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

[Moronic]

Well, I wouldn't be rushing to put BSTs on one.

[junior varsity]

Funny, being that everyone else is saying that the 696 wheels are too heavy.

that's relative, chief. they are too heavy, when you compare to the super light forged wheels, or cf wheels.

they are light when you compare them to a big set of cruiser or touring bike wheels.

the suspension on ducatis are often sprung quite lightly for the emaciated test rider at the factory. its not that often that somebody can simply jump on a bike and the sag be correct from the factory. you've gotta adjust that preload, and if that's not doing it, time for a respring.

[herm]

maybe they should feed those guys more pasta......

[zedsaid]

chief?

[junior varsity]

chief, buddy, pal, friend, guy. jokes.

Endless Canadian Argument

[corndog67]

Better than squaw, I suppose.  How about Medicine Man. 

[MonsterMI]

chief, buddy, pal, friend, guy. jokes.

I prefer "Gaylord" - per Dane Cook

[Craig Thomas]

I think no matter what bike I bought, there would be some regret for not choosing something else.

Currently, I like the BMW adventure bikes.  More $$$, but are quite comfortable, and can go anywhere and still have decent road manners.

The 696 is a really fun bike, but I've learned not to get attached...there are so many other rides out there.

But at this point, if I sold the M696, it could maybe fetch $8,000 PP, and $6,000 on a trade in.

[GLantern]

Photos of back tires from "need more power" set please. kthx.

Whats up?



And referring to the OP its understandable to be underwhelmed by the 696 going from the bike you had previously.  I had a 695 before my current bike.  My 2 cents is not to spend the money on termis and performance mods trying to turn the bike into something it is not.  The 696 is not a performance machine, or a race bike.  In my eyes it is something to tool around on locally, through the city, commute on and occasionally take to the track.  Of course they are fun to throw around the track since they are so light and nimble.  Now don't got me wrong i loved my 695 and wish i still had it because it was a blast to ride around town and commute on.  I don't know what type of riding you do and i would suggest getting it into some twisties roads for a bit.  Something about tossing a monster around just seemed so easy, i could take a lot of corners perfectly on that bike and at the limits of traction with my knee down.

If you want something with more UMPH i agree with heman and that you should be looking at the street triple, i think thats the bike.  Or even a monster 1100 or a leftover monster 1000 from 08 or 07.  This is if you want to stay in the naked class.

[Triple J]

The bike has about 80 kms on it, 19 of which were on it before delivery.

Just curious, but how do you know you don't like the 696...it seems you've only ridden it 61 km (38 miles). 

That is an absurdly low distance to determine a bike sucks.

[RC Fan]

Whats up?


And referring to the OP its understandable to be underwhelmed by the 696 going from the bike you had previously.  I had a 695 before my current bike.  My 2 cents is not to spend the money on termis and performance mods trying to turn the bike into something it is not.  The 696 is not a performance machine, or a race bike.  In my eyes it is something to tool around on locally, through the city, commute on and occasionally take to the track.  Of course they are fun to throw around the track since they are so light and nimble.  Now don't got me wrong i loved my 695 and wish i still had it because it was a blast to ride around town and commute on.  I don't know what type of riding you do and i would suggest getting it into some twisties roads for a bit.  Something about tossing a monster around just seemed so easy, i could take a lot of corners perfectly on that bike and at the limits of traction with my knee down.

If you want something with more UMPH i agree with heman and that you should be looking at the street triple, i think thats the bike.  Or even a monster 1100 or a leftover monster 1000 from 08 or 07.  This is if you want to stay in the naked class.

Not putting more money into it sounds like good advice.  The Street Triple also sounds like a good bike.

[RC Fan]

Just curious, but how do you know you don't like the 696...it seems you've only ridden it 61 km (38 miles). 

That is an absurdly low distance to determine a bike sucks.

There are a lot of things about the bike that have combined to make me dislike it.  I was promised a lot, and have found myself disappointed in the quality and performance of the bike, as well as the cost of stock replacement parts.   $1500 for a rim is crazy.

[junior varsity]

there's no issues with quality - the fit and finish on the 696 is top notch; if you don't like the performance so be it.

People bend rims on motorcycles all the time - not just on Ducatis. $1500 for a Brembo/Marchesini wheel is pretty normal. These bikes are Italian, as are their parts. To think parts for a marquee brand motorcycle, where the parts come from Italy, would be cheap is crazy.

I don't understand what you were promised that hasn't happened, but in a mere 38 miles, you've not even put a tank of gas through it yet. That's crazy.

[Popeye the Sailor]

I don't understand what you were promised that hasn't happened, but in a mere 38 miles, you've not even put a tank of gas through it yet. That's crazy.

+1.

I have 30K on my monster. I am nowhere near hitting it's capabilities.



You aren't even far into the powerband until it's broken in. You're basically setting the bike up for failure.

[GLantern]

I do agree that 38miles is absolutely nothing you haven't even been on a proper turn with the bike yet.  Give it a chance then sell it if it isn't what you are looking for there are options out there.  Like i said before taking a monster to some twisty roads is an experience in itself.  My ride home from the dealer was about 35miles and it was highway.  I doubt i got a good idea of what both of my bikes were capable of from that short ride.  Also your bike isn't even broken in which is when the real fun starts.  I noticed a difference in response, power etc. once i broke the bike in and had the 600mile service performed.

Try these things then if it still doesn't float your boat like i said before there are other bikes with more UMPH!