Piller, I think the clip-ons are a great mod for the 696/1100 because of the different geometry those bikes have from the pre-2009 monsters. Personally, I also don't like the clip-ons for the 695, but I was responding to your typo about the model, apologies for the confusion.
If you joined Ducatiz's "gas tank group", he will help you get started. Since the tank is covered under warranty, I would recommend bringing it to the dealer as soon as possible to get the ball rolling in getting a new one. I was able to get approved for a warranty replacement through my dealer in FL. Chances are the new one will deform as well, but maybe, just maybe in the near future DNA will man up and really fix the problem with a proper recall and different replacement.
Congrats on the bike! I love my 695 like a family member!
Here's my mod suggestions for the bike in order of my personal preference of importance and return in performance or aesthetics (I have done all of these to my 695):
1) Tail chop (the beer tray is just terrible looking)
2) Chop/core the exhaust cans (stock setup is so quiet I found it embarrassing. Make sure you start up and go for a short ride with no exhaust cans at all, you will probably never forget how gorgeous sounding the desmo is with no constraints)
3) 14T front sprocket (this will transform the 695 due to the fact that it already has a large 48T rear sprocket, you might get some vibrational harmonics generation, but the bike will be peppy, smooth and much quicker on the acceleration)
4) Get the FatDuc and set it at the halfway point
5) Replace mirrors (the stock ones just suck, nothing more to say about that)
6) Replace the turn signals something better (monsterparts has mini turn signal pairs for $15, I got them and love 'em)
7) Chop the rear wheel hugger (I never would have guessed how much this improved the look of the bike)
Take off the side panels (they are lame and cover nice trellis frame)
Other mods I like for the 695 that I have not done yet:
1) Replace ECU (DP ECU or PCIII), chop airbox and replace exhaust cans with something sans catalytic converter
2) SSS mod (this is a big one)
3) Replace suspension with stuff from S4R's and ST4's.
4) Lighter flywheel
5) Rear seat cowl
6) Replace the axle adjustment plates on the swingarm since the stock ones are only there to frustrate and confuse
7) Chop the belt covers and front sprocket cover
Paint the engine black
Sorry for repeating some of those suggestions from my previous post. Nice score, hope you love the bike. Abuse and thrash it, it likes it.
