sharkey
11-24-2006, 10:15 PM
Never owned a Duc but might have to change that after 2 test rides.
Me and the wife talked w/ Scott from AMS at the cycle show about Ducati's new Monster 695. It is totally reworked for 2007. Scott invited me to do a test ride at their Dallas store and on 11/22 I headed over there at lunch. Seeing that my wife rides w/ me 50% of the time on the Burgman 650, I wanted her to ride on the back so we headed over there on 11/24.
The mini - Monster is a hoot. 73hp from an air cooled engine provided enough power for 2 up riding on I35 at 80mph. It is a naked bike so I did catch some wind but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I would add the headlight windscreen if I got one. The mirrors shaked a bit but I could still see pretty clearly. Seat position is pretty standard upright w/ maybe a just a slight lean. Rear suspension is adjustable for preload. Set up seemed OK but we didn't ride any twisty's in downtown Dallas. Biggest asset to the bike is the slipper type clutch. It is VERY easy to pull and forgiving if you haven't perfected switching the 6 speed transmisson. It also has a reasonable seat height. I'm 5'4" w/ a 29" inseam and was able to flat foot it. Women and short guys like myself will really like this bike.
Test ride did come w/ the $1400 custom pipes that had carbon fiber exterior. It kept the heat off my wife's leg (they sit high) and the sound is very intoxicating. Everything is exposed so if you are a mechanic, you could probably do your own maintenance. Ducati has changed their service intervals and te little Duc's first service is at 7500mi. 2 valves should make the valve adjustment somewhat reasonable. It comes w/ 2yr unlimited mileage warranty. Price is $7495.00.
Is it good enough to replace my mega scooter? That is the real question.
Me and the wife talked w/ Scott from AMS at the cycle show about Ducati's new Monster 695. It is totally reworked for 2007. Scott invited me to do a test ride at their Dallas store and on 11/22 I headed over there at lunch. Seeing that my wife rides w/ me 50% of the time on the Burgman 650, I wanted her to ride on the back so we headed over there on 11/24.
The mini - Monster is a hoot. 73hp from an air cooled engine provided enough power for 2 up riding on I35 at 80mph. It is a naked bike so I did catch some wind but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I would add the headlight windscreen if I got one. The mirrors shaked a bit but I could still see pretty clearly. Seat position is pretty standard upright w/ maybe a just a slight lean. Rear suspension is adjustable for preload. Set up seemed OK but we didn't ride any twisty's in downtown Dallas. Biggest asset to the bike is the slipper type clutch. It is VERY easy to pull and forgiving if you haven't perfected switching the 6 speed transmisson. It also has a reasonable seat height. I'm 5'4" w/ a 29" inseam and was able to flat foot it. Women and short guys like myself will really like this bike.
Test ride did come w/ the $1400 custom pipes that had carbon fiber exterior. It kept the heat off my wife's leg (they sit high) and the sound is very intoxicating. Everything is exposed so if you are a mechanic, you could probably do your own maintenance. Ducati has changed their service intervals and te little Duc's first service is at 7500mi. 2 valves should make the valve adjustment somewhat reasonable. It comes w/ 2yr unlimited mileage warranty. Price is $7495.00.
Is it good enough to replace my mega scooter? That is the real question.