The Official Motorcycles/Scooters Thread
#321
The sizzle in the Steak
On a serious note: Did you check to see if the "bottle opener" is still there behind the air intake cover?
#322
GEEZER
#323
GEEZER
#324
The sizzle in the Steak
It's been referenced many times...and pics of the air intake show the metal tab clearly.....and it works too. I dunno if they are still producing the air intakes with the tab anymore.
Here is a quick internet seach article...where in the review they mention the bottle opener.
http://www.ultimatemotorcycling.com/...pot_motorcycle
Under the bright sunlight, the painted graphics scheme, the chrome headlight, and the billet stingray wheels (premium Victory wheels replacing the stock black cast wheels) glitter like the crown jewels. The detail in the metal-flake paint combined with the chrome on the frame and swing-arm make the Vegas Jackpot a strong beacon at any roadside cafe. The fit and finish is top-notch, and the only piece of plastic you can easily spot upon removal was the air intake cover-and, yes I was looking for the alleged bottle opener.
#326
Is Ducati Monster 696 a good bike for someone who's just starting?
I'm not sure if I want to go through the hassle of buying something cheap and then reselling later..
EDIT: By something cheap, i meant something like ninja 250 or something i know i will want to sell later. I think I can live with Monster for a long time.
I'm not sure if I want to go through the hassle of buying something cheap and then reselling later..
EDIT: By something cheap, i meant something like ninja 250 or something i know i will want to sell later. I think I can live with Monster for a long time.
For The First-Timer, Choosing A Bike Is A Tough Decision. SR Presents Four Options Which Should Be At The Top Of Your List
By Troy Siahaan
Ducati Monster 696
As the most expensive bike in this quartet at $8995, the Ducati Monster 696 charges a high admission to the two-wheeled party. What you get in return is a motorcycle with unmistakable Ducati character with enough performance potential to please the rookie or veteran alike. As the name suggests, the little Monster is powered by a 696cc air-cooled V-Twin with two valves per cylinder, actuated by Ducati's trademark Desmodromic design. If none of that makes any sense to you then here's what you need to know: this engine makes some serious steam. Nothing crazy, but enough to keep you satisfied for a while. Torque is what V-twins are known for and the 696 produces plenty of it-launching out of corners (or squirming between cars and city traffic) is as simple as twisting the right wrist ever so slightly. We found that the engine is a little sluggish at really low rpm, but get it spinning past 3000 and the powerband lasts almost until redline.
Bringing all that action to a halt are the best brakes in the bunch (and for this price they better be). Dual 320mm rotors are mated to two radially-mounted calipers, each with four pistons. Each caliper is also fed fluid via steel-braided brake lines-standard. You won't even find that on the literbikes in this issue (except, well, the Ducati 1198). As such, the Monster has the most braking power, but lacks modulation. We also found it odd that neither the brake nor clutch levers are adjustable; a feature the other three bikes share.
Seat height is a mere 30.3 inches off the ground, so unless you were cursed with abnormally short legs flat-footing shouldn't be a problem. Unfortunately, once on the bike many testers felt like the seating position shoved the rider forward into the gas tank at an uncomfortable angle-something male readers in particular might want to be aware of. Thankfully the handlebars are at a higher angle than previous Monsters, relieving some strain from the wrists and lower back, though the crew was still split about the comfort and leverage provided by the wide, flat handlebars. Some felt it cumbersome while others didn't mind.
There's another reason the 696 costs more than the rest: suspension. The 43mm inverted Showa fork in front and Sachs rear shock out back are mated well to each other and damp road imperfections without the dreaded "po-go" effect usually associated with bikes in this price range. Negotiating the twisty stuff is where this Monster comes alive, but again, you'd expect as much from the one that costs almost $2000 more than the next closest machine. With that said, we were simply floored when a reflector on the fork leg, held on by what seemed to be double-sided tape, just fell off the bike. Ultimately it's up to you to decide whether the price of admission is worth it. In his notes, Mikolas said it best, "The 696 is like a high-end knife-style coupled with a very capable and focused destination...I just wish I had the cash."
