New member - Just got an m696

[MikeTheBike]

I'm based in Wales, and work in Bristol, and just bought an '08 m696.

I've been off bikes for around 6 years, enjoying being back on a bike!

Previous bike was a cbr900 RRT, and had an sv650 before that.

Went with the Monster this time a I wanted a twin that had a low seat position, also always liked the look of the monesters!

Am off to Louigi Moto tomorrow to get the new bike looked over & a mini service done (oil, filter etc).

Cheers!

[Moco1961]

Hi Mike, welcome aboard, my first monster was a 696 too, enjoy the ride

[Luddite]

Welcome aboard Mike.

The 696 is a very capable machine. Just ask MrsC_772 - she's covered, I think, 70k+ on hers in all weathers.

See also fingerpuk's thread on the complete refurbishment of his 696, which you might find interesting.

http://www.ukmonster.co.uk/monster/showthread.php?t=57022

[Darkness]

Free re-entry to Wales soon, so commuting to Brizzle less expensive than it has been. Shall get busier though as lots of people moving into Wales to take advantage of cheaper properties (According to Roberts estate agents).
You should get good results from Rich at Louigi Moto, he's one of the good guys.

[mickj]

Welcome to the forum Mike, I often go for a ride into Wales (better roads) so might see you around.

[Maggsy]

Welcome aboard Mike.
Loving my 696, also had an SV before progressing to the "real deal".
Might see you at The Oasis Cafe one day?
Wilts and Hants riders are quite active so keep an eye on the forum if you fancy a cross-border skirmish!

[MikeTheBike]

Thanks :)

Enjoying it so far!

[MikeTheBike]

Thanks! Mine has 24k miles on it, I thought that might be quite high, so good to know they can go on & on ;)

Will check the thread out, cheers!

[MikeTheBike]

Yup, Rich is great! Saw a lot of recommendations on various forums, went there today (pre-booked), and happy to confirm the same results... Really nice guy and certainly knows his stuff!

[MikeTheBike]

Hey Mjgt - Cool! Yup, some lovely roads around here for sure! See you around sometime maybe!

[MikeTheBike]

Welcome aboard Mike.
Loving my 696, also had an SV before progressing to the "real deal".
Might see you at The Oasis Cafe one day?
Wilts and Hants riders are quite active so keep an eye on the forum if you fancy a cross-border skirmish!

Oh, I'll keep an eye on the forums :) Wilts isn't far. Oasis cafe? Hadn't heard of it (heads to google...).

OH! and sorry everyone... I should have done a single multiquote rather than separate replies! Doh!

[Maggsy]

Oh, I'll keep an eye on the forums :) Wilts isn't far. Oasis cafe? Hadn't heard of it (heads to google...).

OH! and sorry everyone... I should have done a single multiquote rather than separate replies! Doh!

Oasis Cafe is in Abergavenny, next to the bus station. Very popular bikers' stop.

Great ride for me crossing the old Severn Bridge and then on to Abergavenny via Chepstow, B4235, Usk etc, then back via Monmouth and Tintern.

Roll-on Spring!

[MikeTheBike]

Oasis Cafe is in Abergavenny, next to the bus station. Very popular bikers' stop.

Great ride for me crossing the old Severn Bridge and then on to Abergavenny via Chepstow, B4235, Usk etc, then back via Monmouth and Tintern.

Roll-on Spring!

Ahhhh the Tintern road! Lovely ride :)

[Darkness]

Ahhhh the Tintern road! Lovely ride :)

I used to prefer the B4293 through Trelleck when I lived thereabouts. :biggrin:

[Maggsy]

Yes it is.
Love the ride from Chepstow to Abergavenny too!

[Uncle Bob]

Welcome. I was in the situation where I wasn't enjoying the sportsbikes so much and fancied a change. I went to a 696 as well, mostly because it put a big smile on my face (and it looked pretty sweet too). Enjoy!