First ducati dilema: the old or the new?

[ArguZ]

Ad another biased vote for the old design !

I test drove the new ones now and I have to say it made it more difficult.
The position is much better than on my 695, feels more active and front oriented.
Also the sound of the stock bike is somehow more interesting.

But I really dont like most of the modern elements..
The mouse theater LCD thing...you cant read anything while driving...the analog one can be observed by peripheral view even when ducked behind it on the track.
The lamp looks silly , also I feel the old ones give more broader lights.
The alu part after the bloated new trellis is just bulky, same as the passenger foot pegs.
Of course the trumpets, the tail and the plastic engine covers.

I love to clean mine...spend three hours with techno cleaner and brush to make her shine.
I dont know if I would do that for the new one too.
But beauty is a personal affair, and technically its probably an evolution.
Even with the wiring harness trouble and some other baby problems the new ones will come up with.

What would I do if I had to buy one today with the same 8000 Euro budget...?
I would go for a used S4r

[mstevens]

fake air scoops

What part are you saying is fake? The air intakes are directly under the screens in the tank skins.

real  Monster ...S2R or S4R

If we're getting all purist, the original Monster and the largest number on the road are DSS air-cooled bikes. Those new-fangled SSS bikes are a significant change from the original. Nobody unfamiliar with Ducatis would see them as the same thing at all.

[mstevens]

I speak here as someone with a 620 and a 696 currently sitting out in my barn. Until I was recently given a deposit on the 620, I was riding it in alternation with the 696 every other day or two.

They're different in lots of ways, some big and some small. Each has advantages over the other. Although fundamentally more similar than different, they do feel noticeably different to ride. Every time I rode the 620 I found myself wondering why I was selling it. Every time I rode the 696 I felt happy with my decision to switch.

Significant functional differences include the headlight, instruments, brakes, riding position and seat, and tank. There are obvious styling differences and the divisive frame changes, but aesthetic concerns are individual preferences and debating them is useless.

The 696's brakes are better, period. They'd be even better with a radial master, which is lacking.

I personally prefer the LCD instruments. They're easier for me to see and the tach predominates. It's extremely easy to see at a glance peripherally. Redline is indicated by a row of red LED's that light up and flash. I don't hear anybody arguing that the 1098 or 'sedici would function better with analog instruments. The new panel has several very useful functions such as distance ridden since entering fuel reserve and some silly ones such as air temperature.

The 696's headlight looks silly. It works beautifully. If anyone else has spent significant time riding both an old Monster and a new one after dark and still wants to opine that the old headlight works better I'll listen to their arguments. Otherwise, anyone who believes the old light works better is just making stuff up out of thin air.

The difference in riding position was the primary reason I got the 696. I prefer it. Others may not. Before posting this I went out a couple of minutes ago and sat on both bikes. To me, neither is at all different in terms of the interface between tank, seat, and the rider's anatomy. The stock 696 seat is significantly more comfortable to me than the stock 620 seat. Neither is as comfortable as the old-style DP touring seat.

My 620 has a metal tank that's useful for magnetic tank bags, has never given me any functional problems, and is an icon of motorcycle design. My 696 has an internal plastic tank with external panels that are very similar in appearance with the exception of the air intakes. Several people at work have noticed my yellow 696 and asked if I repainted the red 620. To non-Monsteristi, the tanks look essentially the same. My wife recently crashed her 696. The controls popped the screen out of the air intake - no tank ding! I'll be able to replace the skin that was scratched either with a cheap eBay part, the white plastics I took off my bike, or a whole new color set for the bike in any of a dozen colors with far less time and money than repairing an older bike. The air intakes significantly change the sound of the bike. Compared with stock exhausts, the 696 has a deeper more rumbly sound (at least to the rider) because of the location of the air intakes. Of course, with the CF Termi's on my bike, that's pretty much moot.

I agree with many of the points people have made about differences between the bikes. Other comments, though, are made by people who clearly have not spent any significant time riding the new Monsters. It's only natural that people with old Monsters prefer them and dislike the new. I did, too, until I rode them several times over quite a few months. We'll be having similar arguments 15 years from now about how the new Monster 712 isn't really a Monster at all like the old 696's.

