I sat on a 696 at the dealer today and really liked it. I currently ride a ninja 250 and am in the market for my next bike. I sat on a 696 and a ninja 650 side by side and found the 696 to be a better physical fit for me. I'm a bit of a petite rider and appreciate the slightly lower seat height and weight. But I'm having such a hard time swallowing the price tag. It's almost $3k more than the ninja 650. I've never had a bike as expensive as the Ducati and I'm getting a little sick to my stomach thinking about possibly dropping it, or messing it up.
I don't really care about cc's and horsepower - I ride a ninja 250 and am pretty pleased with it. So I don't care if the 696 can beat the 650 on the track. My requirements are: fuel injection, smooth handling at highway speeds, and short seat/lightweight. If Kawasaki makes their next 250 fuel injected I just might stick with 250s. So how can I justify the price of the 696 when the equivalent japanese bikes are so much less dough?
if you are willing to look at used, the monster 620 is a great bike, especially for someone smaller. they should have a much easier price tag as well.
check out the monsters for sale listing at the left of the page.
good luck whatever you decide
a few things. are you looking for a longterm bike or a shortterm ride. resale value alone can help you decide since Ducatis hold their value. check out insurance rates on both. that might help decide. also if you are financing check your rates and break points for term financing. i found i needed to spend more than 10k to get longer financing and lowering my payments.
as far at the bike. a couple people have noted a few things about size. if you are petite, check the F brake/clutch lever distant. you may have to upgrade to adjustable levers to get a good grip.
if you are concerned about small tips, or even more, a lot of people are getting frame sliders. i bet the body panels on the Ninjas get expensive too. check costs on replacement parts for things like all your levers, body panels, etc. the 696 has plastic panels for the tank, probably easy to fix and replace compared to large ninja panels.
price wise i've seen 6499 for the Ninja 650 and 8775 for the 696.
Quote from: Veda on September 06, 2008, 03:25:59 PM
I
I don't really care about cc's and horsepower - I ride a ninja 250 and am pretty pleased with it.
Why not just keep your current 250 or get the new re-designed ninja 250R...I know they aren't fuel Injected but they are really great bikes at a good price tag!
not a fan of financing toys. You are upside down in the loan as soon as you sign the paperwork and then if you get in an accident you still owe the bank for your expensive paperweight. If you're paying cash, it only hurts for a second, and then if something goes wrong at least it's not a financial issue.
two choices for your feelings on price and on ruining the bike: either have the funds to fix anything that goes wrong, or be able to live with scratches, tank dents (or tank cover dents for the bike in question), etc. remember, it's just a bike...and even if it's a very nice bike and your first new and expensive bike, it is still best if ridden...hard.
a 620 might be a good alternative...and enough people here have them that if it gets something small wounded it's likely someone would just mail you a footpeg or lever.
I sort of agree with Statler. I will finance a toy if the terms are good, but I will not finance it if I couldn't pay the loan off at any time or afford the collision and comprehensive insurance to protect my investment.
+2 for statlers statement on financing.
buy the bike you can afford,......especially if you are having sticker shock
agreed on that too. buy what you can afford. sorry didnt mean to say overextend yourself on financing. my first bike i financed. 8 months later insurance paid it off and i made 500...
I read once on the board here someone talking about bikes being an emotional purchase, I sure everyone here would agree. If I listened to my common sense then I probably wouldn't have ended up with a Ducati but at the same time I probably wouldn't be getting a boner everytime I hit the start button.
Go with what sets you off, after all its a toy. As far as the expense/maintenance/dropping it, thats just the way the game is.
I hope I'm not being toooooo immature [evil]
very good point.
Good points about not financing toys and only buying what you can afford. I do need to think about my budget before I make my decision. Putting affordability aside though does the 696 have something that makes it worth the $2k+ more than the ninja 650?
Quote from: Veda on September 06, 2008, 06:58:42 PM
Putting affordability aside though does the 696 have something that makes it worth the $2k+ more than the ninja 650?
