The Official 696 APPRECIATION Thread!!!

[stopintime]

I appreciate that Ducati is making a new Monster. Some parts of it is better than on the current ones (brakes, output/weight, lower half of the ergonomics, color swap option, attaching rear luggage, way cooler stock mirrors + + +) What I don't like is the shorter distance to the bars and what I see in front of me - looks like a much smaller bike from the riders view. There are other styling parts that I'm on the fence about, but I don't plan on getting one - so I won't get too much into those.

I have defended Ron before, and will again if necessary - although I agree that he shouldn't post like he did in this thread. What I can imagine worries him is the same thing that worries me...... if this design is going to be the only alternative in the near future. My dealer thinks so, even as early as next year. I'm just in the early stages of my love affair with my Monster and would hate to be forced to end it so soon.

The 696 owners will probably have a better bike (if it fits them) than I do. I appreciate that Ducati pleases a wider customer base. My love for my bike is based largely upon the "fact" that the current Monsters are/look more unique than the majority of other bikes, including the 696. Ducati has made their place in the market by talking directly to people's hearts - now they are being more sensible and that doesn't suit Ducati, IMO.

I look forward to reading about mods and new models coming up - maybe there should be 696 specific boards, accessories & mods + tech at least?

[brimo]

It's kinda growing on me, 'specially after seeing one with the CF termis on it, looks a lot less bulky around the rear. Bar end mirrors seem to help the look of the profile too.
(just ignore him, he'll eventually go away and find a different sand pit to p*** in)

[flanman]

The owner's manual is now up on ducati.com.  Like the new dash or not, it gives you gobs of info, incuding a bit of erngine diagnostics.  Me, I'm a big round analogue guy, but there is a worthwhile trade off, tons of info in a small space.

I bet the digital dash is going to be on all the future monsters. its good in a way but bad in a way too... overall it has really grown on me. Originally i saw it without an open mind. Its very angular but overall the look isn't bad. If they change the exhaust for the bigger bikes (695 and bigger monsters have different exhausts) and do a sss it would add to it.

[the ron]

I've largely enjoyed 'the ron's' banter.

Sure, he may over-do it occasionally, who doesn't? (ok, maybe the lurkers)

But he score's above average in making entertaining posts, imo.

He also has an inability to move on, styling-wise, but hey, nobody's perfect 

L.O.L.   

the ron

[dlearl476]

I have defended Ron before, and will again if necessary - although I agree that he shouldn't post like he did in this thread. What I can imagine worries him is the same thing that worries me...... if this design is going to be the only alternative in the near future. My dealer thinks so, even as early as next year. I'm just in the early stages of my love affair with my Monster and would hate to be forced to end it so soon.

I have to admit, I share more than one of Ron's opinions of the bike, but I promise I won't stink up the thread with them.  But I also have to admit I saw the bike, live, for the first time last week in SLC and it looks great in person.  I think it's going to make a lot of people very happy, and I like that.  (As long as their not IN FRONT of me in the expresso line at the next DOC hospitality tent.)

The 696 owners will probably have a better bike (if it fits them) than I do. I appreciate that Ducati pleases a wider customer base. My love for my bike is based largely upon the "fact" that the current Monsters are/look more unique than the majority of other bikes, including the 696. Ducati has made their place in the market by talking directly to people's hearts - now they are being more sensible and that doesn't suit Ducati, IMO.

I always wanted a Red/White S2r.  Then a M900 kind of dropped in my lap.  As I've spent a bunch of time (and money) modding it, I've really grown to love the "Ducs that suck"* and really can't see ever owning a F.I. one.  I know the S*R line is more sophisticated (well, they are before $4k of mods, anyway ) but IMO that very fact lends to the "Monster" mystique.



*"Ducs that suck" ie. carbs suck, fuel injection  blows, literally.

[Ohmic]

This is great entertainment. You can't find this sort of content on ToB 

I for one am guilty of enjoying and agreeing with The Ron's posts; Am sure the majority of DMF'ers do also.
This is the "Official 696 APPRECIATION Thread!!!". As a result most DMF'ers respects this. We should stick to the topic and and let other DMF'ers enjoy the new 696 for what it is.

Perhaps we(The DMF) needs an ""Official 696 UN-APPRECIATION Thread!!!""  where both sides of the equation can posts about the 969 without being persecuted.

[Cucciolo]

Perhaps we(The DMF) needs an ""Official 696 UN-APPRECIATION Thread!!!""  where both sides of the equation can posts about the 969 without being persecuted.

You mean a "Bashing" thread.. well.. it sucks that some people are just SOOOOO stuck in their old ways/views.. reluctant to change and unappreciative of what "the company who made the ride you love" is doing with a new product. Maybe we should start a thread that reads "Ducati back stabbers unite here" and there you can post how much you hate the new 696. how about that! or better yet.. you may start a new forum with your new found friends who like to bash other people's ride.. because the last time I checked.. NO ONE LIKES pricks who look down on other people's ride. If you MUST bash a particular ride.. then do it on another brand at least.. gosh.. these kids are just a pain!!!

[707soldier]

Newby here
Woo Hoo! I just bought my first bike today and it is the 696! I will post pics soon, it's the dark model. Awesome bike!

regards to all

[Cucciolo]

Newby here
Woo Hoo! I just bought my first bike today and it is the 696! I will post pics soon, it's the dark model. Awesome bike!

regards to all

CONGRATULATIONS MAN!!!!!  Welcome to the forum!!

[707soldier]

CONGRATULATIONS MAN!!!!!  Welcome to the forum!!

THANKS! for the warm welcome.

[stopintime]

THANKS! for the warm welcome.

+1 on the welcome. Have you thought about mods - if so, what are your plans? Do you have wishes that aren't available yet?
Yours and other 696er's posts on this subject would add value to this thread - for me anyway

[dkoi]

I just put a down payment on a 696 Monster Dark, can't wait for it. I'm a new biker. I've taken the safety classes and have only ridden cruisers but I've loved the Monsters since I first saw them when I was a little kid. The test drive of the 696 is what sold me completely. I don't have any plans for mods, not really sure what I'd do. I'm a car guy this is my first venture into the motorcycle world.

[bulldogs2k]

Anyone else in here scared of fueling issues?  I hope they fix the problem soon.  
A

[Cucciolo]

Anyone else in here scared of fueling issues?  I hope they fix the problem soon. 
A

what is the issue? price of gas?    seriously.. flaw?

[stopintime]

......... I don't have any plans for mods, not really sure what I'd do. I'm a car guy this is my first venture into the motorcycle world.

No problem - we have infected your computer with the Mod Virus, it will then infect you through the magnetic field around cables - soon you'll feel the urge and then you'll be all over this place - credit card easily available!