Ducati has introduced an all new Monster, the 2008 Monster 696. A combination trellis frame with aluminum sub frame mounts a 696 cc L Twin 2 valve engine, producing 80 horsepower and 50 foot pounds of torque. It also sports easily removable panels on either side of the tank to quickly change colors.
320mm Brembo discs up front with 4 piston calipers, on 43mm Showa front forks. It has the lowest seat height of any Ducati and only weighs 355 pounds (sans fluids and battery most likely).
The Monster 696 will be available at dealers in the Spring of 2008.
More photos below:
Link: Ducati
todd says
OK, it’s official. Ducati no longer has an entry level motorcycle. If entry level Ducati riders wanted more power then they could have just bought a S4R instead.
-todd
Matt in NC says
Todd, are you saying that’s bad or good?
Based on your past statements about smaller displacement bikes I’d think you’d like the numbers here. I’d also think that you’d agree that most beginners have no business on a Duc in the first place.
I’d love to have this bike. The numbers blow away my ’01 SS 750ie, and it’s still a 2 valve engine that a person can work on in their own garage. Sure it’s probably going to be twice as much as an SV650, but with those kind of numbers you can keep this machine for a much longer time.
There’s still a number of 620s on the used market.
Hopkins says
I’ll hold out for the Honda 1100R
Hopkins says
CB1100R concept
GAMBLER says
the end cans seem to have taken the bike towards the triumph street triple, good thing they retained the trellis & passed on the bug eye headlights – LOL
I like it
OMMAG says
Looks well thought out…. I’d like to see smaller cans on the end of the pipes … but I’m sure there will be aftermarket stuff .
I’ll have to check the Ducati site to see the spec’s … but there seems to be some ergonomic changes on this model.
One question that comes to mind is whether any or how much of this will be reflected in the larger displacement M series?
Jeff says
Ducati’s are nice But I’m sticking with my Buell .
John says
I have always wanted a Monster, and that hasn’t changed with this one – I think it looks meaner. I’ll also bet that it sounds great!
Hmmm… looking closer – I don’t like that they’ve written ‘Monster’ under Ducati on the tank. Not that bad. Black will be cooler though…
Richard says
I like the 848, but this one looks like a bug-eyed monster to me!
greer says
“OK, it’s official. Ducati no longer has an entry level motorcycle. If entry level Ducati riders wanted more power then they could have just bought a S4R instead.”
Why does ducati even need an entry level motorcycle? Its like complaining that ferrari doesnt make a sport compact.
Nathan says
Exactly Greer, Why would you buy this bike? Just so you can say you have a Monster?
It looks like Ducati’s Bargain basement.
DIGITSU says
Looks more like a japanese twin now. A step backwards from the old monsters I think.
PigIron says
That bike doesn’t look particularly cheap to me. The 620’s had much lower grade suspensions, wheels and brakes.
This model is over “styled” by the factory though. When Miguel Galluzzi designed Il Mostro he fully intended it to be heavily modified by its owners. And indeed many are:
http://www.ducatimonster.org
Atlas says
F******* ugly and stout. Far away from the original & beautiful first one.
Clive Makinson-Sanders says
Where is the engine? All i can see is a sliver of the horizontal cylinder. I bought a monster because the beautiful desmo engine was in plain view. Why is the headlight so low? What are those vent things? interchangeable body panels?
Bah.
Thank god i got mine early.
RD350 says
I think whats bothering me about this new Monster is that the original design was so .. er … ah … original.
This one borrows modern tidbits from here and there as if going by some modern naked bike check list.
Weird headlight … check;
Big torpedo exhausts … check;
Gimmicky tank … check;
Steel Trellis Frame integrated with aluminum subframe .. check!
etc.
Now it looks like an old Monster with all those tidbits thrown at it.
Its not horrible … far from it.
But it also just doesn’t scream “bad ass mofo over here” … nor is it really very original.
I understand that they didnt want to deviate too much from their cash cow … but still.
Matt in NC says
OK, I’m starting to feel more dislike for this machine as I look more. I still like the specs, but I don’t think half of the trellis should have been replaced with a chunk of aluminum. I agree with many about the headlight, and it should still be a more conventional round one. The swingarm, meh, it’s ok, but not special. But come on, 80hp in a sub 400lb hooliganish setup? This thing’s bound to be a hoot to ride!
todd says
exactly. If, like ferrari, you don’t intend to build Dinos why build a 696? They should focus all efforts on their premium bikes.
