I have been riding dirtbikes for a long time, but have been away from bikes for 10+ years. I've recently become fascinated with the new 696. However, I am intrigued by the S2R as well. For about $2500 more I can get the 1000. My greatest concern is that the 2008 is going to be the last of the S2R as we know it, with the engine possibly being dropped into the 696-like body (all just rumor). I like both bikes a lot, and actually prefer the sitting position on the S2R. Anyone have any advice/opinions/pointers? Is the 1000 going to be too much bike for me?
I went through the same decision about a month ago...
I just didn't like the overall look of the 696. That, and when I sat on the 696, my nuts were smashed on the tank cause of the seat.
ok, i'm gonna answer this once and for all, 2009 696 for me ;D.
I'm bias coz I have one and I'm very very happy with my 696 choice ;).
Their great for what I intend to use it for [thumbsup].
Good Luck
Quote from: Punx Clever on June 18, 2008, 07:26:56 PM
I went through the same decision about a month ago...
I just didn't like the overall look of the 696. That, and when I sat on the 696, my nuts were smashed on the tank cause of the seat.
I got myself a nuts protector, works like a charm ;D
S2R. Single sided swingarm is hawt.
Quote from: hooksem on June 18, 2008, 07:23:50 PM
I like both bikes a lot, and actually prefer the sitting position on the S2R. Anyone have any advice/opinions/pointers? Is the 1000 going to be too much bike for me?
Last question first. No one can answer if the 1000 is too much bike. Can you control your right wrist? ;) If you can, the 1000 is going to be just fine..
I ride the S2R 1k and took the dealers demo 696 for a ride today. When I got back they asked me to sum up the 696 in one word. My word was -slow-. Obviously it's down on power from the thou, but the steering felt slower too. The cockpit is more compact, but not uncomfortably so. Dry clutch on the S2R feels different than the wet on the 696.
It just really reaffirmed that I made the right choice in the S2R. By the way the 696 had the Termi system on it, and that sounded great..
I got the S2R 1000. I don't think it will be too much bike for you. Bot bikes can get you into trouble if you ride stupid. Take it easy until you become comfortable and you will be fine. I would get the bike that you like the best.
Quote from: Augustus on June 18, 2008, 08:18:38 PM
I got the S2R 1000. I don't think it will be too much bike for you. Bot bikes can get you into trouble if you ride stupid. Take it easy until you become comfortable and you will be fine. I would get the bike that you like the best.
I guess the fear of the S2R1000 being in its last year has me worried a bit. I think it is a beautiful bike, both in black and red.
s2r1000 no question. way sicker looking imo. single sided swing arm, non bulky trelis frame, and most importantly a dry clutch!
dont get me wrong i like the 696 but it looks chunky imo. end of the day they are both ducs so you cant go wrong.
It's a difficult choice, as the 696 is the new kid on the block trying to prove it's worth.
The S2R is the main man kicking it on the corner waiting for the challenger to come along.
I'm a fan of the SSS, have always liked it but then the 696 is possibly the way of the future.
If I'd be out there buying a Monster again, especially a new one I'd be going for the SSS S2R.
Even though I do like the 696 and am waiting to ride one here in Oz.
The SSS is sssssssexy ain't no doubt about it. As for it being too much bike I am sure you can control the twist of the wrist.
Happy buying.
That is a hard choice.... I have a S2R (800) and my buddy has a 696. He asked if I think I would like the S2R 1000. I said no problem, now the S4RS on the other hand....
The S2R has a slightly higher seat vs the 696. Personally, I really like both bikes. Ride both and then decide. OR flip a coin and if you are finding your wishing it lands one way over the other....you have your bike....
On looks, I say S2R.
Here's some other stuff to consider. You've got bike experience, which will serve you well - but no street time yet (right?) So you will have to learn some new skills and probably re learn some stuff when you translate to street.
I'm going to suggest you snag a 620 or maybe and s2r 800. It's not hard to find one in good shape, with some nice mods, for a really good price. Bank the difference you paid for a year, earn some interest on it and aim for the brand new bike a bit later on.
