Thanks all
been riding about 15 years, but my first Ducati, previously rode a screaming jap four (NC29) - seating position took a little bit of adjusting, but definitely comfier now i'm getting old and creaky, lol
think the 696 is best summed up as 'confidence inspiring' - fuelling isn't perfect below 4-5K rpm, but actually seems a bit better with the termis than stock pipes, suspension's great and braking excellent - a bit of snow this morning didn't stop me choosing the monster over the car, lol
think the gearing is maybe a little tall, but makes for relaxed progress at motorway speeds, and the big wide bars make lazy counter-steering/bend-swinging a joy - flicks probably as well as the old 400 i had, and gotta love the increased torque and the sound... although not a bike for the shy and retiring - still getting used to turning heads and dogs freaking out as i go past
it might not be the most powerful bike out there, but certainly no trouble keeping up with lardy beemers, triumphs etc. on most roads, and excels in the twisty stuff - definitely nice to have a bit more torque low down and usable power from about 5K - last bike redlined at 14.5k and only really made good power from about 10-11K... slipper clutch works well too for a cack-handed oaf used to ILFs
apart from a flat battery (optimate lead now fitted), had no problems with it at all so far, and still about the most fun i have with my clothes on, lol
looking forward to giving it a go round knockhill once the weather improves a bit.