I think Ducati builds the 696 as an entry level bike. This begs the question: is it “entry level” in that it’s for beginners or is it “Ducati entry level” in that it is for fist time Ducatisti not dedicated enough to spend the extra cash on the premium example? Is it built to be lightweight and small capacity? Or is it just for poseurs?
If it’s for beginners, why make it so powerful and increasingly expensive that beginners are intimidated by it? Why continue to increase its performance every year? What ever happened to the Monster 400?
If it’s to be a lightweight they could have done better. Why does it come with lower spec components? Many people will love the 80hp/sub 400lb package but any self respecting Ducatisti will not appreciate the cut-rate components or goofy gratuitous styling.
I’ll save the effort answering the rest of my questions. I just don’t understand down-spec premium vehicles. What I look for in a Ducati, beit a 400 or a 1000 is; light weight, fine handling, exotic design, quality componentry, etc. not cut rate components and goofy styling.
For that I’d rather buy a SV650 (no offense).
-todd
Tanshanomi says
The problem is always, as Jack Parr said, “What do you do for an encore?”
If you keep selling the same ol’ Monster, even just in looks, it’s outdated; if you change it some will find it watered down and lame.
PigIron says
I hate repeating myself but this bike does NOT have cut-rate components. It is considerably upgraded from the 620.
hoyt says
I’ve always disliked the front and rear combination foot bracket. It’s too big of a piece in the wrong spot on the bike, which makes the lower rear of the bike look cluttered.
The flattened, “slammed” headlight looks good to me.
Nix the Speed Triple exhausts….they were bad on the Triumph, even worse as a copy.
NorCalKLR says
I’m definitely torn. The old 695 retained the original monster style, but it always looked cheap to me. The 696 has stepped up the styling making this bike look more expensive, but it does depart from the original a bit. It also seems gimicky to me; interchangable tank sides WTF (did ducati pole a bunch of 20 something tuners for design ideas?)
Anxious now to see how this design spreads across the rest of the monster family (don’t designs trickle down not up??)
And just my two cents, but I think entry level in Ducati terms means entry level into the Ducati brand, not into motorcycling. The 695 and new 696 while the smallest in the Ducati line up have no business between the legs of a noob
ToyxDuc says
Too futuristic! not bearing the same “bloodline” looks of the previous monsters. I bet they designed this bike in such a way to promote modifications by the owner. Smart strategy. READ:$$$
Prestone says
As someone relatively new to the biking world I find this bike to be quite gorgeous. And reading through the above string I can’t help but to feel like I’m listening to a bunch of old timers talking about how great their original black and white television is. Does anyone really feel that the old pipes – which look like the side step bars on an old pickup – are better than the new ones???
One more thought – it never ceases to amaze me how so many people are convinced that they are right and that one of the most successful bike manufactures in the world is so wrong.
I do agree about the headlight… I prefer the previous design (but I would never say that the original was “better.”)
aaron says
I’ve always thought a more exotic take on the sv650 would be ideal for me. the triumph 675 street triple was the first to really appeal to me, this goes on the list too. the old monsters were too maintenence heavy, and any unreliability issues meant time and money that are unacceptable for a daily driver.
if I want a midsize semisport naked, it has to be more interesting than a 599 or sv650. (blame my exotic tastes) this is the first time that the small ducati can compete with these bikes performance-wise. this is good, because I also could never justify paying more money for significantly less power, worse reliability, and budget brakes and suspension.
I like the concept of the colour changing panels, I won’t know if this bike pulled it off until I see it in the flesh. and yes, the exhausts are horrible – but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a ducati running stock exhausts – bring on the termigoni!
baki says
its ugly. its plain ugly. whats wrong with ducati? where’s galluzzi?
Albert Vitó says
I think it’s a nice 2-year long design. Afterward, they will have to restyle it completely, just like any other fashion bike.
In other words, it has no longer that “modern classic” look the original had up to the 659. I think it would be a wise thing for Ducati people to keep selling one single Monster model as it is, just as they build those modern replicas of vintage bikes.
Clive M-Sanders says
Im sorry, but removeable tank panels? Thats gimmicky. Sure if you get sick of your red bike you could easily have a blue bike…. for probably 800 dollars. Last i checked you can get a tank and a seat cowl painted for about 6-700. It might take a little longer to complete, but unless youre in some sort of high speed escape situation (which… i mean, who hasnt been a part of one of those?) a week or so isnt going to really matter.
