Curses - now I'm going to have to buy a 696

[MrsC_772]

On a rideout through Hampshire yesterday, somehow (:)) we ended up stopping in Alton outside Snell's. Other half is due to take his direct access test in the next couple of weeks and is looking at what big bike to buy so wanted to sit on a Monster.

I've fancied a Monster since I first started looking for a big bike 7 years ago but at the time was put off by a heavy clutch and the thought that an Italian bike would be unreliable. Short legs limited my choice and I ended up with a 400 grey import Bandit.

I sat on a 696 and was amazed how light it was, that my feet could reach the floor and how easily I could push it up off the side stand (which didn't immediately ping up). It looks a lot better in the flesh than the pictures (and was told the funny mesh patches on the side of the tank are so that if you drop it the bars don't damage the tank - given my history, that's definitely a good thing).

If only I could find £6k down the back of the sofa to buy one ...

[Paivi]

Hah! Good to see you're well on your way to be converted, Eleanor! Just don't take one out for a test ride, as then you won't want to give it back, so you will have to find the £6k somewhere...

[Snips]

Welcome!

The 696 is a great bike, with a wet clutch, so not as stiff as a dry clutch.

There are some very well looked after used 696s being offered for around £4750.

Hope you can get on a Monster!

[Captain Caveman]

buy mine!!
still for sale at the right price :D

[Nickj]

One of my sisters had a Hornet and didn't get on too well with it.
Now she has a 696 and is liking it lots

[walpole68]

The funny mesh things are in air intakes for the air box! The might help to protect the tank if the bikes over but not there main purpose.

[Redkite]

+ they also enable a tighter turning circle ....

[gremlin]

What turning circle? The Titanic had a better one than my 600 so anything has got to be an improvement!

[Ginger]

I'll buy you a 696!

Now all I have to do is win the lottery first... :D

Lovely bike. Always loved the Monster. Still not sure about the 696 whether it was and improvement on the original design or not. Sat on one at Donnington last year and loved it... But is it better?

Oh yeah... The M600 turning circle is poo. I have to push mine down an alley to get it outside my house and it's bloody annoying usually have to lift the back end.

[Liz]

Got to agree that the 'turning circle' LOL on an M600 is non-existent. Know how bad it is and still got caught out the other night and dropped it trying to do a very sharp left-hand turn and had to get someone to help me pick it up. Still really cross about it! :grump:

[Paivi]

Shh, guys and girls, we're supposed to make both Mr & MrsC to want to buy Monsters, not put them off.

[uksurfer]

is it not easier to spin the backwheel whilst stationary, tight as you like? :biggrin:

[MrsC_772]

I've just slipped further down the slippery slope to Monsterdom - I've booked myself a test ride on a 696 for Saturday morning.

Curse Ducati for their tempting interest free credit offer!

[Paivi]

Knew it's only a matter of time! Before you know it, you'll have a Monster in the garage, then a second one, then you'll start blinging them up...