Before I pull the trigger and buy a 695...

[Piller]

Can anyone give me advice on the 2008 695 model?  It's in perfect condition with about 3k miles, marving exhaust.  It's $5,400.  Is that a good price?  Does this model have any particular issues that I should be aware of?  Would that money be better spent on something else?  

also, what are the most important mods I can get?  I don't know anything about ECU stuff, etc.  What can I do to maximize the power?  It has dual headlights too.. not sure if I like that.  I'm willing to trade for a stock headlight and flyscreen.

[cduarte]

most important mods you can do to a 695 are replace the forks and shocks... I have S4 forks and an ST2 shock and it made a huge difference on mine.

[Slide Panda]

I'm not sure about the price, since I haven't been in the market for a while - so hopefully someone with some more relevant experience will pipe up.

As far as tech issues - From the factory 695 were set lean to make the emissions regs. This meant they tended to run hot, and cause some discoloring of the cylinders. Folks have fitted fuel adjustment gizmos (like a power commander) and some in hotter areas have fit oil coolers.

You should have a look at te tank for signs of swelling. The plastic tanks have had a nasty habit of growwing bigger over time. Common signs are that the tank will not buclke down in front, or is very close the the key way. Also look at the rubber blocks on th bottom of the tank where it should touch the frame - some times the tank expands widthwise and those block no long line up on the frame.

But for almost all intents, the 695 is a near clone of the 620. Base suspension as noted, and the front brakes are not the hottest. But there's been folks who have reported a pad swap on the front brakes improves them a lot with a minimum of cost.

[WetDuc]

The 695 has a really nice geometry, it's comfy and controlled, but the stock suspension is lacking (although it works semi-bad if the rider is less than 150lbs).  It's a great first bike.  

As mentioned, check the tank for deformation.  Look at the bottom bumpers to see how they line up with the frame and the at least ~25mm space that should be between the ignition and tank clasp. The bike should have a 5 year emissions warranty that covers the tank.  Check the engine to see how the paint on the horizontal cylinder is doing.  It might be good, or you might see the discoloration, either way its aesthetics mainly.  

In terms of power increase, the bike needs richer fueling (via ECU reflash or replacement or...if you don't want to spend on that right away, get the FatDuc O2 manipulator for $70) especially because it has the Marvings already.  With the ECU done, you can chop the airbox and get some power.  I think a lighter flywheel on the 695 is a nice power add as well.

The price doesn't seem too bad, but I would absolutely rather have an S2R for that much.  Unless this is your first bike, if you're looking for power, better to go with the S2R and get the single sided swingarm as part of the package.  Those have thine powa!

What color is the 695?

[Slide Panda]

The price doesn't seem too bad, but I would absolutely rather have an S2R for that much.  Unless this is your first bike, if you're looking for power, better to go with the S2R and get the single sided swingarm as part of the package.  Those have thine powa!

Piller isn't new- Just ain't been round these parts for a bit.

But that does beg a question P - why a 695, and not something with some more juice like a 1000?

[Wonked]

I'd say the most important mod was the 14T front sprocket and open airbox/ecu/slip ons. FWIW, the 695 mil has plenty of pop for me. It's totally ridable in the city, and I've been riding bikes for years (read: it's not just for beginners).

[cyrus buelton]

Price seems steep

[Piller]

how about this bike?

http://www.halls-cycles.com/Bike%20Inventory/Used%20Bikes/Pages/2009-DUCATI-MONSTER-696.htm

And when you say an s2r has more power, is the 800 that much more power?  Would the 1000 s2r be too much bike?  Is the 1000 that much heavier?

[Slide Panda]

The 696 run a bit warm too - some folks have been fitting oil coolers - but not reports of discoloring to date.

Brakes are better, suspension is similar. As far as folks know, the tank won't expand, so there's a problem avoided.

696 has very similar power numbers to the S2R 800.

Is the S2R 1000 how much heavier than which model?

[WetDuc]

In terms of power from the monsters, S4R/S>M1100>S2R1000>M696>S2R800>M695---->Just my opinion

[Wonked]

RE: power - don't let your ego get in the way (that's not to say that everyone who prefers a bigger bike is egotistical). I went from a Hayabusa - which trumps all bikes mentioned on this thread in terms of power - to the 695 and have plenty of fun.

[swampduc]

In terms of power from the monsters, S4R/S<M1100<S2R1000<M696<S2R800<M695---->Just my opinion

just to clarify, < means "less than." might want to revise the above 

[Spidey]

Hey, Piller.  Good to see you.  There's been a dearth of midget hooker pillion stories on the board in your absence.  I hope all is well.   

[WetDuc]

just to clarify, < means "less than." might want to revise the above  

oooooooooooooooops
You know what I meant.

[Piller]

Well I got the 696 695.  Thanks for all the input.   looked everywhere for an S2R, and couldn't find one - I figure I'll really love this bike anyway.

I'll be looking for stock mirrors and headlight, in case anyone has them.

Broke up with the GF for a couple days over it, all the pictures are off the walls, all the furniture is taken apart getting ready for her to move out.  A chair, lamp, sunglasses and picture frame are broken.

But I have the bike.