Jake says
this is the bike i want!! if the MSRP remains around the $8,000 mark i will be a owner. better yet mabye the price has been lowered like they did 1098 vs the 999 (yeah, i know, keep dreaming)KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK DUCATI!!!!!
GM says
Well… I’ve been a fan of Ducati for many years… and I’ve been seriously shopping for 3 months now for my first bike in 10 years. I almost bought another bike last week, and when I saw this, I KNEW I made the right decision in holding out.
While I may not be a Ducati purist like all the pundits above… but come spring, I’ll be a 696 Ducati owner, and really don’t care what anyone else thinks. I think it’s beautiful… some future, some past, and most certainly a Monster. I’m sold… which is what I think Ducati was aiming for.
Monika says
I’ve been waiting to sell my cruiser to buy the M695 and now I see there’s a M696!! I think it looks a lot better and I wouldn’t mind a few horsepower extra. But my question is:
What is wrong with the M695 when they now upgraded it so quickly??? Can somebody please tell me the truth, it would be an expensive mistake. I probably wouldn’t be able to afford the 696 anyway! What’s the estimated price?
mp says
I own an M695. Bought it last March after having my motorcycle license for 3 months. Best decision I ever made. Great bike for a newb, light, easy to handle, just enough power to stay out of trouble. But the new 696 looks really nice. Can’t justify buying another bike so soon, but maybe in another year. The upgraded brakes are great and I just love the new look of the exhaust pipes. Can’t wait to see it in person. Not so sure about the changable skins.
NorCalKLR says
So the longer that I stare at the high res pic of this bike on the desktop, the more and more I start to like it. The cans do look a little big, but the picture above showing from the rear, man it just looks mean. Still the the swappable tank sides are a bit gimicky, but so long as they are painted steel and not plastic it’s not like you ever have to swap them out. Hope the price point stays similar to the 695 because this bike looks a whole lot more refined that the 695. It’s nice to know that a high end manufacturer such as Ducati realizes that just because I’m not paying $20k for a bike, doesn’t mean my bike should look low end.
Mike says
US Premier of the new 696 at MotoCorsa in Portland OR on Tuesday November 27th. Check out their website: motocorsa.com. Count me in!
Antonio says
Looks like a combination of an original Monster with an MV Agusta Brutale. The specs look impressive though and Ducs sound amazing. Looking forward to seeing it in the flesh, although here is Oz it could be a very long while. We’re just seeing the 695!
Mark says
It looks aggressive from the rear, but I am not sure I like the side view. In particular, the passenger pegs and attachments are not very appealing to me…very similar to the Ninja 650r. Maybe there is an engineering purpose for this type of set up??? The cans are a bit large, but could be replaced with something smaller (e.g., something like the Arrow slip ons for the new Street Triple).
Now, the 848…drool.
Ara Gon says
Awsome Bike. 3 things I’d change:
a) Remove the ugly (fugly…) robocop brace on the headlight.
b) Chrome/paint the sub-frame another color.
c) Put more ‘racy’ pegs. These look too bulky/90’s. I’m thinking more of a Bimota D2 style for the footpegs.
Other than that, solid A+
Ara Gon says
Mark: Totally agree with you. Very Ninja-ish.
I’m already worried about how much dough they’ll make by selling one of those replacement footpeg braces; they’re gonna be expensive.
Furiosomatador says
Oh MANN !!!
Wow this bike is the baby of the menajatrois of the three bikes i was torn between when i bought mine.
– Ducati Monster
– MV Agusta Brutale – maybe too modern…maybe but too expensive.
– triumph street triple – hated those bug eyes
Who wants to buy my 2005 620 ie gloss black with high mount arrow race pipes & Monstrack Mirrors, DP Gel Seat, HID head Light, LED rear !!??
I need a 696!!!
BOB says
I dont know a thing about bikes, I dont even have a bike liscence! But Im young, making big $ and I need a bike. I want this one.
Michael says
Just got back from the Cycle News bike show in Long Beach, CA and saw this bike up close and personal. We weren’t allowed to sit on it, but I can sure tell you that the 696 is a beauty! I was a bit hesitant myself when I first saw the press photos, as I’m a big fan of past monsters. But I really feel that Ducati is taking a bold step in the right direction. Honestly, any stock photos will not do it justice. There was a 695 on display next to it and it was great seeing a clear evolution. I’m a young guy who generally prefers more classic loking bikes, but that 696 won me over, as I’m sure it will many others. Can’t wait to ride one!
