Triumphrat

Dale_K

The Little Rock Triumph/BMW dealer added the Ducati line about a month ago. This weekend they had a special event for the 696 Monster (I think it was nationwide at all the Ducati dealers). I have a Scrambler and for two "naked" air cooled twins it would be hard to come up with 2 bikes that are more different.

The Ducati riding position is much more like a sportbike. Actually, I found it was more comfortable than the Scrambler on the Interstate because you are more tucked in from the wind blast. The clutch and shifting are pretty bad on the Monster but the suspension is much better. The dealer had carbon fiber mufflers installed and I'm thinking they were too quiet and didn't sound nearly as good as the TOR's. Then I found myself trapped in the right lane as a car was merging into me and I needed to give the Ducati the gas.... Wow, now I understand about the carbon fiber mufflers. They make a REAL nice sound when you're actually in the powerband. It made me kind of sad about the weak power of the stock Scrambler. The Triumph could be so much more fun if it had about 70 hp.

Ride a Monster if you get a chance. I don't know I'll ever get one but it's definitely a stylish and fun bike.

Old Scratcher

It most certainly is.
But you'll easilly spend the difference between a Scram & a Monster, installing those extra ponies.

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"They told me I was goin to have to work for my living, & all I wanna do is ride. I don't care where we're goin from here. So Honey you decide" Jackson Browne (the Road & The Sky)

steventhechef

It is great to experience the different types of bikes to compare. Some are better is some ways and some are worse. I still love my RS for the broad appeal and doing everything well.

At 118hp I sometimes think I would like a little more!! Greedy, greedy

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steventhechef

Eggs & Bacon. A day's work for a chicken, a lifetime commitment for a pig.