I ordered a dark 696 seven weeks ago from a dealer in Chicago.     I called all the dealers in the Chicago area and they all said the same thing.  They've been waiting months for more and should have a big shipment "soon".  Everyone says they can sell me a white or red now, buy I'm holding out for the dark.  Warm riding weather is disappearing fast in this area, but I guess I won't make this mistake again.  Anyone else in this situation?

are you financing it.. if so,, I would consider canceling your order due to the long wait, and then buy the new 1100 that should be available by the end of the year. my .2 

I preordered and my 848 showed up way too early... I was kinda hoping for a delay... so I could gather more cash. 

My Dark M696 was in stock in NY. No wait. Sorry to hear about your delay.

After calling and talking to the salesman and telling him that he should at least be able to tell me where it is, he emailed me to tell me it SHOULD be shipped from the ducati NA warehouse to him in 48 hours.  At least it's something.  Should be able to ride it a little bit before the cold and snow take over.

cancel your order while you can!!! You will have it sitting in your garage due to snow... Then the 1100 will be here in no time and you will be looking at trading it in for the new 1100..  Haven't you checked out the new 1100 yet ??

Took me 2 months before I got mine. I also wanted the Dark 696, dealer keep giveing me diff colors, but I waited, totally worth it.

Jake

Are you ordering from Chicago Cycles?
I bought my S2R in 05 and they were surprised when I showed up on agreed sale date. 
My sales man didn't ever work on the day he said to come in.  The "freshly built" bike was dusty, and had rust on the udder
I would look at another dealer.

I love the 1100, but the 696 is plenty of bike for me.  I don't want to spend that much more for bike that's beyond what I'll use.  the shop is the MCC- motor cycle center in villa park.  They've tried to sell me on a red one (six weeks ago) and a white one last week.  I'm not giving in! 

Quote from: Danmack_98 on October 07, 2008, 12:21:12 PM
I love the 1100, but the 696 is plenty of bike for me.  I don't want to spend that much more for bike that's beyond what I'll use.  the shop is the MCC- motor cycle center in villa park.  They've tried to sell me on a red one (six weeks ago) and a white one last week.  I'm not giving in! 

You sure will use every bit of it! My first Ducati is an S4R... plenty of power for graduating from a 500cc bike... but let me tell you.. The fact that the bike has a lot of power doesn't mean that you will crash it or won't be able to control it. You will get used to the power delivery and will only use what you can handle. When you are ready for more, then it will be there for you. I test rode the 696 and even though it is a fun bike, you will want more power in very little time after you gain some confidence .. then will want to sell it and get a 1100 anyway! If you are getting a new bike and going through financing, then it will be a small increase in your monthly payment for the 1100.. not the 1100S which s more expensive!!  and you will keep that bike for much longer than your 696.. I love the looks of the new monster and the 1100 seems the perfect combo of looks and power!!!

Stick with MCC in Villa Park, they are an awesome dealer. Chicago Cycle Center is crap.  MCC's service dept. is awesome.  As some of you may know, I had a problem with my gas tank leaking.  Took it in the day I called the dealer.  Then next day they called me saying I needed a new tank.  Three days later, new tank shipped from Italy and installed on the bike, and I was out riding.  I got one of the first 696's MCC got in May, and it arrived exactly when they said it would.  I assume you are probably talking to John over there.  He is a stand up guy.  If he is telling you he doesn't have one yet, he is not BSing.

Where are you located at DanMack?  We should go for a ride sometime when you get your 696.  I'm in the south suburbs, but work close to MCC.

Quote from: Danmack_98 on October 07, 2008, 12:21:12 PM
I love the 1100, but the 696 is plenty of bike for me.  I don't want to spend that much more for bike that's beyond what I'll use.  the shop is the MCC- motor cycle center in villa park.  They've tried to sell me on a red one (six weeks ago) and a white one last week.  I'm not giving in! 

sounds to me like they were banking on you giving in to one of the other colors they have in stock, good for you for sticking to your guns!

have you reached out to other dealers? i mean a dealer can get you a bike or trade one with your dealer at lot faster than waiting on DNA.

Ordered my S2R1000 in early April 2006, took delivery late June, 2006.

That's to Australia, so, it might be related to where I live . Also coincideded with a change over of some things in the motor - I'm one of the first ones with the big-arsed front sprocket nut & I believe revised valve stem seals, so perhaps they've made a bit of a change to some very minor things on the 696 and you missed the cutoff date for the earlier ones, and now are getting ones with slightly updated spec, perhaps with coils connected the right way this time? .

 I'm happy with the power of my 696 and I've had and have faster bikes. The money issue makes sense too. Other than hind sight, you made a good choice, to bad it's taking so long. Then again, this is too be expected from this company.