Ducati Monster Forum

Hi All,

New member here!

I'm looking to sell my MV Agusta f4 750 and get a monster for everyday riding.
I'm looking at the 695 and the 796!
I really like the look of the 695 and I'm told that it is not too difficult to work on.
The 796 meanwhile is the newer bike and seems like it has a better riding position, suspension and steering (or so I'm told) and it isn't bad to look at either  Smiley

My question: if you were me and you wanted a bike that was good looking, fun to ride, usable for commuting and fun to work on - would you go for the 695 or the 796??

Thanks

Don't sell the MV  [leo] (that's the most important thing here)

The two Monsters are so close to each other, power/brakes/suspension, that it ends up being a "want" decision. I've never heard or seen, online or elsewhere, a potential buyer choose a bike from great or greater brakes if his heart talks to him clearly about "want".

You'll have fun with any  [thumbsup]

You might wanna consider one of these.
https://www.cycleworld.com/2018-ktm-790-duke-is-finally-here-to-destroy-any-and-all-pavement-in-your-path

Have you taken a test ride on each model? Probably worth doing.

Thanks for the feedback guys.
I must say the 790 duke looks nice but at 8.5k it is a little out of my price range!!

The thing with the MV is - it is so beautiful but I couldn't use it as a commute, it isn't the most comfortable and I wouldn't want it to see rain. It rains a lot here!
I've test driven a 797 which was nice, very smooth, there is only one 695 I've found for sale:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ducati-M695-MONSTER-2008-Finance-this-bike-starting-from-78-pcm/253416732597?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
She is a beauty although I'm not a fan of the exhausts and am struggling to find aftermarket slip ons here in the UK which won't involve playing with the ECU..

You probably won't have to worry about slip-ons only and ecu issues. That comes in to play with slipons in conjunction with intake mods.

Thanks Ducpainter, good to know  [thumbsup]
I'll have a look at some of the site sponsors/affiliates on here. I'm after some nice looking slip ons that will insert under the seat which won't involve modification or a lot of work if possible.

I have owned both the M695 & M696 which is very comparable to the 796.  I found two things:

#1- If you are taller or have a long inseam get the 796 hands down.  The bike sits higher and feels more comfortable than the smaller M695 and I almost bought a 796 for that very reason prior to buying my current M821.

#2- Way, way, way more parts, support, and spares for the 696/796 models.  The Monster 695 was only built for 2 or 3 years and spares are harder to come by.  It does have a lot of crossover from the Monster 600-900 lines, but even those parts are starting to get 10-15 years old.

I rode my M696 in the rain a lot (Portland, OR) and it did great.  Much better than my M695 which didn't like getting wet.  Both bikes are great, but I would go with the 796 in a heartbeat... I mean SINGLE SIDED SWINGARM!!! Choice is made for you.

The high mount cans are an option on the M695, but look for takeoffs from older M900's because many of them ran high mount ones that can be used on the M695 platform.

Underseat cans will likely be custom, and definitely won't conform to any Euro regs.

Thanks Pazzo and Ducpainter - that's really helpful!  [thumbsup]

I need to be able to ride the bike in the rain - I simply cannot do this with the MV!
Parts and spares is a cracking point - I've struggled with this on the MV and would prefer to be able to source easily rather than having to buy from Italy!
I also like to work on the bike myself time permitting.

Ok so 796 - I like the black tank and red frame combination, very beautiful.
Off to look for a buyers guide!

Thanks again guys.

695 all day long

M800 or S2R800 will have the same character but with more grunt from the bigger motor.

Have to agree with Speeddog...plus the 695 looks better.

I agree guys the 695 is a lot better looking and a future classic I hope - but it is very difficult to find a 695 here in the UK let alone the parts for it.
The rain factor killed it for me.. :(

Rain factor? My S2R800, with the same harness as the 695, has done 154,000 km ~without rain issues. Rain, even a little snow hasn't bothered it. One negative and one positive comment shouldn't be enough to push you in any direction.

They're all great bikes  [Dolph] Since the 695 is a 2007 year only, it isn't listed (never was) on that many aftermarket parts shops, but most aftermarket parts are available if you know which model has a cross fit (Hint: forums). Ducati parts are delivered world wide within 24/48 hours.

The one you buy can break down after a week and cost too much to repair OR it can last 'forever'. If/when you need to spend money on repairs - it's less painful if you love the bike.

Thanks stopintime fair points you make and nice to hear rain didn't affect your bike!
As I said, I can only find one 695 right now for sale in the UK whereas there are quite a few 796s available.
I like the 695's looks best hands down - but I like the 796's looks too.
If I could, I would go have a gander at both and see which one grabbed me but I don't know if I will have the option to do so..