The most salient issue, when all is said and done, is which Monster one prefers. They're all good. None is very practical. Making a choice based on practical considerations when it comes to Monsters is a fairly bogus concept. Choose the one that calls out to you. The problem comes when more than one speaks to you - then you're really screwed unless you've got a big budget and garage.

[ProTeal55]

I have a 07 S2R1K and have had Z E R O issues with it.
I have no plans on ever selling it, just buying other bikes to keep it and my 55 Bel-Air company in the garage 

[Bill in OKC]

There is enough difference between the old and the new Monsters that I am kind of wishing/hoping this forum would somehow separate the two.  I get kind of tired clicking on a thread thinking that it might be something that I am interested in...  but its not. 

[stopintime]

There is enough difference between the old and the new Monsters that I am kind of wishing/hoping this forum would somehow separate the two.  I get kind of tired clicking on a thread thinking that it might be something that I am interested in...  but its not. 

This thread in particular is about both, but I agree to a degree - people could mark their threads more often?

[somegirl]

The new panel has several very useful functions such as distance ridden since entering fuel reserve and some silly ones such as air temperature.

Nothing silly about air temperature, I wish I had it on my bike, it would be useful to know if I'm at risk of encountering ice on the road.  My bike (695) has distance ridden on reserve.

The 696's headlight looks silly. It works beautifully. If anyone else has spent significant time riding both an old Monster and a new one after dark and still wants to opine that the old headlight works better I'll listen to their arguments. Otherwise, anyone who believes the old light works better is just making stuff up out of thin air.

I'd find it hard to believe that a headlight could be much worse than my stock one.

[motoboy]

Well I did a 360 degree on this one.

After selling my 92 900ss and not having a fun type motorcycle for about three years ( just had my GS) I had pretty much made my mind up on getting a S2rk after a demo ride at the dealer.  Had a near miss buying chance from craigslist and a long look at a coworkers s2r800.  

Then I heard rumblings about the new Monsters coming out and thought I would wait alittle longer.  The first pics I saw I thought OMG !  they are hideous and back I went to the classified sections.  

I think it was about this time that I found this forum and started reading and lurking.

Then early this summer I was at the dealership in Loveland, they have both Ducati and Bmw and saw a red Monster 1100s.  I thought OMG that thing is cool !!!   Alright I thought, come next spring that will be my new ride. !!

Well for some reason I did keep looking at the DMF classifieds and several months ago started casually following a thread for a 01 M900SIE.  A model that I had not considered at all, plus it was the wrong color.   .................you can probably guess what I ended up with !

All I can say  is that I am very happy with the bike so far !  BIG grin every time I take it for a spin. Although in a couple of years I can see myself on a well cared for 1100s !

New vs old does not matter ! Life is short ! cheesy I know but get what you want if you can.    

[Ohmic]

If the new M696/M1100 gives you wood. Go for it.

As for me. I don't know what it is about he new M696/M1100 Monsters. It invokes the same feelings as when i see a Kamahoyadasaki. Nothing.

I would buy an old school Monster for sure. Anytime anywhere. 

I've bought six motorcycles in my life so far. All six were Ducs. I currently have four and I am always on the hunt for my next Ducati. I have never thought twice about buying a different brand. No other motorcycle speaks to me like a naked air cooled Ducati. I don't know what it is. But man they sure are sexy! 

Having said that. If my only option from Ducati was the new M696/M1100 series Monsters. I would seriously start looking at other bands. I would even consider a Kamahoyadasaki over the M696/M1100. Cause at that point, it will be all about the technical specs and price.

[mstevens]

Nothing silly about air temperature, I wish I had it on my bike, it would be useful to know if I'm at risk of encountering ice on the road.

Ah. I just figured that I could tell if I were hot or cold without the instruments. As far as icing, once it gets to the point that there's a significant risk of ice on the road I put my bikes in the barn for the winter. I'm a wuss.

My bike (695) has distance ridden on reserve.

Cool. That's a feature I really miss on the 620.

[somegirl]

Ah. I just figured that I could tell if I were hot or cold without the instruments. As far as icing, once it gets to the point that there's a significant risk of ice on the road I put my bikes in the barn for the winter. I'm a wuss.

