So close. . .

[legalninja]

I went to go buy a Monster yesterday, but couldn't pull the trigger.  For starters, I'm not sure which one I want.  I rode the 1100 and 696,  The torque of the 1100 is intoxicating and MUCH stronger than I'd expected.  However, the seating position made me feel top heavy/tippy and not as in control as I'd like.  The 696 handled better due to me being closer to the roll center of the bike, but the power was soft until 6k RPMs then it came alive.  Neither bike revved as slowly as the Monster 750 (I think) that I rode a decade ago, nor as slowly as I expected a 2V air-cooled engine to rev.  I was apprehensive about riding the 1100 due to the temperature (a windy 50 degrees), the patches of wet leaves on the pavement and my high-side last year with another torque monster (Sprint ST 1050) on cold tires last year in cool weather (40 degrees) as I pulled out of my driveway on dry pavement, so I didn't really get as comfortable with the throttle as I needed to for a better evaluation even though I rode it twice as long as the 696.  Part of me says the 696 will be all I need for tooling around town and the occasional long ride in the twisties or track day, but another part says that I'll grow out of it quickly since 2 of my last 3 bikes were 1050cc triples with 130hp/75tq (2k5 Speed Triple that was traded for a 2k7 Sprint ST).

I suppose I'll sell my bike next Spring and go back to ride the 1100 and 696 when the weather is warmer and traction more sure.  I'm almost kicking myself for not pulling the trigger only because I would enjoy looking at my Ducati in the garage all winter.  However, I'm going to try to do this right and pick the bike I can live with for years to come.

BTW, 1100 was $12,200 OTD and the 696 was $9,400 OTD; both were '09 models.

[ArguZ]

As wet as those leaves an get, ABS would be nice, right ?
Wait a while...good you didnt buy an end of production year model.

[legalninja]

Why not?  Also, if I get a 2010 in the Spring will I still be able to get a good deal on the price?

[DarkMonster620]

If the M1100's torque scared you, go with the 696...If you wait for next year, price will be higher and then you'll be adviced to wait for 2011 models that might be more expensive... buy now, is a good deal; then during winter, you can customize...Some CF here, some Ti bits here, some billet here and there, Termis, ECU, airbox...and by spring, a hell of a Monster...Don't ya think?

[z0mb1e_DUC]

one thing on the 696, if you go the Termi/ECU route, it changes things somewhat.  There's more power available below 6k.  Don't get me wrong, it still really takes off after 6k, but it pulls better as the fueling is more consistent.  Also, it pushes the redline to 10.5k, so you can run it harder.

I wouldn't expect you'd get a much better deal, plus Ducati usually kicks in a price increase right around November.