Hi, potential newbie wants to know about reliability...

**Scootaboy** · 01 Aug 08, 01:47 PM

Hi there,

Been checking out your excellent forum the last few days and basically, I'm interested in maybe getting a 695 in the next couple of months (if I make the decision to ditch the scooters classic and new for a motorcycle).

At this point I just want to know the following: How reliable is the Monster 695?

A couple a motorcycle friends have warned me off Ducatis in general, though the reviews I've read have stated that there has been a big improvement in the reliability in Ducatis in recent years.

Having been into old italian scooters for many years I know a bit about the problems you can have

but I dont want to repeat them with this purchase, as it'll be used for commuting as well as pleasure.

So what do you lot have to say on this?

Cheers in advance for any replies!

**Lucazade 749s** · 01 Aug 08, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scootaboy

Hi there,

Been checking out your excellent forum the last few days and basically, I'm interested in maybe getting a 695 in the next couple of months (if I make the decision to ditch the scooters classic and new for a motorcycle).

At this point I just want to know the following: How reliable is the Monster 695?

A couple a motorcycle friends have warned me off Ducatis in general, though the reviews I've read have stated that there has been a big improvement in the reliability in Ducatis in recent years.

Having been into old italian scooters for many years I know a bit about the problems you can have

but I dont want to repeat them with this purchase, as it'll be used for commuting as well as pleasure.

So what do you lot have to say on this?

Cheers in advance for any replies!

Do your mates all have jap bikes? I am asking as that is a usual sign of jealousy.
I had an 2001 monster newer a problem. I used it every day to commute 6m one way. -8 or +30 no difference. Current owner no problems as well.
If it is well taken care off (maintenance, some cleaning) you will have no problems.

**CK & AK** · 01 Aug 08, 02:37 PM

If you are looking for a M695 as you mention, then I cant foresee any problems - unless you get a lemon - and ALL manufacturers can produce one to let the side down every so often.

Any model of monster from approx 2001 onwards with fuel injection shouldnt have a problem as such, just check that the servicing is kept up to date.
I have previously put a lot of mileage on my monsters, never missing a rideout or having problems - they LIKE to be used!

Anyone who has been around bikes for 10 years or more & who hasnt had a Ducati will always give talk about reliability, and those who had early ones might also do the same.

Look after it & it will (usually) look after you

Happy shopping

CK

**JerryXt** · 01 Aug 08, 02:48 PM

no problems with a 695. Just buy and ride. Good bike.

**Paivi** · 01 Aug 08, 04:19 PM

I've had a 695 longer than anybody in the UK, and have covered 13,000 troublefree miles on it. The only problems I and others have had is that occasionally the brake light gets stuck on, but a tap on the lever sorts it out. The brake itself isn't on, just the light.

I save the 695 for fun rides and still commute on my five-year-old Vespa GT125, which I'll never get rid of. Transition was a piece of cake, and the 695 is equally easy to ride.

There are quite a few of them on the market at the moment, as people have had them for up to two years and are now moving to bigger models or chopping them for the 696.

Here is a very good value 695 for sale.

**rockjock620** · 01 Aug 08, 05:08 PM

That old, "old wive's tale" - don't know why people spout such rubbish! Usually comes from JILF riders who can't see the wood for the trees - even when they crash into them. Just buy and be done with it.

**Scootaboy** · 01 Aug 08, 09:47 PM

thanks for the replies people, much appreciated.

I'll make my decision the next couple of weeks, and will book a couple of hours training on a motorcycle I think to get used to the controls before I dare test ride one

(last time I rode a motorcycle was 11 years ago on my cbt).

Anyway, thanks again and you might hear from me again soon!

**COR** · 02 Aug 08, 12:49 PM

Indeedie i bought a new 620sie Monster in 2002. I've covered over 18k miles on it now in all weathers in the UK and abroad and spent most of those miles chasing mates on fast sports bikes so it's had a good rant. It's been regularly serviced and well looked after so it's in tip top condition. I would honestly say that (touch wood) it's been the most reliable bike I've had the pleasure of owning (I've had jap bikes before) and would not change it for anything else out there. I did have a momentary lapse and considered trading in for a new 696 but after a couple of test rides came to the conclusion that in fact I still prefer my trusty old faithful. Don't discount the 620sie......if you can find one for sale!!!

Like you I was unsure at first as I'd heard the tales of 'unreliability' but, compared to my last jap bike, it was worth a gamble and, I am delighted to say, the gamble paid off.

The saying now goes that as for Ducatis, provided they are ridden and maintained they should go on forever. It's the low milage/unserviced ones you should be wary of.

Servicing costs are not cheap (apparently less costly on the newer models) but that goes with the territory of owning Italian. If the bike is outside of warranty then obviously there's no need to take it to a Ducati dealer if you don't want to but I'd suggest you use someone who knows what they are doing with Ducatis. There should be someone in your area who can recommend someone.

Hope you do get one and your jap owning mates eat their words!

**southfrance** · 03 Aug 08, 08:24 AM

Had mine nearly a year now, no problems, i am no expert but as fare as i can tell it is a very well made and well finished bike.

Bon Route

**Scootaboy** · 04 Aug 08, 12:46 PM

Once again, thanks for the replies!

One thing though, I've looked and looked and looked...on the main bike search websites (biketrader, mcn etc) plus various forums and loads of ducati dealer sites and...well I've only found 2 second hand 695 monsters for sale - the black one mentioned below (ideally I wanted red tbh) and another one in the midlands.

I wont be ready to actually look proper for around 3 weeks yet as I've got to MOT one of my bikes, stick 'em on flea bay and get the money etc etc but I cant believe there's not more around to buy?

I'm after a low milage one if possible (under 5000 miles) and the newer the better. Anyone got any good websites to check?

Else I start checking out the 620's!

Also are there any good dealers in the london/essex/south east area that people would recommend?

Thanks

**Rudolph Hart** · 04 Aug 08, 06:07 PM

Had mine just over a year & still delighted with it. I'm a relatively low mileage user but servicing costs seem comparable with Japanese or German bikes I have experienced.

Take a look at the Ducati pre-owned locator on their U.K. web site, there are 3 bikes showing on there at the moment. Ducati

Good luck with your search.

**COR** · 04 Aug 08, 06:35 PM

if you haven't aready try logging on to UK Monster Owners Club forum and check out their 'for sale' section. it's worth putting an 'i want' thread on just in case anyone's considering trading in.

**Tasminracer** · 04 Aug 08, 10:09 PM

nothings dropped off mine in the two months and 1200 miles I've had it <LOL>

Then again.. I've driven TVRs for the last 9 years and other than a wiper motor the tiv never broke down either !!!!

**triumph5ta** · 05 Aug 08, 10:25 PM

A very good choice, service intervals now 7,500 miles.

**half man, half mole** · 06 Aug 08, 08:46 AM

If you've had experience of Lambrettas (as I did for ten years) then you'll be amazed at how reliable Ducatis are, and how little drops off them. You will also be familiar with the use of 'thread lock'

.

Stop messing about and go and buy one!

Mike

PS You might want to check UK Monster Owners Club for decent 'previously enjoyed' examples.