Originally posted by Black Sheep
Best of both worlds? A naked bike. I like the tech specs and it has a bit of touring and cruiser looks to it - lowest seat height and not too powerful or heavy. Dealer in town. 2 yr warranty. Any comments about this? Anyone ridden?
Ducati Monster 695
http://www.ducati.com/en/bikes/my2007/ModelPage.jhtml?family=Monster&model=M695-07
It's alot like the BMW 650 GS - Don't know about pricing on the two.
Ducati Monster 695 I've ridden the Monster at a test ride event. Again, I'd have to bring the bars way back and up to own one comfortable --- drag style handlebars are the worse, IMNSHO! Pretty sure that handlebar changes on Duc will mean changing out connections for throttle and clutch as well --- I don't remember a lot of slack available, but you'd have to check with Monster owners to be sure, if you wanted to change seating position.
Fun bike. Some folks swear by Monsters and, like the Bandits, have been around a long time to gain a cult following. In fact, most "Ducks" have a pretty loyal following among their owners.
BWM F 650 GS "Funduro" - Adventure bikes - you either love them or hate them. They make great commuter bikes, and much fun on unimproved roads. Not exactly meant for true off-road use. Also, I've never tried riding one for LONG distances (500 mile day on a vacation trip), and not sure how many miles most folks can put in the saddle on one of those before getting a serious case of monkey-butt. You'd have to talk to a Adventure or dual bike owner. I'm not so sure I'd like to spend a lot of hiway miles on a F 650 GS.
And, I really can't say as I'd compare the Monster to a Funduro. Monster is a nekkid street fighter close to the "standard" motorcycle concept, the Funduro is an adventure dual sport.
Unless you intend to run dirt roads A LOT (not sure what part of Tenn you in), the safer bet would probably be the Duck to hardball running.
In either case, having a good dealer in your area can be very important, especially if you are not up to major maintenance on the bike yourself.
That said, Monster is a good mid-level bike. Easier converted to light duty touring use. Been around long enough to develop a good aftermarket line of goodies for the bikes (larger windscreen, wrist rest, heated grips, luggage rack, top truck, saddlebag and pillon bag luggage options, tank bag, aftermarket seats....) to set it up just the way you want it to be. Decently small, light and nimble for commuter use. Has a decent amount of power. Not sure how much the alternator puts out to handle add ons, but I'm sure there are some User Group sites on the web you can search for answers or ask questions.
With good riding gear --- armor padded leathers if you plane track days or vented armor padded textiles if you plane long trips and don't want to carry additional rain gear --- you will be able to run some pretty long trips in comfort.
Additional riding tips: A couple long distance rider tricks to be comfortable in the saddle:
Beaded seat cover --- know the tacky beaded seat covers for cars? Well they make them for bikes too.... very nice to have on very hot days as it gets air under your butt. You can attach them with straps, or velcro, or just lay them on the seat and let your body weight keep them on. Should have a small cloth between them and seat to protect the seat cover if used a lot (or seat gets visible "dimples".
Back support. Typical wrap around your waist back support -- the kind you see manual labor or stock personnel using --- can help prevent lower back problems on long trips.
