Am I missing something obvious?

[Raux]

I'm 5'10" 170ish. THe 696 fits fine. I did raise mine only because I was a bit more agressive with the riding where I live and felt the additional cornering clearance would help.
The Comfort seat raises the leg room a bit also. I have a 32-33" inseam (just like I'm 5'91/2" on some days as well)

[muskrat]

Then consider an older 900, easier to maintain and the frame will fit you just fine.  I like the 696 but its too small for me then again I'm on an S4 already and a geezer glider.   Don't forget to report your thoughts.   You might also consider a Yammi FZ 8

[muskrat]

Pretty and nice seating position. http://tallahassee.craigslist.org/mcy/3555122015.html
And another http://tallahassee.craigslist.org/mcy/3568260574.html.  Although I wouldn't offer more than 4k

[wrl]

Ok, just looked at it.

It's all stock/original. The red rings on the tires are reflective tape. 600 mile service and and oil change performed by the dealer in Pensacola where he bought it. He's only used ethanol-free premium gas. There aren't any signs of drops. I did notice a bit of surface rust on a few bolts which I'm guessing is normal, but other than that and the rear turn signal, it's very, very clean.

I sat on it and it doesn't feel tiny--my knees fit in the tank cover's indentations. He showed me where the seat height can be adjusted--didn't realize that was possible. It was my first time sitting on a bike while trying to get a feel for it, so I don't think I really know what I was looking for other than obvious discomfort which wasn't a problem.

Seeing it in person makes it VERY tempting to just snatch up and go rather than dealing with buying online and having one shipped. I'll probably end up on a bigger Monster one day, but I'm definitely leaning toward buying this one next week after my class.

[Raux]

I sat on it and it doesn't feel tiny--my knees fit in the tank cover's indentations. He showed me where the seat height can be adjusted--didn't realize that was possible.

uh.. me either. tell me more.

[wrl]

He mentioned giving this thing a twist:



At least, I think it was that. Of course, the seat height was fine, so I really didn't pay close attention.

[Curmudgeon]

He mentioned giving this thing a twist:

At least, I think it was that. Of course, the seat height was fine, so I really didn't pay close attention.

That's the preload, which you should adjust anyway, as it's probably too firm as it left the factory. Sag should be roughly equal at both ends. Get a friend and a tape measure.

The "DP touring seat" has been mentioned. If you need more room, consider a Sargent seat too. If the stock bar doesn't suit, consider a Rizoma. Suggest you fit a 14T front sprocket on there ASAP which will make low speeds easier to manage and allow you more "umph" and the use of 6th gear in the USA.  http://www.sargentcycle.com/ducws6961000.htm

[Raux]

He mentioned giving this thing a twist:



At least, I think it was that. Of course, the seat height was fine, so I really didn't pay close attention.

uh no, that adjust your suspension preload. which as a byproduct does raise the rideheight, but also makes your suspension stiffer and your sag settings off.

the best way to adjust seat height. is a different seat.

you can also raise the entire rear end with a $20 piece from a 796 or 1100

[wrl]

Cool, I did notice the seat felt maybe a bit uncomfortable, but I chalked it up to unfamiliarity. I'd wait to get used to it before I think about changing it out. I've read many mentions of 14t sprockets, seems to be a common mod. One thing I forgot to mention is that the warranty is good until May. With its current mileage, maybe it'll hit the next scheduled maintenance (7500?) before then.

Ha, people keep PM'ing me to say I should just stick to the 696 for now rather than go bigger. So unless you guys don't see any deal breakers thus far, I think I'm gonna roll with it.

Oh, and it turns out there are a couple of dealerships in the area about 100 miles east or west and then the Ducati-specific dealership about 300 miles away. Would the latter be preferred for maintenance or does it not matter?

