Damned 796 vs 696

[junior varsity]

No, cartridges and valve kit options are limited. Forks still have springs.

[mikeb]

I don't have a whole lot of knowledge in the specifics, but I had read that others had tried various solutions, but because of the stock 696 set-up, stiffer springs weren't an option.

I've heard problems with cartridge upgrades and certain valving mods due to the build of the forks.  But springs shouldn't be an issue.

Contact Racetech or Traxxion Dynamics and inquire about springs.  They only run about $100 and well worth it. 

[RC Fan]

No, cartridges and valve kit options are limited. Forks still have springs.

Thanks for the info!

[mikeb]

I use Traxxion Dynamics a lot.  Give them a call and tell them what your issues are.  They'll point you in the right direction.

Have you measured your sag?  I'd start there to see how far off you are. 

[dennisd]

I see they are going to put the exhaust butterfly on the 796 like the 1100 has.  Glad I found a 696 midpipe to replace my 1100 pipe before they made the change because now there will be more people looking for them.

I kinda liked the fact that the 696 had DSS, that made more of a choice and distinguished the 1100 from the 696 (of course I liked it better because I have a 1100).  And dang if they aren't going to put Marchesini wheels on it.  It really irritated me (and still does) that my 1100 came with Enkei wheels.  Not that they aren't good wheels but it's just more Japanese parts on my "Italian" motorcycle.

So now the "baby" monster will have a lot of the same features and almost the same HP numbers as it's "big brother".  Planned obsolescence?  Maybe the baby was loosing too many sales to the big boy.  And now the big boys sales might fall off so I wonder what changes are in store for the 1100?

[Raux]

Monster 1200 anyone?

still dont know why they dont go

696
+ 200cc
+ 300cc

now it's
696
+100cc
+300cc

seems too small of a displacement difference between the 696 and 796.
or even, kill the 696 and offer a low ride height option on the 796 and 1100

[RC Fan]

seems too small of a displacement difference between the 696 and 796.

Agreed.

or even, kill the 696 and offer a low ride height option on the 796 and 1100

That sounds like a logical solution.

[mikeb]

Maybe the baby was loosing too many sales to the big boy.  

I think you have it backwards.  I think the 1100 was losing sales to the 696.

If the 1100 was selling better than the 696 where's the harm in that?  I'd rather sell more $12k bikes than $9k bikes.  

Given the 796 mimics the 1100, for less cash, it will rob sales from the 1100.  Which, if its selling better than the 696, is like shooting yourself in the foot.  You're talking someone out of a $12k bike to sell them something cheaper.

To me it only makes sense if the 696 was selling better.  This way you can get 696 buyers to cough out more $$$ for a step up.  Rather than give the 1100 buyers a reason to spend less money.....

[hadesducati848]

it also gets the five-spoke Marchesini wheels and curvy single-sided swingarm from its big brother.

any one know if any ducati single sided swing arm will fit on the 696? like maybe from an 848?

[junior varsity]

I think you have it backwards.  I think the 1100 was losing sales to the 696.

If the 1100 was selling better than the 696 where's the harm in that?  I'd rather sell more $12k bikes than $9k bikes. 

Given the 796 mimics the 1100, for less cash, it will rob sales from the 1100.  Which, if its selling better than the 696, is like shooting yourself in the foot.  You're talking someone out of a $12k bike to sell them something cheaper.

To me it only makes sense if the 696 was selling better.  This way you can get 696 buyers to cough out more $$$ for a step up.  Rather than give the 1100 buyers a reason to spend less money.....

Yes, the 1100 is the one that is slow to move: Why not just spend a few more $ and have the streetfighter? Its got much more power, and a more committed riding position which goes well with the additional power. That's been the way the consumers have viewed the two.

[mikeb]

Yes, the 1100 is the one that is slow to move: Why not just spend a few more $ and have the streetfighter?

Exactly.  Or get an 848. 

When the first S4R (996 version) came out my dealer had 2 of the for well over a year.  Couldn't get rid of them.  Nobody wanted to spend $13k on a Monster.  That's SBK money. 

I ended up grabbing one of them for a song they were so desperate to get rid of it. 

[NoisyDante]

any one know if any ducati single sided swing arm will fit on the 696? like maybe from an 848?

Might find some answers here:
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=15976.0

[Popeye the Sailor]

Exactly.  Or get an 848. 

When the first S4R (996 version) came out my dealer had 2 of the for well over a year.  Couldn't get rid of them.  Nobody wanted to spend $13k on a Monster.  That's SBK money. 

I ended up grabbing one of them for a song they were so desperate to get rid of it. 

Same thing here.

[dennisd]

a m said:

Yes, the 1100 is the one that is slow to move: Why not just spend a few more $ and have the streetfighter? Its got much more power, and a more committed riding position which goes well with the additional power. That's been the way the consumers have viewed the two.

I looked at a Streetfighter; in fact came close to buying one.  Then I remembered/came to my senses; I always liked the look of an air cooled naked MUCH better than water cooled.  Too much plumbing on a water cooled to be naked.  And, to paraphrase what someone said in another post; I don't need to attach a 150 hp rocket to my penis to make it bigger.  The 1100 has enough scat to get me from corner to corner.  IMO, the 796 will be too similar to the 1100.

[mikeb]

IMO, the 796 will be too similar to the 1100.

That is exactly the point.  The 1100 isn't selling as well as the 696.  So they are offering 1100 style at a cheaper price point to coax 696 buyers into spending more $$$.