Ducati monster forum. top of the page.
so automatic answer is yes, but only if you like the same things we do.
And of course there's the issue that half of this forum don't like the new monsters, so a 695 or a 620 would do it for us better...but that's a fine point when compared to the differences between ducs and kwacs.
do
you like it 2K more? do
you like the sound 2k more? would
you like owning it 2k more?
Quote from: Veda on September 06, 2008, 06:58:42 PM
Good points about not financing toys and only buying what you can afford. I do need to think about my budget before I make my decision. Putting affordability aside though does the 696 have something that makes it worth the $2k+ more than the ninja 650?
It's a Ducati...
you need to ride one.
The Ninja is a great bike...
but a Duc is...
worth every penny.
it is a bit of an addiction.
and generally more expensive than street drugs.......
Hi my name is Lindsay, and own two Ducati's.............
the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem 8) ;D
if you think the sticker price is bad...wait until you need it serviced ;D
it'll make you :'(
i suggest a lot of this [drink] to make you feel better when the shop takes all your money
that being said....I LOVE MY MONSTER [moto]
$180 for the 600 service and then a service every 7500 miles (not sure on that cost)
i'd say either wait a year for some 696 used ones go on sale they will bc you have people that sell them in a year or so that will move up to the next size and you will save about 2k in the process for a bike with possibly less than 5k miles on it.
or as others say if you are flexible and like the 695 look, look into a used 2003-2006 620 basically the same thing as a 695 but without a slipper clutch and slightly less hp, still puts out 60hp and is fast enough and makes a great all around urban commuter bike, etc and still has the ducati look. and the mods you can do on it are basically endless. and you can probably pick up a good used 03-06 from 3200-4500 dollars.
Buy a 620 and a 250r for the price of the 696... actually less ;D
It's the best of both worlds [thumbsup]
That 250r kicks some serious arse and you can have you're Ducati to. [moto]
go for the 696 as you only live once.a ducati is a commitment,a kawasaki is a means of transport so endulge yourself and buy the 696 an live alittle.
620s can be had for cheap and they really hold their value just like thier big brother 900. the bikes in between arent that popular.
as for the 250R, im waiting for a goo used sub 3k one to show up, or perhaps Kawi is making the 500R!!!!!!
uh maintenance on the 620 is two times as much as a 696 isn't it?
Quote from: Raux on September 07, 2008, 03:33:09 PM
uh maintenance on the 620 is two times as much as a 696 isn't it?
nah, same maintenance, just @ 6k intervals...not 7.5k
k guess i was reading ducati where they say maintenance is 50% less on new models.
Quote from: sbrguy on September 06, 2008, 10:46:34 PM
i'd say either wait a year for some 696 used ones go on sale they will bc you have people that sell them in a year or so that will move up to the next size and you will save about 2k in the process for a bike with possibly less than 5k miles on it.
I agree with sbr. If you're not unhappy with your 250, just wait until you find a 696 for sale used. They should start popping up soon. Even let your dealer know that you're looking for one, so if they get a trade or hear someone selling, they can call you.
As for is it worth the extra? I'd say we're all biased here, but very much worth the extra money. Few people get excited about a 250, but when I tell people "I ride a ducati" everyone knows what that is. Even people who aren't bikers. I met someone yesterday who is a HD rider and when he heard I rode a Monster, even a "small" 620, he was thoroughly impressed, "Now that's a motorcycle" he said.
Plus, sorry, but those 250's just sound like crap when they go by. Nothing beats that ducati rumble. I pulled up to my barber one day and he comes out "is that a ducati?" "yes." "yeah, they have a distinctive sound, don't they?" "yeah, they do."
Andy
All I can say is that when I was looking for my first bike, I had been eyeballing a 695. My friends tried to push me toward the Suzuki 650 Vtwin because of the price, but the first time I heard a monster with full Termi's fire up, I was sold. I ended up with my S2R 800. It might be work looking at the S2R 800's used also. I love the looks of the SR bikes. I hate to see them go (if they do).
