Originally Posted by SteveP

I bought an S2R only a few weeks ago so can only offer a limited amount of views on this, the 695 I know very little of. I also have not been riding for 10 years due to back problems,work etc, so reluctantly sold a Laverda triple last year. Being short and big boned the Monsters looked good with the seat height and size, I had £3500 to spend and looked at several aircooled 750's, 900's before discovering the s2. I did a lot of homework before parting with my money,a lot of hours spent on this forum, the knowledge and advice from people on here is superb. Performance is plenty without needing to rev it too much, no power band as such, just smooth pulling up to 120 or so, it's satisfying, not overly quick but enough for me, I'm not a fast rider anyway.Front brake at first seemed really good, now I'm getting used to the bike it does lack feel, used hard in the wet it can lock the wheel, but it's not bad by any means and can be upgraded apparently. Rear brake is poor, will look into this, may just be the pads. Clutch is very light although I have read tales of woe on the forums, no point in worrying about it as it works well now. The plastic petrol tank is the one issue that concerns me,it has swollen so the catch rubs on the ignition and the rubber pads don't sit on the frame, still opens though , providing it does not worsen. Mine has a full service history and all the keys, many do not, I would avoid these. Overall, very pleased, very easy to ride,non bikers admire the looks (red/white stripe) early days but would not hesitate to recommend.