696, Motard, M900 - oh what to do!

This is my problem. Theyre not producing anything bigger than the 696. Rumour was that the Motard engine was going in one making an M1100, that I wouldve sold my soul for, but being a 600 I dont know what to do now. Ducati, ffs, you've confused me!!

I had 5 bikes on next years "to buy" list:

BMW F800GS (ugh, off the list faster than it can say "longwaydown")
The invisible M1100 (off the list for obvious reasons)
Another TL1000S (cant find low mileage good ones anymore)
Hypermotard
M900

My problem now is that I am interested so far in this 696, it has much more power and speed than Pinky but none of the expensive accessories I bought Pinky would fit the new 696 and I'd be buying a new bike (around the £5k-£6k mark I suspect) and I'd then want to spend about another £1k on accessories and modifications. That would make it roughly a £7k bike. Its habitual, I cant leave anything standard for more than 5 minutes.

My issue with the Hypermotard is the lack of wind protection and useability as an all rounder. The price is also a bit much, maybe some bargains now the new Monstro is out... maybe. But the more important issue is its not a Monster and I LOVE Monsters.

Then theres the M900. I am finding it difficult to find a low mileage one with full service history in good condition for a decent price. I dont like the dry heavy clutch but... Pinkys tasty bits would fit onto an M900. Theres also the fact that up until now I was really lucky with Pinky, he was reliable and really good, it was lucky getting a cheap Monster that with some love and care proved to be a reliable trusty bike. I'm a bit concerned that I'll buy a 900 and it'll break and end up costing me as much as a 696.

So seeing as I cant make my mind up someone else can do it.

All advice and opinions welcome

[David Matthews]

If you look at previous posts, owners are very enthusiastic about the 695, a lot more power than a 600 or 620. The black tank/red frame version looks stunning, more sleek than the 696 and I would imagine dealers will heavily discount them. Worth taking one for a test ride?

Originally Posted by David Matthews

If you look at previous posts, owners are very enthusiastic about the 695, a lot more power than a 600 or 620. The black tank/red frame version looks stunning, more sleek than the 696 and I would imagine dealers will heavily discount them. Worth taking one for a test ride?

and I guess there will be some cheap s2r800 if there are any left in dealers

MCN say 696 is the only model for 2008, but then they often sell the new year from September so maybe an 1100 from September 08, why not test a 696 and if its fantastic but you want more power etc wait till Sept, you can allways spray some tank panels pink while you wait

LOL leave the pink out of it.... no actually dont

I'll be off to Ducati Aylesbury or Coventry quicker than you can say Monster when the 696 is out for a test ride as I like it. Good point about an 1100 maybe coming out by September.

Dunno much about the M1000 except they seem darn expensive at Ducati Aylesbury the few they had in there on Monday.

I dont want an S2R, S4R, S4RS as I want something air cooled. Me no likey radiators and oil coolers and thoe big ugly cat boxes.

Anyone else know what others Monsters I can fit Pinkys trick bits too like the M900, M1000 etc and what bits will fit? I think that might be the sensible option for the new year then wait till September and see if the M1100 I so badly want appears.

I dont really want a 695 as I want a fair bit more power than a 600. I have ridden one and although I liked it I just wanted some more guts. But because the 696 is sexy as hell I might be able to live with it

And yes, whatever I get will be PINK

The S2R 800 is aircooled

[Zimbo]

What trick bits do you want to transfer to the new bike? If we know we can give you some advice!

i didn't think they did any of the above in pink ~:?

[JerryXt]

get an m1000 and a bigger slave cylinder - you know it makes sense

I got a hypermotard again for a night and day whilst my new cans are fitted and love it although I hated look of it. Handles great Would want one as well as my monster though

I am in the same boat.
I was expecting Ducati to launch 3 versions of the new Monster 695 - 800 - 1100.
I was going to get the Mrs Desmo the 696 to replace her 620
I was going to have the 1100DS to replace my S2R 800 or maybe if funds allowed, i might have kept my S2R 800 as well.

Now Ducati have stuck a huge oar in my plans, i am in 2 minds what to do now? either trade in my S2R 800 for a S2R 1000 or wait a while to see if Ducati launch an 1100DS version of the new Monster as i suspect they will at some stage, it's just a question of when.

Desmo

Well thanks everyone for great advice but today I am pretty sure I have found my new baby

Its a surprise as well considering the following:

1 - The colours vile, even the wheels make me wanna puke
2 - Its got a HOOGE great ugly thing bolted to the front of the engine
3 - Its covered, and I mean COVERED in mingin carbon fibre
4 - It has the worlds most uncomfortable corbin seat on it
5 - I'm gonna have a left arm like Arnold Schwazz-thingy coz the clutch needs Goliath to operate it

But... its immaculate, low mileage, full service history, 3 months warranty, good price and the dealers even gonna let me try some of Pinkys bits on it to see if they'll fit!

As long as the weather is dry Saturday I'll be test riding and then part exing Pinky.

Benson - thanks your wise words really swung it for me. For gods sake I'm 27 with my own house, if it gets that bad theres nothing wrong with renting and using my house deposit money for Termis is there?!

WooHoo fingers crossed for Saturday

[David Matthews]

You 'forgot' to say what it is.

hehe its a secret

Dont worry only another day and half to wait for the "result"!

[Zimbo]

Got to be an S4.

its not air cooled cooled, its gotta be hi-spec to have lots of carbon fibre.

not a pearlescent white S4Rs?