E-rock says
Im a young rider and hoping to become a ducatista with this bike, I love the monster line all the way back to the beginning and I think they are the most perfect and beautiful bikes made. Hooligan bikes are my favorite. I think this is another great addition to the line, a bold addition. Its more muscular and aggressive looking, I also LIKE the shorty pipes out the back, switch those to termi’s and we are getting somewhere. I like the placement of the headlight too. Im going up to alaska to fish soon and all the money I earn I am bringing back home to drop on a new 696 with whatever I want on it.
And sorry, but 80hp and bout’ 51 lb/ft of torque wrapped up in 355 pound is a quite a little package. And I’ll take those brembo brakes
wopke says
terrible!!!
I own a monster900…. man the originals are much much nicer
Cortes says
I hear a lot of haters out there!
you gotto to be a fool not to have any respect for this Monster… I can not wait to get mine!
victor says
whats wrong with you people out there? it looks nice looks mean, light and over powered,agile and quick yet practical, affordable, a ducati. i don’t have a car and i ride where ever rain hail or shine. i’ll have it no other way. this is a horse i will be proud of.
Rekker says
The original monster looked very “original”. Its design was controversial/new/timeless!!!
The new one is certainly not avant-garde… I’m so dissapointed.
It’s so difficult to overclass a cult-bike with a new version of it. They should have launched a complete new bike with another name. The new model is a result of marketingboys.
And yes it looks japanese….
Buali says
GUys, Any idea on when the 696 will be available for sale ?
I heared you can only order it now, and delivery date is so not clear ! !
Thabo says
Beautiful bike. Yeah it deviates from the “classic” monster, but face it there are two types of nakeds these days, the almost cafe-racer dork style and the ultra-modern glossy mad max style. Ducati hasn’t pulled the 695 yet so buy one if you like the dorky headlight. I always liked the monsters before but thought they had a few dorky parts. They fixed them ALL in this beauty.
pedro lapacas says
I had a hard time choosing between the 695 and the Honda 599, but chose the 599 for its value (for being built in italy), 4 cylinder grunt, bold looks and smooth shifting. But, I’m going to have to reconsider, as the 696 has the looks of the MV Agusta Brutale 910R I’ve always wanted… and just look at those breaks! My only fear is that the new monster will be too pricey for what you get in comparison to the Japanese offerings, a debate that will further develop with the introduction of the new Honda naked (already available in europe) complete with aluminum frame and CBR spec engine.
Decisions, decisions…
pedro lapacas says
Oh, it’s available in April, btw.
Mikey says
This new bike seems (to me) an obvious foward progression within both it’s specs, class and the Ducati family itself.
It really is hilarious to hear from the big bike boys- “How dare Ducati give its fans what they want”,
You are not the target market and could never appreciate this bike for what it is.
As for styling, my feeling is that this is not so much a derivitive design as yet another icon.
Arrives in Australia in June.
Already saved deposit and own plates DU696.
Sad Huh?
Buali says
Cool plates, just right
At least you know when is the delivery date even when its Jun.
Foe me, its still not clear !! infact the agent didnt come back to me with an answer yet. Although i called them and went to the showroom twice in 1 month.
Mikey says
Hey Buali,-
Are you in OZ?
The dealer @ Ducati Parramatta Rd Homebush was pretty coy on an exact date but June seems to be it according to Ducati.
They are taking $1k deposit now subject to spec etc, and (supposedly)the first shipment is dissapearing fast!
If you are curious this is their site —thttp://www.frasermotorcycles.com.au/ducati/sydney
DynaSport says
I think it is funny to read all the negative comments from the self described ducatista. Ducati style is whatever Ducati chooses it to be. A bike progresses in performance and likely comfort and control based on the new ergos, but it doesn’t stick to all the design cues of the past so it is not a proper Monster. So, the complaints have nothing to do with how well the bike works, since no one has ridden it yet, but with some non-traditional styling cues. That seems a bit lame to me. It is still easily recognizable as a Monster. The Monster line has been criticized by many as getting stale in its styling, so Ducati updates it a bit and the complaining starts. Seems like there is no way to please everyone. Personally, I like it and my son has a deposit on one. Maybe he’ll let me ride it.
