As an S2R 1000 owner I will just put my 2 cents in. I looooooooove the 1000ds motor. This has basically been my first bike and it was a little fast for me at first but I have grown into it. It's great on the street, great on the track, has more low end torque than almost anything else you will ride but pull strong all the way to 135mph. I haven't ridden the 696 but I doubt it compares on the motor alone. The s2r1000 also has a single sided swing arm, the older classic looks (which I prefer) fully adjustable forks, the much cooler shotgun style exhaust.
For good measure here is a picture of my beautiful bike.
here are a few from the track recently as well. I'm telling you, this thing is a blast!!!!
