Should I get a Ducati Monster? Information and Advice needed.?

[zero_eden_delmo]

I only recently started to look at the Ducati's monster as a serious choice for a new bike. I got to check out the 09 696 and I liked it allot more than I thought I would. So I am thinking that the 696 or maybe the older s2r 800 would be a good bike.

So I need as much information about its maintenance, reliability, and anything that you think is something I should know about them.

I am not too sure about the ducati's. I love the high quality simple designs. But you cant just justify any stupid things you do because you say your a race company. You don’t see aprilia playing that card as much do you?

I just cant see why they do some of the thing they do. They could be such a great alternative to the jap if they would simply get with the times. Dry clutches, air-cooled engines, timing belts, come on.
I saw a review of the s2r 800 and they said if you let the dealer do all the maintenance that it could cost from 500-1000$ a year!

So you can see why I am a little more than cautious about jumping into the Ducati life. I could just as simply buy a Aprilia Shiver but I kind of think it looks a little goddy.

 

[llordlloyd]

Late ones such as the models you describe are pretty good. Ducati reliability improved out of sight from the mid-late 1990s. Ducatis do need belts, because unlike a chain a belt has to be replaced at regular intervals because you get no notice of when it will let go. But the belts are reliable.
A Japanese bike in the 600cc naked class will have much lower running costs but, as a KTM Superduke owner, I'd say overall one European bike costs about the same to run as another. Remember your main costs will be synthetic oil and new tyres, which will cost the same whatever bike you're on.