Where I am the temperature can easily vary by up to 30 degrees within a 20-mile ride.

[mstevens]

Where I am the temperature can easily vary by up to 30 degrees within a 20-mile ride.

Certainly makes sense that air temperature would be pretty useful for you.

[Mad Duc]

As some else said the 696 is a much better mechanical bike than a 620/800.  My 620 was modded pretty well and didn't have the fun factor that the 696 did when it was stock. 

As for looks there's a ton of unnecessary hate for the 696.  I like them both but I wish the 696 was a trellis frame the whole way back.  Still, I love my bike.  I plan on having it for a long time.

[DarkMonster620]

I have a 07 S2R1K and have had Z E R O issues with it.
I have no plans on ever selling it, just buying other bikes to keep it and my 55 Bel-Air company in the garage 

I'll keep my M620D and just get her some new friends when I can...Just hope she don't get jealous...

[mrplease]

I speak here as someone with a 620 and a 696 currently sitting out in my barn. Until I was recently given a deposit on the 620, I was riding it in alternation with the 696 every other day or two.

They're different in lots of ways, some big and some small. Each has advantages over the other. Although fundamentally more similar than different, they do feel noticeably different to ride. Every time I rode the 620 I found myself wondering why I was selling it. Every time I rode the 696 I felt happy with my decision to switch.

Significant functional differences include the headlight, instruments, brakes, riding position and seat, and tank. There are obvious styling differences and the divisive frame changes, but aesthetic concerns are individual preferences and debating them is useless.

The 696's brakes are better, period. They'd be even better with a radial master, which is lacking.

I personally prefer the LCD instruments. They're easier for me to see and the tach predominates. It's extremely easy to see at a glance peripherally. Redline is indicated by a row of red LED's that light up and flash. I don't hear anybody arguing that the 1098 or 'sedici would function better with analog instruments. The new panel has several very useful functions such as distance ridden since entering fuel reserve and some silly ones such as air temperature.

The 696's headlight looks silly. It works beautifully. If anyone else has spent significant time riding both an old Monster and a new one after dark and still wants to opine that the old headlight works better I'll listen to their arguments. Otherwise, anyone who believes the old light works better is just making stuff up out of thin air.

The difference in riding position was the primary reason I got the 696. I prefer it. Others may not. Before posting this I went out a couple of minutes ago and sat on both bikes. To me, neither is at all different in terms of the interface between tank, seat, and the rider's anatomy. The stock 696 seat is significantly more comfortable to me than the stock 620 seat. Neither is as comfortable as the old-style DP touring seat.

My 620 has a metal tank that's useful for magnetic tank bags, has never given me any functional problems, and is an icon of motorcycle design. My 696 has an internal plastic tank with external panels that are very similar in appearance with the exception of the air intakes. Several people at work have noticed my yellow 696 and asked if I repainted the red 620. To non-Monsteristi, the tanks look essentially the same. My wife recently crashed her 696. The controls popped the screen out of the air intake - no tank ding! I'll be able to replace the skin that was scratched either with a cheap eBay part, the white plastics I took off my bike, or a whole new color set for the bike in any of a dozen colors with far less time and money than repairing an older bike. The air intakes significantly change the sound of the bike. Compared with stock exhausts, the 696 has a deeper more rumbly sound (at least to the rider) because of the location of the air intakes. Of course, with the CF Termi's on my bike, that's pretty much moot.

I agree with many of the points people have made about differences between the bikes. Other comments, though, are made by people who clearly have not spent any significant time riding the new Monsters. It's only natural that people with old Monsters prefer them and dislike the new. I did, too, until I rode them several times over quite a few months. We'll be having similar arguments 15 years from now about how the new Monster 712 isn't really a Monster at all like the old 696's.

The most salient issue, when all is said and done, is which Monster one prefers. They're all good. None is very practical. Making a choice based on practical considerations when it comes to Monsters is a fairly bogus concept. Choose the one that calls out to you. The problem comes when more than one speaks to you - then you're really screwed unless you've got a big budget and garage.

wow, very good and helpful post!