what all 696ers want to know is......

[BomberHead]

can we now get a sss on our bikes? would we be able to swap it out off the 1100? and if so. how much?

[Roy]

For what it would probably cost to swap out, you might as well just upgrade to the 1100.

[BomberHead]

for real 

thats lame.

[psycledelic]

Ducati has to have something (other then power) to convince people to buy the more expensive bike.  I agree, that swingarm makes a BIG difference in the appearance.

[Takster]

I'm hoping that somebody figures this out... I don't really want/need to upgrade to an 1100, but I think the SSS would look sweet on the 696.  In any case, I'm sure that it'll be an expensive retrofit... at the very least, you're looking at a new swingarm, rear wheel, sprocket, rotor, etc right?  I know that there was a DP SSS that you could get for older DSS monsters, but I think that's around 3k for the swingarm alone.

The only 696 I've been able to find anywhere with a SSS is the one that's in this thread, but it's got a 1098 swingarm and a 996 motor, so obviously, not exactly a long-weekend mod.

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=11215.0

[Spidey]

I have no idea if the shock mount is the same (I assume it is), but the 1100 has different suspension.  The front end has 10mm more, but I don't remember whether the shock length on the 1100 is increased over the 696.  I *think* it was.  Those changes were designed to give the 1100 more ride height, so I'm not sure they are necessary if you're going to switch them out.

You'll need to do more research to figure out whether it's a bolt-on.  But yeah, at a minimum, you'd need the swingarm, axle, wheel, etc.  And you might need front and rear suspension changes.  The exhaust routing *looks* the same, but I don't know for sure.  If not, you'll need a custom exhaust.  And in the worst case scenario, you would need a new shock mount built into the frame.

[Takster]

I have no idea if the shock mount is the same (I assume it is), but the 1100 has different suspension.  The front end has 10mm more, but I don't remember whether the shock length on the 1100 is increased over the 696.  I *think* it was.  Those changes were designed to give the 1100 more ride height, so I'm not sure they are necessary if you're going to switch them out.

You'll need to do more research to figure out whether it's a bolt-on.  But yeah, at a minimum, you'd need the swingarm, axle, wheel, etc.  And you might need front and rear suspension changes.  The exhaust routing *looks* the same, but I don't know for sure.  If not, you'll need a custom exhaust.  And in the worst case scenario, you would need a new shock mount built into the frame.

Honestly, it sounds like far more expense and effort than it's really worth for me.  If I feel really motivated, removing the DSS, leveling it and powdercoating it may be an option.  Certainly not a project I want to take on this winter.  I'd love to see somebody braver (and possibly richer) than I attempt this mod.  The DSS is my least favorite design element in the 696.

[Raux]

I think the biggest change to the DSS I want to attempt is cutting out the indentations in the casting. making it appear more trellis-like. you would probably be able to mill it out as long as the inner supports aren't in that area. if so then another support would have to be built around the opening. plus that would clean up the cuts anyway.
then powder coat the whole thing black like the frame.

[Takster]

Wow... I just found a 748/996 OEM SSS for $300.  Anybody care to advise?  Looks like it comes with swing arm, caliper, rotor, hub, sprocket.  I'm guessing that the chances are extremely slim that it will be even close to a bolt-together option, but any input would be great.

update:  OK, it took about 5 minutes for my dreams to be crushed... I just looked at the parts catalog for the 748 and M696.  The difference in geometry of the suspensions makes it look totally unworkable.  the 748 has a rocker arm assembly with the shock itself mounted in the center of the frame... the M696 is offset towards the clutch side.  In any case, the issues look like a hell of a lot more work than I'm comfortable with taking on.   

if anybody wants to give it a go:
http://boston.craigslist.org/bmw/mcy/939576957.html

[sfarchie]

Way too much work and $$$. At the moment, I can live with the OEM swingarm, but if it starts to become such a huge eyesore, then maybe an upgrade to a 1100 will be in order.

[mookieo2]

I think the biggest change to the DSS I want to attempt is cutting out the indentations in the casting. making it appear more trellis-like. you would probably be able to mill it out as long as the inner supports aren't in that area. if so then another support would have to be built around the opening. plus that would clean up the cuts anyway.
then powder coat the whole thing black like the frame.

That was my thought when I had first seen the 696. Cut out those indents and have someone weld it back if it is not solid alluminum. I would assume it to be hollow.

[Holden]

I like the DSS. Sure, I wouldn't complain if it came with a SSS... but it suits the 696. I don't like the idea of ricing it up to look hotter than it isâ€"anyway, would you rather have a normal 696, or a wannabe 1100?

Besides, GP bikes use DSS for a reason, right?

[Raux]

That was my thought when I had first seen the 696. Cut out those indents and have someone weld it back if it is not solid alluminum. I would assume it to be hollow.

The swingarm is actually a cast piece and not hollow. there are support beams on the inside of the arm. but without my bike here yet (being shipped) i dont know if those beams are behind those indentations.

[desmoworks]

I think the DSSA is way cooler than SSSA 

[Raux]

I think the DSSA is way cooler than SSSA 

+1 but i do think if they recast it with those indentations removed it would be even sweeter.