I got my M696 around 3 weeks ago, but wasn't able to ride it because I'm still recovering from a broken left wrist and broken right leg. But over the last few days, I finally took her out. I also need to state this is my first motorcyle. I've only ridden Vespas up till I bought this. My only experience with a MC was at MSF.

How did my first 100 miles go? I stalled many times as expected. If any of you live in SF, you may have seen me holding up traffic a couple of times. I initially went to an empty parking lot and just practiced stop and go. After building some confidence, I hit the streets of San Francisco. Man, is this a fun bike to ride! Sunday, I stalled a few times and today, I did once because I was just being dumb. But luckily, I didn't cause any accidents and pulled off with only some warmth flushing  over my face.

There was a thread about if this bike is too much for a newbie and I can only reflect upon my own experience. I think the power can be a bit intimidating, but once I got used to controlling the throttle it isn't really that bad. I'm sure some of my riding experience with scooters may have helped, but I think anyone can select a M696 as their first bike IF they have good control.

Overall, I am having a blast and I'm glad the weather's holding up for me to take my new ride out to chalk up some experience before Spring. On a scale of 1 - 10, I'm just geeking out too much to be on this small scale.  

That's great shit, man, new puppies and new motorcycles, to me nothing else comes close. Ride safe[moto]

Glad to hear it's going well!

Congrats.  Riding the SF streets are definitely jumping directly into the fire, but glad it went well.  It's nice not have to keep as much an eye on wet Muni tracks as you do with your scooter.  Head to the Presidio or the parking lot by the ballpark to practice emergency braking and swerving.  You'll need it to avoid the crackheads.  

We'll see you at a meet-up soon or on a ride.  

Thanks! I'd love to ride with all of ya soon!  I'll keep practicing in the meantime to hone my skills and not hold everyone up.

It won't be long before you are cursing cars and flippin' people off, just like the rest of us.  Just be safe and keep a level head. 

Congrats... I switched from a JAP bike and find the Monster 696 to be an easier and a better bike to learn riding on. I had my Yamaha for a few months and got the M696... the clutch is a million times better (IMHO).

Enjoy and be safe...

Sounds very familiar. I got my 696 about 2 weeks ago, and I had a HUGE problem with stalling when I first got the bike. Then the friendly and helpful people here told me to give it more throttle as I let out the clutch. That made such a difference!! 

Enjoy 

Quote from: Rambler1982 on November 12, 2008, 05:58:32 AM
Sounds very familiar. I got my 696 about 2 weeks ago, and I had a HUGE problem with stalling when I first got the bike. Then the friendly and helpful people here told me to give it more throttle as I let out the clutch. That made such a difference!! 

Enjoy 

Yup! I also read that here, too! Once I got over the fear factor of gunning it too hard, I began to juice it a bit more to avoid the stalls. My last was just more of a mental lapse error.

Funny, Spidey. You mentioned practicing at the parking lot by the ballpark (within blocks of where I live) and the big Presidio lot. Those are the 2 areas I was practicing at. 

Quote from: psycledelic on November 11, 2008, 07:27:10 PM
It won't be long before you are cursing cars and flippin' people off, just like the rest of us.  Just be safe and keep a level head. 

lol, that's awesome.  I had to do that last night as this wonderful person decided that right in front of me, on a completely empty road, was the time to turn out  !   Be careful, have fun and keep an eye out on everyone else...........................all the time.

don't worry about stalling. we all do it once in a while. you get used to just restarting.




hell, i stalled out yest in the parking lot at work and fell over.

Quote from: KnightofNi on November 12, 2008, 09:12:08 AM
don't worry about stalling. we all do it once in a while. you get used to just restarting.




hell, i stalled out yest in the parking lot at work and fell over.

Thanks, I feel better now. I was starting to wonder when/if I would ever go without a stall. Sorry about your falling over. Hope there wasn't too much damage.

  You'll get the hang of it. I'm doing my first 20+ mile ride on Friday with a buddy of mine. I take my bike around but only do short trips to run errands, etc. This should be interesting.

I've stalled out a few times when I first got my 696 as well. I'm over it now.

I stalled three times on the way to work today.  Damn, my bike's been cold blooded lately.  

If they honk at you for stalling, split up next to them at the next light and get their attention.  Then rub your nipples and gyrate like you're bonkers.  That'll learn 'em real good.    

Quote from: Spidey on November 12, 2008, 12:20:41 PM
I stalled three times on the way to work today.  Damn, my bike's been cold blooded lately.  

If they honk at you for stalling, split up next to them at the next light and get their attention.  Then rub your nipples and gyrate like you're bonkers.  That'll learn 'em real good.    

Thanks for the tip! I usually just look down at my bike like what happened?  Okay, I thought stalling was a newb thing so I'm kinda glad to hear it still happens occasionally to seasoned riders.