Quote from: Privateer on September 07, 2008, 06:12:33 PM
Plus, sorry, but those 250's just sound like crap when they go by.
Do you get passed by a lot of 250's? [cheeky]
I hate to condone buying more of a motorcycle than you're prepared to handle. But I must say I LOVE MY DUCATI 696!
Ok, now that I've got that out of my system, I'm going to go roll out my sleeping bag next to my bike and go to sleep.
another thing is if you go the s2r route there are a lot of s2r 800 and s2r1000 coming up for sale now that they have been out for 3-4 years so.
the s2r800 is very similar to the 695 and the 620, the main differences are slightly more power, and the sss and an oil cooler on the s2r's.. if you go up to the s2r1000 you get a a dry clutch, all the others have wet clutches.
i personally like the s2r look and if i had to do it again i would have gotten one of those but they weren't in my price range last year now they are.. bummer.
Sorry, what is sss?
sss = single side swingarm on the rear tire.
Quote from: Veda on September 06, 2008, 06:58:42 PM
Good points about not financing toys and only buying what you can afford. I do need to think about my budget before I make my decision. Putting affordability aside though does the 696 have something that makes it worth the $2k+ more than the ninja 650?
I don't want to come off as being mean but from the tone of the above responce and the first post I'd say if you have to ask those questions then don't get the Ducati. Period.
The value of the Ducati is far more intrinsic to their owners and fans than anything else. There are many more capable bikes at lower costs to be had. Those bikes just don't make the same sound or evoke the responces of bystanders like the Ducati does. Is the difference worth it? Only in your mind.
going back to the original post. i think education is what you are looking for.
Why is a Ducati worth the money? It's an italian work of art with a a heritage all it's own
What makes it different and what makes you different when you own one? Engine design is unique, handling is superior, and you fell different riding one, don't know why really but you just do.
If you don't want to invest in a work of art for it being a Ducati and are just buying a bike. get the less expensive bike. if you feel that this is an investment that everytime you ride it, it will make you quiver and smile... buy the Ducati.
My thought is you won't be disappointed in the Ducati despite the additional cost.
Hi Veda,
Many people have already nailed it on the head but I'd like to go forth and give my 2 cents anyway.
DON'T BUY NEW! Sorry dealers, but unless you have the immediate cash to part with and plenty more, it's a mistake. I'm talking from experience.
Buy the bike that does it for you. No matter how practical minded you are the bike you own has a significant amount of influence on how much you enjoy it/ ride it. You're taking a risk being on a bike, enjoy it, love the experience.
Also, lets face it, Ducati services for the older (supposedly more expensive to maintain models) mostly consist of 'check this' 'check that' type work that you can easily do yourself. When it comes down to the serious mechanical procedures, they're few and far between and a lot of times not as difficult as the you'd think (belt change for example). For more complex stuff you can take the bike in for that only and do the rest of the maintenance yourself. Buy a used 620, 700, 750 from somewhere around 02, buy a manual and have a poke around with your new ducati, it'll bring you closer to the bike and you'll be less afraid of something going wrong. Any 'serious' problems would have already shown up on a bike with a few miles. Just make sure you test ride it, and make sure you get as much paperwork with the bike as you can. Easy :)
Also, regarding dropping it, the only serious damage that is going to occur is going to be at higher speed and if you're a sensible rider you're at very low risk. I've dropped mine off the stand being an idiot and I didn't damage anything. You might bend a brake lever but then that's just an excuse to upgrade.
Those are my thoughts anyway. Good luck, hope you choose a Ducati, you won't be disappointed.
Everyone has had very good, arguably reasonable good replies on here, so what I have to say is just plain simple.
