2012 Ducati monster 696 or 2012 ninja 650r

answer.php


All i know about the ducati is gaymanloveisok's spent the most of one summer in the shop

how ever the ninja, all but 2 people i know with them have crashed... it's a bad trend


maybe look at the new honda or the suzuki gladius.
 
Easy choice for me. Get the Duc, especially if you like to stand out in the crowd.
 
One thing to consider is if you buy the Duc, you will need to bring it to a Ducati technician to get work done. If you buy the Kawi, most shops can work on it, even if they aren't a Kawi shop. Parts are also much easier to get for the Kawi at any shop too.

Where did you get that from? Why wouldn't a motorcycle mechanic that doesn't work at a Ducati only shop do work on Ducatis? That's ridiculous.
 
Last edited:
Only certified level 3 mage Ducatisti mechanismo are allowed to go near Ducati motorcycles
 
Well, I really don't care for image, cool factor or to stand out as I ride solo. I'm choosing either bike so that I can enjoy the ride and lower potential mechanical issues! Some good points about crosswinds but I'll look into the mechanic issue.
 
Well, I really don't care for image, cool factor or to stand out as I ride solo. I'm choosing either bike so that I can enjoy the ride and lower potential mechanical issues! Some good points about crosswinds but I'll look into the mechanic issue.

Sounds like an E bike is for you.
 
I have a 696 since '08 and I LOVE it.
For me it comfy on short commutes or longer rides. Like most other bikes the comfort level may decrease depending on how long your ride around, always a good idea to make stops and stretch.
I haven't had any mechanical issues. I get real tired reading that Ducati's are 'mechanically unsound' especially on the newer models. Just maintain your bike with all the basic maintenance required (Duc or Kawi or other makes) it just makes common sense.
The only main complaint I had is it can get hot around the legs in summer which is an easy fix with exhaust wrap positioned there.
It looks good IMO and the sound from the engine and exhaust (ESP if you put on an aftermarket one) is beautiful :)
Bottom line buy what you can afford(including insurance) and what you feel comfortable on, go sit on the bikes and test ride in the spring.
Good luck.
 
Last edited:
I too, face the same question, either zx-6r or m696. I know they are two completely different bikes but currently I'm leaning towards the m696 as I don't need the flickable feeling on the street, not saying you can't flick the m696 :P

For Duc from most of my researches, most people claim it's more expensive to maintain if you bring it to dealers, but if you have your own trusty shops then the work done should be reasonable. Let's all join the Monster club :D
 
I've been riding a naked for the last 2 seasons and it's fine up to 140-150 no problem. The added comfort you get from the upright seating (opposed to a supersport) more than makes up for the extra bit of wind.
I much perfer my GS500F with the Fairing over my Naked CB400T. For me, once I owned a faired bike, I will never want to go naked again.
Also, the handle bar position is quiet confortable. Easily ride for 2 hours without needing to stop for a break.
 
I have a 696 since '08 and I LOVE it.
For me it comfy on short commutes or longer rides. Like most other bikes the comfort level may decrease depending on how long your ride around, always a good idea to make stops and stretch.
I haven't had any mechanical issues. I get real tired reading that Ducati's are 'mechanically unsound' especially on the newer models. Just maintain your bike with all the basic maintenance required (Duc or Kawi or other makes) it just makes common sense.
The only main complaint I had is it can get hot around the legs in summer which is an easy fix with exhaust wrap positioned there.
It looks good IMO and the sound from the engine and exhaust (ESP if you put on an aftermarket one) is beautiful :)
Bottom line buy what you can afford(including insurance) and what you feel comfortable on, go sit on the bikes and test ride in the spring.
Good luck.

Thanks for the great comments! Do you have exhaust wrap on your bike? How much did it reduce the heat ? Looks like I'm leaning towards the 696 :)
 
Thanks for the great comments! Do you have exhaust wrap on your bike? How much did it reduce the heat ? Looks like I'm leaning towards the 696 :)

I haven't put mine on yet (winter project), but from reading other people's fixes it helps. The issue is mostly felt when stopped or in stop and go traffic, basically when your leg has to be down for a longish period. It does help to wear protective pants (leather is best or textile better than jeans) as you won't feel it so much.
I also like the 'customization' one is able to do with the Monster. There are so many OEM and aftermarket items available for these bikes. Downside to that is spending money :p
Also the 2 year warranty and roadside assistance included are nice extras, even though I never had to use any it was peace of mind, ESP the roadside assistance.
 
I haven't put mine on yet (winter project), but from reading other people's fixes it helps. The issue is mostly felt when stopped or in stop and go traffic, basically when your leg has to be down for a longish period. It does help to wear protective pants (leather is best or textile better than jeans) as you won't feel it so much.
I also like the 'customization' one is able to do with the Monster. There are so many OEM and aftermarket items available for these bikes. Downside to that is spending money :p
Also the 2 year warranty and roadside assistance included are nice extras, even though I never had to use any it was peace of mind, ESP the roadside assistance.

do you have a link for the wrap or any particular brand? Yeah i love the OEM monster sport 100 !! I do like the 2 year warranty that comes with it, with the kawi after you add the extended warranty it is about the same price.

prew_1299438614.jpg
 
Last edited:
Where did you get that from? Why wouldn't a motorcycle mechanic that doesn't work at a Ducati only shop do work on Ducatis? That's ridiculous.

Should clarify, not that they can't, but often that they don't like to. I have heard from many smaller independent shops that they don't like working on brands like Triumph, Ducati, BMW, etc because they often have trouble obtaining the parts, many times having to order them from the local dealer, rather than being able to ordering them direct, and also that to do some repairs these bikes require specialty tools and specific training. Many times smaller shops do not want to invest in these specialty tools to service a brand of bike that rarely if ever shows up in their shop.
 
Well, let's compare.

2012_ducati_monster_696_94704053504531949.jpg



2012-Kawasaki-Ninja-650R-8.jpg





Clearly, the Ducati has it??????
 
Well, let's compare.



Clearly, the Ducati has it??????


As far as looks go and looks alone, it all comes down to personal preference, but to me that Monster looks unique and wild, while the Kawasaki in question looks like a cheap plasticky generic bike you see everywhere, everyday.
 
Last edited:
have you looked at the triumph street triple?
i picked one up this season, very fun bike and looks great (better than the ducati in my opinion)
 
Shun conformity. Embrace individuality.

Too many me too jap bikes out there. That rear shock on the Ninja looks atrocious.

The duc looks schweeeeeet.
 
If you're looking into the Ducati, I'd consider looking into the 796 as well. It's more money of course, but you get the extra power and the single swing arm.
 

Back
Top Bottom