Ducati Monster 696 Review - Monsters Inc.

[blissful0ne]

I beg your pardon!!

Nothing, sir, is more fun than a barrel of strippers.

[ArmpitNoises]

Really thinking about picking this bike up. I've got very limited riding experience is this bike good for me? 6'0 175lbs. Money isn't really an issue(Not trying to be a dick). Thanks man. Great video.

[ijustwannabeadrummer]

"sv650 quivering on its wobbly suspension" .. lol.. he sums it up.. i pretend i am riding a duc on my sv650 until i go thru a curve n hit a bump..i wish they did not cheap out on the mirrors or suspension... i am glad i have bar ends.. but i still need to swap out the front forks.. or just get this 696 when i have the duc-ets .. get it..duc-its..:)

[shravanrulez]

As refined as prison dentistry LOLOL hahaha wtf!!

[QWERTYUI123ization]

lack of technology but still ducati

[ApexIXMR]

4 minutes and 29 seconds of metaphors.

[jsrnash12]

"More fun than a barrel of strippers!"

[letsride84]

Come on guys, go love some other bike. This baby's mine. XD

[axellness]

can you 2 up?

[fluminense205]

Is Ducati Monster 696 good for first bike and first time ride? i am beginner!

[jsrnash12]

@fluminense205 No not at all. Try a 250.

[iH8MomJokes]

don't worry u Americans, its even cheaper than in Canada. You bastards... haha

[bhooowan3]

I am 22 from UK n hav been in love with the Yamaha R6 for ages but can't afford the £2000+ insurance on it. so i turned my head around to this DUCATI MONSTER 696. went to the ducati showroon yesterday and found out how beautiful this bike is.new is even a bit cheaper than used R6.insurance went down to £800+ which is so much better. just wonderin if anyone can suggest which one i shud go for.expensive yamaha superbike or this beautiful naked DUCATI!!!

"will be my first bike"

please help.

thanks



[lewigimole]

im 6ft 5.... waddaya think?

[onewheeldrive]

@lewigimole It'll be a tight fit, I'd look at one of the bigger monsters for that reason alone.

[ezekielvictor]

hope it's a big barrel... i'm not into midget strippers.

[BustedController]

I like this bike... A lot... but it probably wouldn't be that great for a beginner I'm guessing. And it looks like there isn't a whole lot of room for a passenger I'm guessing?

[onewheeldrive]

@BustedController Passenger room is quite limited, but it would be a fine second bike. I think you'd benefit from a cheaper bike as a starter though. You wouldn't feel as bad if you dropped it.

[giterdun456]

@onewheeldrive Id agree but it was my first and only bike so far. I also bought a used one for under 5k though.

[abatic1]

@BustedController

It is a beginner bike, the handling is sublime and the torque very good on lower rpm and liner. Customize it a little with an open exhaust and rear end and you will fall in love with this bike.

The cops won't give you much trouble with an open exhaust since the bike is so beautiful.

[somedudefrommizzou]

I'm about 6'1 and 160 pounds, but I have virtually no experience on a motorcycle, I really love the looks of this bike, and I'm seriously considering going for it, do any of you have any advice? should I go for it?

[panikattak14]

@somedudefrommizzou get something smaller first. Kawasaki Ninjas are widely regarded as one of the top beginner bikes. While this particular Duc isn't a 1500cc behemoth, it might still scare you if you roll on the throttle too much. Also, dropping it will make you feel like an ass.

but HEY! If you got the moolah, go for it!

[THAREALDAN]

@onewheeldrive In your video, you said that this bike is about 9 grand in Canadian currency (I don't know what it's called). I live in new jersey and I don't know if our currency differs (American currency to Canadian currency) so is the price higher or lower in America?

[onewheeldrive]

@THAREALDAN I'd call the nearest dealer and ask about pricing or visit the Ducati website. The Canadian dollar is now much stronger than the US Dollar, so the prices will be different from when the video was produced.

[topdoglex]

I'll take two please .... ;o)

[bigbradford69]

over priced Ducati

[onewheeldrive]

@bigbradford69 Not really, here in Canada you can have a Suzuki Gladius (ho-hum) for $9,199.00

or a Monster 696 for $9,995. I'd take the Ducati for the difference.

[jakem01]

I'm 5'6 and 160 lbs and I'm highly interested in the 696 and I was wondering if this bike would fit well with me or if it would be too much bike.

