Ducati Monster Forum

Hi Ducati Monster Enthusiasts,

I am new to this forum and a new rider.  The 2009 model is $5,000 and the 2013 model with ABS is $5,500.  If both are equal in visual condition - which one should I buy?  I have reached out to the 2009 seller about the bike having ABS.  In my research, I believe 2010 was the first year the 696 could come with ABS.  If you know, please confirm. 

I look forward to learning a lot about how to maintain and ride my Ducati 696.

If you have recommendations for specific items about the 696 models.  Please let me know.

Best regards,

GeorgiaTechDucati

Mileages are very low. That can be both good and bad - they must have been sitting without use for a long time during their years - not good for you if you have to pay for the results of dry bearings, busted seals, new tires, new belts a.s.o.  On the other hand they will be worth more when/if you resell.

ABS bikes are probably easier to sell. The '13 bike has that and it will be four years younger when/if you resell.

Without seeing the bikes and assuming both had all the routine service on schedule and are not due for timing belts (every two years regardless of mileage) and service and aren't wearing tires that have aged out I would go with the 2013.  I couldn't agree more with stopintime about the pitfalls of extremely low mileage and ABS is a big plus.

Thank you for your feedback.  I do not think 3,000 miles is that big of a deal.  4 years newer and ABS has more advangtages. 

I researched the maintenance on the timing belts, it states inspection every 24 months.  Do they have to be replaced by default even if they look good?

I plan to do my own oil changes.  Is replacing the timing belts difficult?

Thanks!

Replaced, yes. 'Looking good' isn't enough. Surely, you might get lucky, but I think it's better to not find out.

California Cycleworks have good tutorial videos about belt change (IIRC the 696 is a little different regarding the allignement dots...) Check our Tutorial section and search for 696 belt change too.

 

I bought my '13 796 last year with 4000mi on it...

I immediately replaced the tires (because I don't trust anyone else's tires, particularly 3-year old tires.)

I replaced the belts this spring, at 7000mi... not because they looked bad, but because they were 4 years old.

Be aware, too, that the 696/796 had plastic gas tanks that were subject to swelling when parked over time with ethanol-blended fuel.  The tank on my bike had swelled because the previous owner (whom I knew) had left it set in the garage unused for a year.  If you are in an ethanol-blended fuel area (look on the gas pump... it will have a decal stating so) it's likely you have a swelled tank.  I put only non-ethanol fuel in my bike now, unless it's unavoidable, like on a ride or something.

I would take the '13 over the '09 for the obvious reasons.  You said the conditions of each were comparable... I'm assuming they were both stored inside or at least under cover.  I would not buy a Ducati that was stored outside in the elements.

Yeah the ABS model has been sitting around 4 years less I guess.
Good luck.

Another vote for the '13. 4 years newer and ABS is well worth the $500 IMO.

the newer with the ABS,
i had a 2009 696, now have the 2012 796, Great bikes for sure.
The abs on the 2013 is worth more and upkeep is the same.
what colours?

Pictures please?

I would pick the 2009.  ABS is just something else to go wrong in my opinion.  If you're not smart enough to not squeeze the brake until the wheel skids then you should not be riding a bike.  Keep it simple. 

 ???

What? ABS isn't there because people squeeze too hard and go down. It's an advancement that allows you to BRAKE HARDER without locking the wheel.

NAKID, also OP (if still following the thread), don't bother about that post.

He only posted two ever since he joined (which is  about  a year and a half ago.)
 Both are not really helpful.

(His another post)
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=75000.msg1378797#msg1378797

Actually...that's bullshit...just like the plane. :-* That's exactly why ABS exists. The 'motorcycle' is only capable of a certain braking force. The 'conditions' only allow a certain braking force.

ABS does it for the rider that doesn't know how. It's not a bad thing, but don't sugar coat the truth.

I have more than two. [thumbsup]

I happen to agree.

I know you've been on two wheels since the caveman days, but I don't know of a human being that can modulate break pressure to keep a wheel from locking up 15 times per second...

 :-* right back at ya

I'm still alive...still riding...and no smarter than the day I was born. How hard can it be? ;D

Two good reasons for ABS on a bike, IMO: 

    Prevent lock up in unpredictable low traction surface
    Occasional brain fart

This is why I don't post much.  Someone asks, others give an opinion and everyone jumps all over them for having the wrong opinion. 

BTW: kind of creepy your researching my post history. 

Lets try this for helpful.  I have a 2008 696 that I have put 50 000km on since I bought it new.  I love that little bike.  It has good power but is easy to manage, it has good handling characteristics and has never suprized me.  Lastly the brakes are easy to manage and modulate.  The simplicity and lack of complex electronics systems like ABS, traction control, modes, and whatever else are what keep that bike in my garage.  I would buy that same bike again if I was do it over again.  I do get that electronics are the new normal and are far superior to human reaction time but there is something to be said about squeezing the brakes and then twisting the throttle on a tight corner all on your own and getting it just right that is so satisfying.  I didn't buy a bike cause it was safe or practical.  I bought it for fun and to challenge myself, as most buyers do.  Call me old fashion or even archaic if you must but the non ABS 2009 696 is a great little bike and I would highly recommend it.  You could spend the money you save on a good once over at a shop and even do a few mods to make it your own. 

I hope that helps.

Agree  [thumbsup]

I would add, but not count as 'good', that in the EU they are required on new bikes and that it seems new riders are scared to buy a bike without.

Having had cars with and without ABS, I can categorically say I’m glad modern vehicles are equipped with ABS.

I consider myself a good driver, but have been spared by ABS a few times, usually in wet and greasy conditions when I’ve had a brain fart, or when the driver in front of me has!

My Monster doesn’t have ABS, but my next bike (way down the track) most likely will do so.

Progress.

Some are more keen to embrace it, some don’t care, some want it old style thanks very much.

Each to their own.

If I were buying now, if I had the coin, I’d go for an ABS TC equipped Monster.

I'm sort of indifferent about it... I have it because it came on it.  I did have it kick on once when I did a full-on stop (to avoid a car turning left in front of me) and the rear ABS kicked in... which was nice but not necessary.  I think that's where ABS really shines, not when you are having a spirited ride through the twisties, where your brain is engaged and there is less outside interference to draw your attention... it's an OH POOP! moment in city traffic (where your attention is split 10 different ways) and you have to grab a handful of lever, or where there is some road hazard (oil in rain, etc) that reveals itself suddenly.

Bottom line is... ABS/TC, etc is an aid, not a 'do it for you.'