08 S2R 1k or 2011 696? same price OTD, both new.

[nikkimonster]

I am getting the monster craze again. Looking at 2008 s2r 1000 and 2011 696. Both same price otd and both new.
I had them all in the past: 620, s4r, hypers. Just sold my 08 Yamaha wr250x supermoto, now want to get back on a monster. I do 40% city commute, 40% weekend twisty, and 10% touring roads. Please help me decide. Pros/cons....

2008 S2R 1k :
I love the classic look, more power (but dont really need it cause i dont do track or ride fast anymore), and dry clutch sound.

2011 696 :
like the low seat (i'm 5'-6"), 355 dry weight, slipper clutch.

[hillbillypolack]

S2R.  It's just me and that 'classic' Monster look.

In fact, you can get mine with a load of extras if you're interested:

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=50709.0

[gr1976]

I'd go S2R ... I personally haven't come around to the new design yet.

[1KDS]

S2R

no comparison

[Greg]

S2R 

[Uncle Mofo]

S2R!

[bobbybirds]

S2R for sure...

[muskrat]

S2R but make sure you check that tank and get it coated or replaced ASAP.  Otherwise look for an older Monstro with a metal tank. 

[scduc]

I have an 08' S2R and I can honestly say that I will never get rid of it. Even though I am starting to like the new design. The 696 is not really a beginners bike, but you may find you skill level wanting more even if you have no intentions on using it. Simple things like 2up. and freeway. 

[smdub]

S2R.  IMO a no brainer (unless MAYBE if the 696 has ABS)

S2R has it visually beat hands down: SSS, 5 spoke wheels (vs old 90's 3 spoke), exhaust (though thats personal taste.)  Power is a no brainer too.  Also the s2r has better adjustable suspension.  Its a really easy bike to ride in the city.  The clutch does get a touch grabby in stop/go (I live near DC - 3rd worst traffic in the country) but you get used to it - no biggie.  Tons of torque to just squirt around in a high gear.  You can lower the bike a little w/ the linkage.

FWIW, I thought I had the last, or very close to it, new S2Rs sold - haha;)  Mines an 08 and was sold new in Apr 2010.  I just had the tank replaced under warranty (the shop detected it while I was in for service and took care of me w/o even asking)

[nikkimonster]

are those tanks lifetime warranty or only when under 2 years factory or extended purchase?

[bikepilot]

I'd go S2R - I like the classic look much better    Both great bikes though.  IIRC the tank officially has a 5yr warranty as an emissions part.

[Triple J]

S2R and Caswell coat the tank.

[toudg]

S2R, no hesitation.

[booger]

S2R and Caswell coat the tank.

+1

You'd get a lot more bike with that S2R. Better looks, full trellis frame, better suspension, adjustable rear ride height, etc etc. Only caveat is the fuel tank must be Caswell coated. However, the fuel tanks on the new Monsters are just as susceptible to ethanol deformation as the previous ones. You just don't see the warpage every time you get on the bike is the only difference because the tank is covered by plastic panels. There's still a high possibility of leakage.

Previous gen bikes were less of a consumer appliance than the new ones.