[onewheeldrive]

@jakem01 Depends on the amount of riding experience you have, but gut feeling is you'd be fine on it.

[moonking21]

@jakem01 im 5 5 and and i test fitted the bike and i fit perfectly fine i didnt think about the leaver system until this video

[irrik777]

@jakem01 You probably will fit the 696 rather perfectly. I'm 5'5 and the bike is a great fit for me. As far as having both feet firmly planted on the ground you can replace the stock seat with Ducati's slimmer more sportier version and voila! you'll be touching the ground instantly. The weight of the bike is well-balanced as well. Hope that helps!

[sebah1991]

Great review! How tall are you if I may ask?

[onewheeldrive]

@sebah1991 I'm 6"2' mate, so the 696 is a bit small.

[sebah1991]

@sebah1991 i am 185cm so about 6", do you think the monster is a bit too small for me? I have been on a 796 that felt good. Do you know how the 796 and 696 compare in seize? Thanks

[onewheeldrive]

@sebah1991 The seat height is 770mm for the 696 and 800mm for the 796, so the 796 is a more comfortable choice for taller people.

[GameCollectionReview]

More fun than a barrel of strippers? I don't know where you get yours from, but I only order them from the best! Check them out at barrelofbabes.ca

Go Canucks Go! I can tell you are in B.C. just from the driving shots alone, but Science World was the confirmation that this was in B.C.

Was that really the first road test of that bike in North America? If so, congratulations for being the first. Did Ducati choose you for that?

[onewheeldrive]

@GameCollectionReview It was indeed the first North American Road test of the 696, we lucked out in that Ducati had air-freighted one in from Italy for a special event and we got to swipe it for a couple of days to film the video.

[GameCollectionReview]

@onewheeldrive

Wow, that is awesome. Just a heads up, don't know if you are still in B.C. but there is an auction going on, 20 bikes(unknown what they are), and 6 benelli bikes, as well as full leathers, helmets, gloves, tons of stuff, going on in Langley on the 13th of may, here is the link, hopefully I can post it. Actually, I'll send it to you in a message, because it won't let me post it on here. I'll be going, maybe I'll pick up something for a steal of a price!

[onewheeldrive]

@GameCollectionReview YT doesn't let you post links. The Benellis may be from when Southwest Motorrad went under. They are brilliant to ride, but there are a lot of reliability and parts distribution issues around the Benelli brand in Canada. Not to temper your auction enthusiasm, but a heads up.

[GameCollectionReview]

@onewheeldrive

Thank you very much for the heads up, I don't think I'll be bidding on any of these bikes. They have put up a catalog of the bikes/scooters and right now, money just isn't disposable.

[636snowboarder]

A barrel full of strippers FTW

[nsignific]

best reviewer i've found on youtube so far

[aceattorney]

Outstanding writing, Neil!

[onewheeldrive]

@aceattorney Thanks!

[BustedController]

It looks beautiful but I won't have enough money to get this as my first bike as a 17 y/o :(

[Nazified]

I'm looking at a first bike and was really looking at the Ducati Monster... I don't want something smaller that I will have to be sold later. Would this be an OKAY starter bike? I'm not an idiot on the roads either...

[onewheeldrive]

@Nazified It would be OKAY. I generally encourage people to start with a smaller used bike first, that way you don't feel bad if you drop it and you aren't hit by the depreciation on a new bike. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the 696 as a starter, and I don't think you'd outgrow it for a few seasons, but if you could start on something else and then mover to the Monster 796 then you might get a lot more out of it.

[Nazified]

@onewheeldrive Alright, thanks a ton! I just live in a small city and want something light and easy to corner with... Also, this is in my budget :)

[fourpointohh]

good bike for a heavy starter?

[onewheeldrive]

@fourpointohh Likely yes, I weigh about 220lbs and the 696 performed well. Plenty of power for passes and still handled well under my weight. As with the other starters in these comments though, I'd advocate a cheaper used standard or naked first that you'll not cry over if it's dropped before stepping up to the Monster.

[fourpointohh]

thanks a lot man

[Palmar3s]

what is the difference between the ducati monster 696 and the 1098? is one for beginners and the other is for more experienced bikers?

