Thinking of buying a 696, but I’ve got few questions…

[phatjoe]

Hello:

I recently got my M license, and started with an ’08 Ninja 250R.  After several months, I’m ready to upgrade to a larger cc bike.  I’m 6’2” 205lbs, and felt comfortable on the 696.

Simply put I love the look and feel of the 696.  My question is regarding reliability.  I've done a little research and noticed some folks mention issues with starting it in the cold, over heating, etc.   To date I have no issues with the 250R.  I’m curious to know if there are certain issues with the 696 that effect most everyone, or are these isolated issues?  For current owners are you happy with your purchase?

At the end of day, I’m looking for a bike that will be trouble free (no stalling, starts up and goes, etc).  I don’t do a lot riding, mostly during the weekend, never on the freeway, just around town.  I’m in Chicago so my riding is seasonal Spring, Summer and some Fall riding.

I’m also looking at the Suzuki Gladius, Aprilia Shiver, and Yamaha FZ6R

I know these type of questions may have come up before, but maybe there are some new members who can provide input.   

Thanks,
PJ

[Raux]

the 696 had a couple of issues early in its production cycle. the coil wires on one of the coils had been reversed on the first runs. the wiring loom over the vertical cylinder had been left too close to the head resulting in some people having issues. these to service bulletins were put out. i can't remember if there more than that early on, and i haven't heard of any new ones.

the overheating was from the coil issue. it resulted it a misfired about 4000 rpm and was really increasing the heat of the motor. once the coil was fixed... no overheating.

cold starts... i personally never had that problem and i rode in the 30s last winter with zero problems. key to starting the bike in the cold is to use the cold start and letting the bike warm up til it idles at 1200rpm without the cold start lever on. 

the 696 is a very easy to maintain, to ride and to own bike.

[z0mb1e_DUC]

Many of the problems that the 696 experienced were on the initial production run.  If you are looking at used, that is definitely something to consider.  I personally have had one for just over a year, I've had little or no issues.  My biggest issue is the damn thing keeps running low on gas.  I guess it's from all the [moto].

The largest issues were the recall for a wiring issue with the coil wires, where they were reversed.  This only effected models produced before May of 2008, I believe.  The other was a recall for a wire routing issue that could cause the vertical cylinder to melt some wires.  Another issue is the mirrors, which many of us have ditched in favor of bar ends.  The Left mirror has a left-hand thread & can come loose from time to time.  I didn't like them anyway, swap'd them for Napoleon's.  Several people on here have gone to CRG's, some to Rizoma's.

There has been some overheating problems, but most were due to the previously mentioned Coil Wire issue.  The rest are due to the tuning of the bike.  It must comply with Euro3.  Best way I know of to fix this is to install Termi's & the DP ECU.  That's the route I took.  Then you get the most out of this bike, as that opens it up.  The ECU also increases the rev limit to 10,500rpm.

I'd say your best bet is to search on here and conduct your own research.