General questions about the new Monster 696 - Ducati.ms

ultracyclist · Mar 23rd, 2008, 7:42 pm

I am researching bikes.
I am new to Ducati, and I am looking for a "commuter" bike. It will be used 50% city and 50% highway or arterial highways. I would like to put a top case on it for the occasional small grocery order or client files.

Will I be able to comfortably use this bike in the city without constantly feathering the clutch to keep the rev's high? Is there a different sprocket to install to gain some grunt while trading off some top end speed (ala GT1000)?

The bike looks really cool. And it does not have a pillion that is 6 inches higher than the seat which means I can comfortably swing my "mature" leg over it.

I am also looking at a Triumph Bonny, but the Duc is yelling at me louder.
Is this normal?

**John** · Mar 24th, 2008, 1:59 am

Your questions are your answers, all you need is confirmation. I would say great commute bike due to built in torque and power in all gears. Easy install on a one down front sprocket to make it perfect for combo driving like you are going to do. The upright ergos makes city driving a lot easier because you don't have to constantly lift your head up from the sportbike position. You basically sit and make quick mirror checks and turn your head slightly for a visual to make a lane change. Just like riding a police motorcycle, a sportbike over time in the city is a PITA.

Your right, the new 696 is a cool looking bike and probably fuel efficient. I'm gonna check the Ducati website and learn more about the engine specs. Mount it on the highside so you can keep your eye on oncoming traffic.

The Triumph sounds like a decent commute bike, but I think the Monster would kick it's ass in all around performance.

ultracyclist · Mar 24th, 2008, 10:33 am

Does anybody have a best guess as to what the projected MPG is the 696 assuming a "mature" rider? (i.e. not to red line at every shift, etc)

Moronic · Mar 24th, 2008, 11:56 am

AFAIK, no top case is available for the 696.

RudolphHart · Mar 24th, 2008, 1:34 pm

You could do a search for luggage systems. Ventura offer systems for most bikes here in the U.K. Here's a link to distributors in the U.S.A.

http://www.ventura-bike.com/distribu...&countryid=USA

mxwinky · Mar 24th, 2008, 3:20 pm

Just a basic guideline, but since the 696 is an evolution of the earlier 620 motor I'd think you can expect pretty good mileage out of it. My 620 typically got high-40s in mixed highway/city driving and backroad blasting. Heck, even my 1000 Multistrada gets 40-45 mpg regularly, as does my 900SS SP. Anvil-like reliability, easy to maintain (IMO), and with the soul and character of a Ducati, you can't go wrong there!

**scott** · Mar 24th, 2008, 4:10 pm

Thread moved to Monster forum at OP's request.

RudolphHart · Mar 25th, 2008, 10:13 am

I get approximately 120 miles between fill-ups on my Monster 695.