newbie pondering 696 or S2R1000

[hooksem]

I have been riding dirtbikes for a long time, but have been away from bikes for 10+ years.  I've recently become fascinated with the new 696. However, I am intrigued by the S2R as well.  For about $2500 I can get the 1000.  My greatest concern is that the 2008 is going to be the last of the S2R as we know it, with the engine possibly being dropped into the 696-like body.  I like both bikes a lot, and actually prefer the "fit" of the sitting position on the S2R.  Anyone have any advice/opinions/pointers?  Is the 1000 going to be too much bike for me?

Thanks!

HooksEm!

[somegirl]

Welcome to the DMF!

You'll probably get more input on your question in the General Monster Forum.

Either way, good luck with your decision.

[herm]

if you can pick up a solid running s2r1000 for 2500.00 then there is no question which way to go.
did i misunderstand your post? was it 2500 less? never mind, its still a better deal

[707soldier]

Both of them are great , it's a hard choice  GoodLuck with your search.

[hooksem]

if you can pick up a solid running s2r1000 for $2500 then there is no question which way to go.
did i misunderstand your post? was it $2500 less? never mind, its still a better deal

The 696 runs $8775.  I can get a brand new S2R1000 for $10200 (2007) and $10900 (2008).  Tough decision.

[jftoha]

The s2r 1000 without question is a bike that you will not get bored with for much longer. Even if you like the new styling, which I am warming up to, the 1000 is a more complete package and has more options for customizing at the moment. Now, the money is another issue. But if I had the money, I would chose the s2r 1000.

A year ago I traded my 620 for a s2r 1000 and it was the best decision I ever made. However,  I have been riding since I was 15 years old though, and I am sure the 696 is friendlier for beginners. Do not take the 80 horsepower as meaning that the engines are similar in terms of power. The 1000 will pull from very down low on the rpm whereas in the 696 you really have to ring it up to squeeze the power out of.

I did seat on a dark 696 this weekend and I am staring to like it a bit better. The cans however will probably never grow on me. Even with the optional Termis, the pipe routing is not to my taste. i hate the tapered cans, the fact that they float so low below the seat, and the fact that the pipe going into the can is not aligned with the silencer. I bet a ex-box style muffler would do wonders for this bike. It would clean up the rear quite a bit.

My 2 cents.