newbie pondering 696 or S2R1000

otter1 · June 20, 2008, 09:55:44 AM

You could get a used S2R 1000k for the same price (maybe even less) as a new 696. The stacked exhaust, single sided swing arm, and dry clutch are cool S2R features that help it standout from the crowd. I think you could handle the power ok with some practice (take a riders course if you havent already). There are also more aftermarket parts available for the older models so you can customize if you want. [moto]

myssrhl · June 20, 2008, 10:14:04 AM

Looked at all of them even Aprilla yet had to have that S2R look.

No goofy headlight!!

I commute 108 miles, round trip, as many days as the weather is only chance of rain or better.

The power is well distributed yet I would suggest the 14 tooth front sprocket if you ar in stop and go traffic.

Have already used up what power she has and thunking I should have had jumped on a S4R. This coming from a 55 yr old fart.

I have the stock exhaust, yet the fam says they hear me coming for a mile or two.

I did meet a fellow with a new 696 and his complaint was 2 ecu's in 2 weeks and 2up the front is very light. I saw his wife she was skinny.

Good luck

dinenoj · June 21, 2008, 08:09:44 PM

It's a wonderful thing that you are pondering this decision. I am bias towards the S2R1000 but also feel the 696 is a great looking bike. This decision you are about to make is only the first , for there is a whole world of modifications that await you purchase.
I do not feel you will be disappointed with either choice. Good luck

MotoCreations · June 21, 2008, 08:44:14 PM

If you planned on owning / modifying the bike for 5+ years -- I'd highly recommend the S2R1000. The bugs are worked out, existing aftermarket of parts available, last of the "best of breed" and it's a dry clutch. (I doubt the DS1100cc powered version of the 696 will be) You also have a forum with hundreds of enthusiasts with the same bike to help you along the way with advice, recommendations and tips.

If you plan on selling within 18/24 months, I'd recommend the 696 as it will retain its value for sell/trade. Perk of the 696 is that its the newest out there and any/all modifications are going to be "firsts" for awhile. This is the future of the Ducati Monster (although revised) and I think it's going to be interesting all the new parts for it that appear via the aftermarket (and enthusiasts) the next upcoming few years.

Capt baz · June 22, 2008, 03:39:57 AM

no question, there is safety in numbers. 1 thou my friend. rode both last week @ demo truck. you always want more (hp), not less. [moto]

hooksem · June 25, 2008, 10:01:31 PM

I hate to say it, but I'm just as torn as ever. I am taking my moto safety course this weekend and will have my license on Monday (I've been riding without my license for some time now). The local dealer has a used 2006 S2R, a new '07 S2R and of course the '08 S2R and 696. I'm not a huge fan of the white wheels on the 2006. Other than that, it seems identical to the '07 and '08. I guess I'll take them both for a spin and see which I feel more comfortable on. So far, from just sitting on them both, I like the feel of the S2R. I'll let everyone know what I decide, soon!

Thanks...and Hook'em!

tpartain · June 26, 2008, 06:57:05 AM

Quote from: Punx Clever on June 18, 2008, 07:26:56 PM
I went through the same decision about a month ago...

I just didn't like the overall look of the 696. That, and when I sat on the 696, my nuts were smashed on the tank cause of the seat.

The 696 is a nut crusher for sure. Depending on your size... My choice was the S2R 1000 the bike fit me way better without that annoying nut crushing. Make a spread sheet with all of the positives and negatives for each bike and go get the one that fit's what your looking for in a bike. Be safe and enjoy the ride!

scduc · June 26, 2008, 06:06:47 PM

I think that if you "are" going to buy then the S2R 1K is the only choice. If you are not sure whether you like the look of the 696 you will not have that option next year. Hopfully they will introduce a S2R/S4R with the new chassis. I am not sold on the new look so I bought an 08' S2R 1K. Been off the wheels for 4 years. I do not find it overpowering. Wish I could have afforded S4RS tricolor but that was not in the books. I did not want to miss out on current style. Not ready for the new look.

calscrazy · June 26, 2008, 07:01:49 PM

i say the s2r because it's a very nice, clean bike. i have a 695 and find myself at times wanting a s2r but then at other times i still love my 695. it is just a blast to ride. i came from a katana and was gonna go for the bigger bike but found that the smaller had plenty of power for what i do (commute and the occasional fun trip where we open them up on the twisties). i say ride 'em both until you find what you want.

hooksem · June 26, 2008, 10:39:44 PM

Quote from: scduc on June 26, 2008, 06:06:47 PM
I think that if you "are" going to buy then the S2R 1K is the only choice. If you are not sure whether you like the look of the 696 you will not have that option next year. Hopfully they will introduce a S2R/S4R with the new chassis. I am not sold on the new look so I bought an 08' S2R 1K. Been off the wheels for 4 years. I do not find it overpowering. Wish I could have afforded S4RS tricolor but that was not in the books. I did not want to miss out on current style. Not ready for the new look.

The main issue is that I really like the new 696 look. But I do like the look of the S2R as well. What a mess! :-) I guess it isn't such a huge problem to have. Hell, I'll be a Ducati owner!

slick · July 11, 2008, 03:21:54 AM

I don't know whether you made up your mind yet but here is my opinion:

I took a license course this year and I bought a new S2R 1000.
Since I started to look for a bike I checked out the whole range I was also considering the new 696.
For a while I had my eyes on a SS 1000 DS too

I tried to convince myself that the 696 is very nice and worth buying but I couldn't really forget the classic looks of the S2R.
I realized I liked the classic Monster better. I also considered the fact that a new bike might have some yet unknown problems.
The DS engine is a well tested and as far as I know flawless engine.
So as a beginner I checked out some 620's, I rode an M800 and I didn't feel it had too much power.
Then I got a sweet deal for a S2R 1K so I decided to buy it.

I have about 110 miles on board and I don't feel intimidated by its power at all. However I respect it a LOT so I don't push it.
I will give myself time to learn to ride. I also read a lot of riding tips, I also read a nice book and I try to consciously learn the tricks (counter-steering, go where you look etc), also when I down shift I'm giving it a small twist to bring the RPM's where they should be and I'm easy on the clutch. This eliminates rear wheel lock.
And the endless upgrade options will give me a little fun every year

I honestly think that if you are mature enough the S2R 1K will suit you fine.

In Hungary owning a bike is a luxury, I had to take a loan for 10 years to be able to buy it. And I decided I will buy a bike that I will keep forever.
I know I won't be able to use it to its full potential in the next 2-3 years but if I would have bought a used 600 to learn on it would have been very hard to sell after.
Italian motors (both bikes and cars) have a very bad reputation in Hungary and they are very hard to sell and loose a lot of value.

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newbie pondering 696 or S2R1000