i can't provide specifics with regard to a sale or trade-in, etc. due to an agreement with ducati.
i can say that i was extremely well looked after by my dealer and am happy with my dealings with ducati.
with regard to the differences between the two bikes, i can say that the 1100S sits taller, has a slower turn-in, much better suspension, exactly the same fuel economy, a nice white display as opposed to the orange, has the same horrible high standard gearing which i changed immediately, and forms the basis for a long-term bike that i feel happy about long-term ownership and spending money on upgrades that i wouldn't do on the 696. this is not because the 696 is a bad bike, rather the amount of money i would have to spend wouldn't have made it economically viable given the price difference and options available for the 1100.
the 696 is more 'easy fun', though as the smaller size makes it more flickable, but the extra torque of the 1100 is utterly addictive in a 2nd/3rd gear roll on from 4,000 rpm that the 696 can't match. the 1100 doesn't want to rev as high as the 696, but since i spend most of my time riding between 3,500 rpm and 6,000 rpm (on lower gearing) i'm happier with the 1100 engine overall.
i aim to keep the 1100 for a long time and plan on completely transforming the bike over the coming years. in 2-3 years, i think i can get the 1100S to be a very special, unique motorcycle.
my wife has a new 696, so i'll have a ride on that after i've done 3,000 miles on the 1100 and get a really good idea of the fundamental differences between the 2 bikes.
i can say, that both bikes make you feel special when you ride them. perhaps that is the greatest compliment i can bestow upon them, and though it might surprise some, i honestly don't regard the 696 as the lesser bike, just more limited as a canvas as a long-term prospect.
feel free to ask any questions, and if you like i can post some pics of the two bikes side by side.
