monster 696 for Courier

[Dave R]

So I tried to google all the answers but did find a site mcnews.com that had Cycle Stats on some entry level bikes but no Monster??
http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/model_eval/200711-versystest.pdf

I went and pulled some of their comparisons and plugged in the 696 info..  very unscientific.  I tried to call two Kawasaki dealers and neither one could give me a straight answer??   So from what I could find here are some comparisons...

[ian48th]

I imagine the Monster 696 is not the most economical option, but if you think you can afford it and it turns you on, then why not?  Is the gearing tall on the 696 like it is on my 2000 M900?  If so, you'd want to reduce it with a change of sprockets for all your stop and go riding and for the sake of your clutch. 

At least your maintenance costs would be a business expense.  Give it a go and let us know how it works out.

[brianlp]

Yes I have no problem spending some more on something that is going to bring enjoyment to my work, i am not in this business to become rich, I have fun most of the time and enjoy what I do.  after recently talking with and visiting a Ducati dealer in town I dont think I could go back to the Japanese dealerships .There is no comparison, the guys at Ducati were really cool, showed me and my 6 yr old son the mechanics garage and where they keep the bikes not yet for sale(secret warehouse) it was a really fun time . every time I go to the Kawi, Honda... stores I cant wait to get out of the place.  and even on here Dave R from Ducati in seattle goes through the trouble of looking up price comparisons. Nice!  thx.
 

[slyfox]

Kawasaki ER6F : 8000k
Maintenance : 151
Ducati 696 : 9000
Maintenance : 110

HAVING FUN : PRICELESS

Just go for it : The Ducati

[Loyalizer]

Ninja 250. It doesn't get more economical than that. The new one is kinda cool looking too. I agree about the maintenance not being very cost effective. $600 quote for a 6K Mile service that was due 4K miles ago. If you can wrench most of it yourself, Ducati 696 not a bad idea. Valve job might be the only thing you have to take it in for.

I rack tons of miles on my Monster 620. Seems like a durable, efficient, comfortable bike. I tend to due my own oil changes every 3 - 4k miles. Then taken it in every 10K for the service that as due roughly 3.5k miles earlier. I'll bet the 696 can handle your business. i'd also go used instead of new.

[brianlp]

yes the 250 ninja is great but very under powered on hwy.  if it only had a few more gears.  i would love to find a used 696 but there doesn't seem to be a whole lot out there.  if i bought new i could put a chunk down and finance the rest. i really like the black/dark 09-2010. 

[Dave R]

this place sounds familiar ??  hope the chart helps..

Yes I have no problem spending some more on something that is going to bring enjoyment to my work, i am not in this business to become rich, I have fun most of the time and enjoy what I do.  after recently talking with and visiting a Ducati dealer in town I dont think I could go back to the Japanese dealerships .There is no comparison, the guys at Ducati were really cool, showed me and my 6 yr old son the mechanics garage and where they keep the bikes not yet for sale(secret warehouse) it was a really fun time . every time I go to the Kawi, Honda... stores I cant wait to get out of the place.  and even on here Dave R from Ducati in seattle goes through the trouble of looking up price comparisons. Nice!  thx.
 

[JEFF_H]

And despite my recommendation of something more practical....
my last bike purchase-
ducati HM1100 from dave r at ducati seattle.

even though it was an 8 hour drive one way.
will take it back for there service too
 

[Popeye the Sailor]

yes the 250 ninja is great but very under powered on hwy.  if it only had a few more gears.  i would love to find a used 696 but there doesn't seem to be a whole lot out there.  if i bought new i could put a chunk down and finance the rest. i really like the black/dark 09-2010. 

Change the sprockets 

[BastrdHK]

Where are you located Brianlp?

[victor441]

Personally I'd go with a mid sized water cooled bike.  FWIW was a courier myself long ago and used a Norton Commando which was a really bad choice, eventually it died and I lost the job after many weekends spent wrenching.  A BMW K75 might be good choice, bulletproof from what I've heard...and yes I know they are boring, owned a K100 for years, but might make a good working bike.

[Bick]

It's cheap
It's bulletproof
It can carry crap

[Turf]

A fellow Courier?!

up until recently was a courier in philly for 3 years (moved to texass)and worked at a duc shop on weekends. Where are you out of? I used my 02 monster day in and day out and my CRF for days when it was icey or snowed. Did all my own wrenching and such because the two valves are simple to maintain.   I've got 54k on my monster most of it from city runs and no issues. Stock hyper bars are way to wide to lane split easily, buddy of mine used an ST2 with 70k on the clock. That KLR would be a pain in the ass day in and day out.

[justinrhenry]

[Goat_Herder]

On the practical POV, I would have recommended something like a small dual sport like a CRF230M.  It's light, cheap, manuvable, and gets you up and down the street.  It's no big deal if it gets scratched up going in and out of traffic, or dropped. 



But if you want a bike that both moves your body and soul, for work and for pleasure, GO FOR THE 696!