Hi guys,
I'm new to this forum and I thought I'll spend a couple of lines to introduce myself.
My name is Fred and my wife and I fairly recently moved from Germany to California, San Diego. I'm riding motorbikes for approx. 25 years - the last 5 years exclusively Ducati. I started with a Monster 1000S. I travelled throughout Europe and Australia. I also enjoy track days, although I haven't had the chance to go to any race track for the last 1 1/2 years. I still own a Monster S4R as well as a 999s but so sadly had to leave both of them behind due to bizarre California emission laws (European VIN numbers won't let them pass customs.... aaargh). So, both are having an indefinitely loooong Winter nap in a secure and warm German Garage. Too bad...
Now, being in California for 1 year, there is no way that we are driving a car only. So, we had to get a bike again, which put us in the fortunate position to reconsider different manufacturers. We thought about a BMW S1000RR, Suzuki GSX1000, Fireblade, etc. etc. .... we even considered Harleys. However, taking some of the bikes on a test ride or sitting on various bikes in a show room, there simply was no emotional connection. The GSX1000 drives well - buy hey, so what? There where no sparks ... it is like licking a polished broomstick compared to tasting a flavorful Italian ice cream. It just isn't quite the same...
So, this brought us straight back to Ducati two months ago and I was towing with the idea of getting the Streetfighter or Monster 1100. In the end, we got a red Monster 1100S (the IOM78 kit included). My wife and I completed the full California Motorcycle License three months ago and since we got the Monster she rides the bike every now and then. Today, the Monster has about 4000 miles on the clock and it becomes increasingly difficult keeping my wife on the back seat. To cut a long story short, we couldn't resist the temptation at the Ducati dealer and ordered a Arctic White M796.... ohhhhhh well :-)
We are still exploring the local San Diego areas.... Ramona, Julian etc. and we hope to meet up with you for a ride. Besides, we are planning to go to Willow Springs in August. Maybe some forum members have similar plans?....
Well, that's it for now... glad to be a new member of this forum and looking forward to exchanging ideas, learning from your experience etc.
Fred
welcome! there are a bunch of members from your part of California. if you are interested in finding them, check out SOCAL monsters over in the local clubs board.
oh, and you have to post pics, of both bikes.
and buy the donuts.
Welcome to the boards......
Welcome to the DMF!
+1 on introducing yourself to the SoCal Monsters (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?board=21.0) board.
Congrats on the his and hers Ducs. [thumbsup] Please let your wife know she is more than welcome to join us here too, we also have a Women's Forum (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?board=25.0).
Oh, and we love bike pictures so please feel free to show them off. ;D
Have fun with your year-round riding season. [moto]
Thanks for the warm welcome, guys! Yep, will tell my wife about the forum - since she rides the Monster, she is totally Ducati-infected (would like to ride every day and is upset when having to work - such as this weekend). Hmmmmm, how to upload a picture? There is no picture gallery in my profile and in this thread, I can only display a picture that is on the internet (-> [img] command). hmmm
Unfortunately you will have to upload your pictures to a free photo-hosting site and then link to them here.
Here is the photo posting FAQ: http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=109.0 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=109.0)
Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. :)
ahhhh OK.... here's my bike :) .. it runs like a dream. I am now having the M796 seat installed (not on pic).
(http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/3335/kphoto1.jpg)
Looks great! [beer]