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The 696 has grown on me, but it still isn't my favorite Monster.
Really depends on what you want, and what you want to do on the bike. If you need an Italian v-twin, then nothing else will scratch that itch. If you want a fun naked-ish playtoy, there are a lot of choices. It also depends on if you want to do your own maintenance, if you have a good dealer near you, etc. Since I'm not a great DIY person, having a good dealership near you is important if you want to get a Duc, Aprilia, KTM or even Triumph.
The Street Triple is a pretty small bike (which sounds like a good thing in your case), and it will walk all over a 696. But it ain't a v-twin, so if that is important, then think Duc or Aprilia (if you have a good dealer nearby). I'm bummed that BMW isn't bringing the F800R to the states - I kinda dig that bike. But my budget is tapped now anyway.
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