I should have found this forum sooner. Now that I have, allow me to say hello. My name is Richard and I live in New England (which is less than optimal for motorcycles in the winter). I started driving in the seventies, but I learned to ride in the spring of this year. My first bike was a 2008 Honda CB250 Nighthawk. In September, after about 1500 miles, I added a 2009 696 to my unexpected collection. It's white, but I would have been just as happy with red. I added the Termis, a DP seat bag, and the allegedly more comfortable seat. I really like the 696, but will definitely think about a seat and handlebar change. At 6 feet even with a 32" inseam, I can't find a grip on the tank which will keep me from becoming too intimately acquainted with it. I hope to find some advice about that on this site.
It may be that the snow and ice outside is making me crazy, but I'm actually thinking of buying a new Multistrada (and selling the Honda) so that I have something a little more convenient for longer trips. Not positive about the Multi (could also be Tiger or 800ST) but I admit the Ducatis are addicting.
As a group, Ducati owners, and even dealers, that I have met are great to be around. This is an excellent site, and it is my pleasure to sign up. Thank you.
Welcome Richard, and congrats on your Duc! [thumbsup]
I hope you are enjoying your 696 despite your ergonomic challenges. Best of luck with your mods and your new bike shopping, I'm sure you will find plenty of advice here. :)
By the way, your local board is NEMHA (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?board=26.0), don't forget to stop in and say hi to your neighbors.
welcome richard! where are you located?
+1 for checking out the NEMHA board.
Welcome lab1. We have a few things in common. I too live in New England. Western Mass to be exact. Also the multistrada has caught my eye. I 've done a few long rides on my 696 and even with the touring seat stopping every 1 1/2 hrs or so is necessary. Where abouts in NE are you?
another hello and welcome from new england :)
i'm in the northwest corner of CT, and have a red 620
which i won't be riding for months :'(
good luck with your mods [thumbsup]
I live in the northeast part of Mass., about 25 miles Northeast of Boston. Thanks for the welcome and the kind wishes. I will take the advice about checking out the NEMHA board.
Not only am I enjoying the 696, but tend to appreciate it more every time I ride. As my confidence grows, I keep getting happier. Just have to see what I can do about the fit, but I love the bike. The problem is I am now asking questions like "how many is too many"?
we have some members from ipswich............
and i have family in essex and gloucester.
Quote from: herm on December 23, 2008, 06:51:43 PM
we have some members from ipswich............
and i have family in essex and gloucester.
Ipswich here!
Ya a couple of us from town. Where you located Lab1?
Welcome! You are now a DMFer!