S2R 800 vs 696. Help to decide. - Ducati.ms

mr_jimmybob · Dec 22nd, 2011, 4:43 pm

Hello.

I am looking to buy a second hand Ducati Monster. But I just cant decide between the S2R 800 and the 696.

I am focused on two options:
S2R 800
Year: 2007
Km: 20000
Price: 5500 € (in a shop)
Red with white stripe h**p://www.segundamano.es/las-palmas/ducati-monster-s2r-800/a30659255/?ca=35_s&st=a&c=6

696
Year: 2009
Km: 9000
Price: 5300 € (not from shop)
White: h**p://www.segundamano.es/las-palmas/ducati-monster-696-plus/a29703908/?ca=35_s&st=a&c=6

Although it may (or maybe not) seem obvious, I like the S2R 800 better. But I think it may be wiser to buy a newer bike (easier to sell, less problems,more advanced, ...)
Also I would have to limit the S2R800 to 25Kw (spanish regulations for a A2 licence oblige to limit to 35Kw the first two years), adding extra cost to the S2R (the 696 is already limited in this case).

Please help. What do you think? Maybe someone who has ridden both types of bike. Thoughts?, Advice?

Thanks in advance.

Regards, Mark

CrimsonCloak · Dec 22nd, 2011, 5:55 pm

The 696/1100 has always felt a bit more "solid" to me with the newer chassis. The S2R has a single sided swingarm if that is important to you, but the handling just feels more planted to me on the later bikes. Braking should be better on the 696 as well. Normally the S2R would be torquier off the bottom, but neutering it probably makes power a non-issue. Depending on your height and preference one or the other may fit better. The 696 has a few inches less reach to the bars since the tank is not as long. The 696 also has a little lower seat.

Bishamon · Dec 23rd, 2011, 9:28 am

The 696 has slightly more horsepower (80 vs 77) and slightly less torque (50.6 vs 53.5) than the S2R 800. Performance-wise they should be very close, but the 696 will have an edge in handling.

On the other hand, the swingarm on the S2R is pretty sweet.

rubber duckie · Dec 23rd, 2011, 10:41 am

get the 696, the money you save on maintenance with the newer bike, do sssa conversion.

DuckMan · Dec 23rd, 2011, 11:41 am

It's a Ducati. Don't try to be sensible or logical. Go with what your heart tells you to do.

Link · Dec 23rd, 2011, 12:19 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by DuckMan

It's a Ducati. Don't try to be sensible or logical. Go with what your heart tells you to do.

Exactly ! Buy the one that makes you smile

Yuu · Dec 23rd, 2011, 12:32 pm

it seems a bit upside down to me to be paying more for the older bike. Yes the 800 does have a full Termi system which isn't cheap and *may/hopefully* has the Ducati Performace ECU or other fueling adjustment gizmo, if the airbox and filter have been altered from stock as well. So there are some mods that have value on it - but you may need to disable them in the sort run to comply with the license restrictions.

One thing to check on that 800 is the condition of the tank. Due to the addition of Ethanol to fuels the plastic tanks used on the later models of the 'classic' monsters have had issues. Specifically they grow. The tanks have rubber bumpers on the bottom that are shaped to cup and sit centered on the frame rails. One sure sign of expansion is to see those bumpers failing to center up on the frame tubes. Another sure sign is a lack of gap between the front of the tank and the ignition keyway. From the factory you should have enough space between the two to slip the end of a finger between them. Many tanks have expanded to a point where they can prevent one lifting the tank normally. So be sure to have a good look at the tank.

In the US, Ducati has been replacing them. But I'm not current on how that's going or how long it'll last. Also, I have not clue about stuff in Europe regarding replacements

Flynlo · Jan 7th, 2012, 10:16 am

I was recently confronted with the same situation. I went with the S2R 800 mostly due to looks. I hate the headlight on the new bikes (696) and overall the bike is a bit more "power Ranger" than motorcycle IMHO.

Plus it's hard to beat the single sosa and shotgun pipes

DoWorkSon · Jan 7th, 2012, 4:07 pm

The newer generation monsters(696/796/1100) have already been modded beyond belief and any aesthetic things you don't like can easily be changed...

Eastview · Jan 13th, 2012, 9:41 am

I have had many bikes and will agree with the do what you want. I bought a M1100 to be pratical and ended up trading it in on the bike that I couldn't stop looking at (1098S). The 696 is a great bike and that is what I would take between the two but if I were you I would ride each and see what makes my heart rate higher.