Your thoughts on the 750/800 line of Monsters?

[junior varsity]

yes we do.

[dctex]

All right.  Still patiently searching.  Starting to narrow my choices to the S2R 800 and the 695 since it appears that with patience, both models might fall within my price range (I already blew it on a couple of S2R's that literally were steals). 

So is the power (torque) difference between the 695 and S2R 800 that noticeable?

[Scottish]

I never got the chance to take my brothers S2r800 for a ride. I would recommend sitting on each of them though. The S2R feels bigger from the seat. It does sit taller, they also have the single sided swing arm and a prettier face on the gauges. Either of these bikes will make a fun little scoot, it's a matter of personal preferrence. I like the old swing arm, and low exhaust, so the 695 works for me.

[Duc800]

I'm coming from the SS side of the Ducati club.  I started with a 2005 SS800 and loved it as my first Ducati and actually first motorcyle (at age 55).  It was a great choice for me.  Last year I upgraded to a 2006 SS100DS and haven't looked back.  Note that it wasn't about the engine.  It was really about the suspension.  It has Showa fully adjustable forks along with an Ohlins shock.  It also has a dry clutch and upgraded clip ons.  All in all minor upgrades in many areas that combine to be a much superior motorcyle.  The monsters are the same.  I think the 800 would be great as far as horsepower and torque (comparable to the old 900s) especially over the 750 (along with fuel injection).  But the other upgrades as far as suspension in the 1000s and even the 900s will be worth it.  You won't regret it.

[Duc800]

PS - My girlfriend had a M620D and it was great fun to ride.  It sat a bit lower and didn't have great suspension but you could twist it all the time.  I personally would love to have one of the early 1000s with the dual sided swing arm and the old exhaust with mufflers on each side.  The 1000DS is a great engine.  Of course if you want something newer the 696 I think would have adequate power w/o the suspension and the new 1100 would be awesome.