I rode my Ninjette nearly 4000 miles-still have a lot to gain from that bike, but made the leap, since the cash was in hand (and I agree about NOT financing toys and only rarely finance any vehicles/cars, short term).....and i bought the 2009 696 in pearl white. OMG, not a single buyer's remorse here at ALL. I luv this bike to stitches. I am a very petite rider, barely 5'3", 29 inch inseam and maybe 100 pounds wet and this bike fits me to a T-but NOT levers-in fact, not sure where designers heads were on that one-even for good sized man, stock levers are one HELLUVA reach-But great excuse to get my Pazzo shorties YEAH!!!
Anyhoo....I JUST sold Ninjette Saturday and, tho I will miss it and luv that bike, my Duc Beastie Boy FAR EXCEEDS !! And on interstates and in keeping up with hub either on his Triumph Bonneville or Speed Triple, I am actually a THREAT to him now-but comfie/smooth NICE ride all around!
I seriously considered the bigger Ninjas also-but LUV that I am ONE OF A KIND on the roads on my Duc NAKED bike also.
Best of luck to you and OH, also agree about buying USED....honestly think I have also bought my last new CAR in my lifetime...rather let someone else take the rippin and save MY pennies for same machinery.
Keep us posted on ur final decision either way tho!
Quote from: Statler on September 06, 2008, 07:07:43 PM
it is a bit of an addiction.
WOW!! That is an understatement. The first time I heard a Duc fire up I was hooked. Now, every time I fire up one of my Ducs it is like the first tme. I love the sound, the feel, the smell!! Yup Addict! V Twin Duc at 10,000 RPM you got to feel it!
Veda,
Is the 696 the only monster you like the look of? You've not said anything about and other Monsters as yet.
If the 696 fits yuou well, likely the 695, the 620, and the 600 would too, not to mention the 750, the 900, and the S2R800. I'm told the wet clutch ones are easier to ride, and if you are considering an aircooled Duc, I hope speed isn't too important to you. But you will find that the bike, and the parts are in general, more exotic, and the stimulation more aural. Pretty much from idle to redline, the Duc will keep you interested.
I would not, personally, advise you to buy a new Monster, or any other bike for that matter. I just bought myself an S2R1000 to go with my wife's M900 Monster. The M900 is her first bike, and she will likely never be willing to rid herself of it.
Best of luck whatever you choose.
W
Quote from: Veda on September 06, 2008, 03:25:59 PM
But I'm having such a hard time swallowing the price tag. It's almost $3k more than the ninja 650.
Bikes are not necessary vehicles and are generally "pleasure" vehicles, so.......buy what you want and don't worry about the pricetag unless you simply cannot afford it. I had a difficult time spending over $11k for my 748 when it was new, but I wanted it. I could have easily bought more bike by getting an R1 or CBR or GSXR back then, but I didn't *want* those bikes.....I wanted the 748.
I'd love to have a Bimota DB-5R or DB-7, but they really aren't anywhere near my price range.....at least until I pay off the house, but even then, I won't be able to "justify" one.
If yoiu want the 696 and can afford it, buy it. If you want something else that is a little cheaper, buy that. It's simply your decision.
Ask yourself if this is an emotional or practical decision. For my four wheel transport, I have a Honda. For my bike, I wanted something that I'm emotionally attached to. When I look at my bike, she (Bella) says ride me. My Honda (no pet name) doesn't do the same. I bought into the culture, the mystique, the uniqueness, and the Italian heritage. If I wanted something practical, boring, and something simply regarded as just a bike, I would have bought a SV650. BORING!
Get what moves you and what you would be proud to own. Kind of fun saying, "I have a Ducati." :)
Quote from: r_ciao on September 09, 2008, 08:53:02 AM
<snip> Kind of fun saying, "I have a Ducati." :)
you know it.
Quote from: mac900 on September 08, 2008, 10:34:20 AM
I don't want to come off as being mean but from the tone of the above responce and the first post I'd say if you have to ask those questions then don't get the Ducati. Period.
