So, admittedly I didn't read your whole post, but I saw where you wanted more low end on your monster.

Do you have a 14 tooth front sprocket?  If not, get it.  It'll make you wonder why it didn't come that was from the factory.  Totally different bike!

Yes, I have a 14T sprocket on the 695 and agree that it has transformed the way the bike has handled, for sure. That said, I still want to add to the collection.

Ideally, I think I'd possess three bikes:

1) Monster - for around the city toolin' around.
2) Sport Tourer - for, uh, sport touring.
3) Supermotard - for being naughty.

Could probably make a case for a fourth too - a track weapon 600 or something.

Quote from: Wonked on June 27, 2008, 06:33:59 AM
Ideally, I think I'd possess three bikes:

Could probably make a case for a fourth too -

Why stop there?

///dreaming of a barn full of bikes...

The 2nd bike I've really wanted for some time now is some type of Supermoto.  The DRZ-400 would be great, there's also a Husky SM that is getting killer reviews and is much nicer than the DRZ ~

JM

Ah, good thread!  I've been drooling over GS's and KTM's for months now.  Hopefully have a Alaska trip planned here in the near future, but I need to get the bike first.

How much road/dirt bias are you looking for?

If I was going to get another bike, I would get a sport Classic 1000,, love that retro look.

Shop around for insurance prices.  When I bought my 998 in November I switched ALL my insurance to State Farm.  I had my Monster with Progressive, my car with GEICO, my house with Virginia Farm Bureau.  Putting it all together save a bundle, and not just because of mutli-plan discounts.  State Farm's bike coverage is MUCH cheaper.

funny i was thinking the same thing, the 620 i have is so convenient for commuting and around town taht i can't get rid of it, just start and go no worries with warming up, has termi etc, its so dialed in for just everyday riding with no hassles that its "TOO" convenient to get rid of.

so i was thinking either a bmw f800st for more of a fared bike for longer trips or a 01 748 ducati.. i know totally different directions with both and both are so totally different than the monster... but damn wish i had about another 15k dollars extra i would get both. right now still leaning toward a 748 even thoguh its very impractical.

You should own a superbike at least once.  Because if you never do, you'll always wonder what it's like.  I now know it's impractical, uncomfortable, but also fun and super sexy.  I want to track my 998 one time before deciding whether or not to sell it.

Don't laugh at me, but I traded in a Hayabusa for the 695. I've done the insane horsepower thing - fun, but not the highest priority for me.

Quote from: Wonked on June 29, 2008, 06:17:33 PM
Don't laugh at me, but I traded in a Hayabusa for the 695. I've done the insane horsepower thing - fun, but not the highest priority for me.

Trust me... we would have laughed at you on the Hayabusa.  A Monster is 100 times cooler than a hay bus.

My other bike, which I ride way more than my Monster....
KTM 950 Adventure.  A go anywhere bike.  Riding along the highway and see somewhere you would like to go that is unpaved?  On this bike just aim and go.  It is way more capable than I am.  Just got back yesterday from a 5 day 3,000 mile trip from Texas to Florida and return with about 20% of the time offroad.  This weekend, a trip to the Texas Hill country, and at the end of the month jeep trails in the Colorado Rockies.

Centerline, Looks like we have the same style in bikes.  I've seen you post on tw200, adv, and now here  [moto]. 
Anyways, did you end up lowering your ADV?  How much did it end up costing if you did. 
A

Bulldogs, yes...paid $400 to have it professionally lowered by 1 1/2".  Still handles like it is on rails, very quick to turn in, even with the 21" hoop up front and holds a line very well.
With the lowering and a low seat, now I can firmly plant both feet at a stop.

Quote from: Centerline on July 01, 2008, 02:04:14 PM
Bulldogs, yes...paid $400 to have it professionally lowered by 1 1/2".  Still handles like it is on rails, very quick to turn in, even with the 21" hoop up front and holds a line very well.
With the lowering and a low seat, now I can firmly plant both feet at a stop.

I sat on a GS1200 with low seat and was able to tippy toe on one foot.  I want to sit on a ADV 990 to see how I fair.  So far, if I had to buy a long range ADV bike, it is looking like the new GS800.  Only thing getting in my way of buying that bike is the monster.    Still trying to find a way to have both.