Possibly buying a used Monster 696, need advice

[Kev M]

I'm about 1 hour east of Pittsburgh so Lancaster is about 3 hours from me.  Definitley doable for the right bike.

I'm pretty set on a 696/796 but the bikes you list are in great shape.  I might contact the guy with the dropped one with scratches if the one I'm looking at falls through.

I've been looking at these two bikes.

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/mcy/4979776061.html

http://allentown.craigslist.org/mcy/4949367480.html

Late to the party.

I love our 696, but if you buy that one (and I love white) and have to put belts and tires on it, you're at the $6k for the 796.

So if it were me, I'd call on the 796 and hurry down to make an offer on it with cash in hand.

The 796 will buy you a little more suspension, a little more grunt, a SS swingarm, and more importantly the maintenance has been done by a very reputable dealer.

Buy that one.

That said, if I'm too late, don't feel bad, the 696 is still gorgeous and more than fast enough to get you into trouble if you wish.

And don't even bother worrying about the tank swelling. It's a complete non-issue on these with the hidden tanks, cosmetic only but the class action lawsuit means if it's a problem it would still be fixed free for a number of years. That said, I can't remember the last time I heard of an owner of a 696/796 pregnant doging about a tank problem.

[kdogg077]

Yeah I was having seconds thoughts regarding whether I should look after the 796.  I messaged the owner today looking to see if it was still available.  Haven't heard back.

The only problem with it is that it's  3 1/2 hours away

I found a Monster 1100 in my area but probably too pricey for me.  Termi's too.

[Raux]

Make sure u look at insurance prices for 1100v796v696

[Raux]

Sorry, i should have been more clear on the tank issues.

[kdogg077]

Whenever I get an insurance quote on the 1100 it's in the $400 range to include collision and other basics.  The 696/796 are in the $300 range.  Progressive  considers a Monster a cruiser plus being a few years old I think that makes them cheaper too.

[lazylightnin717]

Don't be afraid to make a drive to get the bike you want. I drove 9 hours one way out to Columbus OH to buy my S4. It turned out to be a great trip with a good friend full of good memories and I got exactly what I wanted.

[kdogg077]

I think the 796 is sold as I never heard back about it.

I did find this though. http://www.bmw-ducati.com/new_vehicle_detail.asp?veh=104601&pov=4226917

It would take me 7 hours to get to it, then I'd have to get it home   Easier than 9 hours though.

Not sure who I could bug to make that drive.  Buying from a dealer would be nice.  Better financing than going through a regular bank loan.

[ungeheuer]

And don't even bother worrying about the tank swelling. It's a complete non-issue on these with the hidden tanks, cosmetic only but the class action lawsuit means if it's a problem it would still be fixed free for a number of years. That said, I can't remember the last time I heard of an owner of a 696/796 pregnant doging about a tank problem.

^^ This.

[kdogg077]

^^ This.

That's great news!  I was under the impression that I'd always have to worry about this.

[kdogg077]

OK so I'm finding a fair number of used 2009 696's with low miles.  The downside is that most haven't had the belts changed.

Would I risk disaster by riding one of these bikes with old belts for an hour to get to my Ducati dealer?  I can have a friend trailer the bike home but I'd rather not need to ask him to take it to the dealer too.

[ducpainter]

There's always the risk, but no one can say with any certainty if it will or won't be an issue.

Why not have the friend with the trailer pick it up and take it straight to the dealer if you're worried?

I'd probably just ride it the hour to the dealer myself.

[kdogg077]

Yeah I guess I'm asking a question no one can really answer 

Sorry for all the posts.  I got the new bike fever!

[kdogg077]

OK so I found two bikes that I could go after.

A 2009 696 in White for $4700.  It has 5500 miles, but it needs new tires and belts.  Plus the 7500 mile maintenance is due in just 2000 miles which I will easily hit this year. 

Or a 2009 696 in Red for $5300.  It has 3300 miles, has pretty new tires and may also need belts.  I wouldn't likely hit the 7500 mile maintenance until next year.

I'm thinking the Red for $5300 is the better deal.  It's more money up front but the tires are good and the maintenance will be further away, so I can save up for it.

[koko64]

Been following this and understand the fever

If you can, get more details on both service schedules to shore up your decision.

Good luck and tell us how you go.

[danaid]

  Hey there!

 There was myself and another guy on this forum that had their 09' 696 tanks swell. Not a deal breaker.
 I recommend a 796 for ease of tire change with the SSS. When i sold my 696 a few years ago I noticed here in California, the market was flooded with low mile bikes and I had a hard time selling mine, these bikes seem to be tossed away as beginner bikes (which they are not) so you should have luck finding what you want.