Alright, let’s talk about my little adventure with the Ducati 696 Monster. I’ve always been a fan of bikes, and the Ducati, with its sleek design and reputation, was always on my radar. So, when the chance came to get my hands on a 696, I jumped at it.
First off, getting the bike was a bit of a process. I did some digging around, checked out a few dealerships, and finally found a used one in decent shape. The previous owner had taken good care of it, which was a relief. It is an 889 cc displacement with 119 bhp @ 9250 rpm max power and 99 Nm @ 7750 rpm max torque. I made sure to get all the service records and everything. That is the first step I took.
Once I had it, the first thing I did was give it a good once-over. Checked the oil, tires, brakes—the whole nine yards. It’s a Ducati, so you know regular maintenance is key. I read somewhere that they need regular oil and belt changes, plus proper storage and regular use, they should last somewhere between 50k and 100k miles. The build quality is typically high for Ducati who are happy to concentrate on the upper end of the motorcycle market. I’m not a mechanic, but I know my way around a bike enough to spot anything obviously wrong.
Initial Issues
Now, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. I noticed a few quirks right off the bat. For one, the battery seemed a bit weak. I read a few things online, and apparently, it’s a common issue with the 696. Something about the battery draining when the bike sits for too long. I also noticed that the heat from the rear cylinder and exhaust blasts onto your thighs, which was a bit uncomfortable, especially on longer rides.
- Battery Drain: Yep, the battery did die on me once after I left it sitting for a week. I had to jump-start it, which was a pain.
- Heat: The heat from the engine, especially the rear cylinder, was intense. I had to take breaks on longer rides just to let my legs cool down.
Fixes and Maintenance
To tackle these issues, I did a bit of DIY and also took it to a local mechanic who knows his way around Ducatis.
- There was a recall for the starter coil wires, and I found this out the hard way with the bike losing power and bogging down in 6th gear at about 70mph over and over.
For the battery, I started making sure to ride it more regularly. I also invested in a trickle charger to keep it topped up when I knew I wouldn’t be riding for a while. It seemed to do the trick.
The heat issue was a bit trickier. I tried adjusting my riding position and wearing thicker pants, but it didn’t make a huge difference. Eventually, I just learned to live with it. It’s part of the bike’s character, I guess. There are some other issues like the air temp gauge is not reading correctly. I also found an oil leak by the kickstand, and it seems like a possible missing screw. And there is loud air box noise.
I also did some reading on forums and found some interesting discussions. Some folks were talking about swapping parts, like putting an 1100 evo gauge cluster on a 696, or comparing the 797 and 696 specs. There was even a thread about a neutral light flashing while riding, which thankfully I haven’t experienced.
Overall Experience
Despite these issues, I have to say, riding the Ducati 696 Monster is an absolute blast. It’s got plenty of power, handles like a dream, and turns heads wherever I go. It’s not perfect, but it’s got character, and I’ve grown to love its quirks.
Would I recommend it? If you’re prepared to deal with a bit of maintenance and a few quirks, then yeah, definitely. It’s a unique bike that offers a riding experience like no other. Just make sure you know what you’re getting into and are ready to give it the care it needs. That’s my two cents on the Ducati 696 Monster. Ride safe, everyone!