The value of the Ducati is far more intrinsic to their owners and fans than anything else. There are many more capable bikes at lower costs to be had. Those bikes just don't make the same sound or evoke the responces of bystanders like the Ducati does. Is the difference worth it? Only in your mind.
+1 on this. A 696 Dark is my first bike and I did not want to spend the money (nor the money I will spend) on a Ducati but I NEEDED to spend it. The bike speaks to you in a similar but less intense way that a car speaks to you. But if you question the price at this point, first, congrats for being fiscally responsible and using your head and second, move on to something much cheaper. It's easy to get a great bike at 4 - 6k and use the extra 3 - 4 to buy cool stuff. A Japanese bike will run nearly maint free, sometimes faster, easier to ride and trouble free. A Ducati is no more a reasonable purchase than a Ferrari is, it's a passion and an obsession under taken by those of us that are NOT fiscally responsible.
[evil] [moto]
Having not rode in several years and not owned a bike in many years, I got the itch. My father-in-law has many wonderful bikes..Triupmhs, MotoGuzzis, BMWs and an '01 Monster. I took all for test drives. In that order. I got off the Monster and immediately went inside and called the local dealer. I am by no means a rich man, but a Monster is worth getting a part time job. And as a bonus you get to ride your Monster more.
Thanks everyone for all the responses. I appreciate your honesty and non-BS attitude here. On most motorcycle boards I've visited I would have gotten some garbage responses of "how dare you question our favorite brand, everyone knows it is .00252 seconds faster in the quarter mile" etc.
I suppose I'm probably looking at the monster for the wrong reasons. From what I'm gathering here most people buy Ducati's for the brand recognition, the name, how they look or how they sound. My buying criteria is a little different and I wasn't turned onto the monster for any of those reasons but simply because it is physically the smallest bike in its power class. The used 620 or sr2 is a good suggestion but I'm trying to find something lighter.
Ah well, I'm not looking to make a decision this year anyway. I will keep my eye out for used 696's over the winter and who knows what will happen in the spring.
how light / small are you looking for?
the 620 is a pretty nimble little bike...
Ideal world, under 350 lbs and 31" or lower seat.
I know that doesn't leave me with much :/
The 620/695 is 370lbs and 30 inches.... :-\
With a shaved seat like I have, you can lower it a little more.
Quote from: Veda on September 06, 2008, 03:25:59 PM
I sat on a 696 at the dealer today and really liked it. I currently ride a ninja 250 and am in the market for my next bike. I sat on a 696 and a ninja 650 side by side and found the 696 to be a better physical fit for me. I'm a bit of a petite rider and appreciate the slightly lower seat height and weight. But I'm having such a hard time swallowing the price tag. It's almost $3k more than the ninja 650. I've never had a bike as expensive as the Ducati and I'm getting a little sick to my stomach thinking about possibly dropping it, or messing it up.
I don't really care about cc's and horsepower - I ride a ninja 250 and am pretty pleased with it. So I don't care if the 696 can beat the 650 on the track. My requirements are: fuel injection, smooth handling at highway speeds, and short seat/lightweight. If Kawasaki makes their next 250 fuel injected I just might stick with 250s. So how can I justify the price of the 696 when the equivalent japanese bikes are so much less dough?
If you want some help for your sticker shock, just walk into the nearest Harley dealership and look around at all the pretty bikes and their pricetags and make sure you ask some service price questions while you are there.
Also, your statement "equivalent Japanese bikes are so much less dough".......uhh, there ARE NO equivalent Japanese bikes to the Monster lineup. :)
No offense intended but you dont walk into a Ferrari dealer and complain about the price, but you can, when you walk into a Honda dealer.
If you're not into cars, a Ferrari means nothing more than an Accord does, same for a motorcycle and pretty much everything else in life. It a question of what you are into and it sounds like your requirement is basic transport. For that get a Japanese bike, you wont go wrong there.
[evil] [moto]