2011 Ducati Monster 796 Review

[seruzawa]

Originally Posted by Kenneth_Moore

I wouldn't argue that this is a great bike, but I have to wonder if having 3 Monsters in the lineup, with so little to differentiate the lower two, makes sense. Who would buy the 696 when the 796 is sitting next to it? Same audience for both, I would think.

A friend of mine has a 696. She had a 620 a couple of years back but sold it when she got pregnant. Interestingly she says she liked the 620 better because the 696 has a poor response off idle.

[lwatcdr]

I would put the Z1000 in the comparison as well it is only $500 more than then 796 and I bet out the door it will be right at or less than then 796. And I will bet that service will be cheaper.
As too the price points between the 796 and the 696..
Hey I don't know about you but a grand is a grand.
The 696 also has a lower seat height which a lot of people will like.

That being said I welcome another middle twin. We need more of them IMHO.

[acecycleins]

Originally Posted by Kevin_Duke

I like everything about this story except the part where she bought a bike without first reading MO's review!

You were a little late on the draw. Actually, my buddy Paul @ NPR sold it to her for $8700 plus TTT with undisclosed mileage (because Ducati doesn't like to off demos with under 800 miles). Factory warranty and 2 yrs of free roadside. Good deal really. Oh- she paid cash, too.

[seruzawa]

Originally Posted by lwatcdr

I would put the Z1000 in the comparison as well it is only $500 more than then 796 and I bet out the door it will be right at or less than then 796. And I will bet that service will be cheaper.
As too the price points between the 796 and the 696..
Hey I don't know about you but a grand is a grand.
The 696 also has a lower seat height which a lot of people will like.

That being said I welcome another middle twin. We need more of them IMHO.

$500m more and 100 pounds more. If you like really twisty roads the Duck is the way to go.