696 vs 796

[AJCJR]

i tried searching but im not sure i did it correctly but is their a major difference between these two monsters. I did a comparision on the ducati site and it looks like most of the components are the same with extra hp n torque on the 796.

A little info on me, rode a harley road king for a while, race karts, looking for a fun street bike, occasional track day until i see if i want a dedicated track bike.

Thanks

[shieldze]

There's a few differences:

696- Dual swingarm, 696 CC engine
796- Single swingarm, 803 CC engine, nicer seat, slightly higher (1/2" I believe), red frame, nicer wheels, wider tires.

Well worth the extra $1,000 IMO. I went with a 796 over a 696.

[RLSinOP]

The single swingarm and red frame did it for me. Oh and the extra 107cc's are nice too.

It's an awesome bike.

[DUCATIHIBBZ]

Had the 796 was out when I got my 696, I would have no doubt gotten the 796. There are moments, however rare, that I wish I had just a little but more umph behind the bike. I think the SSS justifies the 796 by itself.

[asherrick]

The M796 also has an oil cooler. It's a no-brainer decision in my opinion. The only exception I'd make is if you are really short and don't fit the bike.

[elambo]

Unless you knew both bikes very well, or rode them back-to-back, I doubt you'd sense the power difference. It's there, but it's subtle.

I like the single swing arm, but I prefer the overall color scheme of the Dark Stealth, so it was the 696 for me. I've never had the throttle fully open so I guess I've never needed more from the engine.

In this case I think it's a question of aesthetics. And perhaps budget.

[asherrick]

Originally Posted by elambo

Unless you knew both bikes very well, or rode them back-to-back, I doubt you'd sense the power difference. It's there, but it's subtle.

Even if you're not riding it hard the torque difference is noticeable, particularly off the line at low RPMs. I never got crazy on the M796, so I can't speak for how it feels when you wind it up.

[Jmartin]

Out of the 796 models though ..... are there any major differences between them? I think they all have ABS but they just recently added traction control?? not sure. anything else?

im already set on a 796, but didnt know if getting a Used one is better or a 2011 model

[DoWorkSon]

The 796 has the sss and a different crank/piston/rod setup giving it a few more mm of stroke which adds to it's power... Same bore though. Also a differently designed seat

Other than that, they are pretty similar

[ILMONSTRO]

Came from an 02 M750 a couple of years ago to my 2011 M796 and love it. I ride a Road King on a daily basis so no comparison but by far the most fun I've ever had on any of my bikes.