As long as you're happy  [thumbsup]

... and remember - there are about 7,000 threads about accessories & mods here. Anything you need to improve, change, upgrade and/or make pretty is covered by members over the years.

The vast majority of parts for the 695 are same as or interchangeable with '02 to '08 Monsters, and some parts are interchangeable back to the start in '94.

Thanks for the tips guys!
Legends..  [bow_down]

Ok so I finally did the deed - sold the MV  :'(

It went to a collector who is going to drain it and put in his office as a showpiece.
Each to their own I guess..

Now the hunt for the 796 begins in earnest..

 [thumbsup]

But I'm biased.  ;D  Same geometry as the 1100 EVO BTW. ABS isn't bad either. Not really intrusive.

Sounds like the OP is going with the 796...

But FWIW, I own a 695 and love it.  I live in the US and have been able to find new and used parts easily on ebay locally and from around the world.  Plus a lot of monsters parts from 2008 and earlier fit so the part doesn't always need to come from a 695

I have had zero issues on the 695 riding in the wet and never hesitate to ride when it is raining.

The bike has 124,444 miles on her.  Mostly from weekend trips and commuting. Less miles canyons rides and track days.

I have never ridden the 796. I briefly thought of trading for one but like the full length trellis frame.  If my current 695 caputs I would buy another 695 in a heartbeat.  Only other bike I would consider is a 2008 monster tricolore.  

Thanks for the input guys!
I'm really struggling to find a 695 near me to have a look at.
I must say I am leaning towards a 796 for the added power - I test drove a 797 and I could live with it I guess although I did like the ducati scrambler icon I rode the same day more! Out of my budget though.
Scrambler was fun and nippy in the city but the monster felt smooth and more sporty.

I found this on fleabay which is the colour I'm after plus has the arrow cans on:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2011-DUCATI-M796-MONSTER-12596-MILES-FULL-SERVICE-HISTORY-RECENT-TIMING-BELTS/263591013210?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D50981%26meid%3Ddccee9dc24d64d1f88f8b9e0e4fd4097%26pid%3D100675%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D15%26sd%3D263591013210%26itm%3D263591013210&_trksid=p2481888.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%3Aed90d8a2-3e62-11e8-aab9-74dbd180e617%7Cparentrq%3Aba63ca101620ab1c986af641fffafa13%7Ciid%3A1

What do you guys think? Anything jump out at you?

For me, the bike looks like it has contis on the back and a battleax tyre on the front and it has more miles on it than I would like ideally but that's not a deal breaker. I left a message on their line as I want to find out exactly how recently the belts were changed.
Anything else I should be asking?

Thanks

Full service history, pipes and recent timing belts are good points. How recent is a fair question.  Check that service book. Pay attention to the paint around the steering head for signs of past crash damage and look for signs of good care and attention by a fastidious owner or not.  Look out for items that just technically pass inspection like chain, sprockets, pads, discs, etc that will come up for replacement soon as bargaining points. Try and get a matching tyre thrown into the deal.

Looks good in the pics.

No experience with the other model, but my 695 (bought new in 2007) has provided loads of fun and many upgrade adventures!

BK

(http://i64.tinypic.com/6sca5u.jpg)

Mint! [thumbsup]

Wow BK - that is a very beautiful bike..
 [thumbsup]

OK guys so I found this bike, don't shoot me as I know it isn't a 695 or a 796:

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bikes-for-sale/ducati/monster-620/7707032/

The mileage is very low so have asked for an Mot pic as well as when the belts were last done, have also asked for details around the cat d as it looks like the trellis and the fuel tank have been painted.

I'm a little concerned about the bubbling on the engine block - is this something I can fix myself without taking the bike apart? I was thinking to brush the hell out of it, get rid of rust and spray with heat resistant spray eg Sperex VT..

What do you think? Anything else I should be asking beyond service history, tyres etc ?
Thanks

Previous owner says belts are due by time, so you need belts.  Ducati engine paint ain't the best.  Rust?  The cases are aluminum What to do about it depends how fussy you are.  Get the bike inspected by a pro.  The 620 is a great bike, particularly for local running.

Frame and footpeg assemblies have been painted, they didn't come that color originally.

I'm pretty sure 620's never came with aluminum swingarms either.

I approve of this purchase.  ;D

+1 on getting it checked out.  You'd be buying someone else's project.

Exhaust could be loud, if that matters to you.

The bubbling paint on the engine cover could just be poor prep, etc. and is easily fixed.  Hopefully the frame was done more carefully and the paint is in better shape!

BK

Thanks for the advice guys.

No joy with the 620 unfortunately.
I also have seen a few 796s - unfortunately I cannot bring myself to buy this bike as they just don't pull me the way the older better looking bikes do..

So back to the hunt for a 695 or even a 620 in black and red or all black..

