I'm getting ready to take the plunge into street biking.  I've ridden off road bikes all my life, and own a small honda now.  I also have a Zuma scooter that I've put about 1000 miles on riding around town.  I've never owned anything larger than 400cc, but I've ridden a Kaw 900 a few times.  I just completed the MSF course and am looking to buy a new bike.

I've been lusting after the monsters for a long time, and it's really the bike I want.  I won't be using it to commute, since I work from home.  I've heard the advice to just buy a used sv650 and learn on that, but I really want something new, and I want a monster.

I've seen the new 696 and, while it's not really true to the monster lineage, it's a nice bike. (I think I would have to change the saddle right away, though because my nuts get crushed just sitting on the thing.) The S2R1K still has the monster image, IMHO. 

I'm not an experienced street rider, but I can ride a motorcycle.  Would I be foolish thinking I could ride an S2R1K gingerly and take advantage of the capabilities when my skills catch up, or should I just settle for a 696 and move up when I'm ready?

or compromise with a used monster   

good luck on your decision

If you have your heart set on new (why you would, i dont understand), then there should still be new 695s out.

But I agree with Tini. Get a used monster. Best value.

Go for used 620/695.  If you have to go new then 696. 

Thread wrapped 

I agree with the statements above...BUT

If you want new I would go with the s2r1k, its got plenty of potential to grow into and you'll be satisfied with the power longer...plus has the pedigre your looking for in a monster.

I had almost this same argument with myself about s2r1k or an s4...

Its up to you in the end...95hp or 80hp...  Old classic style vs new?  SSS or not, Dry clutch vs wet (i think 696 has a wet anyway)

There are BIG differences between the bikes...if it were me, nothing beats a sick 2v motor with a SSS and classic CR styling.  

my .02  

I have been through this myself and I went with a 695, after about 5 or 6 months I was ready for something with a little more umph. luckily?? I got hit and totalled the 695, I promptly went and got the S2R1K.  Could not be happier!

Quote from: Mash on August 04, 2008, 11:27:26 AM
I'm not an experienced street rider, but I can ride a motorcycle.  Would I be foolish thinking I could ride an S2R1K gingerly and take advantage of the capabilities when my skills catch up, or should I just settle for a 696 and move up when I'm ready?

I think you already know the answer
You're an experienced rider. Don't settle, you'll regret it, & it will end up costing you more $$$ & effort to buy a "starter" bike, then sell & buy again.
You've test ridden a S2R1k? If that's what you love, go for it!

Quote from: Duc Fever on August 05, 2008, 07:05:27 AM
I have been through this myself and I went with a 695, after about 5 or 6 months I was ready for something with a little more umph. luckily?? I got hit and totalled the 695, I promptly went and got the S2R1K.  Could not be happier!

Don't forget you have a 2 year warranty & lower maintenance costs with new, & you know where the bike's been

Quote from: Duc L'Smart on August 05, 2008, 07:21:57 AM
I think you already know the answer
You're an experienced rider. Don't settle, you'll regret it, & it will end up costing you more $$$ & effort to buy a "starter" bike, then sell & buy again.
You've test ridden a S2R1k? If that's what you love, go for it!

+1


Buy the S2R1000

Of course get the big beautiful S2R !!!
You don't have to put it on ebay after two months then 

My 2-cents:

No decision here - the 'liter' bike...you'll be glad when you need some extra power.  I've owned a M1000 for 4 years (>12,000 miles) and took a 620 for a demo ride.  It's OK as long as you're on level ground and don't want to make up distance in a hurry....

Seriously, the 1K is a fine all-around package for 99% of spirited street riding and loves open spaces - the 620 would be better if you're doing all your riding "in town". 

FWIW - the M800 aka S2R is a good bike, too.

I was in your boat a month ago.  I too grew up on dirt bikes, ATVs, etc.  But I hadn't ridden street bikes very much.  I pondered both the 696 and S2R1K for weeks.  Then I rode em both...  enough said.  The S2R just felt right.  In my opinion it was more comfortable, more torquey, and felt more substantial.  It was just what I was looking for.  I do feel I would grow out of the 696 too quickly.  I thought the 696 was a great bike, but it really bothered my wrists after 15 miles of riding.  I also didn't like the position of the family jewels with regard to the tank. One hard brake and I can tell you that I'd be speaking an octave higher.  I do like the look of the 696 and know that the S2R look is short lived....but I love the look.  I love that there are TONS of mods out there. 

I ended up finding an 07 S2R1K with 143 miles on it.  I was not keen on black or red, so color was the biggest issue I had with a new S2R1K.  The one I found was ideal (silver/black stripe). Had I gone with the 696, I would have gone with the white.

Just my .02.  I love the bike.  I made the right decision for me.  I have 800 miles on it now, and have enjoyed every one I've put on.

I'm the proud owner of an S2R1K so my .02 cents are going to be a little biased. I did sit on a 696 and it felt a little small to me, though it looks like it might be fun. One word of warning about the S2R: be prepared to spend $$ on modding, whether it's necessary (known exhaust/fueling issues) or completely unnecessary (open clutch cover, tail chop, reflectorectomy, etc.) Whatever you decide upon, just respect the throttle. Good luck in your decision. 

Quote from: Mash on August 04, 2008, 11:27:26 AM
I'm getting ready to take the plunge into street biking.  I've ridden off road bikes all my life, and own a small honda now.  I also have a Zuma scooter that I've put about 1000 miles on riding around town.  I've never owned anything larger than 400cc, but I've ridden a Kaw 900 a few times.  I just completed the MSF course and am looking to buy a new bike.

I've been lusting after the monsters for a long time, and it's really the bike I want.  I won't be using it to commute, since I work from home.  I've heard the advice to just buy a used sv650 and learn on that, but I really want something new, and I want a monster.

I've seen the new 696 and, while it's not really true to the monster lineage, it's a nice bike. (I think I would have to change the saddle right away, though because my nuts get crushed just sitting on the thing.) The S2R1K still has the monster image, IMHO. 

I'm not an experienced street rider, but I can ride a motorcycle.  Would I be foolish thinking I could ride an S2R1K gingerly and take advantage of the capabilities when my skills catch up, or should I just settle for a 696 and move up when I'm ready?

I picked the essential parts of your post - there's your answer. Ducatis are sooo much about heart - listen to what yours tells you

+ 11ty billion on the S2R1000. You won't be sorry.