[onewheeldrive]

@Palmar3s The differences are massive, beyond the displacement; air-cooled vs liquid cooled engine, upright cafe naked vs leaned-over super sport respectively just to start. Pop by a dealer and have a sit on each for a start.

[Palmar3s]

@onewheeldrive

thanx bro!

[pedro2011]

I want to buy a bike and I have no riding experience at all. What affordable first timer bike should I buy that look like this one?

[onewheeldrive]

@pedro2011 That's a pretty broad question. There are a few absolute beginner bikes that you won't cry as much over if they are dropped. Suzuki GS500 or Ninja 250 for instance is a lot tamer and cheaper to repair. The Ducati is a bit premium and a bit more powerful so would make a good second bike after you've had some time learning.

[slspg]

love this bike

[o0smokingmonk0o]

a barrel of strippers? really?

[bandguy360]

what your guys' accents?

[onewheeldrive]

@bandguy360 Canadian

[cdjk123]

@onewheeldrive LOVE IT. Im from BC..........love it lol

[sexyderik]

just bought one, it's so awesome

[GUFF21]

I've been looking at bikes for a while, and before I knew anything about the bike, I was in love with the sporty but economical looks of the Monster. I've been looking through data and video's and think I got my bike. It will be my first street bike at age 23, so let's see how it goes. I'm mad exited!

[JimmyPtheman]

Great looking motorcycle!

[cfreaper23]

i'm wanting to get a monster, but i have a question should i get a used 695 or spend the extra money and get a new 696? thanks

[mauriciofontes]

I've own a Yamaha FZ6 for four months now, and had a chance to Test-Ride the Monster 696 just an hour ago. What an amazing bike! The things I loved the most where the torquey engine, packs a good punch at any rev, and the very low weight. Loved it!

[alexskylarking]

Its funny I have just watched your RC8 Video thinking yup I'll have one of those. Then I come here and seeing this little duke, thinking, yup that would do for around town too. Right where is my swag bag ;-)

[sciacca110]

Really want to get one of these, as a beginner, just need to find the funds!

[StigRossi]

I currently have a Multistrada and currently live in Ireland, planning to go back to Canada next year. Normally I'd be looking at an 1198S but Ontario's fascistic Draconian speed laws have me looking at the 696 Monster, a fun and characterful bike @ low speeds. Anyway, if you come to ireland give me a buzz and we'll go for a ride ;) Oh, and feel free to join me at the 2011 Isle of Man TT!

[nebnamlessac]

mre fun than a barrel of strippers, very well said

[darkyoda]

I'm actually looking at getting one of these today or tomarrow.

[onewheeldrive]

@darkyoda Sweet.  Let us know how it turns out.

[spyked1]

@darkyoda lucky dog!

[PSNjizzcake]

4:10 onwards; best part of the video

[cheeser164]

Is this bike difficult to ride for taller riders? I'm 6'2"

[onewheeldrive]

@cheeser164 No, but you may want to try on the Monster 796 which has a slightly higher seat height. Also make sure to test ride it, and make sure that when you decelerate your man bits aren't crushed against the tank.

[cheeser164]

@onewheeldrive Ooh that would hurt. So the only difference between the two is a higher seat?

[onewheeldrive]

@cheeser164 And displacement & power. Just a little more oomph, but a fabulous engine.

[cheeser164]

@onewheeldrive Ooh ok. Well thank you very much!

[onewheeldrive]

@cheeser164 No problem.

[mongrelchild]

wow great review.

All I need to know is how is the handlebar vibration at highway speeds?

[onewheeldrive]

@mongrelchild Minimal, this is a very smooth engine for a twin. I just got off the Hypermotard 796 for a review on our site, it's the same engine and the vibes are really minimal.

[mongrelchild]

@onewheeldrive thanks.

Have you ridden an sv650? More or less vibration?

[onewheeldrive]

@mongrelchild I have, but it was ages back. Over all I think the Monster might be a bit lumpier than the SV650, but the wearying high-frequency vibrations were near absent on our tester. If you're trying to make the choice between the two, I'd recommend testing them back to back at cooperative dealers.

Subtleties like vibration can be very personal. I mean, I ride a KTM 640 Adventure too... which is like a paint shaker.

[STiRunner90]

how does this compare to the street triple?

