New bike - Ducati Monster 695
Discussion
Well to me anyway. My first big bike after passing my test in November and a year buzzing about on my Vespa PX. To say it has a little more shove would be mildy understating it and what a pleasure it is having brakes and suspension that work for you rather than against you!
On Thursday I'm riding from Le Harve to Angouleme for a week at a mate's gite. I've hardly ever driven let alone ridden on the Continent, so I'm hugely excited. I had the bike checked over and given a mild service at a really great independent in Wandsworth and with all the fluids and filters changed and a new chain and sprockets, she feels fighting fit and my mind is a little more at ease for putting a 1000 miles on her.
I haven't enjoyed running tunnels so much since I used to run about in a little Caterham. My God. those Termignonis don't half trump out some beautiful noises eh?! I love the look of the things too as they really make the bike for me. I test rode a Street Triple and a new shape Hornet and while the sound of the triple was quite interesting, the pops, bangs and wonderful deep drone of the V twin (on the overun especially) won it for me. Chuffed to bits to put it mildly
A few more snaps...
flyingjase said:
Like it & you've already got the Termi's on it, or did it come with them?
The previous owner put them on after a year. According to the service receipts, a none too shabby £615 upgrade with new ECU and air filter. Don't know what the uplift in power/torque is, but they sound like Thor on his vinegar strokes!
sjg said:
Clutch on the 695 is the wet APTC slipper clutch and is incredibly light. Gearbox is fine. It's got 73hp, which is a fair hike over the old 600 (more than the old 750, and not far off the 900). Not ridden the older monsters, but from what I've read the 695 is a big improvement - shares lots of mechanical bits with the 696 but in the last of the older styling.
Wooderson > I forgot to mention, I've got the official soft panniers which are a perfect fit for bikes with low-mount exhausts. If you've not sorted out any luggage yet for your trip, you're welcome to borrow them.
Cheers that's a kind offer. I did try sourcing a set, but they were over £200 and like hens teeth to find in stock. In the end I bought a Kriega US40 combo which fits quite well provided you aren't taking a pillion. Wooderson > I forgot to mention, I've got the official soft panniers which are a perfect fit for bikes with low-mount exhausts. If you've not sorted out any luggage yet for your trip, you're welcome to borrow them.
I'd second your view on the clutch - it's very nice to use in traffic and I haven't had arm 'pump' once - not like the Bonneville I hired for a weekend recently which left me feeling like I'd be hitting a punchbag all day!
Is the purpose of the APTC clutch to reduce the risk of engine braking locking the rear wheel?
Mr E Driver said:
Did you get a seat cowl to go over the passenger seat? You should have one as they are standard with the bike from new.
Annoyingly it didn't come with one. Rats! I'm sure I'll get around to getting one at some stage. I've been giving too many joyrides to bother for the time being redtwin said:
A wet slipper clutch?. That has put me right off.
Part of the appeal of my old 900SS was the engine braking hauling you down like Jake Brakes on a Peterbilt and the rattle of the clutch prompting many kind but ignorant souls to wander over and suggest that I get the bike to a shop straight away to sort out the valves.
Fear not, there is still huge neck jarring engine braking on offer Part of the appeal of my old 900SS was the engine braking hauling you down like Jake Brakes on a Peterbilt and the rattle of the clutch prompting many kind but ignorant souls to wander over and suggest that I get the bike to a shop straight away to sort out the valves.
It's more of a mongrol slipper clutch system isn't it?
I really don't get the appeal of the dry clutch rattle. Granted the open covers do look very cool
edited for typos
Edited by Wooderson on Tuesday 15th June 13:30
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff