I have been riding dirtbikes for a long time, but have been away from bikes for 10+ years.  I've recently become fascinated with the new 696. However, I am intrigued by the S2R as well.  For about $2500 more I can get the 1000.  My greatest concern is that the 2008 is going to be the last of the S2R as we know it, with the engine possibly being dropped into the 696-like body (all just rumor).  I like both bikes a lot, and actually prefer the  sitting position on the S2R.  Anyone have any advice/opinions/pointers?  Is the 1000 going to be too much bike for me?

I went through the same decision about a month ago...

I just didn't like the overall look of the 696. That, and when I sat on the 696, my nuts were smashed on the tank cause of the seat.

ok, i'm gonna answer this once and for all, 2009 696 for me .
I'm bias coz I have one and I'm very very happy with my 696 choice .
Their great for what I intend to use it for .
Good Luck

Quote from: Punx Clever on June 18, 2008, 07:26:56 PM
I went through the same decision about a month ago...

I just didn't like the overall look of the 696. That, and when I sat on the 696, my nuts were smashed on the tank cause of the seat.

I got myself a nuts protector, works like a charm 

S2R. Single sided swingarm is hawt.

Quote from: hooksem on June 18, 2008, 07:23:50 PM
I like both bikes a lot, and actually prefer the  sitting position on the S2R.  Anyone have any advice/opinions/pointers?  Is the 1000 going to be too much bike for me?

Last question first.  No one can answer if the 1000 is too much bike.  Can you control your right wrist?  If you can, the 1000 is going to be just fine..

I ride the S2R 1k and took the dealers demo 696 for a ride today.  When I got back they asked me to sum up the 696 in one word.  My word was -slow-.  Obviously it's down on power from the thou, but the steering felt slower too.  The cockpit is more compact, but not uncomfortably so.  Dry clutch on the S2R feels different than the wet on the 696.

It just really reaffirmed that I made the right choice in the S2R.  By the way the 696 had the Termi system on it, and that sounded great..

I got the S2R 1000.  I don't think it will be too much bike for you.  Bot bikes can get you into trouble if you ride stupid.  Take it easy until you become comfortable and you will be fine.  I would get the bike that you like the best.

Quote from: Augustus on June 18, 2008, 08:18:38 PM
I got the S2R 1000.  I don't think it will be too much bike for you.  Bot bikes can get you into trouble if you ride stupid.  Take it easy until you become comfortable and you will be fine.  I would get the bike that you like the best.

I guess the fear of the S2R1000 being in its last year has me worried a bit. I think it is a beautiful bike, both in black and red. 

s2r1000 no question. way sicker looking imo. single sided swing arm, non bulky trelis frame, and most importantly a dry clutch!
dont get me wrong i like the 696 but it looks chunky imo. end of the day they are both ducs so you cant go wrong.

It's a difficult choice, as the 696 is the new kid on the block trying to prove it's worth.
The S2R is the main man kicking it on the corner waiting for the challenger to come along.

I'm a fan of the SSS, have always liked it but then the 696 is possibly the way of the future.
If I'd be out there buying a Monster again, especially a new one I'd be going for the SSS S2R.
Even though I do like the 696 and am waiting to ride one here in Oz.

The SSS is sssssssexy ain't no doubt about it. As for it being too much bike I am sure you can control the twist of the wrist.

Happy buying.   

That is a hard choice.... I have a S2R (800) and my buddy has a 696. He asked if I think I would like the S2R 1000. I said no problem, now the S4RS on the other hand....

The S2R has a slightly higher seat vs the 696. Personally, I really like both bikes. Ride both and then decide. OR flip a coin and if you are finding your wishing it lands one way over the other....you have your bike....

On looks, I say S2R.

Here's some other stuff to consider.  You've  got bike experience, which will serve you well - but no street time yet (right?)  So you will have to learn some new skills and probably re learn some stuff when you translate to street. 

I'm going to suggest you snag a 620 or maybe and s2r 800.  It's not hard to find one in good shape, with some nice mods, for a really good price.  Bank the difference you paid for a year, earn some interest on it and aim for the brand new bike a bit later on.

I started off on a 620, and made the jump to a 900 after a year.  If I'd started on the 900, I probably would have survived the learning curve.. but it'd have been more harsh and filled with a number more 'oh shit' moments.

The 620/800s got a fun amount of power and the ATP Clutch can help smooth out a lot of rookie shifting mistakes.  The stock dry clutch offers no such protections.  Ham fist a down shift on a ATPC bike and it'll protest a bit, but stay smooth.  Do that same on the dy clutch and you rear wheel hops... trust me. 

Though the 620 isn't the fastes bike ever - it'll still carve up the twists quite well. 

Just some food for thought.

the s2r will still look good in a few years.... like the 916 body style... but i feel the 696 will end up looking like the 999 body after a while... nice... but over it.

You can think about whether you prefer dry/wet clutch, single swingarm, or maybe want the easier feel of the APTC, etc.

But really I think primarily your decision should rest on which bike you like the look of.
Oh and just as important, cost+mods...  (Termi's are a MUST in my book)

I still prefer the classic design of the s2r, and although long term the 1000 engine would probably be a better bet, I'd imagine the newer tech in the 696 would make it feel as grunty as the 1000.

Flipside, I also wouldn't feel too bad about buying the s2r for fear of it being superceded by a s2r-replacement, because really the looks and engine make the bike, plus I doubt the s2r redesign would come out so soon (single swingarm, dry clutch, 1098[?] on a 696 body-- it's gotta take some extra design time)... But, you never know.. 

Quote from: Dareduc on June 20, 2008, 07:44:19 AM
the s2r will still look good in a few years.... like the 916 body style... but i feel the 696 will end up looking like the 999 body after a while... nice... but over it.

Hey Dude! Watch it with those 999 looks comments.