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Ducati Monster 696
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November 22, 2008 at 6:40 pm #2368BlackjackParticipant
I would like to know how u guys feel about this as a first bike. Ive read the forum on here about 600cc bikes but those seem to be about I4 ss bikes not twins. Also the sv650 and ninja 650 seem to be ok with you guys as starter bikes so what is the difference to a ducati. Lastly I was wondering about the Triumph 675 because that just seems to hit the right cords and how would that be as a first or (most likely) second bike. Im not ready to buy a bike at this point so this is all research. any help is appreciated
November 22, 2008 at 7:05 pm #14965briderdtParticipant…talk about the Duc being used in some MSF classes. Seems a little odd, but whatever. I’d imagine if they can put them in front of absolute newbies in a class setting like that, it can’t be TOO evil.
I have an SV650s with Heli Bars (puts the bars 1.5″ higher and 1″ farther back). I’m okay with it, but it IS the only bike I’ve ever ridden. I have the MSF class a week from Monday, so I’ll have another riding experience to add at that point (a Ninja 250 or Honda 125 most likely). Unless you can get an SV650s with the mods, I’d go with the SV650 (no “s” — the “naked” model). Also, you’ve got to be light on the throttle and really ease the clutch. I have no idea about the Ninja 650, other than I’ve sat on it in a showroom and it was comfortable.
November 23, 2008 at 2:05 am #14971RupmiscParticipantI put about 1000 miles on a nighthawk CB250 before I bought my 696 in October. I have put 1000 miles plus on the 696. I don’t want to either recommend or not recommend the 696 as a first bike, but I will point out some differences and some observations.
I am not unhappy that I started on a 250. It gave me way more confidence, and was not as easy to make a mistake on as the 695. Were I to do it again, though, I might have started on a bike with disk brakes. The sensitivity of the Brembo brakes on the 696 took some extra getting used to. Also, an accidental twist of the wrist on the 250 would not be quite as dramatic as one on the 696.
Having said that, the 696 is fairly civilized. The clutch is excellent for downshifts, and somewhat forgiving if you don’t match revs perfectly. You need to get used to the small size of the friction zone (other than in 1st gear, you won’t be using your clutch much to control speed, and it is harder in 1st than on other bikes). The bike is quite light, and can be muscled if necessary, which I think helps with the confidence thing. It is very stable on the highway. I haven’t ridden any other 650s, but I have ridden a Triumph Scrambler (fun) and a Triumph Speed Triple (that is a liter triple, and is fun but a little top heavy). The author(s) of “A Complete Idiot’s Guide to Motorcycles” thought that the 695 was an OK beginner’s bike.
Two things about the bike. I am 6 feet tall, and the bike puts my upper body more forward than I would like, and it is work to keep my weight off the bars below 50mph. Second, the clutch and front brake lever are a reach for smaller hands (which is a little weird since the bike was designed for smaller riders. I am thinking I should trade it for a multistrada.
Finally, the 696 can just feel amazing to ride. It handles really well and it is easy to feel like part of the bike. Unlike the 250, it has no problem keeping up with traffic on a highway. Unlike the 250, it gets happier, and more responsive above 4000 rpms. I’ve been good about resisting the temptation to really let it go. If you think that would be a problem, don’t get it or any 650ish bike. Hope that helps.
Oh yeah. Still have the nighthawk. It is so easy to ride compared to the Duc that sometimes I take it out instead. It is a bulletproof machine, and is just a relaxing joy to ride. I doubt I’d like the 696 as much if I hadn’t had the smaller engine first.
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