Jerky Monster

[mtbjay]

After a month of obsession I finally test rode a 696 in hopes I would be completely consumed. The Verdict: It IS a Monster!

I thought the handling was exceptionally light and easy. The bike tipped in telepathically, transitioned from corner to corner effortlessly, and stopped on a dime. But their was an abruptness about the low-speed accelerations that was quite uncomfortable and difficult to adjust for.

This is the first "real" bike for me, and I know I am still learning to find (and keep) the motor in the sweet spot of the powerband. But anytime I fell below about 3,000 RPM then opened the throttle, the bike JERKED into action. I tried to smooth it out with by using a gentler action on the throttle and not gearing up as quick in order to keep the RPM's up. Thishelped some, but was not a cure-all. In the twisties, or up at speed, things we OK, but under 30MPH, in either 1st or 2nd gear, the bike would consistently LURCH before roaring forward. The bike had Termi SS exhaust, and looked new.

I realize part of this is my unfamiliarity with the bike and how to best get it to ride it smoothly (gear choice, primarily). A shop tech said a 14t cog would help and so would more break in. Instinctively, I doubt these suggestions will help much, but wanted to see if anyone felt the same about their new 696's and if the aforementioned mods helped a lot, or a little. I figure it's just characteristic of this model, a real MONSTER. The bike, I felt, begged to be ridden hard. Maybe it's not such a great city bike?

[ducatiron]

I have the same issue with my '05 620ie. From what
I've read, the 14t front sprocket upgrade makes a lot of difference and will help reduce the lugging in low gear and speed. Evidently, the trade off is less high end speed ...but for me that is not a big deal. I think the monster is a great choice for city driving and the 14t mod is supposed to be fairly cheap to have done. Hope this helps, I'm going to have mine changed before the next riding season .

[wmhayes]

My 696 isn't happy below 3K unless going downhill. It seems to love running between 3K and 6K. I'd guess that 99.9% of my riding is done between those RPM ranges.

[ctalbott]

09' 696 here. I'm new to Ducati, got my bike last Apr 28 and have put almost 2k miles. I ride on the city during the week and hwy on weekends. Anyways... I think the Monsters sweet range, for me, is between 4k and 6k RPM's... Most of the time on the hwy I keep it at around 4500 4750...

[mtbjay]

Bought the 696 Friday. Had the 14t cog installed, per everyone's suggestions. No jerkiness anymore. However, I notice the rpm's are pretty high in 6th while cruising at 70MPH - maybe close to 6,000? I remember not even being able to really use 6th before at 60-65MPH as it felt like the engine was lugging. On another note, within a few rides in familiar territory, I think I became much smoother on the bike itself. Not sure if I "needed" the 14t after all...

[asttrilym]

I accept with information:the Mascot will be there for sure next week. Unless it gets caught up in some Olympic boycott or anti-Chinese protest. That's a promise.

[darkmonster620]

My next mod will be the 14T front sprocket for my M620D...right now 15/48, really love this combo but, need smoothness in the city and hills...

[ducatiash]

my 1100 handles pretty much the same under 3000rpm....had the 14t done and its a world of difference. i changed back to the 15t just to check...and hated it...back to the 14t for life!

[mtbjay]

Interesting. I was wondering that myself. thinking on a long tour, the 15t might be good for cruising....

[clarkkent]

Yes going on a long tour with the 14t really makes you feel like walking on air or i can say flying