The service schedules changed quite drastically in 2007. The earlier bikes were quite comprehensive regardless of mileage. Tbh, a bit of common sense and taking mileage into account can reduce the costs somewhat. The 4 valve engines, especially the testa stretta motors are expensive on parts. Belts especially. The 696 in question is pretty easy to look after. Annual service is about £140. Every 2nd year the belts get swapped taking the cost to about 280 ish. Every 3 rd year replace brake fluids. These are supplemented by 2 further mileage related schedules. 7500 and 15k which are done at the same time once the mileage is covered or is close to being covered. Valve clearances are the main point, but also air filter, fork oils etc. get pulled in. There are several combinations that could crop up if you mix up time and mileage, but worst case you'd hit a 15k at 3 years and that'd push it to around 500 ish. A big hit in anyone's book but £'s per mile weighs up well against any other marque. It's a pretty good, common sense type of schedule. If you do the miles, then you have more work done...... There aren't many issues with the later monsters outside of simply looking after them. Consumable parts are just that. Pads, clutches, etc. all wear but no worse than others. The 696 is a cracking little bike for the money. Lots of fun and deceptively quick in the real world with decent tyres.
Depends on heart or head. I come come owning large Vee Twin Jap bikes and only the belts are the real difference. Heart says Ducati but I know I'd be as happy with a SV1000N over my S4R. We have a Monster each (M750 and S4R). Whilst in reality they're no better or worse than a SV650 or a SV1000, they are different. Both start on the button after the worst of the weather is out of the way and both don't live on trickle charge. Belts every two years isn't an issue, and 2 valve bikes are easy to do. Valve shims settle down and don't need doing that often (about as much as Jap bikes). Oil and plug changes are similar intervals to Jap bikes of similar configuration. Oh and Genuine Ducati parts are similar prices to Genuine Jap prices. The only thing that lets Monsters down is the flaking engine paint.
Blimey, wish mine started on the button. Never has. but my others were fine, I must just have a shit one
Get one. You'll love it, easier to ride than a sports bike and I've never had an issue keeping up with mates on japs Not all bikes suit all people, I just prefer the japs for cost and suit the way I want to ride better as and when I want to go out. Bluenose, could be anything, it tries to start. Then if it doesn't catch you've had it lol. Not spending another penny on it,
A work colleague has a yam the same as yours and it's cost far more money than any of my dukes have. Swingarm bearings, head gasket, big ends etc etc. I had a monster 1100evo up until quite recently and it was the best bike I've ever had. Nothing could touch it on the twisties, the wide bars and torque were perfect. Don't be put off by the service intervals. Ducati is now no different to the jap manufacturers. M696 will be 7500miles or 2 years. If the bike is out of warranty then you need to add some common sense to this. Belts need to be done every 2 years regardless of mileage but if you have the valve clearances done and the bike is hardly used over the next two years then don't pay to have them done again. If you're handy with tools do it all yourself, get to know the bike inside out and save money. Keep all your receipts. Although the M696 is a great bike, it's never going to be an Iconic 1 of 200 made so resale with receipts instead of service booked all stamped won't be an issue. Go for it you won't regret it I promise.
The 2-valve air-cooled Ducati motors are lovely, torquey units. They have a nice, smooth throttle response & IMHO are a pleasure to ride. I've had a 695 Monster & now have a GT1000, both have been easy to look after. Just keep them serviced according to schedule & they should be no bother. I've spent more on BMW twins than I have on either of my Ducatis. Try one, proof of the pudding & all that.
Thanks for all the info guys but I bought a brand new Yamaha MT09 imstead! Similar looks to the Monster, Jap reliability, 6k service intervals and bloody quick (847cc Triple, 115ps, 188KG), 40kg lighter than one of its main rivals (z800), front wheel lifts very easily under power, rides and corners like a supermoto and sounds amazing with the Akrapovic Whether it has the soul of a Monster is yet to be seen, but it defo has tons more character than the average sport bike. Only pic I have atm:
