Okay, so, I’ve been wrenching on this 2009 Ducati 696 Monster for a while now, and let me tell you, it’s been a journey. I picked this bike up a few months back, and it was in decent shape, but I knew it needed some love. The previous owner said that it had stock tires and timing belts.
First thing I did was give it a good once-over. Checked the oil, looked at the tires, you know, the usual stuff. Everything seemed okay, but I’m a stickler for maintenance, so I decided to dive in deeper.
I started with an oil change. Nothing fancy, just drained the old stuff and put in some fresh synthetic. While I was at it, I swapped out the oil filter too. Easy peasy.
- Drained the old oil.
- Replaced the oil filter.
- Filled it up with new synthetic oil.
Next up were the timing belts. I heard these Ducati’s can be a bit sensitive about regular maintenance. Now, this was a bit more involved. I had to pull off the belt covers, which wasn’t too bad, but getting the tension just right on the new belts took some patience. I followed a guide I found, and it wasn’t too terrible. The main thing is just taking your time and making sure everything is lined up correctly.
While I was in there, I also checked the valve clearances. They were a tad tight, so I adjusted them to spec. Again, not rocket science, but it’s important to do it right.
After that, I took a look at the fuel system. I’d heard that these bikes can be a bit finicky with fuel consumption on a mix of stop/start city riding. I cleaned the fuel injectors and replaced the fuel filter. This made a noticeable difference in how smoothly it ran.
Oh, and the tires. The old ones were worn, so I slapped on a new set. I went with some Michelins, and they feel great. Much better grip, especially in the corners.
I also noticed some people talking about heat issues. But in my case, I ride mostly on the open road, so I haven’t had any problems with the engine temperature.
I did a little research and found out there was a recall for the wiring harness on these bikes. I checked mine, and it had already been replaced, so that was a relief.
Final Touches
Once all the mechanical stuff was sorted, I gave it a good wash and wax. I also added a few personal touches, like a new seat and some bar-end mirrors. It’s really starting to feel like my own now.
All in all, it’s been a fun project. I’ve learned a lot about this bike, and I’m really enjoying riding it. It’s got plenty of power, and it handles like a dream. If you’re thinking about picking up a Ducati 696 Monster, I’d say go for it. Just be prepared to give it some TLC. It needed regular maintenance, proper storage, and regular use.
Anyway, that’s my story with the 2009 Ducati 696 Monster. Hope you enjoyed the ride!
