Been riding dirt since I was about 16.
Got my bike L's in 1999.
Have been through a few bikes in that time.. ZX6R when kids were little. Gave bikes away until kids grew up a bit. Then got a Gladius, got rid of that for a Streetie, got rid of that for an Iron 883 (dodgy back, needed something low/upgright), which I got rid of for a 48, which I still have.
The 48 is fun (apart from having to admit that I ride a Harley) but the fuel tank is ridiculously small (I knew that going in). Last ride I did the fuel light came on after 87.9kms.
My back is much better and I'm doing more riding. Test rode a Diavel and could flat foot both sides, but I dunno, I'd never use it to its full potential. It was an awesome bike, like riding a ridiculously quick arm chair.
Wanted something light, flickable, nimble with a decent fuel tank (pretty much everything the 48 isnt!). Test rode a 696 and fell in love instantly. It's perfect for my requirements. I'm not going to set any land speed records on it, but I can still lose my licence just fine and it's so compact and fits me like a glove. I love it (to the point I'm thinking I'll probably never ride the 48 again!).
So yeah, that's why the 696
