I just bought a new 2011 696, rode it for the first time last night, and joined this forum today. It took me almost three years to save the cash for the big purchase. Some folks save for a sports car or a boat. I wanted a Monster. I rode a 50CC Aprilia SR50 for nine years. I hated to give it up, but my better half said I could not keep two bikes in the garage.
The 696 is worth every $100 bill I paid for it. I bought a Dianese riding jacket and back protecter. Both are good investments. What I do not get is the gloves. Maybe I will acquire some leather gloves when the weather warms up. Yesterday, I picked up some inexpensive insulated gloves from the sale bin at Cycle Gear for $20. Then I thought, gee, they seem a lot like the gloves I wear when I ski. Is there really a difference? Did I just waste 20 bucks?
glad you like the bike, and welcome to the board.
Gloves make a difference - though there's probably a diminishing return on protection vs cost at a point.
But getting gloves that are long enough to overlap your jacket 'gauntlet' style is wise. Also good knuckle protection is worth it. Even if you never crash in 'em you can take nasty hits to your hands out on the road. I got a couple pebbles kicked up and hit me right in the hand at highway pseed. The one the hit the hard protection I hardly noticed. The other got me on soft padding and hurt a good bit.
Also, think about it - whenever you have fallen on your own, not even a bike, what usually hits first? Yeah.... remember those skinned palms after tripping during a game of tag? Ouch
Welcome to the DMF. Congrats on your purchase.
I also purchased an '11 696, and love it. Since June, I have put almost 6,000 miles on it. Just can't get enough.
Enjoy, and ride safe.