Monster or Hypermotard? - Ducati.ms

JCM5 · Jan 11th, 2012, 6:42 pm

I am in the market for my first Ducati - will be doing a demo ride on both a M696 and a 796Hyper in a couple weeks.

Price tag is close enough to not really be a real factor in my decision - unless I decide on an 1100Hyper over the 796.

Just wondering for those of you that either own, or have owned, or ridden both bikes which one you would choose and why. I want a good blend of around town fun and also enough power to really enjoy long sweeping mountain roads during the dry season. Here in the Pacific North West we have some amazing mountain roads. I'm sure the 696 and 796 will provide plenty of go in urban areas but I don't want to feel starved for power on long mountain rides. With that said, I'm about 165lbs soaking wet so the bike isn't carrying much. I don't want to feel like I have more power than I'd ever use, but equally don't want to feel like I'm running out of it.

I've watched lots of videos and read some reviews, but before I go on my demo rides I'd love to hear some feedback from members about things to look for, be wary of, or whatever....

Thanks!

phantomfighter · Jan 11th, 2012, 7:27 pm

How about the streetfighter 848?

Sent from my Motorcycle iPhone app

JCM5 · Jan 11th, 2012, 10:55 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by phantomfighter

How about the streetfighter 848?

Sent from my Motorcycle iPhone app

Beautiful bikes but more than I want to spend...

Wonway · Jan 11th, 2012, 11:43 pm

My opinions on comparing the two:

The Monster is a great bike with tons of Ducati lineage and totally beautiful to look at. I owned a Monster back in 1994 and thought it was the coolest bike ever built.

The Hyper is a really cool bike to throw around town and tons of fun when things get tight.

I love them both, but personally, my new thing is a motard for a daily driver around town and for a ton of fun out of town. The seat can get harsh real quick though and I the height may be a bit tall for many riders in your weight group.

You will not be sorry with either one.

I hope that helps a bit.

oalvarez · Jan 11th, 2012, 11:55 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCM5

I am in the market for my first Ducati - will be doing a demo ride on both a M696 and a 796Hyper in a couple weeks.

I want a good blend of around town fun and also enough power to really enjoy long sweeping mountain roads during the dry season.

i've owned both, albeit the higher displacement ones. if those are the two motorcycles you want (or we have to choose from), then the Monster it is without a doubt. it is a good motorcycle for the roads you describe/ride, especially the long sweepers.

best success and enjoy the hunt,

Backhome77 · Jan 12th, 2012, 1:06 am

Both awesome bikes, but I think the Monster is a little more versatile. Get the M796.

d8mok · Jan 19th, 2012, 4:14 am

This time last year i truly wanted a hyper796. I booked a demo ride, and hated it. Couldnt get on with the high position, and having no tank to grip. Plus i felt like the engine didnt suit the bike. I was gutted, but as i returned to the dealer he suggested a monster 696. I took one out staright away, and loved it. So bought one in april2011.

However after 4000 miles, and 6 months i still lusted after a hyper and felt my 696 wasnt quick enough, too small and the suspension was a bit rubbish. So having forgotton my original test ride experience i booked another go , but this time on the 1100 version of the hyper. The bike was loads better with the larger engine, and it was a struggle to keep the front on the floor. However my initial feeling were the same. I simply didnt like it, let alone love it.

Stuck in what to do, i had a couple more months riding the M696, and then it hit me. A M1100S surely is the best choice. Bigger engine, bigger bike, and bigger smiles (hopefully) So in November 2011 i got a lovely monster 1100s

Still not ridden it yet as the weather is bad. But hopefully i made the right choice. My advice is ride both bikes, but dependant on what you want id pick a 796 monster over the 696 for that extra grunt and better looks. The 696 was a great bike , but felt more like a town bike/commuter than something to be tackling long sweeping bends. Ive also got a 848 too so may be too used to that

Here's my 696

And at the isle of mann TT 2011

And my new baby

MTScott2 · Jan 19th, 2012, 4:39 am

You got some thinking to do ...
No Bad choice here , try to look ahead and be truthful to yourself ,what you want to do and what will you do , in the type of riding department...
Sure both are different , you first reaction is usually what people go for...
It will SPEAK to you...
Have fun and enjoy your desision...
Not much help huh?

JDS S4RS · Jan 19th, 2012, 7:53 am

I hate to say it, cause I'll probably get flake. Go with the one with the most HP. U will definitely learn to enjoy the extra power.

Phober · Jan 19th, 2012, 10:08 am

Here's my experiance from the Ducati demo day I went on:
(keep in mind my previous ride was a GSXR750)
- Hyper 796 was way underpowered, not much fun to ride (disappointing because I've been drooling over the Hyper since they came out in 07)
- Monster 696 was more comfortable, but felt less fun in my opinion. Also underpowered for me.
- Then I took out the Hyper 1100 AND I WAS IN HEAVEN! Perfect bike for me, I absolutely loved it. Couldn't wipe the grin off my face for nothin!

Had no intention of buying a Ducati before that day, but went away from that demo ride and started looking for a Hyper 1100, and finally found one this past fall.