I've searched and read that the older generation Monsters are entirely trackable, but certainly more frustrating than the Japanese standards (Ninjas, SV650, etc), especially when it comes to ground clearance.

I noticed that Penguin Racing School offers Monster 696s as rental bikes (in addition to Supersports) and was wondering if the newer generation Monsters are better suited to the track than the older ones?

http://www.penguinracing.com/pages/27_motorcycles.cfm

I think the biggest advantage of the 696 over the previous gen bikes is the improved ground clearance because of the exhaust.

I don't think the suspension on the new bikes offers any improvement and the bikes probably have similar power numbers to the smaller displacement early bike.

Jeff Wood can probably do a 1:20 on one at Loudon though.

Quote from: ducpainter on July 21, 2011, 09:44:01 AM
Jeff Wood can probably do a 1:20 on one at Loudon though.

he could probably turn a 1:20 on a big wheel. 

actually the 696 on the track has issues accordingly to those using them because of the lower ride height.
they have to raise the bike and/or change the rearsets and definitely remove the kickstand.

buy once you fix that issue. they handle better than the old monsters out of the box.

there are a few reports about tracking the new monsters on the site.

Quote from: Raux on July 27, 2011, 11:12:32 AM
actually the 696 on the track has issues accordingly to those using them because of the lower ride height.
they have to raise the bike and/or change the rearsets and definitely remove the kickstand.

buy once you fix that issue. they handle better than the old monsters out of the box.

there are a few reports about tracking the new monsters on the site.

Never been on the track but in a statement of fact the new monsters handle and brake significantly better than the older gen monsters. I have an S2r1k and a 696 in the garage. Can't compare them. The S2R1k can best be explained as "stable" but if you want to track it you will need to "ride the make the beast with two backs out of it." As is pull it into the corners and be very aggressive. The new gen are definitely easier to ride better.

I did a track day with, among others, a novice rider on a stock M1100.

He said he was trying quite hard, so I followed him just to see how his bike handled.
To me, it looked very stable and intuitive.
I asked if he had any ooops moments - he said he didn't.

This weekend I followed a skilled rider on a stock S2R 800.
It looked like a rodeo compared to the 1100 guy.

Quote from: stopintime on July 31, 2011, 01:22:13 PM
I did a track day with, among others, a novice rider on a stock M1100.

He said he was trying quite hard, so I followed him just to see how his bike handled.
To me, it looked very stable and intuitive.
I asked if he had any ooops moments - he said he didn't.

This weekend I followed a skilled rider on a stock S2R 800.
It looked like a rodeo compared to the 1100 guy.

Great example of what I was trying to explain.

lol on the "rodeo"

Quote from: Raux on July 27, 2011, 11:12:32 AM
actually the 696 on the track has issues accordingly to those using them because of the lower ride height.
they have to raise the bike and/or change the rearsets and definitely remove the kickstand.

buy once you fix that issue. they handle better than the old monsters out of the box.

there are a few reports about tracking the new monsters on the site.

those are things that you have to do to most track or race bikes anyways

Quote from: Raux on July 27, 2011, 11:12:32 AM
actually the 696 on the track has issues accordingly to those using them because of the lower ride height.
they have to raise the bike and/or change the rearsets and definitely remove the kickstand.

buy once you fix that issue. they handle better than the old monsters out of the box.

there are a few reports about tracking the new monsters on the site.

Does the 1100s/Evo have the same issues, given that it is 31.9" seat height versus 30.3" on the 696?  Or is the actual ground clearance the same between them?

"Does the 1100s/Evo have the same issues, given that it is 31.9" seat height versus 30.3" on the 696?  Or is the actual ground clearance the same between them?"

I believe the ground clearance is better.

Quote from: stopintime on August 03, 2011, 12:37:35 AM
"Does the 1100s/Evo have the same issues, given that it is 31.9" seat height versus 30.3" on the 696?  Or is the actual ground clearance the same between them?"

I believe the ground clearance is better.

yep, same for a 696 with modified suspensions 

I'm still trying to figure out how to get off my bike and put it on a stand by myself without a kickstand at the track...

Quote from: Veloce-Fino on August 03, 2011, 04:14:22 PM
I'm still trying to figure out how to get off my bike and put it on a stand by myself without a kickstand at the track...

rear stands aren't that hard if you plan ahead, but it doesn't get any easier than this:

Quote from: derby on August 03, 2011, 06:42:56 PM
rear stands aren't that hard if you plan ahead, but it doesn't get any easier than this:

huge +1 for a Baxley Sport Chock....not cheap...but WEEELLLLLL worth it..

and yeah...doin the dance of placing your rear stand when you roll out so that you have it in the right spot for when you come back in to park afterward....for to do the "by yourself rearstanding it back up" routine....but it is easier with the 1 armed reversable or forward handle rear stands from Pit Bull...

The Baxley would work well.

I'm setting up trailer for 2 bikes and I think I could buy 2 baxley for the trailer and attach them semi-permanently using quick-disconnect bolts. Then remove them for use off the trailer at the track.


Just not sure if I should get the Standard, trailer, or sport chock...

Trailer is big, so size is no concern.

Feel free to PM me so we stop threadjacking.