Test ride of 696 at NPR ducati today

[zvezdah1]

HI All,
A few of my riding friends and I drove the 170 miles to NPR ducati in Watkinsville GA, had planned to ride, but one friend had a bike accident isn't able to ride right now.

I've got to say I was extremely impressed by NPR's Bruce and Jill, super people who clearly like what they're doing, a wonderful dealership and sells Ducati only and a wonderful selection of bikes and gear. If you're in Georgia this is the one dealer I've had experience I'd recommend.

At any went to test ride a 696, they had a nice red one, that was broken in, had termi full system and comfort seat.  First off the seat is far better than the standard factory seat. The termis sound great, bike sounds great. Took it out for about 20 minutes and enjoyed it. The bike did have the surge/flat spot or whatever seemed to be about 4500rpms but it was not as severe as I thought it would be, I could live with it. Absolutely no symptoms of overheating, stayed 3 bars, ambient temp was mid 80s, rode at varying speeds and on some twisties. The bike handles nicely and the shorter wheelbase feels good to me in turning.

The one thing I had issues with, is it normal for the clutch lever to be 2/3rds out before it engages? It seems you have to let the lever out and keep on letting it out and right at the end it engages, I know it's got a slipper clutch, but dont' remember anything like this on my milles or the shiver I've owned which have slippers. As with the two monsters I've owned the rear brake groans, guess they all do??

Very impressed with the whole package and it's most definately in my sites to buy. Fit and finish were outstanding.

Chris

[jsluvb]

I put deposit on mine and still waiting....   None available for test ride in my dealer.
Would like to know how's the clutch pull... was it stiff like all ducs?  because I am planning to use it as my daily commute.
I rode my friend's 999R it seems I need both hands to pull the clutch .

[gearhead]

 The clutch pull is the lightest of any bike I have ridden in 40 years...period. makes my KTM 200 feel like a Harley clutch.....lol

[zvezdah1]

It's a slipper clutch and without a doubt the lightest clutch pull of any ducati I've ever owned/ridden, so no worries about hand fatigue

Chris

[slowrider]

At any went to test ride a 696, they had a nice red one, that was broken in, had termi full system and comfort seat.  First off the seat is far better than the standard factory seat.

As for the seat... are you talking about the Ducati touring seat?  Does it eliminate the 'slide into the tank' discomfort of the stock seat.  That's probably my only complaint on my 696.  Curious if the touring seat remedies this problem....

-Craig

[Binary]

My 696 does start to engage 2/3 of the way out and fully engages once you let the clutch go completely. Its extremely light and comfortable for stop and go traffic.

As for the touring seat, I sat on the demo bike at my dealer. Very comfortable and had a good traction on it. Not sure if it will eliminate the nut crushing. Is the touring seat higher than the stock seat?

[JWG]

......Is the touring seat higher than the stock seat?

Yes, quite a bit higher too.

[SolidSnake3035]

Is the touring seat the one that's like one piece all the way back?

I really don't like the way that looks... are there any better seats that keep the rear of the bike the same?

[ArguZ]

That is totally normal for the Adler Power clutch
My 695 behaves the same and the next mods I am getting are adjustable levers for bake and clutch.
I like the clutch a lot, helped me twice be smoothing out too fast downshifting.
Also the servo makes it so easy even under pressure.
But I agree, its not easy to dose .
its feels like this :  out .==-....... in
The working range takes place in the first 30% and the rest doesn't do anything
Well..Rizoma here I come 

[gearhead]

Yes, quite a bit higher too.

So the solo seat cover won't fit anymore?

[JWG]

So the solo seat cover won't fit anymore?

It will fit.  The front of the seat just isnt so dramatic of a slope.  It's more flat at the front so you don't slide forward onto the tank.

[SolidSnake3035]

So you can buy that fancy touring seat thing they have and then make it so the rear is still the plastic that came on the bike?  Because I personally really dislike the way the full combined seat looks, but I think I'd definitely enjoy a higher, less sloped seat.

[LA]

NPR ducati in Watkinsville GA

It's a good shop and appears to have some of the "DNA" from the old Cycle Specialties, of Athens - which was pretty much unique. Don't get me started. Give em a shot at your business. Good bunch of people.

I think the clutch is normal, at least compared to my s4rs. Engagement point changes somewhat over time with wear and the stack height anyway.

LA

[zvezdah1]

It will fit.  The front of the seat just isnt so dramatic of a slope.  It's more flat at the front so you don't slide forward onto the tank.

As I recall the plastic seat cowl was in place on the comfort seat (touring or whatever it's called). I also did not have the sensation of my huevos being forced into the tank.

Chris

[gearhead]

 On the subject of huevos I find  how your boys are situated in your underwear makes a huge dif, no pun intended. A quick readjustment allows hrs of pain free fun in the saddle.