If anyone sees a good one in the UK on their travels please let me know!!!

Try and hunt down an 03 800.  8)

Assume you haven't ridden one then.  ;) It's a modern bike and geometry but without the water-cooled and 4-valve added complexity. Fairly dramatic difference IMO. YMMV..., but you won't know unless you ride one.

I've test driven a 797.
Got to say the 797 felt refined and smooth and quite sporty but didn't do it for me..

Interesting. Seems to be based on the 821 but detuned with the Scrambler 803cc(?) for Euro 4 with a single throttle body and lacks the 796/1100 EVO single-sided swingarm. Might be down 10 BHP from a 796, more like a 696 entry-level replacement. Ride one of the older bikes you are chasing and compare I suppose...

Well I found a good looking 695 so having a chat with the owner now, fingers crossed.

@ Curmudgeon - I've got to say (and at the risk of being shot on this forum), the scrambler was way more fun than the 797.
I drove the base icon model and it was very torquey, seemed to be ideal for the city and I can see what all the fuss is about!
My only complaint was that the footpegs on the icon were positioned badly and got in the way when I put my legs down - oh and the bike was yellow  ;D

Ok guys I did it - managed to pick up a 695 with low mileage - finally!
Will be taking delivery next week!!  8)

It looks to be in pretty stock condition so my list of things to do are:

1. belt change: ordered some exactfit cambelts
2. bar end mirrors
3. aftermarked exhaust delkevic or danmoto
4. new underseat panels

Possibly some new tyres as well depending on condition..

I have some questions about the exhaust which will post hopefully in the right section after doing a search on the subject.

Thanks for all your help while I was on the lookout!

Congrats!

Re: the tires...regardless of condition it's best to keep tires fresh. You should consider replacing if more than 3 years old.

Excellent choice - congrats!

BK

 [thumbsup]
From what I hear they are a racy motor. I think Ducati claim the highest output per capacity of a desmodue.
Cheers.

Thanks guys.
I like the sound of a racy motor!!

I'll have a look at the tyre walls to work out age when I take delivery of the bike next week.
The anticipation is killing me!

It seems the oem tyres were bridgestones BT056s??
I'm having trouble sourcing these, any recommendations to replace?
BK what tyres are you running on your steed please mate?

Thanks

Tires are very subjective, unless they're pure junk, and there are very few of those out there.

Are you looking for the best durability, traction, or price? What type of riding will you be doing?

Fair point Duc, same as oil I guess - everybody has favourite!

As a guide I am a fan of pirelli angel gts as they match my style.
I'll be using the bike for "spirited" road riding, no track. I enjoy cornering and look for tyres that hold well in corners, give a decent mileage, warm up quickly, and are good in the dry and wet.
So the holy grail of tyre basically  ;D

The Angels should make you happy as will the Michelin Pilot Roads.   Want Bridgestone?  T30 or 31 are equivalents.

Also, 15 pages here:
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=2444.0

Thanks Duc and Howie
 [thumbsup]

I'm partial to the Michlelin's. That's just me.

Angel GT's are good for ~12k miles for me.
My general rule of thumb is shoot for tires that will last 2 years or less.

Danmoto slip ons were unbearably loud after 20 min or so.   I wouldn't recommend them unless you ride with ear plugs.  I swapped them for Mivv high mounts.  Still louder than stock, but doesn't give me a headache.  Also has baffles you can remove if you want them louder. 

Thanks guys, all good advice.
I'll see what deals the local tyre place are doing.

Drval - thanks for the heads up I'm leaning towards the delkevic as it has removable baffles. I think the danmoto carbon gp (if that's the exhaust you had) comes without baffles but you can buy them separately.
I also looked at mivv but I'm after black exhausts for the bike and I'm getting the delkevic carbon at around £340 full kit, danmoto are around £200 but not including baffles, import duties and taxes.
Black mivv gp black steel are around £460!

ps I've got no problem riding with ear plugs, these crazy UK drivers need to know I'm coming!

Sorry for the delay.  You already got some good advice for your use scenario.  But to answer your question, for my "sporty/canyon/dry" use I've relied on Michelin Pilot Powers of various flavors and just recently Dunlop Q3+ for something different.  We really are spoiled by all the great tire options these days.

BK

No worries BK, thanks for your input!

I'm getting delivery of the bike hopefully  tomorrow so will post some pics for you guys
 ;D

Well I got the bike on Thursday finally!
I was away on the weekend so the most have been able to do is start her up and listen to the engine!

I need to investigate a petrol smell from under the seat - the previous owner assures me he has changed the fuel tank o ring very recently so am hoping this is just a loose hose or something. Also going to do the belts this week using the quick and easy method on youtube by MikE RideWNC.
Then I'm going to ride her  ;)

Now if I could just work out how to post a pic I would show you guys what she looks like..