Josh says
Well, I am a noob in the bike world myself. My favorite bikes are made by Confederate Motorcycles (the HELLCAT), so I don’t like the Jap racer bike look at all, and I LOVE the 696. There isn’t much about the bike that isn’t perfect to me. Now, I know I’m not an old school Duc guy, but from a new buyer perspective, it’s an awesome blend. I have just put a down payment on mine and should receive it in the next 4-6 weeks. It’s white too! 🙂
..mmmmmm, I can’t wait!
Derek says
Deposit in!!!
Bikepig says
This is the absolute lightest bike in its class. Most of them are 70-80 HP. I have a 250 Ninja, V-Strom 650 (great bike) and FZ 600 w/ 147 miles FOR SALE. I hate the Yamaha tranny. The Monster is a beginner bike not a beginner Ducati it’s light weight, easy handling and most importantly is the slipper LIKE clutch, it is made to be very forgiving. As for the new looks this bike is hot. I do agree that if they keep upping the ponies (and their all doing it) then it will not be a beginner bike.
bruce says
I don’t know aout bikes, I don’t own one, I don’t even have a license yet (I did pass the MSC with only 3 ponts – hold the appluse). But I need a bike, I’m 60, I can afford it. This is the bike for me. Seriously, any machine that provokes such strong responses, pro and con, is a marketer’s dream come true. We’re all suckers, but I don’t care, I WANT ONE!
steve says
I have had 2 monsters and they are great bikes. When I first saw this I really didn’t like it but the more I looked at it the more I saw the similarities with the old monster. I just wish they’d have chopped the back end more but apart from that I really like it and can’t wait for my test ride. I also think the tank panels are not a gimick, far from it. How many people have cringed at the famous ‘Desmo ding’ from the old monster? At least with this if you have a ding it’s cheap and easy to fix.
duckman says
i’m new to riding (over 50 yrs. young) and have been researching bikes for a couple of months now…have narrowed it down to 2 including this 696 – the design is awesome and it feels right…i’m surprised at all the negative comments here…for me, this bike is the right size, weight and power and has a sophisticated look in an understated way…frankly, the name to me is secondary.
my only concern is the slight forward lean with the riding position on the 696 in comparison to the more upright position of the other bike I’m looking at.
be safe everyone…
josh says
Im a beginner and I am getting a Ducati monster 696. Already reserved it. I’ve heard from professionals (not salesman) it is a good choice for a beginner.
Dan says
My 696 Dark will be delivered tomorrow. I owed a 695 and this new Monster is superior. Test ride was a dream and exceeded my expectations. No discounts on these puppies but worth it. I had the ugly shield removed and they have a plastic replacement cover for the wires. Also upgraded the seat, which is a tad softer and adds stitching – looks good. I’m waiting on the pipes but plan to replace soon. Also would love to hear anything about a headlamp replacement because I do think the “robocop” plastic piece should be replaced. The guys at the shop said it’s grown on them though. Would love to hear thoughts.
Very excited to zip around the city!
rt says
Got three bikes now, 800 to 1800, just love riding and was never too emotional about any particular brand/model until now. This bike is beautiful and anything else in it’s class would be like kissing your’ sister in comparison.
I hope all the haters are serious about not liking it because I don’t want to see another one of these in my burg when I get mine.
chris says
Hey so i have read through this whole site and your comments. ill be honest. i am looking to buy my first bike. i love the “naked” style and i looked through all the brands…by far this one is my FAV!
i think it would be a great bike to own. it looks great showed a pic to mike girl she said “sexy” thats it…so i am going for this one. i am only 25 and been in the navy for 8 years so havent had time to really put into getting a bike. now i am free and cant wait! Great Bike!
