Possibly buying a used Monster 696, need advice

[kdogg077]

I'll keep my eye open for a used 796.  It seems like they are a little harder to track down though.

I found this bike in pburgh.  http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/mcy/4984193237.html

It's a 2013 696 with ABS and only 300 miles.  It's $7000 but the guy would take $6700.  It's also under a lien so that makes things more complicated but my bank said it can be done.  The plus is that it won't need any work on it for a long time.  So do I want an older bike that needs some work?  Or do I want to pay more for a newer bike with ABS that doesn't need anything?

Tough decisions!

[ducpainter]

It still will need belts...by seasons end if not now.

Is there room in your budget for the maintenance?

[Kev M]

Is there room in your budget for the maintenance?

This is an important question.

Now I'm on the record for thinking that 2 years is conservative for the belts. I'm currently at 4 and planning on replacing them this season. My local Ducati dealer agrees this is reasonable for a bike that is used regularly and not particularly abused.

That said, if you are not planning on doing this yourself (and the more expensive valve adjustment service) and that's NOT in your budget, then maybe you're looking at the wrong brand.

There's a reason we have only 1 Duc in the fleet, but often have multiple Moto-Guzzis or Harleys... I also wouldn't hesitate to add a Triumph or two.

[kdogg077]

I've given a lot of though the maintenance involved on a Ducati.  I've read the costs others have dealt with.  I visited my nearest Ducati dealer and asked them up front about their charges for 696 maintenance.    I can afford it, but it would be nice to buy the bike and be able to wait until next season to do major maintenance.  Spread out the pain so to speak? 

There is also the question of value.

What I'm thinking with the 2013 bike for $6700 is that it could be the better deal.  The 2009 will need belts ($250)+ tires ($450) AND valves checked ($400) all this year.  After all that it will still be 6 years old.  Total cost: around $6000.

Whereas the 2013 will cost more up front ($6700) but I'd get a newer bike with ABS, for a difference of $700 when maintenance if accounted for.

I'm also pretty confident that I could do the belt changes myself with a little time to prepare and get the right tools.  I'd probably change the belts on the 2013 696 this winter.

We'll see how it works out.  Thanks for posing the question though.  I think lots of people buy Ducati's not realizing they take a little extra TLC.  That's why so many end up sold before the first maintenance 

[koko64]

Good thinking and accounting. I could learn a thing or two.
ABS could be handy and only has to save you once to pay for itself.
Go for it.

[ducpainter]

If you want the 696 then the '13 sounds like the best option.

[kdogg077]

Well I just sold my Nina 250 for $2000.  I hope to buy a Monster 696 in a few days.  Going back and forth between 2 or 3 models.

Has anyone bought a bike under a lien?  How painful of a process was it?

Also, how much value do you guys put on ABS?

[ducpainter]

Well I just sold my Nina 250 for $2000.  I hope to buy a Monster 696 in a few days.  Going back and forth between 2 or 3 models.

Has anyone bought a bike under a lien?  How painful of a process was it?

Also, how much value do you guys put on ABS?

Is the bike with a lien being sold by the owner? You'll have to wait for him to pay off the loan and have the title released.
You won't be able to register and title until that happens. It's a different process if it's a licensed dealer.

The ABS question is harder to answer. I do fine without it on a bike. I like it in my car/truck. I don't ride the bike in the snow.

[kdogg077]

It's from a private seller.  I guess it would take a little more patience and trust for the seller.

Yeah maybe ABS isn't really needed unless you drive in bad weather.  I generally avoid rain as best I can. 

[stopintime]

ABS can be useful on occasion, but can also inhibit skill learning...

It's probably easier to sell a bike with it.

[Kev M]

I don't buy that inhibit skill learning BS. I've had two bikes with it and, though I was reluctant thinking I would build bad habits, I don't think I've ever actuated it.

It takes a fair squeeze on dry pavement and if anything it might teach you modulation on wet pavement (tell you when you were approaching lock up) without having to kiss the pavement to realize you were there.

As for the bike title, it can be no big deal if there is a local branch of the lending bank. He generally just has to call ahead and have it there for the money and title transfer.

[kdogg077]

Well I have a confession to make...I did buy a bike but I ended up getting the best deal on a Yamaha.  I intended to join team Ducati but I found a slightly used 2015 FZ07 for $5300 and I just didn't feel I could pass that up.

Thanks for all the advice though!  I'm still hoping I'll have a Ducati someday but I guess it wasn't time yet.  This won't be my last bike.

Here's a pic of the FZ07.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxwlyeWL0NuSSVZLVVk1aWprZmc/view?usp=sharing

[TWDucfan]

+1 on ABS 

[GK]

I'd opt for the ABS model!

Did you get it??

[Dochunt]

I'll put my 2 cents in.
I bought my first Ducati last month.
Went through the same issues of cost of upkeep compared to the other bikes.
Always had Japanese before.
All I can say is I should have gotten one a LONG time ago.
Yes it costs a bit more but IMO the character of the bike makes it all worth it.

As far as the ABS issue, IMO , Given the option always get the bike with ABS for the extra cost.
As riders we have so many thing to watch out for on the road, this would be one less thing to worry about in an emergency.
On a track bike it might not be a good thing but for the street it is well worth it.
 Thats just my opinion.