2010 Monster 696...

[Adamm0621]

I'm looking at picking one of these up in the near future.  I just moved to Kentucky, and one of the first things I did was to drive over to the dealership in Louisville.  I was wondering if anyone knew of any differences between the 09 and the 2010 model.  Also, if anyone has any previous experience with the Commonwealth dealership I would appreciate the input.

I just got my year-end bonus and have been looking to purchase a 696 dark since they came out over a year ago.  It may not be under the tree for Christmas but it'll be in the garage not long after the New Year.

[Duckintime]

Since the bike just came out, I think the only difference might be color choices. You could go to the dealer and look at the brochure for the 2010 and compare.

[stopintime]

AFAIK, optional ABS, lighter cases and larger exhaust heat guard.

[moto] [moto]

[sbrguy]

dealer told me the main difference is colors and the optional ABS brakes. which i think is a great option and makes it worth it for a 2010 that alone.  ABS may not be needed all the time but from friends that have a BMW with ABS its great if you have an emergency stop or you are riding in less than perfect conditions.

[Dave R]

AFAIK, optional ABS, lighter cases and larger exhaust heat guard.

[moto] [moto]

and adjustable levers as well

[Raux]

the optional colors are just that options and cost more. the only stock colors are red, white and black.

i had heard the abs computer uses some fuel tank space, so i would check fuel capacity, personally never confirmed that.

[Duckintime]

I would test drive the ABS and non ABS.. alot of folks just dont care for the feel of it on their bikes- regardless of make

[muskrat]

growing up on dirt bikes I'll take non ABS.  been in several situations where I tasted a turd that came from my posterior but always feel in better control sliding the rear wheel.  I may be an idiot but the feel is important to me and seriously the price can be used towards some racket making exhaust.
good luck on your hunt.

[Kopfjäger]

I heard they fixed the thermometer. 

[z0mb1e_DUC]

3.5gal(ABS) vs 3.8gal

I suppose the .3gal won't make that much of a difference, unless they didn't adjust the Low Fuel Light accordingly.

Ride both, if possible, then decide.  Me, I'm not adding anything that's gonna give the bike a smaller tank.

[MonsterMan1036]

Can't help you on the 696 but Commonwealth is a great dealership. Ed and the entire staff there are a great bunch of people. My father and I drive a little over 2hr to purchase and have our bikes serviced there.

[Adamm0621]

All of the posts have been great so far.  My first bike was a silver 99 M750, I spent about two and a half years in Korea, and just got back stateside in March.  I've been dreaming of Monsters since last June and I finally have the capital to make it happen.  The only thing I haven't decided yet is if I want to put the CF Termis on when I pick the bike up, or if I'm going to wait a few months. 

The mods I already have planned are a tail chop, 14 tooth front sprocket, frame sliders, and the upgraded exhaust.  Fairly standard mods, but I'll move on from there.  I wouldn't mind some bar end mirrors as well.

[stopintime]

Sounds like a good plan

If you hold the exhaust mod a while, you might enjoy the improvement even more when it's there. Just a thought...

[ArguZ]

The only mod I want on my 695 is ABS.
Rain, sand, slippery walkways...there are only pros for it.

[z0mb1e_DUC]

I'll go the other way Stopintime...

If you've got the coin, get the Termi's up front.  They won't be cheaper later.  Test ride one without, you'll see why.  There's a bit of a hole around 4k.  With the Termi's though, it's a whole other beast.  Never mind the exhaust note, it makes the bike so much more rideable because of the DP ECU's different map.