2009 Ducati 696 w/1000 miles or 2013 Ducati 696 ABS w/4000 miles?

[GeorgiaTechDucati]

Hi Ducati Monster Enthusiasts,

I am new to this forum and a new rider.  The 2009 model is $5,000 and the 2013 model with ABS is $5,500.  If both are equal in visual condition - which one should I buy?  I have reached out to the 2009 seller about the bike having ABS.  In my research, I believe 2010 was the first year the 696 could come with ABS.  If you know, please confirm. 

I look forward to learning a lot about how to maintain and ride my Ducati 696.

If you have recommendations for specific items about the 696 models.  Please let me know.

Best regards,

GeorgiaTechDucati

[stopintime]

Mileages are very low. That can be both good and bad - they must have been sitting without use for a long time during their years - not good for you if you have to pay for the results of dry bearings, busted seals, new tires, new belts a.s.o.  On the other hand they will be worth more when/if you resell.

ABS bikes are probably easier to sell. The '13 bike has that and it will be four years younger when/if you resell.

[Howie]

Without seeing the bikes and assuming both had all the routine service on schedule and are not due for timing belts (every two years regardless of mileage) and service and aren't wearing tires that have aged out I would go with the 2013.  I couldn't agree more with stopintime about the pitfalls of extremely low mileage and ABS is a big plus.

[GeorgiaTechDucati]

Thank you for your feedback.  I do not think 3,000 miles is that big of a deal.  4 years newer and ABS has more advangtages. 

I researched the maintenance on the timing belts, it states inspection every 24 months.  Do they have to be replaced by default even if they look good?

I plan to do my own oil changes.  Is replacing the timing belts difficult?

Thanks!

[stopintime]

Replaced, yes. 'Looking good' isn't enough. Surely, you might get lucky, but I think it's better to not find out.

California Cycleworks have good tutorial videos about belt change (IIRC the 696 is a little different regarding the allignement dots...) Check our Tutorial section and search for 696 belt change too.

 

[Charlie98]

I bought my '13 796 last year with 4000mi on it...

I immediately replaced the tires (because I don't trust anyone else's tires, particularly 3-year old tires.)

I replaced the belts this spring, at 7000mi... not because they looked bad, but because they were 4 years old.

Be aware, too, that the 696/796 had plastic gas tanks that were subject to swelling when parked over time with ethanol-blended fuel.  The tank on my bike had swelled because the previous owner (whom I knew) had left it set in the garage unused for a year.  If you are in an ethanol-blended fuel area (look on the gas pump... it will have a decal stating so) it's likely you have a swelled tank.  I put only non-ethanol fuel in my bike now, unless it's unavoidable, like on a ride or something.

I would take the '13 over the '09 for the obvious reasons.  You said the conditions of each were comparable... I'm assuming they were both stored inside or at least under cover.  I would not buy a Ducati that was stored outside in the elements.

[koko64]

Yeah the ABS model has been sitting around 4 years less I guess.
Good luck.

[NAKID]

Another vote for the '13. 4 years newer and ABS is well worth the $500 IMO.

[swimtriman]

the newer with the ABS,
i had a 2009 696, now have the 2012 796, Great bikes for sure.
The abs on the 2013 is worth more and upkeep is the same.
what colours?

Pictures please?

[daddyducati]

I would pick the 2009.  ABS is just something else to go wrong in my opinion.  If you're not smart enough to not squeeze the brake until the wheel skids then you should not be riding a bike.  Keep it simple. 

[NAKID]

I would pick the 2009.  ABS is just something else to go wrong in my opinion.  If you're not smart enough to not squeeze the brake until the wheel skids then you should not be riding a bike.  Keep it simple. 

 

What? ABS isn't there because people squeeze too hard and go down. It's an advancement that allows you to BRAKE HARDER without locking the wheel.

[S21FOLGORE]

NAKID, also OP (if still following the thread), don't bother about that post.

He only posted two ever since he joined (which is  about  a year and a half ago.)
 Both are not really helpful.

(His another post)
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=75000.msg1378797#msg1378797

[ducpainter]

What? ABS isn't there because people squeeze too hard and go down. It's an advancement that allows you to BRAKE HARDER without locking the wheel.

Actually...that's bullshit...just like the plane. That's exactly why ABS exists. The 'motorcycle' is only capable of a certain braking force. The 'conditions' only allow a certain braking force.

ABS does it for the rider that doesn't know how. It's not a bad thing, but don't sugar coat the truth.

NAKID, also OP (if still following the thread), don't bother about that post.

He only posted two ever since he joined (which is  about  a year and a half ago.)
 Both are not really helpful.

(His another post)
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=75000.msg1378797#msg1378797

I have more than two.

I happen to agree.

[NAKID]

Actually...that's bullshit...just like the plane. That's exactly why ABS exists. The 'motorcycle' is only capable of a certain braking force. The 'conditions' only allow a certain braking force.

ABS does it for the rider that doesn't know how. It's not a bad thing, but don't sugar coat the truth.
I have more than two.

I happen to agree.

I know you've been on two wheels since the caveman days, but I don't know of a human being that can modulate break pressure to keep a wheel from locking up 15 times per second...

  right back at ya

[ducpainter]

I know you've been on two wheels since the caveman days, but I don't know of a human being that can modulate break pressure to keep a wheel from locking up 15 times per second...

  right back at ya

I'm still alive...still riding...and no smarter than the day I was born. How hard can it be?