By Troy Siahaan
Ducati Monster 696
As the most expensive bike in this quartet at $8995, the Ducati Monster 696 charges a high admission to the two-wheeled party. What you get in return is a motorcycle with unmistakable Ducati character with enough performance potential to please the rookie or veteran alike. As the name suggests, the little Monster is powered by a 696cc air-cooled V-Twin with two valves per cylinder, actuated by Ducati's trademark Desmodromic design. If none of that makes any sense to you then here's what you need to know: this engine makes some serious steam. Nothing crazy, but enough to keep you satisfied for a while. Torque is what V-twins are known for and the 696 produces plenty of it-launching out of corners (or squirming between cars and city traffic) is as simple as twisting the right wrist ever so slightly. We found that the engine is a little sluggish at really low rpm, but get it spinning past 3000 and the powerband lasts almost until redline.
Bringing all that action to a halt are the best brakes in the bunch (and for this price they better be). Dual 320mm rotors are mated to two radially-mounted calipers, each with four pistons. Each caliper is also fed fluid via steel-braided brake lines-standard. You won't even find that on the literbikes in this issue (except, well, the Ducati 1198). As such, the Monster has the most braking power, but lacks modulation. We also found it odd that neither the brake nor clutch levers are adjustable; a feature the other three bikes share.
Seat height is a mere 30.3 inches off the ground, so unless you were cursed with abnormally short legs flat-footing shouldn't be a problem. Unfortunately, once on the bike many testers felt like the seating position shoved the rider forward into the gas tank at an uncomfortable angle-something male readers in particular might want to be aware of. Thankfully the handlebars are at a higher angle than previous Monsters, relieving some strain from the wrists and lower back, though the crew was still split about the comfort and leverage provided by the wide, flat handlebars. Some felt it cumbersome while others didn't mind.
There's another reason the 696 costs more than the rest: suspension. The 43mm inverted Showa fork in front and Sachs rear shock out back are mated well to each other and damp road imperfections without the dreaded "po-go" effect usually associated with bikes in this price range. Negotiating the twisty stuff is where this Monster comes alive, but again, you'd expect as much from the one that costs almost $2000 more than the next closest machine. With that said, we were simply floored when a reflector on the fork leg, held on by what seemed to be double-sided tape, just fell off the bike. Ultimately it's up to you to decide whether the price of admission is worth it. In his notes, Mikolas said it best, "The 696 is like a high-end knife-style coupled with a very capable and focused destination...I just wish I had the cash."
Last edited by afici0nad0; 08-26-2009 at 11:27 AM.
#330
JDM Laser Fogs!
#331
GEEZER
Phone pic.
#334
The sizzle in the Steak
#335
GEEZER
Yea..I am getting some flat black shorter pipes when I get back from Ireland late September.(30% HP gain) And the damn thing stops on a dime and gives you change!
#336
JDM Laser Fogs!
#337
The sizzle in the Steak
#339
Suzuka Master
Traded in the silver/black for the red. I had the camera set on the lowest res as I use it for work and that is why color is off. It is a bright red.
The Dealer even had a band play for me. LOL!
The bike comes with alarm, ABS and cruise. Ride is very harsh but sits on the road like it is on rails. Will be installing exhaust and seat soon.
The Dealer even had a band play for me. LOL!
The bike comes with alarm, ABS and cruise. Ride is very harsh but sits on the road like it is on rails. Will be installing exhaust and seat soon.
#344
#345
Someday, an RS6 Avant+
Excellent ride. Love the big HOG's
I'd have one, but the wife automotive rule #2 applies:
I can have a big bike (or any) once the kids are out of the house.
The first rule is: Any vehicle I buy must seat 5. That's it.
I'd have one, but the wife automotive rule #2 applies:
I can have a big bike (or any) once the kids are out of the house.
The first rule is: Any vehicle I buy must seat 5. That's it.
#347
The sizzle in the Steak
Looks great
You gonna get some dual pipes?
You gonna get some dual pipes?
#350
GEEZER
Congrats..I just got this a couple of weeks ago!
#352
Suzuka Master
I heard those Victory bikes are real fast.... Only advice to you is to either have the 800 number available or a List of all the Dealers. If you break on the road, HD will not touch that. One of the reasons I ride HDs. They have a network of support if I am on the road.
Are you going to put any parts on that? Windshield, etc. I have no backrest and g/f will not ride without one. So instead, I am going to put a Tourpak on the back (a box) so I can put my helmets away etc. SHoot! $1,095 total for a box and mounting hardware.
Are you going to put any parts on that? Windshield, etc. I have no backrest and g/f will not ride without one. So instead, I am going to put a Tourpak on the back (a box) so I can put my helmets away etc. SHoot! $1,095 total for a box and mounting hardware.
