Wanting a 696, can I make it a bit less 'nimble'?

[peanut_man]

Hello,

First post.  After an encounter w/ the car which totalled my Multistrada over the summer, I'm now looking into getting another Ducati.  Cross Country BMW / Ducati dealer had an open house last weekend which I took advantage of to ride the new 696 and 848, wanted to also test ride the Hypermotard, but the schedule that day didn't allow it.

Coming from the Multi, both of these bikes are more 'sporty', w/ the 848 being the most extreme.  I thought I could swallow the 848, but reality struck: even if I can endure the pain and suffering for a short while, I realized that it will probably just collect dust in my garage most of the time.  So that leaves the 696 and the untested HM.  Being that the HM is pretty darn similar to the Multi, I think I know 80% of what to expect there.  So this brings me to the 696.

When I was test riding, I noticed that it's a bit too nimble for my taste.  Dare I say a bit 'twitchy'?  The dealer mentioned that it turns 'fast' because of the almost-straight bar.  Would it be possible to swap out the bar for something w/ a bit more sweep and rise?  Would that help w/ the too quick steering feel?

If I can get that sorted out, the 696 would pretty much be it.  It's light, rev nicely, and w/ the termi on it, omg, I almost cry.  The only other thing that I may initially miss is the look of the single-sided swing arm.  LOL.

Thoughts?

[Popeye the Sailor]

I suspect that after a short period on it.....you wouldn't notice the nimbleness so much.

[sfarchie]

Of all the little idiosyncracies of the 696, I have been able to adjust to all except the clutch lever. I finally got the CRG adjustable levers and I can now handle all her little biatchy moods.

I do seriously love the bike and I'm sure you will, too.

[DoubleEagle]

My thoughts about nimbleness are that ( 1 ) it was designed for a specific reason and ( 2 ) that specific reason is a good thing ...not a bad thing.

It is there to work to your advantage and like when a person is new to riding a bike , almost all the features are difficult to master .

Like proper shifting, proper braking , balance in turning and taking curves , and becoming used to the " nimbleness " as you call it .

All the features that Ducati builds into their bikes are meant to be for the pleasure, safety and enhancement of the pleasure of riding that bike.

Think of the nimbleness as something that will soon enhance your ride. It will at some point save you from a possible crash situation . Lastly it will become a natural feel and you won't have an issue with it.

Just take it easy and try to think about other things like the pace you ride or the road as it presents itself in front of you and out ahead as far as you can see so that you can ride aware.  Best of luck.     Dolph     

[Raux]

You BEST choice coming from the MS would be the M1100. it has the same size motor, single sided swingarm. and if you add the steering damper you could tame the front end a bit to be more like you like it.

[peanut_man]

Interesting.  Don't take this the wrong way, but of all motorcycle owners, I'd least expected the Monster group to simply take what ever Ducati gives and 'adjust' themselves to like it.  This is probably one of the most customizable, cult-followed, mod-to-hell motorcycle out there.  I find it hard to believe there's little or no change can be done and that I should simply adjust myself to like what Ducati tells me to like, as great a motorcycle-maker as they are...   

So can anyone tell me if I get a slightly wider and/or taller handle bar, would that help stabilized things up a bit? 

Looking into the future, if I ended up w/ the 696, I'm planning the following immediately:

1)  Bar end mirror, I'm used to the REAL rear views from the MTS mirrors.  Seeing my elbows on the stock mirrors is just useless.
2)  Adjustable levers (like one poster here).  Bling + added functionality
3)  Possibly different skins for tank + tail for the mood.
4)  And oh yeah...  exhust, MUST have aftermarket exhaust.  Termi system on the demo ride was sweet.



Thanks.

[z0mb1e_DUC]

I just recently bought a an m696 myself.   I wouldn't have it any other way than w/Termi's.  It's freakin' music to my ears.  As for the handlebars, Rizoma has a replacement bar set-up that is supposed to increase the rise, make it a straighter reach than stock.  I haven't gotten them yet, but I believe soneone else around here has.  There is also a 5-spoke front/rear rims set from DP that can mount a 180 rear tire.  That could also calm the bike down some.  And as Raux already mentioned, there's always the steering damper.  As for the SSS, if that's really a deal-breaker, wait until spring, there's always the m1100.  It is rolling with larger stock on the rear and may handle a littler more to your liking...

[stopintime]

I think the case is that many Monster riders feel that nimble is a good thing.
Not so for you, and of course you can mod it to suit your preferences.

The normal things to do include lowering the rear and/or raising the front. I don't know if lowering the rear is possible on a 696, but from the pictures it seems like raising the front is (sliding the forks down in the clamps/triple trees). These changes + higher bars or risers will position you further back and make the bike lighter up front - which does not make it act or feel more stable - even though the new angle of the forks will, at least in theory, make it less nimble.

Must leave for work now, others will fill in....

[swampduc]

+1 on Termi's, and I've got CRG bar end mirrors on my 696, which I love. I'd guess a steering damper would have more impact on the nimbleness, and I believe it's coming in early January.

[DucHead]

Jeez, come on guys.

The answer to the OP is, "yes."  Aftermarket bar risers and bars are plentiful. 

[peanut_man]

Well, at least this guy agrees (some what) with me on the handlebar:

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/103/729/Motorcycle-Article/2008-Ducati-Monster-696-First-Ride.aspx

The bars are also very straight and this leads to wrist ache. They're like this to improve the steering lock around town. The fix is to reduce the lock slightly - easily done with one spanner - and fit some 'bars swept back by an inch. Then, you could ride the 696 all day.

Next thing to do is to figure out how to get a test ride with one.  Hehe...

[peanut_man]

... There is also a 5-spoke front/rear rims set from DP that can mount a 180 rear tire.  ...

whoa whoa whoa, hold it... you got my attention.  Where? I MUST KNOW!   

[geoffduc]

Try rizoma bars and a steering damper as i have on my hyperretard and you will find it makes one hell of a difference to what you call nimble, [it settles the hole thing down]. On another note why not wait and try the new 1100 monster i'm sure that will hit the spot, and by the the DP steering damper is already available.

[peanut_man]

Try rizoma bars and a steering damper as i have on my hyperretard and you will find it makes one hell of a difference to what you call nimble, [it settles the hole thing down]. On another note why not wait and try the new 1100 monster i'm sure that will hit the spot, and by the the DP steering damper is already available.

Actually, you are right about the 1100 monster.  By the time i customized the 696 to what I wanted, it'll be a 1100 with a smaller engine, and I'd probably b spending way more than just a brand new 1100 to begin with anyway.   

There's an open house coming up soon I think.  Will check it out.

[geoffduc]

I think your right to wait for the 1100 as we have two at my local shop over here in the UK, a white 1100s thats sold and a red 1100s thats all tricked out with DP accessories and boy it sure hits the spot for me [i'm in love].
The weather at the moment is crap but as soon as it gets alittle dryer and warmer i shall be out on the red bike running it in so i'll let you know my opinion. BTW have a look at pazzo levers i think they are great.