New Member and Advice on a Bike

[system error]

Hello everyone,

Just joined up on the forum.  Recently got my M license and I'm in the market for a Monster 695/696.  I saw this ad on craigslist  and was curious if anyone had any input on it. 
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1831218144.html

I probably won't have time to go look at it until Thursday or later so I figured this would be a good way to get some good information. 

Really looking forward to getting a Ducati. 

Also, any tips on ways to build good riding skills?  I grew up riding on the sand dunes in NV but that was years ago.  I took the safety class and while that was good I think I made 3rd gear once for about a second.  It would have been nice to have had some exposure to more real world riding.  Not saying it was bad, just wish it had been more. 

Thanks in advance.

[muskrat]

congrats and welcome.  I too grew up on dirt bikes but if you know how to ride in sand you'll be just fine on a street bike, difference being cars of course. 

the bike you have posted looks very nice and some on here have had them without any problems, not to mention they run a lot faster than you'd think too.....rider(s) had lots to do with it 
You may also consider something like this http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1900754984.html which has a single sided swing arm so it comes down to taste.  By the way, that's my old bike and I can assure you, if you go that route, she's in pristine shape.  Let us know what you decide on, surely there will be a lot of input forthcoming from others here.

looking forward to meeting you.  do you live in the Dallas or Fort Worth area?

[muskrat]

Also if you want a little more power here's one for sale from a guy most of us here know http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1855594687.html  Nice thing about this one is it has a dry clutch, if you like the famous Ducati chatter.
If you like the new design better here's an alternative in Houston http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/1905707747.html  you can buy different skins for this one which is great when you get tired of black.

and another choice is http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/1848226421.html  I saw this one yesterday while in Houston and she looks great but entirely different in both power, weight and aesthetics.

[system error]

Thanks for the input.  I'm in the Dallas area, in the uptown area, which should make for interesting riding.  Love those roads. 

I was thinking about the S2R too, it looks great, wasn't sure how it would be as a started bike but that's just because I haven't done any research on it yet. 

I should give a quick disclaimer about my past riding, it was on a four wheeler which was formerly a three wheeler my buddy and I converted with a front end kit.  Great bike, low CG, 250CC Honda, fast on the sand, but it still had four wheels.  Not that I stayed on them all the time 

[muskrat]

then I'd say the 695 or s2r 1000 would be just right.  The s4r is too finicky IMO for starting out.

[TresGatos]

I started on a 695 and think it was a good thing.  [moto]

[junior varsity]

then I'd say the 695 or s2r 1000 would be just right.  The s4r is too finicky IMO for starting out.

+1.

I started on a 695 and think it was a good thing.  [moto]

+1.

[system error]

Thanks everyone.  Everything I've read or heard about the 695 seems very positive, especially for new riders.  Plus, just look at the thing. 

[muskrat]

don't forget the S2R 800 as well, if you want a single sided swing arm but otherwise they are pretty much the same.  now go get one and lets ride.  I hear there's a cold front coming in this weekend pushing temperatures to 95 degrees.........burrrrr

[system error]

So help me out on that.  Other than ease of maintenance and the fact that it looks better, what is the functional benefit of a single sided swing arm?  Reduced weight?

[fastwin]

It adds to the top speed of the bike. Less weight of the single sided swingarm equals 15-20 mph more on the top end. Plus the mega sexy factor is good for 5 mph more! OK... you have now passed the newbie, bullshit test!!

[junior varsity]

No, they are actually slightly heavier than the DSS setup (depending on bike you are comparing it to) and also sometimes less stiff. Obviously they work very well for Ducati's race teams, as they've been using the setup since the 916, with the 749/999 being the exception, and only shortly.

Maintenance on a SSS is 10x (for most things) easier than on a DSS.

Plus:

If you remove the wheel for a tire change, you do not have to adjust your chain when you put the wheel back on.
You don't have to reach around shit to check tire pressure, access valve stem.
Looks great.
Can remove wheel in a matter of seconds, not minutes for the average joe.
There's no "axles-lineup" exercise when putting wheel back on.
There's no removal or fuss with brake caliper/rotor when doing wheel maintenance.

Cons:
If you adjust the chain, you should check ride height, because the wheel is on an eccentric, and changes to the eccentric for chain tension can adjust your ride height. Simply take measurement, adjust to manual specs, and ride away. Most people won't notice if the ride height is slightly changed anyhow.

[fastwin]

You realize this is another newbie bullshit test, right? Just kidding!

[system error]

At least you are putting effort into the newbie test 
Good information though, thank you. 

I guess if I really wanted a fast bike I'd just put racing stickers on it since there's no room for a big wing. 

[fastwin]

Big wing and a fart can "tuner" muffler!