Maiden voyage on my M696.... Have a couple questions.

[loopsrider]

So, I just got back form the first ride on my 2010 M696 and have a couple questions... Please note this is the FIRST street bike I have EVER ridden

1/ It seems like under load there is a LOT of vibration. Is this normal for the 696? When accelerating from 3000RPM it seems like I'm almost lugging it... Is this a normal characteristic of the bike?

2/ After 50km I have realized I need a proper seat. My nards are killing me!  I've heard people are installing the touring seats or even the low seat without as much nut crunching....is this true? If so I'll order one up tonight.

3/ I know Ducs are famous for their dry clutch chatter...but is it normal for these wet clutches in the M696s to chatter a little in neutral with the clutch lever release?



Probably pretty stupid questions, but I've got the new bike jitters

[Povidius]

First off, welcome! 


1)  Yeah, the L-Twin is lumpy and feels 'funny' compared to inline engines.  You'll get used to it.

2)  I have sat on a low seat and it is a bit more comfortable but you still crush ballz (I'm pretty short so keep that in mind).

3)  Mine makes that noise as well. Its normal.

[Raux]

1) the bike loves higher RPMs. it's a bit different than the bigger motors. wait til you can go past 6k after the breakin period.

2) stop riding it like a dirt bike. i was doing the same. scoot your ass back in the saddle, grab the tank with your knees to hold you there when braking.

3) normal

[WetDuc]

1 That vibration is mostly from your bike running lean, and at low rpm it takes a toll.  So it rattles and clacks and surges and then gets to 4.5k and is happy.  It's not running lean enough that it would cause damage, it's done from the factory for emissions control.  Your bike loves 4.5k-8.5k rpm the absolute most.  All the ducs lug from 3k with stock setup.  It can be alleviated if you want to do some simple mods.

2 That bike will crush your balls.  It does it if you ride it without pinching your knees and straightening your back.  Clip-ons on the 696, IMO, make the ride much more comfortable and less crunchy on the balls.

3 The wet clutch doesn't make a lot of noise, but you can hear it and how it changes depending on clutch lever pull.
 
Great bike!  Get past break-in miles before you give it any of the thrashing it's begging you to give it.
Got pics?

[Raux]

good point about the low rpm lean condition. you can do a cheap mod that will help. 14-tooth front sprocket

[WetDuc]

The sprocket can be done for $30, and/or you could change out to the DP ECU or Two Bros Juice Box and fix the fueling in the entire rpm range.  Yes...those are expensive toys.

[roggie]

2) stop riding it like a dirt bike. i was doing the same. scoot your ass back in the saddle, grab the tank with your knees to hold you there when braking.

great advice to get rid of the crunching... i have adopted this method and i no longer browse the for sale ads looking for the touring seat...  [moto]

[hadesducati848]

glad to see i wasnt the only one with those thoughts when i first rode the GFs 696.

and i agree with all the other posts.

1 low RPMs suck

2 nut crushing sucks so learn proper riding technique and its no longer a problem

3 the chatter is kind of cool once you get used to it.

4 and yes after 6 months youll wish you got the 1100