Am I missing something obvious?

[wrl]

For the tl;dr crowd:

2011 Monster 696, 6K miles, $6800

I'm looking for a first bike and eventual commuter during appropriate weather (FL panhandle). I'm 5'11", 185# and I'd like to think I'm well-coordinated. Is this a good deal? Does it look like it has ABS? Is it mostly stock (my preference)? Will it get me through 2+ years before I'm hungry for more Monster? I'm taking the MSF course in a week.

From the ad:

My wife and I are having a baby so I am regretfully looking to sell my 2011 Ducati Monster 696 to make room and save money. 5850 miles looks and runs great, one owner, never been down. The only problem with the bike is the left rear turn signal was broken by the dealer and they fixed it by gluing it back on, the light functions properly, I didn't even know they had broken it until about 6 months after I purchased the bike. I will include (if purchased at the asking price) an XL Joe Rocket mesh jacket with liner, size 12 Bilt riding boots (jacket and boots are used), motorcycle cover (not a great cover but helps keep pollen and dirt off), and MWR air filter set (filter set is new and not installed). Serious inquiries only, no joy rides, proof of insurance and valid drivers license to test ride.

Longer version:

I've been longing for a Ducati since I discovered them in 2003 when my landlord's son, president of the Ducati owner's club of the Italian province in which I resided at the time, invited me out to the track and made me an 'honorary member'. Higher priorities and questionable maturity put that idea on hold for a while. In 2007 I became enamored with Monster after a brief introduction at the dealership up the road from the airport hotel, days after I moved to Hawaii--again, priorities and maturity.

Now with priorities in check and sufficient maturity/sensibility in hand (not to mention straighter, flatter roads here in FL), I'm signed up for the basic course and ready to make it happen, lest I wait another decade and have it mistaken for a mid-life crisis toy. I've got a 70-miles round trip to work which is killing me in the truck and I'm eager to make a change.

After reading various Ducati fora for weeks, I find myself lusting (indecisively) over everything from slightly older S2R 800s to newer 696/796 w/ABS; thankfully the Senna Grey on red S4R in Miami already sold before I got too attached to the idea. I've read and deeply considered the advice here and elsewhere regarding starting on a Ninja 250/500 or a Suzuki SV650, but unfortunately, Ducati doesn't make those, and certainly not in Monster form. The nearest true Ducati dealer is ~300 miles away and most CL/ebay/cycletrader/classifieds ads would require a sight-unseen purchase + shipping or a lengthy road trip with questionable logistics to get the bike back home. Although a newer 696 ABS is definitely on my short list, going with this option would be decidedly based on convenience. I don't want to get too drawn in by the price and local availability, so what do you think? Is there a gremlin lurking somewhere in this bike that I'm not detecting? Is the price or condition too good to be true?

Thank you kindly for your time.


Will

[DarkMonster620]

The bike doesn't seem to have ABS . . . blinker broken? Can get a new set for the cost of 1 OEM; if it's stock is OK, very very slowly you will start to change parts and suddenly the bike will no longer look like this one . . but still be this one . . .

I have kept my M620 since 2006 . . . and love, it has enough and a bit more when needed; if you are in the panhandle, once LT gets back you might have someone to take care for your bike and other needs . . .

Regarding your last sentence of the 3rd parragraph, "Is there a gremlin lurking somewhere in this bike that I'm not detecting? Is the price or condition too good to be true?" can't say, YOU must go and see the bike, my 0.02 ..  good luck

[muskrat]

You are the same size as me, personally I'd consider a larger displacement bike like the 1100 or an S4 model with a metal tank.  The seating position on the 696 is too cramped for my style and on the short 15 mile ride, just to test ride the thing, I felt it.  There are quite a few S4 and 1100 deals I've seen lately so be patient.  If you consider yourself responsible enough you can grow into the bike and never forget that the bike has ultimate authority. 
If you're settled on the 696, as stated previously, go see it or have a friend come with you that knows what to look for on these bikes.  Good luck and remember to post your purchase so we can all drool.

