Last Tuesday, I surprised my beautiful Fiance, took her down to Bend Euro and made her test ride some new Ducatis. For about the past 2 months, she has not wanted to ride, even shunned riding, and I figured it was time. I got her to test ride the new 696 and I hopped on a Sport Classic 1000S. For me, this was more bike than I had ever ridden, plus the riding position was completely new to me (dirt bikes and my S2R800 being my only experience). Damn we had fun!! We rode around for an hour, went to lunch and I got her to ride the Sport Classic, even though it's red (she can explain that phobia)!! The 696 is ok, very easy to ride, feels very short (like a dirt bike or motard), got up and went but both of us fealt that she'd grow tired of it very quickly. The Sport Classic was a blast though. 696 = toy, Sport Classic = a very, very fun machine!!! In fact, a Sport Classic (non-fairing) may be her next bike!! I'm going to work on that...
Anyhoo, thought I'd share our impression of the 2 Ducs, and if you get a chance to do some test rides, I highly suggest it!! It was a perfect day for us...