My first ducati is a 09 monster 696 black. Ive been doing some research since they first came out. All of the specs seemed right...I did want a sport style bike. My last bike was a 96 1200 sporty (also black) and I wanted my next bike to be lighter and just all around a better fit for me. So one day, I drove up to Phoenix for service on my Mini and what? Theres a ducati dealer less than a block away! So I toodled on over and I saw her, sitting out front. A used black 696 monster with frame sliders and aftermarket levers with the racxing style rearview mirrors! it was love at first sight. I saw the salesperson and my payment was going to be ridiculously affordable, how could I say no? No, just finding the time to ride when I'm a professional cook 60+ hours a week, thats another issue entirely....