newbie to riding, a few questions

[nvsage]

So after riding around town in my 49cc Honda scooter! I've decided to step it up and get a real bike. So I picked up a 696 and have a few questions about it.

First off, what RPM range should I ride at? I know I am not supposed to go over 4k the first 500miles according to the manual, but I am still curious what is a good RPM to stay at.

Second, it is normal to have starting problems with the bike. Today I was trying to start the bike and it died on me about 10 times before it finally kicked in. I only have 4.6 total miles on the darn thing! I even tried using the cold start since the bike was sitting for 2 days in a garage.

Well, that's about all for now, but I'd have to say it's a lot more power then then I expected.

[JynToxic S4Rs]

You don't really want to stay at any particular rpm, rather run it through the gears and revs while staying under your break-in limits...the miles rack up fast so try not to get impatient. Before yah know it, peak power will be in sight!

[puchika]

I just got a 696 this week too! The manual says to stay under 6,000 RPM for the first 621 miles (darn metric )

Also, try using the choke (do they still call it that?) lever on your left grip if your engine is cold and doesn't stay running. pg. 60 in the Owner's manual

[jsanford]

Echo using the "Choke" (really it just raises the idle rpms) to start it. If that doesn't help have the dealer adjust it as the bike likely comes from the factory running very lean.

The chief mechanic at my dealership said my 695 should be comfortable running as low as 3000rpms in any gear. I wouldn't be too concerned about specific RPMs until you're more familiar and comfortable with the bike (assuming your scooter was an automatic). Listen to the engine and correlate that with what feels like good power delivery in lower gears to find the best RPM ranges.