Cannot go wrong with a track day or two. I'd also recommend time out there in the hills,there are some nice roads out there with very little traffic and they require you use all riding skills. As for the 848 vs your current Monster or other models. I really don't think horsepower has as much to do with it as what you plan to do with the bike, I'll stick my neck out and say that the only place you'll be using the horespower of an 848 is on the track cause on the public roads that 696 of your might actually be a better bike. If you are thinking about buying it because it looks great, cause it does, well then okay. But pound for pound, dollar for dollar a M1100 EVO, which has both DTC and ABS, might be a better ride and more fun than an 848. Just MHO and I'm still learning how to ride going on ..... a bunch of years.
- Gene
