Favorite Cruising RPM 2012 Monster 696?

[Ryanc7]

Hi I find that myself and my bike enjoy cruising at just a touch above 6k, I find I have more control, smoother power delivery and all around better ride but was wondering if I am working the engine too hard, What do others cruise at, Shift at? First Duc, First bike period

[TACstrat]

I've got a M796 and it accelerates best when I shift around 7.5k rpm. Once I reach cruising speed, I usually shift up to keep it around 5k for better gas mileage.  If I need to speed up, I downshift to accelerate.  My bike doesn't like being below 4k rpm.

[Raux]

the 696 is a bit more rev happy than the 796, as the 696 has a bit of a powerhit at 6k.

that being said, at just cruising, I would settle the bike below the 6k hit and keep it in reserve.

plus you'll get better gas mileage.

shifting wise, depends if I'm being riding lazy or aggressive.
lazy, under 6k
aggressive, 8k-8.5k

[wiggsmeister]

Definitely agree with the below 4k comment.

I usually stick it around 5/5.5k. I find that it's nice and smooth around there.

[shamoo]

Not sure how much the 696 differs from the 796 for this, but on my 796, I'm typically cruising at 6krpm usually one gear under the highest.  I've noticed when I had low mileage, the bike didn't really like to be under 4K, but being so far past break-in now, I'm good at almost any RPM.