[brad black]

i'm 6' and i like the 696.  i don't ride much these days (only road tests) and i find the bigger bikes really do scare me.  the 696 has a nice revvy motor and is easy to ride.  i find them comfy too, after the first time i rode one and felt like i was sitting on the front wheel compared to the older monsters anyway.

as for the new rider debate: i can't imagine putting someone who hasn't ridden before in a s4r.  there's a very sound reason most countries have graduated rider licencing systems.  sure, putting new riders on bikes that have lower spec suspension and brakes and that sometimes can't get out of their own way does worry me, but our new LAMS system lets you have bikes up to 660cc, but most have restricted throttle opening like the monster 659 and they're still quite quick bikes.  most are getting abs now too, so the specs are generally going up.  but an s4r will stand up vertically if you give it a quick twist in second, it's not a bike for someone who is learning.

and, if you want to learn to ride well in a sporting sense, you will always ride a slower bike faster.  as your skill level rises you can move up in output.  by the time you get to a litre bike you'll be an a grade road racer and way fast.

[Curmudgeon]

Agree with Brad 200%. 

Where are you and where is the selling dealer? Define "Ducati specific". A "Ducati dealer" is a franchised dealer. They are required to have the special tools and training required. This isn't a UJM you're considering. A Ducati dealer with a good reputation who stays busy is the one you want. They should have seen all the quirks and abnormalities and know how to adjust the valves correctly, etc., etc. A generic "bike dealer" won't have a clue. Furthermore, with a franchised dealer you have recourse to Ducati NA should you have issues. You're not buying a "Ford". 

At 7,500 the bike will need a lot of work, a belt change and valve adjustment, and tires likely too if those are original. Consider that in your negotiation.

[wrl]

Ok, so what's a fair price?

[OT]

Last minute weigh-ins:

1) Isn't there a Ducati dealer in Pensacola? Was there in 2006 - fwiw.

2) Frankly, Ducati's are a bit pricey, imo.  If the owner of this bike played with the shock without knowing what he was doing, then what else did he play with?

3) If you want a commuter and are new to riding - take a look at (a used) the small Multistrada (620 engine), and

4) Consider a mid-sized, water-cooled engine for a commuter, such as a Suzuki V-Strom 650, Yamaha/Honda equivalents, etc.

5) Please forget about the S4R, etc....no matter how safely you ride, you'll never get above third gear on the street, unless you either scoff at speed limits or take it to the track...it's a waste of money for what you say you want it to do.

6) Regardless of which bike you buy, have someone check the suspension setup (those parts that are adjustable) to make sure it's in the ballpark for you.

7) I don't know the stock gearing on the 696, but on the larger-engine bikes it's "tall", which makes riding in stop-n-go traffic a real pain...lots of clutch slipping, etc. gets old really quickly.

[wrl]

Agree with Brad 200%.  

Where are you and where is the selling dealer? Define "Ducati specific". A "Ducati dealer" is a franchised dealer. They are required to have the special tools and training required. This isn't a UJM you're considering. A Ducati dealer with a good reputation who stays busy is the one you want. They should have seen all the quirks and abnormalities and know how to adjust the valves correctly, etc., etc. A generic "bike dealer" won't have a clue. Furthermore, with a franchised dealer you have recourse to Ducati NA should you have issues. You're not buying a "Ford".  

At 7,500 the bike will need a lot of work, a belt change and valve adjustment, and tires likely too if those are original. Consider that in your negotiation.

He bought it at D&D Cycles in Pensacola (109 miles away) where Ducati is a brand they carry. Melillimoto in Ocala (300 miles away) only carries Ducati.

@OT:

1) D&D Cycles in Pensacola.
2) Hmm.
3,4) (Un?)fortunately, it's gotta be a Monster!
5) I'm over the S4R for now, for a variety of reasons
6) I'll have an experienced co-worker take a look once I get a bike

Thanks for all the advice, gents!

[Curmudgeon]

Ok, so what's a fair price?

What someone is willing to pay? 

Did you do no research? OK, in most of the country it's the dead of winter and people are NOT thinking about bikes. Dealers also have low inventories. In two months the market will be hot again.

A 500 mile 696 in mint condition sold in Florida on eBay recently for $6,800. Since you may need to drop $600 - $1,000 in parts and service before May, offer him $6K? Unless the bike looks rough up close, if he still has it in two months, he'll probably get his asking price in April?

Find some Ducati riders down there and ask them which Ducati dealer in FL does the best work. Maybe worth travelling a bit. If you buy the bike, book it in NOW for the 7,500 before the warranty end date. ANY dealer will be swamped in MAY!!!