Pierre says
I read through the list of previous posts and can’t say I blame alot of the Ducati affectionatos having a go at the 696 because of the pictures they’ve seen. My previous bikes have included an R6 and a CBR600f, but this time around I was looking for a change. I went into the dealer looking at the S2R and lucky for me, they had just had 2 brand spanking new (red) 696 delivered. Both had been pre-reserved, but lucky for me, 1 of those buyers changed his mind and wanted the black instead of the red. The lads took me out back to have a look and I have to say that there’s not a single picture I’ve seen on-line that does this Beast justice up-close-and-personal. Needless to say, I signed on the dotted line and can’t wait for delivery. You have to evolve, lads, or risk being left behind. I respect Ducati and believe they are on the right track with the 696 styling. Its numbers are way impressive, and you can’t expect the look, feel or enhanced performance to not filter through the rest of the monster range over time.
d says
I grew up wanting a Monster and I have to say I love this bike. Not sure what color I want to get it in. Going to the dealership next week. It’s really brought the Monster into the present. Sorry for all you haters, but the 695 is dated (suspension, brakes, engine, not looks though). I wouldn’t even consider a 695 over the 696. Beautiful lines, brembo brakes, fuel injection.
As far as saying the monster didn’t need a revamp then you probably don’t realize that the only reason Ducati remains in business is thanks to the sales of the Monsters. And the people that grew up admiring the Monsters that are now old enough to afford one look at the 695 offerings and they seem archaic at best.
Ian says
My wife is 5′. 100#, she wants this bike in exchange for a ’99 dark 750. Nice bike and well designed. Would not work for my 6’4″, 220# frame, but great for her, and it is fun to watch her smoke big guys on bigger bikes because of weight…
Donna MacTear says
I’m 5′ 2″ tall and have a short inside leg, so there isn’t many bikes out there for the choosing (I personally can’t stand cruisers), without modification. I have just sold my Buell blast and was looking for my next bike. I didn’t want something too big or heavy, and definitely wanted something to have fun on! I have always loved the monsters, and was seriously considering the 695…. Until I saw the 696. I personally feel that this monster is a positive step forward in the monster’s evolutionary development. As with anything, there will always be those who disagree. Each to their own. As long as those of us who choose to own one loves it; who cares what anyone else thinks. I get mine this weekend – can’t wait!!
B. Christopher says
Interesting that Pierre went looking for an S2R1000 and bought a 696 instead… I am debating between the 2 bikes myself. Part of me will always love the classic Monster styling of the S2R while something else speaks to me of the 696.
While 14hp difference (80.8 vs 95.2) and 9mph top end difference (127 vs 136) isn’t too terribly significant, there is something to be said about larger displacement when pulling through the gears. This is why the S2R is even still being considered.
I test rode the 696 and it is extremely fun and agile. Super quick for it’s size but not a strong puller… then again I had just hopped off of my 848 and onto this, so I am not being fair when I say it’s lacking there. I haven’t ridden an S2R so I am only assuming that it will pull harder (hence be more fun).
Anyway, I haven’t ruled out either bike. Whichever I choose, it will share the spotlight as my daily rider and long distance runner (300-600 mile weekends). Both bikes can be made to be more comfortable with a slight rotation of the bars and displacement really shouldn’t come into play much on long rides… how many bikes can say that when comparing a 700cc to a 1000cc?
The 696 may be “entry level” but it’s not a beginners bike per se. It will work for beginners that use their heads when they ride and will fit the bill for experienced riders looking for something different and fun, if not exactly “track worthy”.
Donna MacTear says
I have now had my 696 for 4 days.
I am not a “beginner” but not an “experienced” rider either, and I find the monster perfect for me. I reduced the pre-load to give me a little more of my feet on the ground, and found that it has made it more comfortable for me to ride. Once I have more miles under my belt on it I will probably adjust it back up.
The throttle on it is so smooth and effortless. It cruises at freeway speeds without breaking a sweat, and the gearing it beautiful. For such a small bike, it delivers a “BIG” power feel and fun factor that I feel could rival some of the bigger cc bikes.
I’m not a tall woman, and yet the handling and weight are perfect. The bike is sooo light. It corners like it’s on rails, and the stability is absolutely breath taking. My last bike was a Buell Blast (500cc), dry weight 360lbs, 32hp. It felt so much heavier than the monster, and there is only 5lbs weight difference between them! Monster dry weight 355lbs, 700cc, and 80hp. How Ducati have achieved it is truly amazing. My hat off to them, they have created a bike that for me is perfect in every aspect. Even my husband who is a very experienced rider is struggling to find fault with it. This bike is a real “hoot” to ride!
I would recommend it to anyone that is looking for a bike not only to have fun on, but to those too that want a bike that will help them improve their riding ability.
Mikey says
Have picked up my 696 (pearl white) and have put 510 Sydney km on the clock in 7days.
So was it worth the ridiculously long wait?
You bet.
