Thanks Privateer.  That thread cracked me up.  I can tell you I'm not in need of anything more than what the stock 696 provides.  I just enjoy riding  -- the uncanny merging of calmness and thrill.  But, being interested in the technical aspect I am certainly curious as to what you can and can't do, within reason of course.  Thanks guys for all the info.

BST wheels! :-)

Quote from: He Man on July 12, 2009, 12:06:14 PM
actually yes we do!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adirondack_Mountains

I also have a nice big empty airfield about 300 feet across and probably 1,000 feet deep. With about 40 half cut tennis balls as markers, we make a bunch of tight turns and big sweepers, easily get your knee down at 40mph, which is more than most can say for riding on the streets. its A LOT of fun and its free. The cops are cool with it as long as we dont get crazy with speed or have really loud exahusts.

  where?!

  in a galaxy far far away!

Get the stock suspension set for your weight if possible, change springs if nessisary.  A 14 tooth front sprocket goes along way in rideability.  Exhaust, air filter & tuning will help the HP.  Upgraded rear shock & forks will improve handling greatly.  Light weight wheels will help everything.