit the next bloke.
Amen, brother.
Quote from: ungeheuer on October 28, 2013, 03:20:18 AM
there's not any correct gearing, there's only suitable gearing. What suits me may not suit the next bloke.
Bingo!
All Ducatis should come with a 14T sprocket wired to the price tag.
Quote from: Curmudgeon on October 27, 2013, 11:27:33 PM
Not sure how the final drive and overall gearing compare between a 620 and a 696..., but you might be comparing apples to kumquats. ;)
In the case of my 796, <snippity>
696 - 68 rwhp / 30 ft. lbs. torque - 408 lbs wet
796 - 76 rwhp / 51 ft. lbs. torque - 419 lbs wet
So even forgetting huge possible differences in riders, like the 100# sway that occurs on ours whether I'm riding it or Jenn, might comparing a 796 to a 696 be Apples and Pomegranates? ;) [wine]
Though I guess looking at those torque numbers PERSONALLY I'd probably find the 796 gearing more acceptable than the 696 which, though a tad tall, works well enough for the occasions I ride it.
Quote from: Kev M on November 04, 2013, 06:06:25 AM
696 - 68 rwhp / 30 ft. lbs. torque - 408 lbs wet
796 - 76 rwhp / 51 ft. lbs. torque - 419 lbs wet
So even forgetting huge possible differences in riders, like the 100# sway that occurs on ours whether I'm riding it or Jenn, might comparing a 796 to a 696 be Apples and Pomegranates? ;) [wine]
Though I guess looking at those torque numbers PERSONALLY I'd probably find the 796 gearing more acceptable than the 696 which, though a tad tall, works well enough for the occasions I ride it.
Kev,
It doesn't work like that. The 696 has a 15/45 final drive whereas a 796 has the SSS final drive of the EVO @ 15/39 !!!
If anything, a 796 needs a 14T even more! I believe the transmission ratios of both are identical. No surprises there.
I agree with LA. ;D
Quote from: Curmudgeon on November 04, 2013, 06:44:49 PM
Kev,
It doesn't work like that. The 696 has a 15/45 final drive whereas a 796 has the SSS final drive of the EVO @ 15/39 !!!
SO it's even MORE apples and pomegranates then. [laugh]
Like I said, the 696 gearing is fine for us, and I'm sure many other owners too... see comments about ambient conditions, rider sizes, etc. [thumbsup]