The Monster sounds better stock than the FZ-07. Performance-wise it should be very close to the FZ-07. This bike has been on my radar screen for a while now because of the low seat ht., but there is no dealer close to me. Ducati, along with Aprilia, and Moto guzzi, in general seem to be temperamental when compared to the Japanese bikes which have a reputation for dependability. Many feel the Italian bikes are all over-priced too, although if the 2012 was in excellent condition that price seems only a little high. If I had a good local Ducati dealer, I might buy it if I didn't already have an FZ-07. Same with the KTM Duke 690 (although the 390 would be my choice) but there are no local dealers for KTM either. I came very close to buying a Tuono, but a quick look at the Aprilia forum showed hard to restart when hot issues and mapping problems along with some leaks. Who needs that right?...plus the dang seat was a bit tall for me. Most Ducati riders will tell you their bikes are fantastic when they are running.
Mark Nowhereman has a review of the Ducati Monster 696 on YouTube and he does not like it.. says it's too expensive and under-powered. Also says it feels too light on the highway.
If I wanted a faster bike but one fairly light and similar to the FZ-07, I would buy another Triumph Street Triple r. At least there you get a lot of performance for the added expense. I think it is head and shoulders above any of the naked middle-weights in terms of performance. Like race bikes though, it's hard to use the added performance. I didn't ride my Streetie much different than I ride my FZ-07.