Upgrade to something bigger?

[teddy037.2]

stay on the 696 for a while. it's plenty bike for you.

and remember, confidence raises faster than skill. it's great that you're comfortable on it, but you're still new.

even after a few seasons, your limits as a rider will most likely still be w/in the limits of the machine.

mod and be happy 

[be350ka]

This thread has been great.  I remember a guy telling me that you are most dangerous when you get about 3000 miles under your belt.  This is due to the feeling that you have mastered the game of motorcycle riding which leads to complacency.  Thanks again to all those who have responded to the OP.  He is not alone with his feelings, but a thread like this is quite grounding!!!

[somegirl]

Just for topics sake, see how many on the board actually "downgraded" to a 696. Not that it is a downgrade, but many riders have gone to a lower displacement bike and have more fun really riding it. You have to remember the bigger the bike, your skills must be honed to perfection in order to get the most out of it. Its way more fun pushing a bike to its limits and still be in the safety zone.

+1, I have a lot more fun riding my 695 than my husband's S4R.

[sbrguy]

Please buy a D16 so there will me more used ones available. Thanks.

hey if i could afford a d16, i would have bought one.. if you want to buy me one and give it to me as a gift then i'm totally cool with that.

[psycledelic]

Ride it till it stops making you smile.  Then just park a new 1198 beside it.  Best of both worlds!

[Raux]

The 696 is more than capable for the street. I does triple digits with ease, has plenty of power to move you corner to corner and handles great, better than my old M900 (yes it was a city and handled like crap, but that's another story). Even now in Europe I can honestly say i will never push the 696 to its limits. I am just not that good nor do i want to go that fast on the street.

Now, if you want to really expand your skills and go faster, do what a lot of these guys recommend and get a track bike.

but on the street, the 696 is a great bike. enjoy it. don't let someone elses ego get the better of you. ie dont let some gixxer guy say you only have this...

[fddk696]

Have a M696 and love it, most fun I've had on a bike since I was a teenager. I don't like the terms "upgrade" and "beginner bike" when refering to the "696".Don't like to date myself but when I started riding a 250 was a very big bike. I've been riding for over 40 years on dirt bikes, cruisers, liter sport bikes, sport tourers and the Honda Goldwing/Duc 696 which I now have. Bigger is not always better when it is just for the sake of being bigger. As long as it is what "you" want, and it puts a smile on your face, it's the bike for you.

[Craig Thomas]

You've been holding off on exhaust?  The sound alone is half the fun!  [moto]