Well guys, I've been browsing the forum for about 6 months now, with nothing of substance to contribute. That being said, I am an avid road cyclist (man-power) and downhill rider (gravity-power) and I've been contemplating joining the proverbial club of Monster riders. I'm 25, engaged, and work in the insurance industry (commercial side- Sales). I've spent some time on motox bikes and my bosses H.D. around his neighborhood, but I've never taken the MSF and am getting ready to pull that trigger (obviously the first step). I've always wanted a bike, but looking back on my adolescence, I probably woulda seriously hurt myself when all that testosterone was pumping through me.
I live in Sunny North County San Diego (Encinitas) and every Saturday is basically a moving bike show on HWY 101, so I get to see a great cross section of riders and rides and there is no doubt in my mind that the Monsters are the sexiest of the bunch (although the Triumph Speed Triple also caught my eye, but a bit too ambitious to start off with). After spending countless hours on this forum reading everyone's posts, I know how much you all love your machines and my jealousy has driven me to build up a nice chunk of savings that I'm waiting to blow on the right used Monster (uhh, after i pay for my honeymoon in November). I'm thinking I probably wanna spend about $5K, so I think either a 695 or 620 seems like the right fit for me. Plus my fiance has not only endorsed my desire to get into bikes, but she want one too! So after we both learn on the smaller displacement engine, I can upgrade and give her the old bike ;D .
I'm excited for the day I get to post pics of my new baby, but I've got a ways to go till I'm ready for that...$h*t, I haven't even sat on a Monster before!
(http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v364/245/53/3410447/n3410447_39509549_938.jpg)
Welcome as a poster [thumbsup] - and soon Monster rider [moto]
Be careful, take your time learning about riding, it takes time to understand traffic dynamics. Start the budget by calculating good gear.
And, even if 620s or 695s are "slow" - they are still silly fast compared to almost any other vehicle on the road.
If you learn the survival techniques, you'll have a GREAT time. The permanent grin on your face will prove that.
Quote from: stopintime on August 03, 2009, 04:43:29 PM
Welcome as a poster [thumbsup] - and soon Monster rider [moto]
Be careful, take your time learning about riding, it takes time to understand traffic dynamics. Start the budget by calculating good gear.
And, even if 620s or 695s are "slow" - they are still silly fast compared to almost any other vehicle on the road.
If you learn the survival techniques, you'll have a GREAT time. The permanent grin on your face will prove that.
+1 and then some! This is a great site for getting an education...When I haven't been riding, I have been getting great advice from perusing this site and others...
Welcome to the DMF. :)
You're living in a great place for all sorts of biking (btw there's a bunch of us pedaling freaks on here too. [cheeky])
Don't forget to check in with your local group, SoCal Monsters (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?board=21.0), when you get a chance.
Glad to hear you are planning on starting with the MSF. [thumbsup]
I agree with stopintime, don't forget to factor in gear and insurance into your budgeting.
Good luck and keep us posted!
Quote from: somegirl on August 03, 2009, 08:22:24 PM
I agree with stopintime, don't forget to factor in gear and insurance into your budgeting.
Speaking of which, I've been wondering what kind of budget to save for gear. I've seen some used riding gear on craigslist, but I've seen on here that you really shouldn't buy used gear, especially helmets. Any opinions? Also, how does everyone feel about comprehensive and collision coverage on their bikes? I did read about our buddy who lost his bike in a house fire :-[ I would think that just liability is probably all I will get, considering to add the other coverage I'd be able to buy a new bike in two years anyway...
I definitely would take your time with a helmet. I invested in a Shoei RF-1000, after trying on several. Helmets tend to give me a headache right on my forehead, so fit is important for comfort and safety. I tried on several, and recommend keeping the helmet on for 10 to 15 minutes.
Then there are gloves, jackets, proper footwear...all important, I never ride without them, knowing the one time I do, well...fortune favors the prepared.
Best of luck.
...and the Gear (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?board=6.0) forum is great. I utilized the Search tool a lot when looking for boot recommendations and discussion.
There are a lot of good deals out there - take your time.
Helmets should be tried on for a snug fit. IMO - they must be new.
I agree on buying a helmet new. Other gear you might buy lightly used (for example from someone who decided to give up riding) but certainly nothing that has been crashed.
There are good reviews at WebBikeWorld (http://www.webbikeworld.com/Reviewed-motorcycle-products/Products.htm).
A lot of people find good deals at NewEnough (http://www.newenough.com/), but of course you will want to make sure that things fit you properly, as that is the most important thing.
For the helmet you want it to be snug (not shifting around when you move your head) but also comfortable. It's best to try one on in the store and then hang out for 10-15 minutes with it on to see how it is.
As far as the insurance is concerned, consider what you would do / what you could afford if you were to crash your bike or if it were stolen, and let that be your guide. Also besides liability I would highly recommend at a minimum getting uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Cool! Thanks for the words of wisdom. Being a road cyclist, I know how absent minded cagers can be, so I will likely be an ATGATT rider. Having spent endless hours on the riding technique page and seeing how even the most seasoned riders have "accidents", there's no reason to risk skin vs. pavement.