Hi all, I crashed my 2 month old Monster 696 a week ago, total loss event, and now am faced with a difficult choice.
I got a good deal on my 696 and the price has increased since I bought mine. I dont really want to spend as much as they are selling for now ($2000AUD price increse thanks to the financial crisis).
I have started to look around at used S2R800's as they are a good price. Took one for a ride and it was one of the worst bikes I have ever been on! WTF. I love the look of the bike, it really screams to me to buy one but im not sure if it was an isolated incident of that bike being crap, or if it is just how they are? They have no front suspension adjustability just like my 696, so I cant figure out why it handled so badly.
The S2R cant have handled like this from new or nobody would have bought one so whats the deal.
I cant go around and ride a few S2R's as there is only one I can find at a dealer and I cant bring myself to dissappoint private sellers for bikes I dont like the condition of just for the sake of a test ride.
I have found an immaculate S2R800 in as new condition, but it is a long way from where I live and I have no way of getting around. If I go to see a bike, I cant waste time and money as I need one asap.
So here in lies my dillema, do I take a leap of faith and buy an S2R and hope the one I test rode was an isolated piece of shit, or just bite the bullet and get a new 696?
Any help on the matter would be greatly appreciated from any 696 and S2R riders (or anyone for that matter)
Thanks in advance
I got a good deal on my 696 and the price has increased since I bought mine. I dont really want to spend as much as they are selling for now ($2000AUD price increse thanks to the financial crisis).
I have started to look around at used S2R800's as they are a good price. Took one for a ride and it was one of the worst bikes I have ever been on! WTF. I love the look of the bike, it really screams to me to buy one but im not sure if it was an isolated incident of that bike being crap, or if it is just how they are? They have no front suspension adjustability just like my 696, so I cant figure out why it handled so badly.
The S2R cant have handled like this from new or nobody would have bought one so whats the deal.
I cant go around and ride a few S2R's as there is only one I can find at a dealer and I cant bring myself to dissappoint private sellers for bikes I dont like the condition of just for the sake of a test ride.
I have found an immaculate S2R800 in as new condition, but it is a long way from where I live and I have no way of getting around. If I go to see a bike, I cant waste time and money as I need one asap.
So here in lies my dillema, do I take a leap of faith and buy an S2R and hope the one I test rode was an isolated piece of shit, or just bite the bullet and get a new 696?
Any help on the matter would be greatly appreciated from any 696 and S2R riders (or anyone for that matter)
Thanks in advance