Wanting a 696, can I make it a bit less 'nimble'?

[LA]

Why not take a ride on a SR1000? You can probably get a good deal on one now that the 1100 is coming out and the power is much better than a 696 too. Maybe it's a little less "twitchy" than the 696.

LA

[Duc800]

I think that some of the "nibleness" is due to the width of the rear wheel/tire combination.

[peanut_man]

I think that some of the "nibleness" is due to the width of the rear wheel/tire combination.

you know what, you maybe right.  While totally different bike, I looked up the geometry for the three:

696:  rake 24*, wheel base 57.1in, rear tire 160mm
848:  rake 24.5*, wheel base 56.3in, rear tire 180mm
MTS: rake 24*, wheel base 57.6in, rear tire 180mm

I'm used to MTS, and the stability of the 848 is more akin to that.  Even tho the 848 wheel base is shorter, it feels just as stable as the MTS.  So the difference that stands out for the 696 seems to be the rear tire.  Didn't think of that before.  Monster 1100 seems more and more likely candidate now. Mmmm...

[breakdown]

You won't be disappointed with the 1100cc engine.  I've been riding a Hyper S for the last season and that motor is just amazing.

I'm still considering trading my Hyper in for a new Monster 1100S.  I want to test ride one first though.

[Rambler1982]

I finally got the CRG adjustable levers and I can now handle all her little biatchy moods.

Do the adjustable levers help with the clutch's late engagement?

I find that I'm still stalling off the line (but far less frequently), and I'm definitely slow off the line.  I blame this mostly on the late engagement of the clutch, but hopefully a 14T front sprocket will help with that too?

[JEFF_H]

How tall are you?
I would think there would be a big difference in fit between the 696 and the Hyper. (big difference in the motor too  )

The dealers explanation of the 'twitchiness' being attributed to the bend of the bar sounds strange to me.
I would agree with the other posters that attribute the steering feel to the bike geometry and the narrowish tires

switching from a 60 series to a 70 in the front may slow the steering feel (and protect the wheel from dings better)

[peanut_man]

How tall are you?
I would think there would be a big difference in fit between the 696 and the Hyper. (big difference in the motor too  )

The dealers explanation of the 'twitchiness' being attributed to the bend of the bar sounds strange to me.
I would agree with the other posters that attribute the steering feel to the bike geometry and the narrowish tires

switching from a 60 series to a 70 in the front may slow the steering feel (and protect the wheel from dings better)

Curious on the tire size.  70 series is 'taler' than 60 series.  How would that slow the steering feel?  I would think it would make it even quicker to lean over as the profile of the tire is more pointy (same width of 120mm, but taller due to 70 series).

[webspoke]

Do give the HM1100 a try, it should feel more like 'home'.  Good deals now on leftovers and used ones. One option too is going with slightly lower and narrower bars.  I did that on my S2R (went 1" narrower) and it was noticeably more resistance to leaning in, and twitching at every little move at the bars.

[Centerline]

Hello,


When I was test riding, I noticed that it's a bit too nimble for my taste.  Dare I say a bit 'twitchy'?  The dealer mentioned that it turns 'fast' because of the almost-straight bar.  Would it be possible to swap out the bar for something w/ a bit more sweep and rise?  Would that help w/ the too quick steering feel?

If I can get that sorted out, the 696 would pretty much be it.  It's light, rev nicely, and w/ the termi on it, omg, I almost cry.  The only other thing that I may initially miss is the look of the single-sided swing arm.  LOL.

Thoughts?

Why, yes there is an answer to taming the 696 nimbleness, just duplicate this..........
http://columbiamo.craigslist.org/mcy/944210783.html

[Goat_Herder]

Why, yes there is an answer to taming the 696 nimbleness, just duplicate this..........
http://columbiamo.craigslist.org/mcy/944210783.html

The mod will not just take care of of the 696 nimbleness problem, it will also take care of any accidental wheelies problem that you might have in the future.   

[peanut_man]

Do give the HM1100 a try, it should feel more like 'home'.  Good deals now on leftovers and used ones. One option too is going with slightly lower and narrower bars.  I did that on my S2R (went 1" narrower) and it was noticeably more resistance to leaning in, and twitching at every little move at the bars.

Where's a good place to look for used HM?  Tried eBay but not many listed so far.  Understand it's relatively new bike, so I don't expect to see many for sale anyway. 

Thanks.

[geoffduc]

Peanut man if you go for a HM ditch the handle bar set up that it comes from the factory with and install rizoma bars and grips plus a pair of DP mirrors with built in LED indicators. You will find it much narrower in this guise and a DP steering damper adds to the overall solid feel. 

[Raux]

I thought the Hm was a beast to handle.

Locally, there is a guy that i was told was the best rider in the local DOC. he went from a Monster S4R to the HM and it got the better of him.

[peanut_man]

Yeah haven't ridden the HM.  However the compact size and the engine and light weight really make me think it should be a hoot to ride.     But i doubt it's comfy for long / highway ride due to near zero wind protection.  So it would probably just be a toy...

Good thing I have all winter to ponder before buying a bike.   

[Raux]

another thing about the HM vs the monster is the range. the HM is notorious in the magazines about its short range/small tank.