[dasReaper]

I'm looking to get my first bike this summer. I learned to ride on GSX-R600. I found a used Ducati Monster 696 at a local dealer and it is gorgeous! It is also within my $8000 budget. Are these bikes reliable? Also is it going to be to much bike for me as a first bike? I'm 6'3" 220lbs and the size of the bike feels right when I sit on it.

[silvergray545]

http://www.ducati.ms/forums/showthread.php?t=53045

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bi...-2008-current/

http://www.bikez.com/bike/rating.php?idbike=26540

If you learned on a gixxer, I'm pretty sure this will be fine for you. Just take it easy and don't go crazy. As far as reliability goes, they sound pretty decent. Just remember, if anything does break, it will be expensive because is it a Ducati. Kinda like our bimmers.

Good luck on your decision!

[mhb]

love my gsxr600 but havent been riding it as much since i got my bimmer
what type of riding are you planning on doing? The ducati is pretty awesome but if you want some tight turns and more of a street style riding gsxr is the way to go

[dasReaper]

^^^^ im guessing you were quoting my OP and failed?

[808six]

for a first bike i wouldnt get a monster or a ducatti for that matter, the maintanence is pricey and i think you have to actually take it in for maintanence more often withe the monster...the gixxer has a far better aftermarket and its cheaper/easier to work on...and perhaps more reliable?

[MisterSkiMask]

Originally Posted by dasReaper

I'm looking to get my first bike this summer. I learned to ride on GSX-R600. I found a used Ducati Monster 696 at a local dealer and it is gorgeous! It is also within my $8000 budget. Are these bikes reliable? Also is it going to be to much bike for me as a first bike? I'm 6'3" 220lbs and the size of the bike feels right when I sit on it.

I have had three Ducatis, and they are great. They need a bit more maintenance then a Japanese bikes, and if you don’t keep up with it then it will cost you. They are pretty simple to do routine maintenance on, especially the ail cooled ones, but the valves will need adjustment from time to time and the timing belts will need to be changed.

I have never ridden a Monster 696, (Had a 900 SSSP, 996, and M900), I do know that they all handle very well, and the power delivery will be completely different from a GSXR600, I personally love them, smooth torque, stable, flickable, and they are pretty easy on tires.

The only time that the 696 might feel underpowered is if you are riding in a group with people on faster bikes, even then you will be just as fast, if not faster in the corners, but they will walk away on straight-aways. On twisty roads I was always able to walk away from my friends who were on more powerful bikes, (even the 900SSSP would murder the ZX-7R from the same era, with way less hp, and the 996 would leave a ‘Busa for dead on Highway 9).

[jpsum]

The Monster is my favorite bike at the moment. Go for it!

[Spec 1]

Monsters are great bikes as far as power & maneuvering goes, and should be something you wont grow sick of for quite a while. Only thing I'd care to mention is as your first you'll most likely drop it at some point. If you're buying a new Ducati, that could be a traumatizing experience. Perhaps look used or at a bike you wouldn't mind dropping once or twice. Most all newbies I know who buy Ducs as their first bikes have gotten pretty pissed at themselves when the drop happens.

[dasReaper]

Yeah, thats a good point on the likely hood of dropping the bike.

[Spec 1]

Buy used first, ride it for a season until you're comfortable, then buy the new Ducati.