Anyone less than impressed with their 696, or is it just me?

[herm]

since day one

sorry, nothing to contribute here

[Privateer]

I am not concerned about getting in trouble with the extra power, but a test-drive would be great.  It would have to be a used bike though, as no one allows test drives here. 

not sure where you're at, but we've had two visits locally from the Triumph demo truck.  Maybe look into that?

as for the 696... is it just power it's lacking compared to your last bike?  My major complaint with the entry level monsters is the poor suspension spec.  I can almost forgive them for non-adjustable forks.. but to be so horribly undersprung is a severe lack of foresight.  I tell my buddies on japanese bikes and they think I'm on drugs when I say I need my forks re-sprung.

It'd be a shame to walk away from a brand new bike and lose so much value from it before exploiting all its possibilities.

[DarkJaynx]

I took a 696 out for a ride on our track and although its not a 'trackday' ride but more of a spirited street ride, I felt the monster handled great for me and was fun to just lay on the throttle the whole time  [moto]. Give it some time and it will grow on you for sure.

[craigo]

quick question, did you err, test ride a 696 before you bought one? surely it can't be that much of a suprise if so.

and does the 696 have an exhaust (termis etc) and an DP ECU? or is it still stock as a rock.

[RC Fan]

quick question, did you err, test ride a 696 before you bought one? surely it can't be that much of a suprise if so.

and does the 696 have an exhaust (termis etc) and an DP ECU? or is it still stock as a rock.

No, I was not able to test ride the bike, as the dealers here do not allow it.  I do suspect the dealer let someone test ride my pre-ordered bike though, as there were 19 kms on it at delivery.

The bike is stock.  I can't imagine feeling like spending the money for the Termis after I shell out $1500 for a new rim.

[gearhead]

The 696 is an awesome package. You really think 20 hp is going to quell your moto lust? I think your going to be chasing new bike dreams for a long time.

[Stangman]

Two words:

Sprocket Change.   

[herm]

No, I was not able to test ride the bike, as the dealers here do not allow it.  I do suspect the dealer let someone test ride my pre-ordered bike though, as there were 19 kms on it at delivery.

The bike is stock.  I can't imagine feeling like spending the money for the Termis after I shell out $1500 for a new rim.

more likely that it was test driven after set up by the mechanic...

[Craig Thomas]

SO you hate the bike because you need a new wheel?  What did you do to break it?  Sounds to me it's the rider, not the bike, that is the problem.   

I didn't like the bike at first, either.  But after the break-in period, things got smoother and began to synch better.

The 14T sprocket is a good thing to put on.  I also have the DP kit.

Look, the Monster's don't ride like a touring bike.  Your body will be absorbing all the bumps and cracks in the road, not the suspension.    That's why I am so envious of my friend's KLR.  Yeah, it's a thumper and no speed demon, but there is a lot to be said for comfort!

[sroberts152]

I don't know where you are, but I had a big dent in my front a while back... Here is a post I did on another forum when it happened:

http://www.ducati.ms/forums/showthread.php?t=49531&highlight=rim

Hope it helps. 

BTW, I like my 696.  I have had all sorts of bikes from YZF1000 to 95 900SS/SP to a 57 Triumph T110 Chopper to a 2001 Confederate Hellcat.  Quite honesty, I use my bike mainly for commuting so 5500 of my 7000 miles are freeway to and from work.  The rest have been fun miles and 2 up and it still does the job just fine.  It goes when and where I want it to.  It stops when I tell it to.  It turns where I tell it to.  I don't do time at the track, I do time on the street.  Since the speed limits are posted at 65 MPH, I don't really care if my bike doesn't do over 130.  If I did, I would have a superbike.  I dig the mileage I get.  I dig the riding position.  I dig the looks people give me and the looks on people's faces when I say I have a Ducati.  Its a good time riding it.  I don't know how long you have been riding or what your level of riding is, but I'm pretty sure you aren't running the 696 to its full potential - I know I'm not.

Change your front sprocket, change the seat, get the Termi's.  Or don't.  Its really personal opinion and if its just not doing it for you, upgrade.

[Big Troubled Bear]

I reallly like mine

[RC Fan]

more likely that it was test driven after set up by the mechanic...

That is certainly possible, I just didn't think it would be a 19 km test drive.

[RC Fan]

SO you hate the bike because you need a new wheel?  What did you do to break it?  Sounds to me it's the rider, not the bike, that is the problem.   

I didn't like the bike at first, either.  But after the break-in period, things got smoother and began to synch better.

The 14T sprocket is a good thing to put on.  I also have the DP kit.

Look, the Monster's don't ride like a touring bike.  Your body will be absorbing all the bumps and cracks in the road, not the suspension.    That's why I am so envious of my friend's KLR.  Yeah, it's a thumper and no speed demon, but there is a lot to be said for comfort!

I hit a pothole on my very first trip out.  It is turning out to be an expensive mistake.

I didn't have any issues with the suspension.  I want a sportbike, not a touring bike, so I realize it won't be cushy.

[RC Fan]

I don't know where you are, but I had a big dent in my front a while back... Here is a post I did on another forum when it happened:

http://www.ducati.ms/forums/showthread.php?t=49531&highlight=rim

Hope it helps. 

BTW, I like my 696.  I have had all sorts of bikes from YZF1000 to 95 900SS/SP to a 57 Triumph T110 Chopper to a 2001 Confederate Hellcat.  Quite honesty, I use my bike mainly for commuting so 5500 of my 7000 miles are freeway to and from work.  The rest have been fun miles and 2 up and it still does the job just fine.  It goes when and where I want it to.  It stops when I tell it to.  It turns where I tell it to.  I don't do time at the track, I do time on the street.  Since the speed limits are posted at 65 MPH, I don't really care if my bike doesn't do over 130.  If I did, I would have a superbike.  I dig the mileage I get.  I dig the riding position.  I dig the looks people give me and the looks on people's faces when I say I have a Ducati.  Its a good time riding it.  I don't know how long you have been riding or what your level of riding is, but I'm pretty sure you aren't running the 696 to its full potential - I know I'm not.

Change your front sprocket, change the seat, get the Termi's.  Or don't.  Its really personal opinion and if its just not doing it for you, upgrade.

Thanks for the info!  My rim was cracked as well, so I don't know if repair is an option.

[ungeheuer]

No, I was not able to test ride the bike, as the dealers here do not allow it. 

I'm genuinely shocked!  If I walked into a dealer that didnt allow me a test ride, me and my money would go shopping some other place.  Astounding.