696 or 1100??

[CDmonster]

Hello,

I'm looking to get my first street bike and I've always loved the look and sound of ducatis. I've settled on a monster but I have yet to ride one as I don't have my motorcycle permit yet. I was just wondering...  which monster is right for me? I like the 696s price tag much better than the 1100 and I only see a difference of 15hp. (Although the 1100 does have much more torque.) How much of a difference does this really make? 80hp still sounds like a wheelie popping amount of power and I'm not going racing... just riding around in the mountains here in Colorado. The bike may be a daily driver in the summer... (Maybe 2500 miles or so a year??) I do have experience with dirtbikes just never played on the street.

Also is there any wiggle room in the MSRP or am I pretty much stuck? I figured I might be able to at least get store credit on a jacket or helmet or something.

Do the valves have to be adjusted by an authorized dealer? Will I void the warrantee if I do it myself?

Thanks

-CD

[nkryptit]

If this is your first street bike, I would go with the 696.  It's a very good starter bike that you won't get bored on.  I've been riding for about 7 years, started out on a Honda Shadow 750 and added the 696 to the family last year.  I've loved it so far, it's not a bad choice at all.

[Duck-Stew]

A used 620 may be a wiser purchase for a first street bike (IMO).  You'll pick it up cheaper.  Insurance will be cheaper.  And it will be cheaper if you should drop it (not a certainty, just a likelihood).

If you insist on buying new (your choice), the 696 is a really wise move over an 1100.  Torque plays a HUGE factor in acceleration on a motorcycle and a 696 is no slouch as it is...

Good luck, and ride your own bike (don't get caught up in the drama of keeping up with someone who's more experienced than you...)
--Stuart

[gearhead]

 I'd vote for the 696.

[sfarchie]

I agree with everyone else. Start with the 696. I only traded up to the 1100S because a buddy was in the market for 696. The torque and hp on the 696 is plenty. Take a demo ride and you'll see for yourself. Plus, the 1100 insurance was a huge jump over the 696 due to the displacement diff.  

[CDmonster]

thanks for the input... I guess I'll test drive both, but I think my wallet would prefer the 696.

[needtorque]

sounds like you already know the best route.  The 696 sounds the best for you especially with the usage you described.   

[Snips]

After getting back into biking, I had a 620 for a year, and I've now had a 696 for a year.

It's only now I'm thinking of switching up to the 1100, and not really for more speed/power, but more bling

The 696 is a great bike, and better to gain 'intermediate' experience with. As others have said, it's no slouch on real roads.

[gearhead]

Plus, the 1100 insurance was a huge jump over the 696 due to the displacement diff.  

Thats the truth.From 450 to I dont know what because many places I called don't have it in their database.

[TiNi]

whatever you decide... just make sure you also get proper riding gear!

boots, pants, jacket, gloves, & helmet

also make sure it all fits you well.

i agree with duck-stew... the best advice i ever got in regards to riding was to ride my own ride 

have fun  [moto]

[ArguZ]

Two years ago I decided its time to get my first OWN bike.
I got the license for 18 years already and always rented a bunch of bikes every year.
So I really got to drive a lot but still I always wanted a Duc.
Then Irode the 695 the 800 and the 1000 and I got the 695 in the end.
The 1000 felt like it was riding with me, more than I was riding it.
The 800 went out of sale and I didn't have any gear..
i went for the 695 and spent another 2k for a really good helmet and stuff and some bling.
9000 on the meter now, first ride in the sun today and I still love her 
So I can just seconds all the hints...get the smaller bike and drive two or three years before you go and play with the 1000s.

[mattyvas]

I've had a 620 for the past two years, I am in the process of selling it and moving onto a bigger Monster.
I would be more inclined to start with a 620 than the 696, aside from saving lots of cash buying a good pre-loved 620
a 620 would be a better bike to get skills on. The riding position is very relaxed but you can also get aggressive with it.
The 696 is a little more leaned over, you are tucked closer into the tank alot more.

A 620 would be the choice for me, you'll loose less money in the long run when it comes time to change
but still have a great few years riding the baby Monster.

My 2c's from Downunder.

[Duki09]

I'm not going to make an assumption that you can't handle a 1100 just because you are a new rider, but a 696 is your best bet.  It has a decent amount of HP for everyday highway riding and just makes more economical sense rather than spending a couple grand more for a first bike with more HP than you will need as a new rider.

I'm not a beginner, but I still chose a 696 because it was less expensive yet provides enough power for me on the highways as my purpose of riding isn't racing anyone.

[TrpprJhn]

I've had my 696 for about 4 months now, also my first bike. I couldn't be happier with it. The ONLY consideration I have for the 1100 is the taller seat height (I am 6'2"). That's not to say that I'm uncomfortable on the 696. It's a great beginner bike. Very forgiving, very easy to ride. Yet I know that I haven't tapped into 75% of what it can do. It's plenty of motorcycle.

[IZ]

I started on 620 (my first dedicated street bike).  I've had it for 6 years now.  Still having fun on it!  I'd like the 1100 now. 

As mentioned..start small!!  The 696 will be enough.  Move up to the 1100 when you get more experience.  I just test rode the 1100.  Very torquey!  You'll crank the throttle and flip off the back! 

START SMALL!! 

The 696 is good.  A USED 620 is better!!