Ducati 698 Mono. Yay or Nay?

[Biker 1]

I rather like the idea of the Ducati supermoto - any PHers got one? Any issues such as electrical gremlins, oil consumption, general reliability? Is the RVE version worth the extra?

[poo at Paul's]

They’re great to hoof about on, and I reckon a handful of mikes a year would be fine.
But I do worry about the longevity of a higher mileage single and cycle parts getting rattled to death!

[carinaman]

A youngster at my local dealership wanted one. It seems due to insurance he got a Monster instead.

[Biker 1]

carinaman said:

A youngster at my local dealership wanted one. It seems due to insurance he got a Monster instead.

Isn't the Monster similar money & more power? I'm surprised they're not both in a similar insurance group. Maybe the 698 is a caravanist magnet like a KTM SMC?

[Kawasicki]

Rode one for 1000kms. More comfortable than I expected, both seating position and over bumps. Amazing brakes, beautifully built. Really nice steering and handling…. The engine is a performance 4 stroke, so don’t expect bottom end wallop. It feels like a quick bike, but ultimately isn’t, if that makes any sense.

[CHLEMCBC]

Biker 1 said:

Isn't the Monster similar money & more power? I'm surprised they're not both in a similar insurance group. Maybe the 698 is a caravanist magnet like a KTM SMC?

maybe rarity assumes poor parts availability and high cost etc?