[onewheeldrive]

@STiRunner90 Let me see if I can talk Triumph out of a test bike so I can answer this. Cheers, Neil

[glock19x300]

"more fun than a barrel of strippers"

This guy hasn't been to Vegas

[onewheeldrive]

@glock19x300 Once every two years... try the $20 all you can drink happy hour at the stratosphere ;)

[skcaldwell]

I pick my 2010 brand spanking new one up tomorrow morning! Oh man, I'm excited to ride it to work.

[miami830]

im 5.5" and i just wanted to ask if i fit to the bike?

[sjmchameleon]

@miami830 I'm also 5'5" and just bought one. It's completely perfect for me.

[eeshabubble]

I am a 4' 7" female and have a Pearl colored Monster 696. I LOVE it! It is still pretty big for me, but I can handle it just fine. I just hang my butt off to the side to reach the ground better at lights. If not I would just be balancing it lightly on my tipy toes. They had to soften the suspension for me and shave the seat, but the shaved seat gave it more of a curvy look to it. I love my Monster

[Michaelsdick]

barrel of stripperss....?

[xilpa]

im 6'2" am i too tall for this bike'?

[onewheeldrive]

I'm 6'2" also and found it a bit small. If you're learning though a small bike isn't a bad thing. It makes it manageable.

[d0gM3at]

Go sit on one at a dealership and find out. No other way to really find out IMHO.

I believe most Ducati dealers will let you sit on the bike. If you like they also will allow you to test ride it.

I get mines tomorrow w000t !!!! I can't wait.

[marino4691]

lucky dude!

i want one too :P

[WinSomeLoseNone0]

@xilpa Ducati is releasing a Monster 796 this coming year slightly higher seat hight and a little more power. Probably better for you.

[JCZ0RR0]

Wow, not very impressive review.

Awfully dull and unenthusiastic commentary.

And for God's sake get the italian words right. It's DesmoSEdici, and Marchesini is said MarkeSIni, not Marshesini. Sorry fellas.

[mateo3713]

i just nutted...... OMG!!!! i want one makes my 1125cr look like a bitch lol

[omamder5]

Wow, what an awesome bike! I sat on one at a dealership just a few days ago, and it was 12 times more comfortable than an 848 that I also tried.

It comes with a slipper clutch? That's excellent! I thought those only came on serious track-oriented super bikes, but hey, I' not complaining. What a great bike, I would love it.

[MotorTourerPA]

Got to demo one yesterday! They're one hell of a bike!

[AloneFilms]

I love the monster looks a great bike

[biangro]

great easy bike..

[TheSwedisherotica]

beautiful bike , its either this or Ducati 1000s for me this fall :)

[ihaveaclevername]

"these are small points"

lol well thanks for dismissing all women and those with womanly hands like myself

[onewheeldrive]

In comparison to the value of the bike, they are. You might want to look at aftermarket adjustable levers which would remedy the short fall.

Cheers,

Neil

[kozilla10]

nice vid, here in Cyprus costs 10600 euros :s  but again i am thinking of getting one!

[PsychoFur]

Where can I find

a barrel of strippers?

[Torus2112]

Seconded...lol

[drivingnirvana]

It actually costs 20.000 $ here (Norway) but is just a few bucks more than the 600 Hornet. Easy choice, Ducati ftmfw!!

This year I'm taking driving lessons, next year I'll rock this. (Please no talk about 600cc bikes as a no-no, my school bike 600cc and this is by far a R bike in character.)

[lplit]

What the hell...

here in france it's around 8.000 euros...

[italianice7six]

just ordered a black one with a white tank!

[onewheeldrive]

Sweet. Do a video response and show us how it looks! Black and white, what a lovely police bike ;)

Neil

[afthefragile]

Red or Black?

Its so hard to decide!

Ducati is supposed to be red.

But it looks mental in black!

[SpiaggiaVita]

I am getting a red one tomorrow! I can't wait! I thought about black, but a nice Italian bike should be red. Then again, you just have to go to the dealer and compare them in person because you really have to see them together.

[ottavio1]

8300€ of pleasure!!!!!!!!!THE RED ONE

[absolutsoju]

Do a 696km write up on the 696! Or wait.. thats too short. Id like to see a long distance travellog on the 696 to see how this aircooled bike fares on long distance journeys..

[harry1908]

How much does it cost?

[onewheeldrive]

2009 MSRP $8,995 / $9,995 CDN

[joshdawall]

i no this prob is way too good for my 1st bike, but i love it! wen im old enough to get my liscense (im 14 :P) this is gunna be my 1st bike!!!!

[wildweston]

you just hurt my SV's feelings. but that thing looks great. I'll take the 1100 thanks.

[onewheeldrive]

Whole, with a lot of olive oil. It preserves them ;)

[suicidehz]

Wait, how are these strippers placed in the barrel? Chopped up, blended up or whole? It definitely makes a difference!

[trevorsdad]

Great bike, great Vid. Ugly?? Nah...

[Gulendam79]

I own one ;)

[wrath6647]

what is your opinion on it? and whats your inseam measurement?

[hassan0098]

696 so ugly, and too expensive!

[PsychoFur]

Where can I buy a barrel of strippers?

[davide98765]

black!

[Quarterpounder123]

is the monster a good beginners bike

[Dakman96]

ducati live on!!!

[rideordiewarren]

Much better review than MCN.

[Viriatus]

great to hear the sound engine at the end

[jukeboybob]

If you buy one, get on good terms with your mechanic---he'll be seeing a lot of your new bike.

[onewheeldrive]

Are you having trouble with yours?

[jukeboybob]

No---I'm just bitter and cheap. Nice bike!

[q1s3d45g6]

Yeah, I haven't heard anything bad about these bikes...

And am looking to buy one

[RatRaper]

Red is the most classic racing colour, and in real life it looks a lot better.

You can see the shapes better too.

U won't regret getting a bike with a colour.

[RatRaper]

Red!

[xilpa]

I dont know which one to buy, RED or BLACK? what do you think guys?!

[xWeaponOfChoicex]

Definitely Black.

[djmarioz]

BLACk BLACK BLACK! ;)

[14SoulCube14]

whiteee!!!!!!!!! ;p

[DevotionLotion]

I'm going white! White is such a classic color and looks refined, IMO.

[SpiaggiaVita]

The white does look good. I like the way it contrasts with everything else being black such as the frame etc... But, for me, I will take it in red. Happy riding!

[VITTORE87]

è oscena e ve lo dice uno che ha avuto il 620 i.e...

[blueloop68]

This footage is on the sea to sky hwy, Vancouver to Whistler BC. Sweet bike, i am saving my money for next summer!

[Lucarex14]

wow!!!

[yooseung]

it's a modern classic. beautiful bike. i ride a cbr f4 but would love to get a duc.

[technicolorhighway]

jus waiting for a litre class similar design to the 696

[freetobandito11]

i got mine two days ago, it effing blows my old ninja away... im so glad i convinced myself to get the 696

[BDdrummer]

what ninja did you have?

[Daemonocracy]

great review. "barrel of strippers" and "denser than a neutron star" were unique and funny analogies. and i was glad to see the matte black version in action, most reviews are the red or pearl white models.

[polobluenikos]

+1 to that LOL

[BestestMoron]

is this the same engine that requires regular valve tunings or is this a different engine?

I am considering the SV650FS ABS also.. and price is not an issue, I just want the best performing bike.

Is the engine in this the same type as the SV?? Why does the ducati then need the valve adjustments and the SV doesn't?

[onewheeldrive]

This is a similar engine design to the Suzuki in that the SV650 and 696 are both twins. The primary difference lies in the actuation of the engines valves. The Ducati's actuation is desmodromic meaning they are mechanically actuated open and closed by a cam. Where as in a more standard engine configuration a spring is used to return the valve to the closed position.

[318i]

"a barrel of strippers" HA! - Awesome review.

[arbeia76]

I just ordered one! cant wait,i`m getting the red one but i`m also getting the pearl white colour kit so i`l have the red frame with pearl white tank etc,i`m also getting after market exhausts for it and a 14T sprocket fitted. watch this space for more vids of the 696 when i get it delivered; )

[arbeia76]

cant wait i just ordered one,red for the frame and i`m getting the pearl white colour kit and some after market exhuasts,i`m also getting the sprocket changed from 15T to 14T zoooom! watch this space for vids of it when it arrives; )

[Immolator32]

These bikes should sell by the boat load!

[VOLAETE]

Muy bonito, gran motocicleta. ME encanta

[passpartout4]

very very very very beautyful....... :)

[youssiiif]

good review for a great bike, i've always wanted one of those