I started off on a 620, and made the jump to a 900 after a year. If I'd started on the 900, I probably would have survived the learning curve.. but it'd have been more harsh and filled with a number more 'oh shit' moments.
The 620/800s got a fun amount of power and the ATP Clutch can help smooth out a lot of rookie shifting mistakes. The stock dry clutch offers no such protections. Ham fist a down shift on a ATPC bike and it'll protest a bit, but stay smooth. Do that same on the dy clutch and you rear wheel hops... trust me.
Though the 620 isn't the fastes bike ever - it'll still carve up the twists quite well.
Just some food for thought.
the s2r will still look good in a few years.... like the 916 body style... but i feel the 696 will end up looking like the 999 body after a while... nice... but over it.
You can think about whether you prefer dry/wet clutch, single swingarm, or maybe want the easier feel of the APTC, etc.
But really I think primarily your decision should rest on which bike you like the look of.
Oh and just as important, cost+mods... [thumbsup] (Termi's are a MUST in my book)
I still prefer the classic design of the s2r, and although long term the 1000 engine would probably be a better bet, I'd imagine the newer tech in the 696 would make it feel as grunty as the 1000.
Flipside, I also wouldn't feel too bad about buying the s2r for fear of it being superceded by a s2r-replacement, because really the looks and engine make the bike, plus I doubt the s2r redesign would come out so soon (single swingarm, dry clutch, 1098[?] on a 696 body-- it's gotta take some extra design time)... But, you never know.. [roll]
Quote from: Dareduc on June 20, 2008, 07:44:19 AM
the s2r will still look good in a few years.... like the 916 body style... but i feel the 696 will end up looking like the 999 body after a while... nice... but over it.
Hey Dude! Watch it with those 999 looks comments. [laugh]
You could get a used S2R 1000k for the same price (maybe even less) as a new 696. The stacked exhaust, single sided swing arm, and dry clutch are cool S2R features that help it standout from the crowd. I think you could handle the power ok with some practice (take a riders course if you havent already). There are also more aftermarket parts available for the older models so you can customize if you want. [moto]
Looked at all of them even Aprilla yet had to have that S2R look.
No goofy headlight!!
I commute 108 miles, round trip, as many days as the weather is only chance of rain or better.
The power is well distributed yet I would suggest the 14 tooth front sprocket if you ar in stop and go traffic.
Have already used up what power she has and thunking I should have had jumped on a S4R. This coming from a 55 yr old fart.
I have the stock exhaust, yet the fam says they hear me coming for a mile or two.
I did meet a fellow with a new 696 and his complaint was 2 ecu's in 2 weeks and 2up the front is very light. I saw his wife she was skinny.
Good luck
It's a wonderful thing that you are pondering this decision. I am bias towards the S2R1000 but also feel the 696 is a great looking bike. This decision you are about to make is only the first , for there is a whole world of modifications that await you purchase.
I do not feel you will be disappointed with either choice. Good luck
If you planned on owning / modifying the bike for 5+ years -- I'd highly recommend the S2R1000. The bugs are worked out, existing aftermarket of parts available, last of the "best of breed" and it's a dry clutch. (I doubt the DS1100cc powered version of the 696 will be) You also have a forum with hundreds of enthusiasts with the same bike to help you along the way with advice, recommendations and tips.
If you plan on selling within 18/24 months, I'd recommend the 696 as it will retain its value for sell/trade. Perk of the 696 is that its the newest out there and any/all modifications are going to be "firsts" for awhile. This is the future of the Ducati Monster (although revised) and I think it's going to be interesting all the new parts for it that appear via the aftermarket (and enthusiasts) the next upcoming few years.
no question, there is safety in numbers. 1 thou my friend. rode both last week @ demo truck. you always want more (hp), not less. [moto]
I hate to say it, but I'm just as torn as ever. I am taking my moto safety course this weekend and will have my license on Monday (I've been riding without my license for some time now). The local dealer has a used 2006 S2R, a new '07 S2R and of course the '08 S2R and 696. I'm not a huge fan of the white wheels on the 2006. Other than that, it seems identical to the '07 and '08. I guess I'll take them both for a spin and see which I feel more comfortable on. So far, from just sitting on them both, I like the feel of the S2R. I'll let everyone know what I decide, soon!
