Ducati Monster Forum

Assume cost for both bikes are equal and you had to choose one of the two? The new 696 or the S2R-800? Which one and why?
I don't want to poll the new Monster against the S2R-1000 coz of its dry-noodle and larger displacement. Unfair match.

696 for me since I already have a S4R which looks Just like a S2R800 with the single sided swing arm etc.

So if I was looking for something different with similar performance of the S2R800 I would get the 696.

the 696 geting to spacey looking more like a jap bike ,ceep the retro look not a space ship [moto]

At this point, the 696.  Hard to argue with better brakes and suspension and alleged better handling.  I have to say at this point since there are not enough on the road.  Aesthetically?  I'll take a 93 with the cute little elephants.

Having had a chance to ride  [moto] the new 696 over the weekend the thing is a ton of fun [beer]  for the "little"   :o monster.  It was super light  [thumbsup] and kind of felt like there was nothing under you. ;D

696  [thumbsup]

I as well voted for the 696. Better brakes, lighter feel, upgrades will follow. [thumbsup]

S2R 800.  Not advisable to buy the first model year of anything, so I wouldn't buy a 696.  Plus, there are a lot more mods out there currently for S2R 800 than the 696 since the 696 is brand new.  Lot's more know how on the S2R 800 on boards like this.

Saw the 696 in person... bike looks beautiful. I would mod the pipes... but the stock mirrors and blinkers are slick... and the tail... may not need a chop. The head light and tank are very hot... and the swing arm is artisticly done for a double sided.... anyhow... I would buy one. But, having bought the 848... and now having to wait till people make mods for it... and pipes... etc.... well, if you want it stock great. But you may have to wait for Arrow to make the full pipes... cause nothing sounds better on a monster than arrows.

S2R would have my vote on looks only, but I also hear the 800's were very reliable and had few issues ~ whereas I'm always leary of 1st year anything becuase there's generally some bugs to be worked out.

i think it all comes down to which your prefer stylistically since performance is about the same. I think the 800 looks better because it can be easily turned into a cafe racer with a set of clip-ons, but the 696 has potential too. Get whichever one you think looks better.

No-brainer for me.

I think I'd even take an Indiana over a 696.

untill a sssa 696 comes out, I'm all about the s2r

On paper?  ... Maybe the 696.

In real life?  ...   I'd have to stick with my S2R800

The 696 is probably a great bike but it's just too Japanese for me. I prefer a hot-blooded, slightly tempermental Italian personality anyday.

Quote from: PizzaMonster on May 19, 2008, 10:19:48 AM
I prefer a hot-blooded, slightly tempermental Italian personality anyday.

What makes you think the 696 won't have that Italian temperment?  ;)

Crucial that you see them in person and preferably in the colors you like. One of them will speak to you more than the other.

i sat on the 696 and it was soooo uncomfortable. you are way leaned over. simalar to a cbr 600 and the mirrors are useless. all the people who like the 696 are secret race bike lovers in disquise. the s2r 800 is a fine machine. much more comfortable and better looking than the 696. i have an s2r and just sitting on the 696 made me angry. it is not amonster in the sense that a monster is comfortable. all the talk about the upgrades, depends on how you would ride the thing.  my s2r is fine, although i have done a full exhaust and 14 tooth sprocket.  i find the seating postion the real key. and if you aren't sure, sit on both. that would be the difference maker for me.

the ron

Quote from: the ron on May 20, 2008, 07:17:54 AMi have an s2r and just sitting on the 696 made me angry.

How does sitting on a bike that doesn't fit your particular body type make you angry?  Nobody is forcing you to buy or ride it.  ???

696 for me, I already have a 900 Monster for heritage sake, so a NEW monster will be nice [thumbsup]

Quote from: msincredible on May 20, 2008, 07:23:24 AM
How does sitting on a bike that doesn't fit your particular body type make you angry?  Nobody is forcing you to buy or ride it.  ???

