Ducati 696/796 Questions

[SelfMedicating]

Hey Everyone,

I have been seriously considering buying either a Duc 696 or 796. I have researched this site and others and have found no direct answers for a few questions I have regarding both bikes.

First, reliability. I ride fairly often (20K+ per year) and tend to travel via motorcycle. I don't necessarily rely on the bike for primary transportation, but I generally use my bike for commuting along with riding for fun so reliability is a concern. Has anyone here experienced or heard about any major issues concerning reliability with these two bikes or Ducs in general?

Second, maintenance. I understand the scheduled maintenance and it doesn't seem too terribly bad. I have always done all of my own mechanical work. How feasible is it to do the belt changes/valve checks? How much do these maintenance points typically cost for a self-maintained Duc? Any other particulars I should be worried about here?

Last, parts availability. For the scheduled maintenance (belts, shims, etc.), are these parts easily found? For parts in general, is anything hard to get if I happen to need something out of the blue?

I am asking because I have heard a lot of rumors about Ducati reliability and availability of parts. Again, I have tried to research these questions but have found nothing particularly direct pertaining to these bikes. I enjoy working on a bike (except for flat tires/wheels) so maintenance tends go very well with me. These bikes' engines seem unique but really very simply designed. So, anything that could possibly bite me in the ass with a purchase?

I appreciate any honest answers.

Thanks guys.

[matsoutback]

Well, between the 2, I went for the 796. I sat on both and rode the 1100. The 796 suited my size (6'1") and I like the SSSA. I have done 2300km so far in a couple of months and I use it for commuting and some weekend fun, so similar use I think. I don't "have to" ride far to get to work, but the trip is normally extended for pleasure reasons. From a new owner point of view, I am very happy with my choice. It has enough "personality" without being obnoxious out of the box and sounds pretty good even with the standard cans. I regard myself as a newbee, even though this is my 4th bike after short stints with some Honda roadies and a Yamaha dirt bike.

From a reliability perspective, I'm sure others here have that experience to pass on. My theory is reliability is directly related to servicing / care. Hope my monster proves me right!

In the mean time, I'm a pig in mud.
 

[SelfMedicating]

I agree, and I maintain my bike well so I don't think I would have too many issues. I also think I will end up with the 796 as its power, weight and height seem like the perfect match for me.

Out of curiosity, what MPG does the 796 get?

[matsoutback]

I get around 200km out of a tank, when I fill up, about 10l. So in my language, 5l/100 = 47mpg. Not the most economical motor getting around, and the tank is a touch on the small side, but I am not complaining. I have just returned to the 15t front sprocket too, and I'm not as offended with the gearing as remember I was when it was new. The motor really changes with a few km's done, much smoother  and "happier" donk now. Even the clutch has bedded in allowing much smoother take off's too.

[Raux]

I think the ABS version has a slightly smaller tank.

reliability. the 696 I have is great. maintenance easy. i had a friend (shop owner) show me hot to do the valves the first time and belts the same. easy. and will be doing it myself next time.
I commute 88 km a day on autobahn at triple digits speeds at times. the bike has been great.

[matsoutback]

I think the ABS version has a slightly smaller tank.

13.5L ABS
15.0L non ABS

Mine is ABS, in fact in Australia, you can't get it without now.

[SteveO.]

I looked at both and with my entire life on a dirt bike and limited street bike experience, I went with the 796. I find it a really easy bike to ride and the torque is very manageable.  Of all the bikes I've ridden, the 796 is the easiest, IMO. For not much extra cash it didn't make sense for me to buy the 696 and outgrow it in a season, and give up the SSSA, ABS and the resale on it.  So far I haven't had any maintenance issues in 5000km and have been really happy with it.  I do occasionally think I'll finish this season and next, and then upgrade to the 1100 Evo.  

If you're competent on a bike, get the 796 for sure so you don't have to spend a bunch of cash upgrading the 696 to perform like the 796, and still have the SSSA.

[darthmoto]

Sorry if Im not answering your question more thoroughly, but my 09 696 has 33k on it. 15k a year for 2years, and then 3k from 2011 - now. (been extremely busy)

No problems besides a swollen, leaking tank that got replaced for free, even though my bike just had broken out of warranty. No oil leaks. Service results indicate the valves needed less and less adjustment over time. Also, there was a time when I rode in extremely hot weather. The clutch fluid expansion caused the clutch to not completely engage leading to a fried clutch. Other than that, the bike has been utterly reliable.

Maintenance parts are a whole lot easier to get quickly than non-consumable parts. I replaced some clutch pack springs which took 6 weeks to get from Italy. I didnt have to get the springs, but I did so just for my piece of mind. My tank took a few weeks to arrive. The clutch discs were in stock.. belts and shims were always on hand for the techs.
Anyways, my $0.01

[SelfMedicating]

Thanks for the input guys. I am most likely going to pick up a 796. The only thing I don't like about the 796 is the red frame only option. I also considered the 1100 but I feel like it would be too much bike for the street for me personally and I like something I can flick around in the turns.

[El-Twin]

I also considered the 1100 but I feel like it would be too much bike for the street for me personally and I like something I can flick around in the turns.

While you may not want the extra expense of the 1100, nor need the extra oomph, it is just as flickable as the 796. They are the same wheelbase and weight. Plus, the 1100 has the adjustable suspension, making it possibly *more* flickable.

[Curmudgeon]

I do occasionally think I'll finish this season and next, and then upgrade to the 1100 Evo.

Better ride one before you consider it an "upgrade". Sure..., it has more punch..., but it also vibrates more because those pistons make bigger bangs. I doubt you'll be going any faster on an EVO.

[Curmudgeon]

While you may not want the extra expense of the 1100, nor need the extra oomph, it is just as flickable as the 796. They are the same wheelbase and weight. Plus, the 1100 has the adjustable suspension, making it possibly *more* flickable.

That's no SBK suspension on that thing. Of course, DP offers an $1,800- Ohlins shock to help it along.  My $600- 796 Ohlins balances out the 796 Marzocchi fork nicely. Even Donnie Unger concurs.  Would dearly like the setup Raux has now, but not the coin to do that upgrade for a 10% - 15% improvement. Years ago I'd have done that swap in a heartbeat!

[SelfMedicating]

While you may not want the extra expense of the 1100, nor need the extra oomph, it is just as flickable as the 796. They are the same wheelbase and weight. Plus, the 1100 has the adjustable suspension, making it possibly *more* flickable.

Yeah, I don't doubt that it corners at least as well as the other Monsters. The thing is, if I have that much power I tend to want to use it and I think that leads to trouble for me on the street. I am a smaller guy anyways (155 lbs) so I think the 796 would be about right. The 1100 is a beautiful machine though...

[Curmudgeon]

Yeah, I don't doubt that it corners at least as well as the other Monsters. The thing is, if I have that much power I tend to want to use it and I think that leads to trouble for me on the street. I am a smaller guy anyways (155 lbs) so I think the 796 would be about right. The 1100 is a beautiful machine though...

And besides..., a smaller engine ridden well is less handful and more jollies!  Suggest you fit a 14T front sprocket though unless you're riding the Autostrada!

[jim331656]

I went round and round with the same decision.  The single sided swing arm and an extra 100 cc's was worth the extra grand for me..... well since I got a left over 2011 796 it was actually the same price as a '12 696.... The red frame isn't so bad. Wasn't a deal breaker for me.  The 1100 is about $1700 more than the 796 and for me I didn't think I needed that much bike, I didn't want to pay a higher insurance premium (gotta love NJ) and personally I wasn't a fan of the 1100 low mount cans as I love the sssa.