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2012 Ducati Monster 696 (red)

by Anne
(Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada)

Two months ago I opted for a "big girl bike," after riding (and loving) a little Vespa 150 scooter for a couple of years. I sent myself back to school first, and took a full motorcycle safety course before getting on the Duchess. Taking the course was terrific preparation and the last two months I've been slowly and conservatively improving my skills on the road.

The Monster is a dream. Lots of chop to the engine, a low enough saddle to let me put both feet on the ground (and I'm 5'4"), lots of zip and a look that really turns heads. And it sounds...well...friggin' amazing.

Its a forgiving bike with lots in the throttle (that has taken some getting used to!). Silky clutch, great ABS brakes. I even joined the local Ducati Owners Club and am (sadly) the only woman on coffee nights...but I have to confess that being surrounded by experienced and very encouraging fellas is a really great help.

If you like the look of a naked hooligan bike and are interested in a "big sexy Italian" I'd recommend this bike. Its a lot of bike for me but I know it will take a very, very long time to outgrow and the fun is logging enough miles to outgrow it.

Anne
Age 47
Nova Scotia, Canada

Comments for 2012 Ducati Monster 696 (red)

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Mar 28, 2014

Better late than never
by: Anne

The fact that its been two full riding seasons since I originally made this post, and I've not thanked you for your comments, is shameful. I apologize!

I've had a great, great experience with the Monster and with the folks at the East Coast Ducati Club. The snow is slowly melting here and I'm eagerly awaiting my third season on this remarkable bike.

As the only female, I've been "nominated" to be our rep with the new Desmodonne international movement. This means I'll be the liaison for the interests of women riders to and from the Club, and I hope I can help attract other women Ducati riders to the Club. The members have been a wealth of information, support, and encouragement for me, and I know that other women riders would have a similar positive experience. Now I just have to go find and recruit them. :-)

Keep ridin', ladies. You are never too old to have a happy childhood. :-) Cheers from here, Anne

Aug 14, 2012

ducati monster
by: Amy

Congrats on the Monster! I have a 2011 696 in red and love it. You're completely right about it turning heads-- it gets a ton of compliments whenever I go out.

Aug 14, 2012

ducati monster
by: Robin

every time i look at my monster (2007 695 dark) in the garage, my heart drops. it's an amazing ride! i don't see any other women on ducatis around madison, so it's good to know there are a few others out there. cheers to you!

Aug 13, 2012

Monster
by: Susanne

Hey Anne,
The Monster is a fantastic bike. I almost bought one last year but rather I opted for the Diavel. The hooligan aspect is so true with the Monster. It's sporty, light and very nimble but yet has the grunt of a beast. I definitely like that Ducati has made ABS available on their bikes. If you haven't done it yet I would recommend testing the feel of the ABS in a slow speed situation. Lucky for me I was able to get the feel of mine in my drive rather than in a emergency situation.
Don't be bothered that your the only woman in the club. I look at it as a badge of honor. I'm glad to see more women think outside the box when it comes to buying a bike. I think if more of us really thought about the handling of our bikes rather than the brand we would be a lot happier riding. I wasn't willing to settle for what some salesman or whoever told me I should ride. Enjoy your Monster it is a nice bike!!!!

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