monster 696 for Courier

[brianlp]

Hello, Looking for input . Need a new bike and I have seriously been looking at Monster 696. I will be using it for work which in my case is motoring around town lots of stop and go, splitting traffic , and some freeway. I own a courier business and have been using a Ninja 250 but I am ready for a little more especially on hwy. Around town the Ninja is perfect but ...  My main concern is reliability and excessive heat when not moving. Anyone out there with any input would be greatly appreciated.  Originally I was looking at the small hypermotard but not really into the extreme upright position or extra wide bars. If that had lower , narrower bars it would be perfect.

thx Brian

[BastrdHK]

The hyper would fit your needs better...just change the bars if you don't like them.  Have you ridden a Hyper?  Awesome weapon in traffic with all the legs you need on the highway.

[sugarcrook]

I have to disagree.  For a courier business I wouldn't want a Ducati because of the maintenance schedule.  I'd go for something Japanese. 

If you're set on a Duc, I'd try to find a Multistrada.  The old one, not the new one.  I wouldn't go for the Hyper because of the limited fuel capacity.

[JEFF_H]

I think a ducati would be expensive to maintain if you plan on doing lots of miles.
if you're going for practical...i would suggest a BMW F650GS or kawi versys

[z0mb1e_DUC]

If you are going to use the 696, then I would suggest either having the dealer (or you) install the DP oil cooler.  If your doing it, I might suggest the H-Comp cooler, as they have an over sized one that should help with the around town heat.

[velocipede]

I have a 620, not a 696, but I know that adding bard risers to the 620 made it much more comfortable for city riding.  I've sat on a 696 several times, and, my 2cents, I think it'd be great as a courier ride.  Adding bar risers puts the rider a little closer to a 'motard position, which may be what you're looking for.

[yotogi]

Hyper would be better in city traffic. 796 with different bars seems like it should be the "right" duc for what you describe.

Learn to do your maintenance yourself if you plan on using it for a work bike, but to be honest, I would find something that has longer intervals. The added risk of spending that much time on city streets and the cost of repair for a duc if something goes wrong might also inform your decision.

If it gets warm where you are you will want/need the oil cooler.

But whatever, buy what you want to ride every day.

[Raux]

couple of things i would suggest. IF you get the Hyper, replace the mirrors with normal bar mounts. the wide mirrors on the end of the bars might leave you hitting cars or people as you park and get in and out of tight spaces.
and if you get the hyper or 696 (get the oil cooler for sure) you might want to think about adapting some sort of cooling fan for the oil cooler for heavy traffic.

the other choice is a throw away type of bike (don't flame me) a Hyosung 650 or its like. cheap bike, low insurance, easy maintenance and low initial costs.

[JEFF_H]

Hyper requires you to be fairly tall to be comfy with stop and go.
if you're a midget like me, its a balancing act getting your feet down.

(best commuting bike i ever had was a DR650 with a rear rack...upright position, tall position gave good visibility, didnt care if it got scratched/dropped, and you can go over a curb with no drama if the need or mood strikes you)

[Popeye the Sailor]

What be you courier-ing anyways? Somehting with lockable luggage might be nice.


For something that's going to see what I'm assuming is a lot of low speed city streets, and possibly quite a bit of abuse, your best bet, in all likelihood, is probably a scooter.

Low insurance, locakable, harder to damage, and invisible to cops.


Probably not real likely to be stolen, either.

[brianlp]

Thanks for input!  It sounds like 696 may not be the best choice for a work horse.  I thought maybe I had found the perfect bike for my needs. I am trying to find something that allows me to get the work done and is fun to ride as far as cornering in the hills and good at high performance style riding. . I love the sportbike feel and would love to just have one bike for work and pleasure, although that may not be possible. Prior to Decati I was looking at the cbr600. Seems like the main problem with the MOnster would be maintenance and the bike not being durable enough. I do live in a hot area during summer months but sounds like there is a fix for the heat thing.  Mostly I just courier small paper docs. Use a backpack. Anything bigger I jump in a car.  I have been using ninja 250 which is scooterlike but I still need something good on freeway. And to be honest I like having fun when I work and scooters are not much fun. I may just need to think about keeping ninja and buying a weekend type bike although that is what I have been trying to avoid.   Maybe Ducati would sponsor me. haha

[Raux]

Thanks for input!  It sounds like 696 may not be the best choice for a work horse.  I thought maybe I had found the perfect bike for my needs. I am trying to find something that allows me to get the work done and is fun to ride as far as cornering in the hills and good at high performance style riding. . I love the sportbike feel and would love to just have one bike for work and pleasure, although that may not be possible. Prior to Decati I was looking at the cbr600. Seems like the main problem with the MOnster would be maintenance and the bike not being durable enough. I do live in a hot area during summer months but sounds like there is a fix for the heat thing.  Mostly I just courier small paper docs. Use a backpack. Anything bigger I jump in a car.  I have been using ninja 250 which is scooterlike but I still need something good on freeway. And to be honest I like having fun when I work and scooters are not much fun. I may just need to think about keeping ninja and buying a weekend type bike although that is what I have been trying to avoid.   Maybe Ducati would sponsor me. haha

ok now you are giving more information... since you are looking for more than just courier work. yes i do feel the 696 fits your criteria. with the oil cooler fitted, the 696 does fine in traffic i'm sure, never had too much problem without but didn't sit it horrible traffic but did ride in 100+ weather.
the weekend stuff and hills is the key to making the 696 a great pick. the maintenance isn't such a major issue if you can do any work yourself. and you can even get a rear rack now from Givi if you need it.

[Dave R]

I think a ducati would be expensive to maintain if you plan on doing lots of miles.
if you're going for practical...i would suggest a BMW F650GS or kawi versys

Can you verify costs for the recommended maintenance on the BMW vs Versys vs 696?

[brianlp]

Oh yea motor biking is a major part of my life not just because of work. I love being on a bike. What type of maint. do the 696 require? Is it the same as any other bike just more frequent?  Any reason why?  Now I am excited again for Monster.  I dont mind the initial higher cost of the bike if it is really what I want and will work, but how much are we talking as far as extra maint.?  I dont mind doing it myself if that is what it would take.    There is a great Ducati dealership close to my house and they seem pretty good.

[Popeye the Sailor]

Can you verify costs for the recommended maintenance on the BMW vs Versys vs 696?

Well hell, if we're going to analyze this all proper like, we should also account for frequency, too. If he needs it for work, whenever it's down is an issue.

If they end up being similar costs but one has more downtime than the others, it would be less than desirable.