BIG fun to ride. Very sure-footed even in the wet, quick as i could want, beautifully balanced + sounds and looks fantastic.
VERY happy new ducati owner!
Robert says
I’ve had my 696 for about three weeks now, got 400 miles on it. I love this bike, but I do want to warn male riders: the seat… let’s just say the seat/tank interface is practically designed to squash you where it counts. The seat is angled forward, and the ergos of the seat/handlebars squash the family jewels and the handlebars are exactly positioned to put my hands/forearms to sleep after about ten minutes of highway cruising. The funny thing is, I test rode the bike first, but it had the Ducati factory aftermarket “Comfort” seat ($225) which was much more comfortable. I’ve ordered this seat, and I’m going to put some aftermarket handlebars on that are a bit higher and a bit closer to me. I think either higher/closer bars, or cafe style clip-ons would be more comfortable for me, but the stock bars are like, *exactly* wrong for me. 🙂 I am six foot zero inches btw. My wife is about 5’4″ and she has no problems with the ergos, and she has gone on 30 minute ride, so bike seems to fit her fine.
Other than those issues, the bike is AWESOME. Handling is nice, and I’m still breaking motor in, so I try to keep it below 6000, but several times with warm motor I’ve wound it up, and there is plenty of power for a 700–it actually lifted the front wheel about an inch when I got a little enthusiastic at a green light. Never had a bike that could do that before. 🙂
Corbin or somebody is going to make some real green selling a more comfortable seat for this bike.
And don’t get me wrong, aside from these ergonomic issues, I’m actually very happy with the bike.
rt says
I went ahead and bought the 696.
I’ve put on 1,100 miles last month just banging around on back roads.
What a blast. The 696 handles flawlessly.
Great brakes and the slipper clutch can make most experienced riders look like a pro in the corners.
It’s no super-bike, it doesn’t pretend to be, but it’s got super-bike handle, suspension and brakes.
Torque is just fine for the “real” street but it’s a bit lumpy before 3,000 rpm. That’s easily forgotten at 4,000 rpm and at 6,000 rpm it hauls butt. In stock form, it’s revvy…so get a 14t sprocket done by the dealer (about $160 installed). The 14t will take care of the high rev factor giving some more on the front but will take some off the top end. It’s a good trade however.
Be warned, it’s a nut cracker, braking will smashed the jewels against the tank cover (especially if you wear bulky riding pants.)
You learn to “stiff arm” when braking to prevent this…no big deal, it’s not a tourer or cruiser.
It’s meant to kick butt in the city and on the back roads..which it does exceedingly well!
For bonus, the 696 hasn’t been anymore expensive to maintain than any of my Japanese bikes and the 600 mile check was even cheaper by $60 bucks!
Con says
It was most enjoyable reading all 73 posts above.
I have ridden and owned lots of very fast Japanese bikes including my previous ride 00 ZX12R.
I am booked in for a test ride this weekend and I can hardly wait.
I love the look and style of this bike but I can’t say I was ever taken by any previous monsters before hand.
I’m looking for a change and am no longer craving the speed offered by Hyper sports.
I’d like to hang out for the 1100 variant but I think this will suit me nicely.
I look at it as a good starting point into the world of Italian V-twins.
nutty says
“BOB 12.01.07 at 6:37 pm
I dont know a thing about bikes, I dont even have a bike liscence! But Im young, making big $ and I need a bike. I want this one.”
sorry bob, but you don’t ‘need’ a motorcycle. other motorcyclists don’t care or want to know how much $ you’re making because no amount of money will help you go round a bend quick. if you get in trouble (and you will) you will be better served by learning your craft on something else, preferably a ninja 250.
i have both the 696 & the 1100S, and i wouldn’t have either as a first bike.
some of these comments are amazing: “reduced the preload so i can get my feet on the ground…” scary.
nutty says
…scary because the main job of a bike’s suspension is NOT to make the ride as comfortable as possible for you or so your feet can reach the floor, but to keep both tires in contact with the road surface. adjusting the rear pre-load by any significant amount will most likely have a profound affect on a bike’s handling.
if adjusting the pre-load allowed you to plant your feet more on the floor, by definition the rear suspension is now significantly more compressed (read up on what sag is) and it is extremely unlikely that the bike’s suspension will be set up properly for your weight and riding style. this is something that most good dealers can arrange to do for you.
i had mine done on the 1100S and the difference was night and day.