I just moved from a Kawasaki Versys to a 2012 M796, which I got used but with only 700 mile.
I am riding the farm roads in South Jersey.
Where as the Kawi would get up to 5th or 6th gear and be comfortable at 50-60 MPH,  I can't get out of 3rd in the 796.
It seems to be much smoother when reving above 5000 rpm,
Seems a little clunky below 4000 rpm.
I am already at the speed limit at 5000 rpm in 3rd gear.
I have not gotten on the highways yet.
Is this how it is.
Would appreciate some input.
Thanks

That's how it is with stock gearing and stock fuel delivery.

Should I do something about it, is it worth doing.
How hard is it to change.

Many people change the front sprocket to 14 teeth.

It is relatively easy if you are mechanically inclined.

How many miles are on it?

I did the sprocket change thing and it has certainly helped.  The speeds that I am allowed to ride now seem to fall in the sweet spot of each gear.  I still only ever use the 1st 4 gears and my commute includes a (short) freeway section at 100 kph.  I see it as an advantage, less gear changes!

BEEP BEEP ~ THE LITTLE NASH RAMBLER ~ The PLAYMATES ~ ANIMATION

Sorry...couldn't help it.

Changing the fueling is more money and more work, but reportedly smooths out some of the lower RPM choppiness.  Breaking it in helps with the choppiness, too.

I have about 850 miles on it. It is not a big issue and I agree about not needing to change gears so much.
I was just wondering if this was normal.
Which front sprocket would you guys recommend ?
I love the smoothness of the bike at around 6000 RPMs
Thanks for the education.

IME, it will take at least 10k miles for it to really come into it's personality...

With only 850 miles, a 14t front is the way to go.  When you change the chain and sprockets later on you can move back to the 15t front and get a bigger rear sprocket that suits your riding situation.

thank, I am looking forward to racking up the miles this summer