#353
GEEZER
I heard those Victory bikes are real fast.... Only advice to you is to either have the 800 number available or a List of all the Dealers. If you break on the road, HD will not touch that. One of the reasons I ride HDs. They have a network of support if I am on the road.
Are you going to put any parts on that? Windshield, etc. I have no backrest and g/f will not ride without one. So instead, I am going to put a Tourpak on the back (a box) so I can put my helmets away etc. SHoot! $1,095 total for a box and mounting hardware.
Are you going to put any parts on that? Windshield, etc. I have no backrest and g/f will not ride without one. So instead, I am going to put a Tourpak on the back (a box) so I can put my helmets away etc. SHoot! $1,095 total for a box and mounting hardware.
And yes..it is wicked fast. Only thing I am doing to it is pipes and a better seat to start.
#354
Suzuka Master
LOL! All bikes will break. HDs are alot more reliable than most peep think. But yeah. If I wanted a fix nothing bike, it would be the Victory Venture (yuk) or Goldwing (no way)...
#355
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (5)
Is Ducati Monster 696 a good bike for someone who's just starting?
I'm not sure if I want to go through the hassle of buying something cheap and then reselling later..
EDIT: By something cheap, i meant something like ninja 250 or something i know i will want to sell later. I think I can live with Monster for a long time.
I'm not sure if I want to go through the hassle of buying something cheap and then reselling later..
EDIT: By something cheap, i meant something like ninja 250 or something i know i will want to sell later. I think I can live with Monster for a long time.
Trust me, when you're learning to ride you likely WILL drop your bike. Even if it's a soft lay-down in your driveway/garage b/c your foot slipped or something. Handling a bike gets easier over time, so would you rather be learning on a $2k Ninja 250, or a $7500 Monster 695? Which would you rather lay down?
Get the Ninja, learn to ride properly instead of being scared of your bike (which I have seen many times from riders who start out too big), then upgrade.
Learning on the Ninja also gives you time to figure out what you like and don't like. I wanted the Monster myself, but after riding the Ninja and being exposed to certain conditions, etc... I changed my mind. I also decided that I did not want a bike that needed a valve adjustment every 5500 miles or so (more frequent on the older Ducs) and with my closest dealer 17 miles away, it would be a hassle to have to drop it off so often for maintenance. Had I bought the Monster as a first bike I would have likely sold it quickly and then I would have been stuck with a hard to sell bike. Instead I rode the Ninja for 14 months while saving up, then I was able to try out a bunch of other bikes to see what I liked, made a decision, sold the Ninja and upgraded to exactly what I wanted.
#357
Team Owner
iTrader: (1)
So I finally bought a bike!
Kawasaki Ninja 650R. Basically Kawasaki's equivalent of the SV650s. I went from wanting a Ducati Monster 696 to deciding between the SV650 and the Ninja 650R because the Ducati was going to cost nearly 3 times as much to maintain over the same period of ownership.
Seller delivered to me last night. I've ridden it for a total of about 11 miles, just in the parking lot and in the neighborhood side streets to get comfortable with it and until I get it properly registered.
Looking forward to taking my first few rides to work in a couple of weeks.
Sorry for the fuzzy pic. iPhone camera in direct sunlight doesn't exactly do the bike justice.
Kawasaki Ninja 650R. Basically Kawasaki's equivalent of the SV650s. I went from wanting a Ducati Monster 696 to deciding between the SV650 and the Ninja 650R because the Ducati was going to cost nearly 3 times as much to maintain over the same period of ownership.
Seller delivered to me last night. I've ridden it for a total of about 11 miles, just in the parking lot and in the neighborhood side streets to get comfortable with it and until I get it properly registered.
Looking forward to taking my first few rides to work in a couple of weeks.
Sorry for the fuzzy pic. iPhone camera in direct sunlight doesn't exactly do the bike justice.
#358
Rooting for Acura
iTrader: (1)
So I finally bought a bike!
Kawasaki Ninja 650R. Basically Kawasaki's equivalent of the SV650s. I went from wanting a Ducati Monster 696 to deciding between the SV650 and the Ninja 650R because the Ducati was going to cost nearly 3 times as much to maintain over the same period of ownership.
Seller delivered to me last night. I've ridden it for a total of about 11 miles, just in the parking lot and in the neighborhood side streets to get comfortable with it and until I get it properly registered.
Looking forward to taking my first few rides to work in a couple of weeks.
Sorry for the fuzzy pic. iPhone camera in direct sunlight doesn't exactly do the bike justice.