Thanks...and Hook'em!
Quote from: Punx Clever on June 18, 2008, 07:26:56 PM
I went through the same decision about a month ago...
I just didn't like the overall look of the 696. That, and when I sat on the 696, my nuts were smashed on the tank cause of the seat.
The 696 is a nut crusher for sure. Depending on your size... My choice was the S2R 1000 the bike fit me way better without that annoying nut crushing. Make a spread sheet with all of the positives and negatives for each bike and go get the one that fit's what your looking for in a bike. Be safe and enjoy the ride!
I think that if you "are" going to buy then the S2R 1K is the only choice. If you are not sure whether you like the look of the 696 you will not have that option next year. Hopfully they will introduce a S2R/S4R with the new chassis. I am not sold on the new look so I bought an 08' S2R 1K. Been off the wheels for 4 years. I do not find it overpowering. Wish I could have afforded S4RS tricolor but that was not in the books. I did not want to miss out on current style. Not ready for the new look.
i say the s2r because it's a very nice, clean bike. i have a 695 and find myself at times wanting a s2r but then at other times i still love my 695. it is just a blast to ride. i came from a katana and was gonna go for the bigger bike but found that the smaller had plenty of power for what i do (commute and the occasional fun trip where we open them up on the twisties). i say ride 'em both until you find what you want.
Quote from: scduc on June 26, 2008, 06:06:47 PM
I think that if you "are" going to buy then the S2R 1K is the only choice. If you are not sure whether you like the look of the 696 you will not have that option next year. Hopfully they will introduce a S2R/S4R with the new chassis. I am not sold on the new look so I bought an 08' S2R 1K. Been off the wheels for 4 years. I do not find it overpowering. Wish I could have afforded S4RS tricolor but that was not in the books. I did not want to miss out on current style. Not ready for the new look.
The main issue is that I really like the new 696 look. But I do like the look of the S2R as well. What a mess! :-) I guess it isn't such a huge problem to have. Hell, I'll be a Ducati owner!
I don't know whether you made up your mind yet but here is my opinion:
I took a license course this year and I bought a new S2R 1000.
Since I started to look for a bike I checked out the whole range I was also considering the new 696.
For a while I had my eyes on a SS 1000 DS too :)
I tried to convince myself that the 696 is very nice and worth buying but I couldn't really forget the classic looks of the S2R.
I realized I liked the classic Monster better. I also considered the fact that a new bike might have some yet unknown problems.
The DS engine is a well tested and as far as I know flawless engine.
So as a beginner I checked out some 620's, I rode an M800 and I didn't feel it had too much power.
Then I got a sweet deal for a S2R 1K so I decided to buy it.
I have about 110 miles on board and I don't feel intimidated by its power at all. However I respect it a LOT so I don't push it.
I will give myself time to learn to ride. I also read a lot of riding tips, I also read a nice book and I try to consciously learn the tricks (counter-steering, go where you look etc), also when I down shift I'm giving it a small twist to bring the RPM's where they should be and I'm easy on the clutch. This eliminates rear wheel lock.
And the endless upgrade options will give me a little fun every year :)
I honestly think that if you are mature enough the S2R 1K will suit you fine.
In Hungary owning a bike is a luxury, I had to take a loan for 10 years to be able to buy it. And I decided I will buy a bike that I will keep forever.
I know I won't be able to use it to its full potential in the next 2-3 years but if I would have bought a used 600 to learn on it would have been very hard to sell after.
Italian motors (both bikes and cars) have a very bad reputation in Hungary and they are very hard to sell and loose a lot of value.