Hi Folks,

I started riding this spring.  Combination mid-life crisis and disgust of $90.00 fillups for my SUV.  I decided to buy a scooter to get around town (I drive ~20 in town miles daily).  I quickly discovered that I could get a small motorcycle for less money than a scoot, and after a bit of research, ended up with a sweet little '08 Kawi Ninja 250 (seemed like the best of the small bikes out there, and I can attest that it is a fantastic bike for a beginning rider).

I love the bike and drive it every day.  Though I bought it for practical reasons, after spending a bit of time as a cyclist, I realized that I really enjoy these vehicles and decided I might like to upgrade (wanted a bit more grunt, especially for the highway).

I went down to the local dealership this afternoon to look at the 696s and 09 Ninja 650r - both seem a reasonable upgrade to the 250r.  Unfortuneately, they had neither model in stock.  They did have a couple of 08 Monster S2R1000s, though.  I was quoted 10.9 OTD, which I seems like a pretty good deal to me (is it?).

I'm back home now - not quite ready to spend 10K+ on a bike (I may have bought either of the two lesser models had they had any in) - but tempted.......  I'd probably sell the Ninja if I got that much bike - but really wanted to keep her.  Decisions...

Anyway, just wanted to introduce myself and get some feedback on the S2R1000 and if 10.9 OTD seems like a good deal. 

 [moto] Welcome to the DMF. Everyone has their one opion of what a good deal is. In the end, the best deal is; if it`s the bike you want and you can afford it, buy it.  Keep the first one too. A person can never have to many options for riding.

i recommend looking around for a used 695.
check out the monsters for sale here. lots to choose from if you dont mind used

Welcome, I am jealous of your '08 250.   Good luck in your search, I have to second the recommendation for looking at used bikes, sometimes there are some pretty good deals to be had.  Perhaps someone on your local board may have suggestions on where to look around.

My local dealer quoted me 10K for a 696 OTD, so your quote for the S2R seem pretty reasonable in my (very limited) experience.

Like those before me, I suspect that your best bang for the buck is going to be a used 695 but it really depends on if you don't mind a used bike.

I would go used. Lots of bikes around at this time of year, and the economy is pushing prices down.

You could find an S2R for less than $7000 on the street.

Thanks for the tips, folks,

Turns out there are a coupe of lightly used 695s (07s) on my local craig's list for 6200-6500.  I'd be abe to keep the ninjette if I'm buying in that price range...

I'm a bit leery about the 695 as the mode was only out for a couple years -makes me wonder if there was something wrong with it...  and I've never seen one in person, and in some pix they look gorgeous and others, not so much - but that's true of any bike, I guess.

I'll be honest, one of the reasons for getting a new bike is that I want a bit more low-end torque for the in-town riding that I do (I have to wring the ninjette's neck pretty good to just keep up with the aggressive suburban SUV traffic around here, and then folks think I'm trying to race them!) and a bit more power for the highway.

I know this bike is down on power from the 696, and a bit heavier, but I'm guessing that compared to my 30-ish HP and max 16-ish ft/lb torque of the Ninjette, this'll feel like a rocket?  I just don't want to be shopping around in another six months for yet more engine...  I'm not looking for a trackbike but something that'll at least accelerate faster than the majority of cars on the road at legal speeds. 

I'm off to do some independent research on the model...  Thanks for the tips.

Hi there,

I have the '07 695, and yes, you'll feel a big difference between that and your 250.  I'm happy with mine and don't feel a need to "upgrade" to a larger bike (and I have spent a bit of time on an S4R and honestly prefer the 695).

The problems that people have experienced with the 695 are fixed by putting on the DP Termi/ECU/airbox kit.  Some people argue that Ducati should just cover that, but whether that is true or not, you should find out whether the used ones you are looking at have that kit, and if not, factor in the cost of adding it (I paid $1400 for the kit and installed it myself except for the ECU).

best of luck!

Quote from: brook trout on October 11, 2008, 07:15:04 PM
Thanks for the tips, folks,

Turns out there are a coupe of lightly used 695s (07s) on my local craig's list for 6200-6500.  I'd be abe to keep the ninjette if I'm buying in that price range...

I'm a bit leery about the 695 as the mode was only out for a couple years -makes me wonder if there was something wrong with it...  and I've never seen one in person, and in some pix they look gorgeous and others, not so much - but that's true of any bike, I guess.

Welcome! You're asking the converted, so I think you prolly already know the answer...
Nothin' wrond with a 695, just the end of the model cycle. Plenty of pep, & a great choice for around town.
Keep us posted