696 owners. How is the bike on the freeway?

[boxer11]

Might pick up a 696 this weekend and before I drop the hammer; i just wanted to know how the bike behaves on the freeway, since I will be using it for commuting 2 to 3 day out of the week.  Your responses are appreciated.

[cmorgan47]

it's been great on the freeway.  even keeping it under breakin revs, i could cruise at 80 and get up to 90 when necessary.  much past 90 and you'll need to get above 6000rpm.

handles great, planted and secure feeling.  not too much issue with cross winds.
easy to track a line

[baski696]

You can get upto 80mph under 6000rpm-the mirror vibration is bearable-feels planted despite the light weight-fantastic brakes, and it helps-crosswinds are bearable, but i did get behind a trailer too close once and buffeting at that speed was not pleasant, but that was my bad-the visor thingy on 696+ model provides some wind protection, but I will be riding for the first time today without it, will post if I find a significant difference.


Good luck!  ... picked a color yet 

[slim_grizzy]

6K rpm will get you to 90 almost right on the dot.  It handles well at freeway speeds and the wind isn't too bad, unless you get up past 90 and it can be a little forceful.  It's nothing unmanageable but it can be a little surprising if aren't used to going that fast on a naked.  One thing for longer trips to watch out for is your wrists and forearms get tired because you tend to rest your weight on the handlebars.  If make sure to keep your weight supported with your back and legs it is a lot less troublesome.

[boxer11]

You can get upto 80mph under 6000rpm-the mirror vibration is bearable-feels planted despite the light weight-fantastic brakes, and it helps-crosswinds are bearable, but i did get behind a trailer too close once and buffeting at that speed was not pleasant, but that was my bad-the visor thingy on 696+ model provides some wind protection, but I will be riding for the first time today without it, will post if I find a significant difference.


Good luck!  ... picked a color yet 

Thanks for the response.  I have a deposit on a red 696.  Have you had any problems with your bike, i.e. overheating, fueling?

[Binary]

Thanks for the response.  I have a deposit on a red 696.  Have you had any problems with your bike, i.e. overheating, fueling?

I have the M696; it's terrific. 

On the highway, I am cruising at about 65 to 75 mph. The heat indicator is at 3 bars and steady. The 696+ with and the mini windshield is actually very useful. I tend to crouch forward when picking up speed or behind a truck. I'm on 163 miles and the fuel indicator hasn't come up yet. I'm still in break in phase so I'm not reving her up.

The brakes are excellent and the narrow tank really gives a great feeling of control.

[munrokicker]

I AM DEFINITELY REVING HER!  Not nearly as fast as my old 600rr on the freeway but then again I am about as aerodynamic as a barn...  Was messing around with a hottie in a new tt and we took it up to about 118-125- no issues at all-except I didn't get her number.

Cheers

[707soldier]

The 696 love the highway, it's very sure footed. You can get up to speed with full confidence.
Pretty stable on crosswind and high winds. Very comfortable in cruising speed.
The little visor believe it or not is functional. Mine have no temps issue, stays on 3 bars.
Overall I'm very satisfied with my 696. Congrats!

[baski696]

Thanks for the response.  I have a deposit on a red 696.  Have you had any problems with your bike, i.e. overheating, fueling?

I have had no problems whatsoever. Well ... not quite ...  I have been spending way too much time riding/thinking about riding/web surfing for cool stuff to put on the bike. It has become a serious distraction and it is threatening my productivity. Hmm 

[gearhead]

 I agree it is great on the highway. I have a serious transmission issue on mine, you can read about it in the Tech section.

[r_ciao]

I have absolutely nothing to add since this is my first ever bike, therefore I have no basis for comparison.  Have taken it on the freeway twice and have about 250 miles.  The only thing I can write is that I love it!  I should have started riding sooner!  Hee haw!

[williamG]

Handles and accelerates well on freeway.  Good in the canyons but those pegs are a little bit to low.  User manual states 95 octane minimum, ive been running 98 octane mixed and it runs much smoother then california 91 premium. 

[somegirl]

Handles and accelerates well on freeway.  Good in the canyons but those pegs are a little bit to low.  User manual states 95 octane minimum, ive been running 98 octane mixed and it runs much smoother then california 91 premium. 

Um, the manual is using European octane ratings, which are not equivalent to US octane ratings.  I think 95 in European is somewhere around 89 US.

[r_ciao]

My dealer says to just use Premium unleaded.  Lucky that it gets 40+mpg.