Is logic really all that important?

[kopfjäger]

There's also spousal approval,

  That's some funny shit right there.

[Raux]

When you get back, get a Multistrada 1200 S Touring.

You get the power of the 848 + comfort and travelling ability with the wife.

[Moronic]

I'm surprised by how many no-mod replies.

Especially since the OP is talking mainly of modding the very basic suspension on his 696, which he's already put termis on.

The way I look at it, it depends on whether you love the bike and want to hold on to it, or if you see it just as a stepping stone to something bigger, newer or different.

If it fits you and you like the power, then a Termied 696 with nice suspension, specced for you, would be a blast, IMO. Great city bike that could hold its own in the twisties with just about anything at sane speeds. Quite the sleeper, really, if you can ride well.

If you're thinking of moving on though, why bother? Most potential buyers won't see the value.

BTW: With nice suspension, you may find no need for a steering damper.

[NorDog]

Mods a cool, but like tattoos what starts out simple enough can soon get outta hand.

[WhiteStripe]

You suck.  Now i want an 848 Dark too.

[Popeye the Sailor]

You suck.  Now i want an 848 Dark too.

Because of the back tattoo.....?

[poseur]

I'm going to Afghanistan soon, so I'll have plenty of money when I get back.

If you make it back. Be careful over there, please. Strange times indeed.

[Popeye the Sailor]

If When you make it back. Be careful over there, please. Strange times indeed.

Fixed.

[Adamm0621]

I'm surprised by how many no-mod replies.

Especially since the OP is talking mainly of modding the very basic suspension on his 696, which he's already put termis on.

The way I look at it, it depends on whether you love the bike and want to hold on to it, or if you see it just as a stepping stone to something bigger, newer or different.

If it fits you and you like the power, then a Termied 696 with nice suspension, specced for you, would be a blast, IMO. Great city bike that could hold its own in the twisties with just about anything at sane speeds. Quite the sleeper, really, if you can ride well.

If you're thinking of moving on though, why bother? Most potential buyers won't see the value.

BTW: With nice suspension, you may find no need for a steering damper.

I definitely love my 696 and plan on keeping it.  It's great for around town and has plenty of power.  The purchase of the 848 wouldn't be because I've out grown the Monster, but because I want another Ducati and I have no need for any thing bigger than the 848.  I'm fairly realistic when it comes to horsepower and the 696 already produces more than I can handle (legally), but the 848 dark is gorgeous and would look great next to my dark 696.

I don't know much about the possible 848 mods, but the only one I plan on doing is adding CF Termis to it as well. (Probably just the slip-ons, don't think I can justify the cost of the full system)  That being said, I still plan on modding the Monster even if I get the 848, it's just a question of what gift do I give myself as a "welcome home from combat" present... a fully modded 696, or a new 848?  See the dilemma?

[GBusa]

I still plan on modding the Monster even if I get the 848, it's just a question of what gift do I give myself as a "welcome home from combat" present... a fully modded 696, or a new 848?  See the dilemma?

No Dilemma at all! 848 all the way.
As you said, You will mod the monster anyway 

[Duck-Stew]

I cannot comment as I have a STUPID amount of $$$$$$$$ tied up in a 1999 M750.

Stay safe over there! 

[sbrguy]

if you have that much money but want to get a little more speed at times, upgrade to the 1100 or the 796 and mod that. 

the 796 might give you the torque you want and mod the heck out of that.

remember the 848 is a great looking bike but really to really use it for what its for its really more of a track/canyon road bike.  sure if you have the income and such buy it and create a stable of bikes, but rmember a true sport bike may look really cool but a monster style bike or sport tourer will probably give you 90% of what you need and want.  that extra 10% well that is up to you.

good luck.

i wish i didn't mod my 620 as much as i did otherwise i would have upgraded already there is no way i'm getting nearly anything back on money if i sell it even if i part it out...

[Adamm0621]

Upgrading to the 796 or the 1100 crossed my mind, but I really love my 696.  Neither the 796 or the 1100 come in matte black nor would they be as good for me as the 696.  I'm a short guy (5'7'') with a 29 inch inseam, so I can't even flat foot the 696.  If I was going to upgrade to a bigger Monster it would be the 1100.  But I'm more than comfortable with my 696, and there's no point in me owning two bikes where I can barely touch the ground (1100 Monster and 848).  The 696 is staying with me till it dies, but I definitely want a second bike sometime in the future and the 848 Dark has me by the balls in such an exquisite fashion that no other bike can hold my interest in any real form.

[1KDS]

buy it dude, you only live once