Another 696 versus 796 Question

[slower than...]

I'm looking for a second bike.  My current ride is a 06 Sport Classic Sport 1000 Mono.  It's been a great bike, sexy, heavily modded so engine/suspension/brakes all upgraded, and lots of bling.  But it is quite a torture rack to ride, and a poor choice for every day riding. 

So I'm now considering a Monster.  It will be used mostly to putt around town, two-up (combined weight of 300 pounds), and occasional outings up to an hour away.  I'm not looking to match the performance of my Sport Classic.  I will definitely take that out if I am looking for a spirited ride.

Seems like the 796 adds just a wee bit more umph (7HP), more bling (single sided swingarm), and comfort (seat does not slope as much towards the tank).  If I were buying new, I'm not totally convinced those things are worth the $1500. 

And right now, there are some pretty good deals to be had on used, but near new 696's, whereas, there aren't any used 796's around here.  Such a used 696 can be had for a little more than half what a new 796 will cost. 

Will I be disappointed with a 696, or should I wait to pick up a 796?

[thought]

I think you might be a bit let down by the 696 coming from the SC1000.  It's a pretty big drop in torque/hp.

If I were to get monster all over again right now, I would actually look for a used m1100abs over a new 796.  You can always buy the 796 seat from the dealer which isnt too much, and the risers are also pretty cheap.  And in terms of pricing, you'll find m1100's still cheaper than a new 796.

Also keep in mind that your pillion rider isnt going to thank for you for getting a monster if you plan on doing it a lot and putting on some decent miles.  The seat is pretty abbreviated, but if you're dead set on the new monster, keep in mind that only the 796 and post 2010 696/1100's can fit the pillion passenger handles.

[Bishamon]

I was in the same boat as you, and I went with the 796.  This was primarily because I got an amazing deal on one of the last non-ABS models (I paid the 696 SRP for the 796).  I decided I would either get a used 696 or a new 796, because I figured the single sided swingarm, nicer rims (IMO), better seat, and power boost were worth the price increase when comparing the new prices.  There were no used 796 bikes on the market at the time (November 2010).  When the dealer offered me the deal on the non-ABS 796, I jumped!

The Monster is much more comfortable than the Sport 1000, and I don't really feel let down by the decrease in power; in fact, it's a little more usable in the city.

[Raux]

Why not get a gt touring
are u getting rid of ypurs
if so transfer a lot of your upgrades
the monster wont have the two up comfort that your bike or the gt could have

[Curmudgeon]

Interesting thread. Some good advice above too. Are you sure you want a Ducati for the two-up "putting around town" mission? A "standard" bike would be better for this IMO. You might even keep the wife / gf that way. 

Far from a perfect bike, but my second ride is an '09 Bonneville T-100. Great engine for the mission you have in mind. The rest of the bike needs a little work, but room for two and 300 lbs. http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/lambroving/Miscellany/Various+Bikes/DB-Brewery-T-100.jpg.html

If your passenger is over 90 lbs, I wouldn't dream of a Monster. If you insist, the 696 won't be enough. Solo though, a 796 with a 14T is, but mine mainly likes to go fast, not putt around at 40 MPH. I'd agree with "thought" about two-up and 300 lbs and an M1100 ABS. She just won't be riding with you for very long on a Monster before that gets old. "thought's" a crazed, power-mad youngster of course. 

If you ride a 796 solo, you may find it has enough go and is quite nimble and well-mannered. It can use a cheap Ohlins shock though. Bear in mind that a 2011 796 ABS is $9,995 MSRP, so $1,000 less than a 2010 796 ABS was. As I mentioned, it is still sweetest above 70 MPH and less than 50 MPH for me becomes uncomfortable fairly quickly. All day over 70 MPH though.

[Bishamon]

Why not get a gt touring
are u getting rid of ypurs
if so transfer a lot of your upgrades

I assumed he was planning to keep the Sport 1000.

Far from a perfect bike, but my second ride is an '09 Bonneville T-100. Great engine for the mission you have in mind. The rest of the bike needs a little work, but room for two and 300 lbs.

I did consider a Bonnie to go along with the Sport 1000, but since the Sport 1000 was already a vintage-style bike, I decided to go with a Monster.  The Bonnie would definitely be better suited to two-up riding, but my wife has her own bike. 

[Raux]

I've done long touring with the 696. no issues with power through the Alps. I was running the 14t front sprocket and it pulled nicely through the mountains.
We weigh just over 300 with gear. Add a backpack and tank bag stuffed and that's what we carried.
Although the backpack was a bad idea for her. I should have picked up saddle bags instead.

she had issues with the back of the seat and having nothing there. a few companies make rear tail bag holders that would give her a sense of security.
the 696 range was decent to give us good breaks yet not make fuel stops tedious.

but she does agree that eventually we'll be getting a bigger touring bike. not so much for power, but for seating comfort. (1200 MTS is high on the list)

[thought]

"thought's" a crazed, power-mad youngster of course. 

I dont see the issue here.