[wtf]

To the OP.

I was in your situation last year, trying to upgrade from a ninjette to mid-level bike. My wishlist was short, since I wanted a naked twin or a triple. After test riding a Triumph STR, I ended up with getting a new '13 696 ABS.

What sold me was the sound & low end torque of the L-twin, handling, weight, and build quality. Like all Duc's, there is that maintenance aspect (valve adjustment every 7500 miles) that seems scare prospective buyers. Power-wise, its enough to easily get you a ticket or in trouble really quickly.

Some thoughts before you buy:

1. Take a test ride. You'll either like it or not.
2. The suspension is on the stiffer side, with no front adjustablility. Only the Monster 1100 EVO, S4R, 1200 offer adjustability on the front forks. The suspension is setup for riders in the 140-160 range.
3. Brakes are very reponsive.
4. Like all Duc's you have to run it hard.
5. Cornering is almost identical like the ninjette. Effortless.
6. Parts are more expensive in general.
7. Insurance is not too bad. I'm paying double from when I had the 250.
8. Because its unfaired, the wind becomes a factor.
9. Its air-cooled, so you want to be contantly moving in traffic (to avoid overheating the engine).
10. Like most naked bikes, there is no storage whatsoever.

Good luck.