RE: ducati 696

09 Ducati Monster 696 discussion forum:


RE: ducati 696

RE: ducati 696 
Mtbjay said 2011-08-08 15:41 
 
Beginner, it really depends. It´s quite a bit of power for someone without experience, and it´s an expensive bike to start with. Most experience riders recommend starting with a cheaper used bike in the beginning. There are many advantages to this: 1) If you dump it, it´s not as big of a deal; 2) If you decide motorcycles aren´t for you, you´re not out $7-10 grand + gear, and 3) If you like it, you´ll have a much better idea of what you want/don´t want in your next bike after a year or two of ownership. Top recommend 1st bikes are: Ninja 250, Honda Rebel and the Suzuki GS 500F. They are forgiving first bikes that can help you ease into riding without too much power.

Having said that, thought the 696 Monster could be a handful for most beginners, it´s really in the hands of the rider. I would say it could be a good experience IF... you are disciplined about learning everything you can about motorcycling before you buy, and you always maintain control and ride within your ability. I highly recommend a hands-on motorcycle safety course, books on riding technique and traffic awareness, and practicing drills before venturing out into traffic and the open road. Ducati´s are lightweight machines and easier to maneuver than some other 6-700cc bikes I tried. However, the throttle is a bit touchy and the power comes on a bit abruptly, which can catch you out. Additionally, the front brakes are enormous and though easily modulated at speed, can be touchy at slow speeds (when newbies typically dump the bike, though the low seat-height might save you cause you might get a foot down quick enough to save it.)

I would say ride a few bikes first before you decide. You might be surprise at what you discover about them. If you like the feel and look of a naked, try the Suzuki SV650. It´s cheap, reliable and has as much power as the Ducati. Or, maybe a used 620 or 695 Monster. They´d be cheaper than a 696 and easy to flip when you´re ready to move up.

Good Luck! 
 
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