Trading my harley for first ducati...maybe

[devils haircut]

Hello all,
I currently own a harley superglide, but may trade it in on a black 696.  It all depends on how the financial numbers work out.  Any words of wisdom or advice?  I test rode the 696 yesterday, and it was a blast and way faster than my 1600cc harley. 
Also, my wife likes to ride with me, but said she probably wont ride with me if I trade.  I think she is scared of the pillion and lack of comfort.  FWIW, she has taken a MSF coarse and knows how to ride, so she may take the 696 for a spin or two even though she refuses to drive the 700 pound harley.

[devils haircut]

Oh yeah, what are the service intervals, and what do they cost/consist of?  Thanks.

[Slide Panda]

Valve services are slated for every 7500 miles for 2007 and newer ducs.  Though someone who's got something newer might chime in with different info.

Valve checks are 2-3 hours of labor usually.. so find out what your local shop charges per hour.

696 will be a big, but fun change.  The bike weight half or less than your HD, it'll sure feel more lively.  I don't blame your wife for being skeptical about riding pillion.  I love monsters... but they weren't really built for riding 2 up in America... sure if you're a pair of tiny Italians it might be different.  But careful how much you let her ride it... you might end up with 2.

Wisdom?  Don't behave too badly on your new tires...

[whidbeymonster]

i had a buell and traded for a 2007 695. the best decision i ever made. sounds great rides awesome. would really love to add the high mount exhaust, but big$$$! anyway the service is pricey, but you won't notice a big change from the harley dealer. i am a woman and after your wife rides it a little she will want her own. besides riding 2 bikes together was always more fun than riding with my hubby.
tara

[devils haircut]

We can't afford a second bike for her right now, so the monster would be "both of ours".  Hopefully in time, she would want the 696 and I could get a bigger bike.  She really wants a Triumph Scrambler though.  I love that scrambler as a SECOND bike!

[bulldogs2k]

scrambler.....I will own one some day!

[devils haircut]

Yeah that scrambler is pretty cool.  I just think the duc would be more fun.  I'm in the military, so I can't just stop what I'm doing and jump on my harley for a 1,000 mile trip whenever I want.  That leaves local FUN riding for me, and while my harley is a blast...it handles like a tank.

[whidbeymonster]

we are in the military too so we here ya on the short term fun. the 695 has been awesome for me commuting and even with the high grade gas it has been way cheaper than my jeep! i looked at the new triumph street triple but it was a bit too high, but the scrambler is bad ass!
tara

[devils haircut]

I here you on the jeep!...My jeep gets 14 mpg with BFG all terains!  What branch are you guys?  My wife and I are in the (ch)air force, lol.

[sugarcrook]

Based on the screen name I'm guessing Navy.  Riding EC-130's, by any chance?

[mitt]

even with the high grade gas it has been

Threadjack - most monsters are happy on 87 or 89 octane - no need for premium.

mitt 

[whidbeymonster]

navy its true... but my hubby is in a small squadron that does dc-9 passenger jets. i am an emergency room nurse. but my 695 definately gets snotty on the cheap gas much to my chagrin. it occasionally misfires when i put in 87 or 89. is there some kind of additive i can put into it to make it run well on the cheaper stuff?
tara

[blue tiger]

I also own a HD (RoadKing) and a Monster. I'd say do it and kick it up to the 1000 cc Monster.

[Jarvicious]

I haven't ridden harleys on a regular basis, but Dad and I traded bikes for a bit this weekend and I couldn't WAIT to get back on my Monster (that's what she said).  He has a Fat Boy with big ass highway pegs on the front and platforms that scrape when you lean into a turn.  The Harley also sounded clanky and clunky to me.  Maybe it just took some getting used to, but there were all sorts of odd noises coming out of that thing.  I think it comes down to how much you want your wifey participating with you and what kind of riding you're really gonna be doing.  I don't mind ass-numbing long rides on the Monster, but my dad had all sorts of complaints about riding position and rearset location, etc, and I'm sure the Fat Boy with the highway bars and the windshield would be much much better for long rides.  If you don't ride over distance too often though and you just wanna clunk around town, maybe the Duc is for you.  Oh, and how could you not trade in a Superglide and then get a new Monster with scratch left over.  What year is the HD?

[hydra]

i say go for it. and it's sounds like you're already sold on it