Thanks for the advice guys.

No joy with the 620 unfortunately.
I also have seen a few 796s - unfortunately I cannot bring myself to buy this bike as they just don't pull me the way the older better looking bikes do..

So back to the hunt for a 695 or even a 620 in black and red or all black..

If anyone sees a good one in the UK on their travels please let me know!!!

Try and hunt down an 03 800. 

Quote from: Ken Masters on May 01, 2018, 05:05:08 AM
I also have seen a few 796s - unfortunately I cannot bring myself to buy this bike as they just don't pull me the way the older better looking bikes do...

Assume you haven't ridden one then.  It's a modern bike and geometry but without the water-cooled and 4-valve added complexity. Fairly dramatic difference IMO. YMMV..., but you won't know unless you ride one.

I've test driven a 797.
Got to say the 797 felt refined and smooth and quite sporty but didn't do it for me..

Quote from: Ken Masters on May 02, 2018, 02:14:05 AM
I've test driven a 797.
Got to say the 797 felt refined and smooth and quite sporty but didn't do it for me..

Interesting. Seems to be based on the 821 but detuned with the Scrambler 803cc(?) for Euro 4 with a single throttle body and lacks the 796/1100 EVO single-sided swingarm. Might be down 10 BHP from a 796, more like a 696 entry-level replacement. Ride one of the older bikes you are chasing and compare I suppose...

Well I found a good looking 695 so having a chat with the owner now, fingers crossed.

@ Curmudgeon - I've got to say (and at the risk of being shot on this forum), the scrambler was way more fun than the 797.
I drove the base icon model and it was very torquey, seemed to be ideal for the city and I can see what all the fuss is about!
My only complaint was that the footpegs on the icon were positioned badly and got in the way when I put my legs down - oh and the bike was yellow  

Ok guys I did it - managed to pick up a 695 with low mileage - finally!
Will be taking delivery next week!! 

It looks to be in pretty stock condition so my list of things to do are:

1. belt change: ordered some exactfit cambelts
2. bar end mirrors
3. aftermarked exhaust delkevic or danmoto
4. new underseat panels

Possibly some new tyres as well depending on condition..

I have some questions about the exhaust which will post hopefully in the right section after doing a search on the subject.

Thanks for all your help while I was on the lookout!

Congrats!

Re: the tires...regardless of condition it's best to keep tires fresh. You should consider replacing if more than 3 years old.

Excellent choice - congrats!

BK

 
From what I hear they are a racy motor. I think Ducati claim the highest output per capacity of a desmodue.
Cheers.

Thanks guys.
I like the sound of a racy motor!!

I'll have a look at the tyre walls to work out age when I take delivery of the bike next week.
The anticipation is killing me!

It seems the oem tyres were bridgestones BT056s??
I'm having trouble sourcing these, any recommendations to replace?
BK what tyres are you running on your steed please mate?

Thanks

Tires are very subjective, unless they're pure junk, and there are very few of those out there.

Are you looking for the best durability, traction, or price? What type of riding will you be doing?

Fair point Duc, same as oil I guess - everybody has favourite!

As a guide I am a fan of pirelli angel gts as they match my style.
I'll be using the bike for "spirited" road riding, no track. I enjoy cornering and look for tyres that hold well in corners, give a decent mileage, warm up quickly, and are good in the dry and wet.
So the holy grail of tyre basically 

The Angels should make you happy as will the Michelin Pilot Roads.   Want Bridgestone?  T30 or 31 are equivalents.

Also, 15 pages here:
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=2444.0

Thanks Duc and Howie