Topic Approved.

First you were deciding between the CBR 600RR or ZX-6R and now this.

Confused a lot, I guess.

quite confused but its surely gonna be one of the nakeds.

Well, you mean you will take the 696 legally imported? I think that should cost you a lot.

I haven't read a review of 696, but about the CB, I can tell you that it really has less power at less throttle (not like others, which give full power @ 40% throttle, for example). So, this will make it a more practical bike in different weather & roads, than "some other nakeds"... It's a fact.

and regarding CB's design, it is quite a bit italian, looking at that single side swingarm, etc.

Conclusionally, I suggest you let the Yamaha FZ1 launch. It may come soon, and might be more cheaper than CB.

FZ1 for India

I know I stress a lot on cost for such bikes, but maybe they matter, a little.

Isn't cost an issue at all? The difference in pricing between the two must be astronomical no?

In layman thoughts, all I can say is, if brand loyalty isn't really your thing, then go for the CB 1000! What can you fault with a beauty like that? Less expensive too.

F**K the performance charts. there is no use of gulping the figures, if you ain't a pro/semi pro racer in real life.

Ducati come with a prestigious batch of italian tricolor, honda with a piece of satisfaction. also, cb1000r might cost you more than 696, you decide. but whatever it is...please buy it soon. we, no longer can keep suggesting you with no eye treat in return.

Both bikes you will get terrible back up and services. But if you buy Ducati, you will become officially become Ducatisti! If I had the moolah, I would go for the Ducati blindfolded no questions asked. Compared to a Ducati, the Honda is "just another motorcycle"! C'mon, Ducati Monster is lifestyle motorcycle. It is not supposed to be compared with Japs, unless it is something like the new Vmax!

I'm pretty sure the Ducati is going to be much more expensive. Servicing and parts are also going to be very expensive.

The Honda will be much more satisfying, reliable and easier on the pocket. Much more after market support for the Honda than the Ducati as well.

well both the bikes are almost costing me the same.. so hence the confusion.
well nothing is wrong with the cb1000.. really! it looks awesum, performance 'reads' good, available off the shelf.. but 1 thing does work for the 696 and that has got me actually attracted towards it. its the name itself, D-U-C-A-T-I!

well as i said in my first post.. d performance of the bikes are not as much a constraint.. its everything else apart from it..

moreover, if i can, i would buy the bike rite away, rite now! but i guess i have to wait for it.. probably till may for the honda until the mumbai showroom is inaugurated and i think till june for the ducati.

my 0.02 $:

There is NO comparison between the two. The CB will beat the Duc hands down. You are comparing a much lower capacity L-twin to an inline four tuned for more grunt and torque. I love Ducati, and if this was a comparo between the monster1100 and the CB, maybe then it would be fair. But a lower capacity Duc at a possible higher price tag will not cut it here. Besides, the Ducs have a much pricey service/aftersales spares compared to the Jap bikes.

PUDIX: Both bikes are very different you really cannot compare a Ducati's feel and handling to a CB, I have owned the grandfather of all the water cooled CB's (CB-1) and also currently own a Ducati. With a Ducati the cubic capacity comparison is pointless, you could do top speed comparison, but how long can you ride doing 190+?

The very acessible torque of a Duc is the key, their torque peak is at 6000 rpm, most inline-4's will give you the peak torque at 10,000+ rpm.

As for parts, I feel Ducati's are now very reliable, and at par with the Jap bikes. Duc's 5-7 years ago were not.
My ducati will be 3 years old this summer with 8000+ KM. My first two services were done by the dealer in US, the 3rd service was done by me at home. Most parts do not cost much, unless you are buying like critical parts like front fork legs or mag wheels etc. which you will need in case you crash !!!

The Timing belts cost less than 100USD and are the only major part that needs regular changing every 25,000 KM, which is not much if you think 25,000 KM.

I could go on and on..... but if i had to choose between a CB1000 & a Duc... I would buy a Duc any day... F** the capacity difference I have met only one person so far who would do justice to a CB1000 in a way that would leave a Duc smoked.

Hey Ducatisti

Awesome! So you've owned the damn things!

But really, the reliability quotient? Are the Ducs now up there? Excuse my bookishness, but from what I've read, the Ducs are still not as reliable as the Hondas, or any of the popular Jap marquees. As for the for the price, that also is an issue of concern as the Duc services are known to be expensive. And the thread starter will have that in his mind. Besides, not everyone will be as DIY as you. But any which way, the Ducs hold a special place, even more so in this context as they were the first ones to bring the nakeds out.

I'd prefer my rice first, then go for the pasta. Hence, my suggestion.

You cannot use a 696 as a commuter, and its not because you cannot ride it in traffic it is because I am afraid to park the bike in a public parking lot. Too many people cause nuisance, they will poke at all the switches & gizmos, sit on the bike take it off the side stand etc.

I don't want any moron who has not been on anything heavier than a 80KG bike to try to balance the 190KG Ducati with the handle bars locked & the bike in gear.

I have been protective of the bike still I would not put it past people to scratch the paint, slash the seat and so on....... there are some really jealous, arrogant, ignorant SOB's out there who will want to do that to your prized possession.

Here is what Ducati north america says service would cost.
Mind you these charges include labour cost at 80USD per hour.

600 mile service - $144.38
7500 mile service - $ 256.88
15000 mile service - $ 362.20
After 7500 mile Valve service (“Service A”) - $ 294.80
After 15000 mile Valve service (“Service B”) - $366.30

Also check http://www.ducati.ms/forums

^^ The strange thing about your suggestion, is that every bike suffers this problem!?

Yes, Even my P180 dude...

What makes you think that CB will escape this trouble? I mean, your post is not helping him decide for any one of these bikes ... Getting my point?