It's the Ron's nature. He's a hater.  [moto]

Quote from: julianista on May 20, 2008, 08:26:20 AM
It's the Ron's nature. He's a hater.  [moto]

im a hater huh? well i like you! how does that feel? look things in type do seem to come off wrong at times but, the new monster hasn't replaced a current machine, it is a new machine which doesn't share the same attributes as the old machine. if it were an improvement that would be one thing. but in reality its a step in a different direction, leaving me as a monster entusiast with out option for an upgrade. the reason i purchased the monster was ridabilty first, looks second. the new monster is looks first. very sportbike if you will. thats what makes it so not a monster in my eyes.

the ron [evil]

Quote from: the ron on May 20, 2008, 12:03:25 PM
im a hater huh? well i like you! how does that feel? look things in type do seem to come off wrong at times but, the new monster hasn't replaced a current machine, it is a new machine which doesn't share the same attributes as the old machine. if it were an improvement that would be one thing. but in reality its a step in a different direction, leaving me as a monster entusiast with out option for an upgrade. the reason i purchased the monster was ridabilty first, looks second. the new monster is looks first. very sportbike if you will. thats what makes it so not a monster in my eyes.

the ron [evil]

Man.. you just need to have an open mind and accept change. Change is good. The 696 is a much needed new look for the monster. I personally like the 696 A LOT... although I decided to buy an S4R.. but If Ducati starts making a bigger version of the 696.. I will SERIOUSLy consider buying one... and I know many will too.

Quote from: julianista on May 20, 2008, 03:50:58 PM
Man.. you just need to have an open mind and accept change. Change is good. The 696 is a much needed new look for the monster. I personally like the 696 A LOT... although I decided to buy an S4R.. but If Ducati starts making a bigger version of the 696.. I will SERIOUSLy consider buying one... and I know many will too.

its still ugly and looks like everyother italian naked. my mind would be open if they just called it something else. its not practical like the old monster. its as comfortable as say a zx-6. thats the truth.

the ron [evil]

Bleh, you are just everywhere. like a bad odor... 

Don't you have anything in the forum you actually LIKE??  If not, why not try another forum?  I hear that www.excessmethanegas.com is still accepting new members...

Quote from: Bad Kitty on May 20, 2008, 06:12:33 PM
Bleh, you are just everywhere. like a bad odor... 

Don't you have anything in the forum you actually LIKE??  If not, why not try another forum?  I hear that www.excessmethanegas.com is still accepting new members...

LOL...sorry,. but that was funny [laugh]

Saw the new 696 at the moto shop today interesting bike but sat a little low and small for me I am about 6'0"   and reminded of riding a mini bike.  Very nice looking bike but it is a 696 and I am looking to upgrade from the 2v to a 4v.  The thing that ducati is giving up is a true entry lvl ducati no more.  I really want to try out that hypermotard.  Looks good but is it good enough for a 3 hr canyon run in the mountains.

-pantro

Quote from: Bad Kitty on May 20, 2008, 06:12:33 PM
Bleh, you are just everywhere. like a bad odor... 

Don't you have anything in the forum you actually LIKE??  If not, why not try another forum?  I hear that www.excessmethanegas.com is still accepting new members...

i don't personally attack you do i. just your awful taste in motorcycles.

the ron [evil]

Quote from: the ron on May 20, 2008, 03:59:40 PM
its still ugly and looks like everyother italian naked. my mind would be open if they just called it something else. its not practical like the old monster. its as comfortable as say a zx-6. thats the truth.

the ron [evil]

Nope, that's B.S.  I have an S2R 800 and after riding the 696 and I found the 696 more comfortable, along with being better at most everything else.  The comment about being the same riding position as an F4i is laughable.  Not even close!  You say you want an upgrade but you don't want anything to change......  When the original Monster came out it was polarizing and you either loved it or hated it.  It was radically different than anything else.  The danger in not changing it for so long however is that they attract peole who think things should never change.  It's a similar trap to what Harley did to themselves ( they rode the no-change wave for a looooong way though).  Personally I would sooner ride something that continuously improved rather than a '57 Sportster 50 years after it was cutting edge [evil]

Quote from: ROBsS4R on May 19, 2008, 02:26:54 AM
696 for me since I already have a S4R which looks Just like a S2R800 with the single sided swing arm etc.

So if I was looking for something different with similar performance of the S2R800 I would get the 696.

Same goes for me! [thumbsup]

Id also go the S2R its a great bike  [thumbsup]

I have 500 miles on my 696 now, and it's perfectly comfortable for me, though admittedly I'm a titchy 5' 6" guy.

I'm getting impatient to burst through that running-in 6K rev-limit though...