Hi guys n gals.Looking for a 696+ any advice suggestion on what to check / look out for eg weak points.tia. Cheers
There's a nice 1100S for sale on this site. https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/threads/ducati-monster-1100s-lightest-in-uk.53626/
The Mrs has had a couple of 696s, both really good bikes. There is a rider training school around Northampton that uses 696s with mileage going well over 30k and no great drama. I`ve seen one of their bikes, a bit tatty as you would expect but still going strong. The main thing that puts me off these and the 796/1100 is the ridiculous placement of the battery, it would be hard to pick a less accessible spot. Also I find both the older and newer monster ranges more comfortable. Other than that all good.
I've done around 66,000 miles on my 696+ since I bought it new 8 years ago - touring, year round commuting, the odd weekend bimble. I plan to get it up to 100,000 miles. Fit Optimate or similar battery charger/conditioner connectors so you can plug it in to keep the battery topped up if you don't ride it often. That should avoid some frustration at undoing umpteen allen bolts to get to the battery under the tank. Wheel bearings are a weak spot - I've had more replacement wheel bearings than replacement tyres. (I do get insanely high mileages out of tyres though). Mine is not the only 696 that has also had a belt tensioning bearing failure picked up on a belt service after around 30,000 miles (and in my case again around 30,000 miles later). First time it spat ball bearings across Snells' floor. If that sounds negative - if my 696 was nicked/written off, I'd buy another. The combination of low seat, relatively lightweight, character, looks, great handling, enough power, torque and engine braking for me (especially after the 400 Bandit I had before), plus (compared with the current bikes) relatively low tech (no engine modes, ride by wire, traction control etc) mean I don't think there's anything else I'd rather ride.
Cheers guys all useful info. Looking at a 2008 model with near 20kmiles. What's it worth. It's clean fair condition silver headlight midstrip surround and footrest hangers alloys bit corroded. All rest ok. Chap wanting £3500. It's nice really. Bit a spit n polish would be even nicer
I had a M696+ for a while and really like it. They handle really well and sound superb, especially on the overrun. I would back off quite often just because I loved the noise. The only downsides for me is that I felt the suspension was harsh and the engine a bit under powered. I also had a mutely 1200s at the time and most bikes feel under powered compared to it. I thought, if I could get a 696 with the mutley engine I'd have the ideal bike for me. That's how I ended up getting the M1200 Stripe. Anyhow, if you do get the M696+ I really don't think you'll regret it. On top of everything else, they're dead pretty.
What was wrong with an easy to lift tank and the battery just beneath it like the good old days ? Even a totally incompetent owner like me could deal with that.
Heading towards October £3500 sounds a bit dear for that. I saw what appeared to be a nice one with similar age and mileage go on Ebay last week for £2600.
Yea I brought my missus 696 in immaculate condition, 09 plate with 3k on the clock for £4500. That was with a belt service, new battery and rear tyre.
Yea I brought my missus 696 in immaculate condition, 09 plate with 3k on the clock for £4500. That was with a belt service, new battery and rear tyre.
Does seem a bit steep - would recommend the 796 over the 696 as well not much difference in price - Mrs traded her’s in to Aylesbury Ducati about 5 weeks ago, unfortunately now sold bot that was two owner and 5000 miles for the same money
