Just wanted to stop in and say hello to everyone. I am new to the Ducati brand but not new to bikes. I look forward to buying a new monster in the next few months so any input would be great. Ride safe and have fun!!!

Need input?

Just do it 

Welcome!

Quote from: stopintime on January 24, 2012, 05:58:48 AM
Need input?

Just do it 

Welcome!

Lol@ need input, I should have been more specific. I was looking at the 696 and the 796, but I was concerned that the 696 was lacking the HP I am used to.

I have little experience with those bikes, but it seems like people find the price gap well worth the money.

There is quite a price jump but hell it's a Ducati...

Quote from: Expendable on January 24, 2012, 06:21:24 AM
Lol@ need input, I should have been more specific. I was looking at the 696 and the 796, but I was concerned that the 696 was lacking the HP I am used to.

And what are you used to?  Are you short? The 696 has a lower (1 1/2") seat height. Otherwise, for $1K more for the 796 you get nicer wheels, better tires, single-sided swing arm, non-intrusive ABS standard, 1100 frame and with more upright seating, 8 more ft.lbs. + 1.x more compression. Geared taller though, so fit a 14T from new if you live in the U.S. or you'll rarely see 6th.

I just sold my gsxr 750 and it was pretty quick. So I was afraid that the 696 would feel a little too sluggish. I'm 6'2 so the height won't be a problem. This is good feed back and I appreciate it!

Quote from: Expendable on January 24, 2012, 08:20:51 AM
I just sold my gsxr 750 and it was pretty quick. So I was afraid that the 696 would feel a little too sluggish. I'm 6'2 so the height won't be a problem. This is good feed back and I appreciate it!

Well..., that's apples and oranges for sure! Without knowing your weight and riding style and motivation for the swap, it's hard to make comparisons and personally I've never gotten on with Jap 4's because I learned to ride on German, British and Italian bikes going back to 1965.

So, just a few observations... The two packages weigh about the same. The center of gravity is lower on the 796. The chassis is nimble but planted, stays composed and doesn't bite. (Steering lock is limited.) The power is not explosive but the bike is deceptively fast. It's not happy under 4,000 and is pretty smooth after break-in from 5,000 to redline. Mostly you will ride it between 5,000 and 7,500. Lots more torque available at 5,000 and up. Snick it down a couple of gears to slow down. That torque works in both directions. 

I'd guess it's a more composed and laid-back package than a GSXR. It's never hyper. It does prefer 55 - 100+ MPH and is not great fun (for me at least) chugging along at 40 MPH.

It's a "naked" bike but the air is fairly quiet because that headlight, bikini fairing and mirrors were obviously developed in the wind tunnel. My other naked bike sounds like a hurricane by comparison.

Hope that helps.

Oh..., and did I mention "character"?

Quote from: Curmudgeon on January 24, 2012, 09:26:34 AM
Well..., that's apples and oranges for sure! Without knowing your weight and riding style and motivation for the swap, it's hard to make comparisons and personally I've never gotten on with Jap 4's because I learned to ride on German, British and Italian bikes going back to 1965.

So, just a few observations... The two packages weigh about the same. The center of gravity is lower on the 796. The chassis is nimble but planted, stays composed and doesn't bite. (Steering lock is limited.) The power is not explosive but the bike is deceptively fast. It's not happy under 4,000 and is pretty smooth after break-in from 5,000 to redline. Mostly you will ride it between 5,000 and 7,500. Lots more torque available at 5,000 and up. Snick it down a couple of gears to slow down. That torque works in both directions. 

I'd guess it's a more composed and laid-back package than a GSXR. It's never hyper. It does prefer 55 - 100+ MPH and is not great fun (for me at least) chugging along at 40 MPH.

It's a "naked" bike but the air is fairly quiet because that headlight, bikini fairing and mirrors were obviously developed in the wind tunnel. My other naked bike sounds like a hurricane by comparison.

Hope that helps.

Oh..., and did I mention "character"?

Helps a lot!!  [clap]I was always leaning toward the 796 but now I'm sold. I'll be heading to the dealer this weekend, thanks for all the info guys!!

Quote from: Expendable on January 24, 2012, 09:35:38 AM
Helps a lot!!  [clap]I was always leaning toward the 796 but now I'm sold. I'll be heading to the dealer this weekend, thanks for all the info guys!!

SOLD??!! 

Ooops! Sorry... Sold expensive cars for 40 years...

Consider my mods then (on my signature line). 6' 2" but how much do you weigh? IMO it benefits a lot from a "cheap" Ohlins shock, built and then set up for your weight. The Sargent seat is also flatter and will give you the same seat height you had on the GXSR. I like my pads too. Whether you need the bar or not is a toss-up. I'm 5' 8" and wish it were 10mm higher still. The Rizoma has more sweep and a more comfortable wrist angle..., all subjective of course.

Good Luck! (Tell DNA where to send my commission cheque!  )

6'2 215lbs on a good day.

Quote from: Expendable on January 24, 2012, 03:37:44 PM
6'2 215lbs on a good day.

Hard to say but you still might be OK with the stock fork. I'd do the shock though. Have it built and then set up for you.
http://www.ohlins.com/Our-products_old/Motorcycle/Products/Sport/DU-737/

My son is 6' 3" and ~ 245# and finds my set-up just dandy. His riding style is smooth, like mine though. His distance ride is an ST4s.

That's cool, the fact that you and your son ride together. I will def change some things for sure, but first I have to make sure they ( my dealer) have one in black!!! I want to black out the entire bike and have gold forks and so on. Once again thanks for the info!!

The frame on a 796 is red. I guess you'll need an 1100 evo then.  Gold forks and all. Different sort of bike but probably cheaper than trying to duplicate that look on a 796. http://www.ducati.com/bikes/monster/796/index.do

You'll need a stronger clutch hand and be prepared for wheelies.  You wouldn't be complaining about power though...

If you want the more nimble package, accept the red frame and satin forks.