[Raux]

Bike has ABS, look at the right front quarter view... two brake lines coming from front of tank.

[DarkMonster620]

Bike has ABS, look at the right front quarter view... two brake lines coming from front of tank.

OH, I was looking at the brakes to see if I saw the sensor scheibe . .My bad

[wrl]

You are the same size as me, personally I'd consider a larger displacement bike like the 1100 or an S4 model with a metal tank.  The seating position on the 696 is too cramped for my style and on the short 15 mile ride, just to test ride the thing, I felt it.  There are quite a few S4 and 1100 deals I've seen lately so be patient.  If you consider yourself responsible enough you can grow into the bike and never forget that the bike has ultimate authority. 
If you're settled on the 696, as stated previously, go see it or have a friend come with you that knows what to look for on these bikes.  Good luck and remember to post your purchase so we can all drool.

Interesting, this is the first S4/1100 recommendation I've seen for a new rider. Thanks for the vote of confidence.

And thanks to everyone for the replies--keep 'em coming; I have an appointment to see this one tomorrow!

[Kev M]

Interesting, this is the first S4/1100 recommendation I've seen for a new rider.

That's cause it is generally a bad idea....

I like our 696 a lot. Yeah it's a little on the small side for guys our size, but it's not too bad to me (32" inseam). You'd have to decide for yourself if it is too cramped or not.

If it is, maybe you'd want someting more like a Multi?

I'd still stick to a smaller engine for a new rider though - 620/695/696.

[Slide Panda]

I'd still stick to a smaller engine for a new rider though - 620/695/696.

FWIW - the 696 is about as powerful as a 900. Progressive engine generations are packing more into less.

[Kev M]

FWIW - the 696 is about as powerful as a 900. Progressive engine generations are packing more into less.

Sorry - no clear - I was talking as oppossed to the suggesting of an 1100/S4...

[Raux]

OH, I was looking at the brakes to see if I saw the sensor scheibe . .My bad

that is a good point.
it has the lines, but i dont see the wheel sensors

[Howie]

Bring someone who knows what they are looking at with you.  The dealer glued the light together and I never noticed sounds suspicious to me.  Look for other signs of a drop like rash on the fork bottom/axle, levers and bar ends.  Ask to see service records.  Belts less than 2 years old?  Much less?  Hydraulic fluids changed annually?  When was the last major service?  Tires over 4 years old?  If the bike has ABS it should have a sensor for the front and one for the rear.  As Raux said, the two brake lines heading under the tank attach to the ABS pump.   

[Raux]

sensor's there on the front left side.


as far the light.. easy replacement.
but check everywhere for small scrapes on the end of the footpeg,bars fork bottom on that side.
some people also kick the light when mounting the bike, so he may have done that or someone at the dealer did it.
and interestingly enough is not the original unless it was mounted upside down.

the pipe shields were anodized and seem to have faded. same as top of mastercylinders.

rear tire looks a bit squared off, and likely original pirellis.

[DarkMonster620]

Those tires look like Pirelli Angels . . . and yes Raux, sensor scheibe is on the front left, had to actually get a mag glass to see it

Also, compare optically the rear sets, if one looks shinier than the other, it could mean one is newer than the other . . . just sayin'

[nickshelby500kr]

FWIW - the 696 is about as powerful as a 900. Progressive engine generations are packing more into less.

not to mention. the 696 is about 50lbs dry weight lighter.

[wrl]

Thanks for all the replies. So far it seems it's a more-or-less stock 696 ABS with some anodized parts and a kicked rear turn signal. Plus, people seem to think it's a bit small for me. Admittedly as a result, I AM still tempted to have one of these shipped out:

http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2007-Ducati-Monster-S4-108411479
http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2007-Ducati-Monster-S4R-S-Testastretta-106737529
http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2007-Ducati-MONSTER-S4-97777245
http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2008-Ducati-Monster-S2R-1000-108283612
http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2007-Ducati-MONSTER-800-S2R-108269263

Would avoiding these for now be over-cautious when I eventually want to go in that direction?

I'm going to go take a look at the M696 tomorrow afternoon.