(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o523/kazuya04/695%201_zpsiqhxqdbx.jpg)

yess! got it, will post some more in colour when I get a chance

Holy shit.  :o
That video has built quite a few landmines into the job.

After you put the belts on, and set the belt tension and tighten the bolts.....

make the beast with two backsING PLEASE DON'T JUST IMMEDIATELY HIT THE START BUTTON ! ! ! !

First, LOOK AROUND AND MAKE SURE THERE'S NOTHING IN THOSE OPEN BELTS, WIRING OR OTHER BITS DANGLING TO GET SUCKED INTO THE BELT.

PERHAPS EVEN CHECK YOUR WORK, MAKE SURE A PULLEY'S NOT A TOOTH OFF.

DON'T USE A GIGANTIC PRYBAR FOR THAT JOB.

Thanks speeddog - I'll be sure to check, double check and triple check my work and to make sure there is nothing that's going to get sucked into the belts before I start her up! Also I'm not going to use a pry bar, was going to use my hands  :)

Also i was intending to tighten the belt tensioner pulleys to 20 ft lbs of torque for both belts using a torque wrench.

Anything else that jumped out at from you from the vid?
(I appreciate it is a quick and dirty method without lining everything up by putting the bike in gear and spinning the rear wheel etc.)

Cheers

Ok I've found the exactfit stuff, the ca cycleworks videos, ducatisuite etc etc
I've armed myseld with a paddock stand, torque wrench, tippex and some allen keys.

Gonna do the job this weekend hopefully so will report back.

Thanks all.
 [thumbsup]

Last 2 Angel GT rears lasted 13k and 14k miles respectively, the front went 23k. That being said, I think the next set will be the Road 5. They have a more aggressive shoulder, should be better wet handling, still dual compound, and are said to last ~15k miles.

Thanks Nakid  [thumbsup]

Ok so I did the belts yesterday using the exactfit belts and allen key method. Took me a while as I really wanted to have a good first look around the bike and checked, double checked and triple checked everything.
Pleased to say the exactfit belts are on and I managed to take the bike out for maiden voyage yesterday!!

My initial observations:

The good:
Very comfortable compared to my previous sports bikes
Torquey in a very fun way
Quickly inspires confidence
Awesome around town
Warmed up very quickly, fast idle could be turned off after a minute

The not so good:
The tail - personally I find it hideous, going to modify it or chop it
The exhausts - stock cans not enough for me so going to replace
The stock mirrors - vibrate like hell, these have gots to go!
Around the time the low fuel light came on towards the end of my 30 minute ride there was like a popping noise at the front of the bike around the headlight area, no idea what this is/was.
Difficult to pinpoint and happened 3-4 times but stopped after I filled up??

Also on the to do list plus the mods above:
Oil change
Brake fluid

Thanks to all who helped me make the choice and what to look for.
Very glad to have done the belts as wouldn't have been able to ride with peace of mind otherwise.
It had been 4 years since the last change but I have to say the belts weren't in that bad condition!

Cheers all

Tail chop and Motobox tail light.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180528/f93f080a9d2e298998a49ff3b378dc4c.jpg)

Great to see you on the road. [thumbsup]

That popping noise could be the intake spitting back through the airbox. It's often a sign of a lean mixture or a cold motor before correct operating temp. Interesting that it occured as the fuel level ran low. Maybe there was some water contaminated/old fuel at the bottom of the tank.

Thanks Koko!  :)

I think you may be spot on with your prognosis - the previous owner did like 250 miles only last year, there is a very real possibility that there was some water contaminated/old fuel in the tank!
There certainly wasn't a lot of fuel in the tank when I got the bike and I don't know what kind of fuel was being put in either.

I'm looking to go for a ride again soon so will keep any ear open for this.

Maybe add an injector cleaner to your next tankful and get on a big highway ride. Enjoy

You might want to change the fuel filter.  This way you can see if your fuel is contaminated.  The filter is a 6K replacement item anyway.

Thanks guys.

I'm looking to runs some cheap bar end mirrors for a little while before upgrading - I noticed the handlebars are Renthal - is this standard on the 695?

Duc - so the bike flew through the Mot test yesterday. The tester's exact words were "it is a mint bike!"
Prior to this I changed the belts and brake fluid which was black!
The tread on the tyres was fine so didn't worry about these for the test.

I verfied the tyre wall after the test as the black brake fluid got me thinking - turns out the tyres haven't been changed since 2007!!!
Wtf??  [bang]
Why do people skimp on this??

Ok rant over, sorry..

Must change tyres asap

Yeah, my tyre guy says five years max and he's going by the Michelin standard. They just seem to petrify.
Glad it's a minter otherwise.