Ducati raised the price of the 695!

[Roy]

Does anyone know why Ducati decided to raise the price of the 695? On their website it is now listed for $7,795, I think it was @ $7,495. Are they trying to get more people to consider the S2R 800 since the price gap between the two bikes is less now?

I am looking to buy my first bike and I was set on the 695 but now I am considering the S2R 800....what do you all think of it as a first bike?

Thanks for any helpful feedback,

Roy

[MitsuMonster]

The 800 was my 1st bike(well 1st ducati, started on a 83 honda nighthawk 650). It's a very manageable amount of power, it's still a light weight bike only problem is you'll get used to it and wish you had a 1000 with a dry clutch. As far as a 1st it's my opinion that it should be a used beater. Though if you feel confident and took the safety corse go for it. Get some frame sliders on it right away.
good luck on making a decision

[Hailander]

+1 on what Mitsu said. My first was a '82 suzuki GS550 that I bought for $400 and I dumped it a few times and didn't care since I was learning. Once, I leaned over too far and hit a patch of sand. Something that I just didn't think to look at when I first started, but with experience, I learned to take corners/turns a little more cautiously when you expect there might be gravel or sand on it. Than again, I didn't take the MSF safety course, which would probably made me a little more knowledgeable right away. I wished I would have taken the course first.

As for getting a 695 or 800, I had a Honda Hawk 650 and after a few seasons, couldn't wait to get out of it and into something bigger. I ended up with a M900 and it is just perfect. Good luck with your search.

[bluemoco]

They're both (695 and 800) decent bikes for a beginner, if you respect your limits and don't ride like a knob... [cheeky]

Seriously, though, if it's your first bike and you want a Ducati, you might want to consider a tasty little used Monster like this one:

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/mcy/354621558.html

For $3500 (less than half the price of a new 695!!), you're getting a nice bike that won't break your heart (or wallet) if you drop it.

Good luck, and welcome to the DML!

[cavscout31]

If you are a bigger guy like myself (6' 1" 240) an 800 just doesn't cut it after you get used to the power. I would suggest you go for the 1000 right away. I have a 900 and have ridden the s4r and really loved the little extra power it had versus my 900. Either way it is "One less Harley" on the road. [laugh]

[Roy]

I'm not a very big guy: (5' 8" 140)....I think the either of the bikes will be a good fit for me. Probably more so with the 695 since it has a lower seat height. I actually went over to Delano Sports Center yesterday and sat on the 695....I think that will be the perfect size bike for now.

Thanks again for all of the helpful feedback. Hope to see you all on the road soon! [thumbsup]

Roy