Kawasaki Ninja 650R. Basically Kawasaki's equivalent of the SV650s. I went from wanting a Ducati Monster 696 to deciding between the SV650 and the Ninja 650R because the Ducati was going to cost nearly 3 times as much to maintain over the same period of ownership.
Seller delivered to me last night. I've ridden it for a total of about 11 miles, just in the parking lot and in the neighborhood side streets to get comfortable with it and until I get it properly registered.
Looking forward to taking my first few rides to work in a couple of weeks.
Sorry for the fuzzy pic. iPhone camera in direct sunlight doesn't exactly do the bike justice.
#359
Get the Ninja 250 to start. It's a very popular starter bike and you'll resell it very easily. I bought one, learned on it for 14 months, then sold it for the same price I paid for it.
Trust me, when you're learning to ride you likely WILL drop your bike. Even if it's a soft lay-down in your driveway/garage b/c your foot slipped or something. Handling a bike gets easier over time, so would you rather be learning on a $2k Ninja 250, or a $7500 Monster 695? Which would you rather lay down?
Get the Ninja, learn to ride properly instead of being scared of your bike (which I have seen many times from riders who start out too big), then upgrade.
Learning on the Ninja also gives you time to figure out what you like and don't like. I wanted the Monster myself, but after riding the Ninja and being exposed to certain conditions, etc... I changed my mind. I also decided that I did not want a bike that needed a valve adjustment every 5500 miles or so (more frequent on the older Ducs) and with my closest dealer 17 miles away, it would be a hassle to have to drop it off so often for maintenance. Had I bought the Monster as a first bike I would have likely sold it quickly and then I would have been stuck with a hard to sell bike. Instead I rode the Ninja for 14 months while saving up, then I was able to try out a bunch of other bikes to see what I liked, made a decision, sold the Ninja and upgraded to exactly what I wanted.
Trust me, when you're learning to ride you likely WILL drop your bike. Even if it's a soft lay-down in your driveway/garage b/c your foot slipped or something. Handling a bike gets easier over time, so would you rather be learning on a $2k Ninja 250, or a $7500 Monster 695? Which would you rather lay down?
Get the Ninja, learn to ride properly instead of being scared of your bike (which I have seen many times from riders who start out too big), then upgrade.
Learning on the Ninja also gives you time to figure out what you like and don't like. I wanted the Monster myself, but after riding the Ninja and being exposed to certain conditions, etc... I changed my mind. I also decided that I did not want a bike that needed a valve adjustment every 5500 miles or so (more frequent on the older Ducs) and with my closest dealer 17 miles away, it would be a hassle to have to drop it off so often for maintenance. Had I bought the Monster as a first bike I would have likely sold it quickly and then I would have been stuck with a hard to sell bike. Instead I rode the Ninja for 14 months while saving up, then I was able to try out a bunch of other bikes to see what I liked, made a decision, sold the Ninja and upgraded to exactly what I wanted.
You could honestly try a Ninja 650. That's what my ex boyfriend taught me on and I didn't drop it once. Yes, it was heavy but I'm sure you have more muscle than a 110lb girl.
#360
J M U ... DUUUKEESSSS
iTrader: (1)
So I finally bought a bike!
Kawasaki Ninja 650R. Basically Kawasaki's equivalent of the SV650s. I went from wanting a Ducati Monster 696 to deciding between the SV650 and the Ninja 650R because the Ducati was going to cost nearly 3 times as much to maintain over the same period of ownership.
Seller delivered to me last night. I've ridden it for a total of about 11 miles, just in the parking lot and in the neighborhood side streets to get comfortable with it and until I get it properly registered.
Looking forward to taking my first few rides to work in a couple of weeks.
Sorry for the fuzzy pic. iPhone camera in direct sunlight doesn't exactly do the bike justice.
Kawasaki Ninja 650R. Basically Kawasaki's equivalent of the SV650s. I went from wanting a Ducati Monster 696 to deciding between the SV650 and the Ninja 650R because the Ducati was going to cost nearly 3 times as much to maintain over the same period of ownership.
Seller delivered to me last night. I've ridden it for a total of about 11 miles, just in the parking lot and in the neighborhood side streets to get comfortable with it and until I get it properly registered.
Looking forward to taking my first few rides to work in a couple of weeks.
Sorry for the fuzzy pic. iPhone camera in direct sunlight doesn't exactly do the bike justice.
CONGRATS! Really nice bike, I really wanted a 650r but the ones on CL were way over my budget. Maybe I'll catch you on the road.