Ducati Monster 696 or Kawasaki Ninja 650?

So I wanna buy a new motorcycle to cruise around on during this beautiful weather. I want a sporty motorcycle with a somewhat standard sitting posture so I've narrowed it down to these two Bikes.

I can get the Ninja for about $5000 and the Ducati runs about $7000

any suggestions?

Ducati


Kawasaki



Please don't say... You should get a gixxer or an R6 because I don't want either I want something with a more standard riding posture

 

I can't speak for the Ninja but I love my monster 696. The narrow(er) rear tire makes it nimble for city and mountain rides. A little down on power, but still plenty fast! More practical and usable power thanks to the sweet twin motor. I had a 2008 R6 prior to the monster and am glad to have made the switch... the R6 was just too much for the street and my riding ability. That said, i wish i wouldve gotten the monster 1100 for a little more power. Stock exhaust sounds pretty good but aftermarket pipes (esp. termignonis) can be pricey. p.s. no side bags since it has high mount pipes.

 

Ducati

 

Ducati for sure.

 

Love ducs, but may check out the triumph. Pretty comfy.

 

If it is not about bottom dollar Go with the DUC!!!
They are so much cooler.
If you want to go with the easy maint run forever get the KAW.

I love the Ducatis

 

id take the duc over the kawa between the two, the triumph speed triples are nice bikes for sure.

have you looked at the suzuki sv650's as well?

 

The SV650 is another nice bike. I thinks is liquid cooled like the kawi and the trip. Plus, theres lots of aftermarket parts available for the Suzuki. I've heard they are pretty much bullet proof as well...

 

I've looked at the sv650s but I don't like them.... wheelbase too long... styling... etc...

i've also heard bad things about ducati reliability

 

i second the sv650. i had an '05 sv650 for my first bike and loved every minute of it. great reliability, upright ergos (go with the naked version), but plenty of torque to keep you interested (torque is obviously more usable on the street than top-end anyways!).

they look great, in my opinion. if you like the looks of the duc, you'll probably find the sv650 right up your alley.

plus, they're cheap. i got mine with for $4k and it was super clean and had 8k miles and that was 2 years ago.

 

Yeah, all these bikes are nice. Best to take a test ride and let us know what you decide. I'd be interested to know what you found/liked. I've been lusting after a duc or trip for quite awhile. Guess I should bite the bullet and sell the quad.... Just to many college girls talking on cell phones around here. Lot of close calls on my old bike....

 

i can't speak about the ducati, but the 650R is a comfortable bike. SV650 is a real nice bike but the statement about the wheelbase is true. good luck

 

My dad had a ninja 600, Ducati 900 monster and a Ducati 748. He never Had any problems with thu Ducati's ever.

 

Maybe look for a used MV Agusta Brutale. I really wanted a Monster until I saw the Brutale. But to answer your quesion between the Monster and the Kawasaki it is up to you. Both are good bikes but choose what you like. If it was me making the choice I would choose the Ducati not for the name but because IMO it is a nicer looking bike.

 

Damn, that's two good looking bikes. I know nothing about them so my input is essentially worthless. This is the one I'm eyeing:

http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/product-details-features.aspx?autoplay=false&id=430&scid=6

 

I own a 2001 SV650s. Rode alot with a friend who had a Monster 648? bike to bike, we were equal. Skill, he was a little more willing to push it to the edge and scuff up the chicken strip than I was. But the Sv is a great bike for not alot of money, and very nimble. I was able to out ride GSXR600's and Ninja 600's on the Tail of the Dragon (NC/TN Route 129) with no problem. the torque is much fun in the twisties and around town. Top end it does not have. 135 mph max. wheel base was never an issue. Its all personal preference. My advice would be to visit some dealershits and ride some models. Pick what you like best. And as always, keep it shiney side up. Good Motoring.

 

the ER-6n is the same bike as the Ninja 650 just the naked version... nice bike too

 

whoa! thats a sick bike... I am going to look into it

 

Oh ok. Thanks! See- clueless when it comes to bikes. Good to know I still have good taste though

 

Yeah I've been going to dealerships all over and oogling the bikes, I think I'm ready to buy one... I have a little Ninja 250R which is great but I figure I want something with a bit more power but still makes a great commuter... considering I was on the freeway down in Salinas and almost got ran over a bunch of times due to the slower acceleration of the 250R not bad but being tiny and slow it very dangerous... 7.72 sec 0-60 just ain't enough for the big free ways...

the 250 does great around town and get awesome mpg but just need a little more power