Hey from Guerneville California. I just bought a 696 and will be picking it up on the weekend. I've been riding many years and had a bunch of Ducatis. A monster 900 City, an St4, a 749 that I resurrected from a total, an SR2, and now the 696. I've also had several Japanese bikes as well as a barn Resurrection BSA 441. I'm getting older near 70 and I'm really looking forward to the low seat height, modest horsepower, and over all experience of the 696. My first project will be to Jack the bars up to fit my old body. My best buddy has a highly modified 696 and he and I are looking forward to some good times next summer. Thanks to all for providing great info and feedback through this forum.

Welcome   It’s great that you’re still riding. There’s a guy on the Super Duke site that’s 76 and rides the 1290 like he’s a little kid. 

Quote from: Duckster on November 20, 2017, 02:10:21 PM
Hey from Guerneville California. I just bought a 696 and will be picking it up on the weekend. I've been riding many years and had a bunch of Ducatis. A monster 900 City, an St4, a 749 that I resurrected from a total, an SR2, and now the 696. I've also had several Japanese bikes as well as a barn Resurrection BSA 441. I'm getting older near 70 and I'm really looking forward to the low seat height, modest horsepower, and over all experience of the 696. My first project will be to Jack the bars up to fit my old body. My best buddy has a highly modified 696 and he and I are looking forward to some good times next summer. Thanks to all for providing great info and feedback through this forum.

Greetings and welcome!

If it's still available, when new the 696 had an OEM taller handlebar, cables and switch kit for ~ $400. Good value if it's still listed. Maybe check with Pro Italia, etc.