Hello All,

So here goes my introduction........

My name is Charlie as you astute people may have gathered.

I hail from Long Island, NY

I am pushing 50 years of age, and dont laugh.....I just bought a 1999 Ducati Monster 900s.This is my first bike! Once the laughter dies down, I ask........Am I nuts? Do I have a screw loose???

I toyed around with dirt bikes as a kid, but have not done any road riding.

I recently completed a MSF Basic Riders Course.

Thanks for having me.

Ride safe!!!

You will love it and problily add ten years to your life. Riding a Ducati is the best stress relief. Just take your time and get used to your new girlfriend slowly.

Thanks BarettaMato !

and remember gear all the time....at least full face helmet, motorcycle jacket and gloves

Actually this board is pretty mature in attitude and age. Don't let DucPainter know I said this... but he's OOOOOLD

Good on ya for the MSF - but don't stop the learning. There's lots of good schools and courses for 'continuing education'. And as a general rule teach each ride, especially as a new rider, as a learning experience as it is. It's when folks get complacent that trouble happens. You heard about it in MSF with the highest incidences of crashes per mile happening when a rider hits that 1-2 year transition.

And even after that, there's something new all the time. A few weeks back, as a result of mixed tech issues and road conditions, my KTMs rear slid sideways A LOT  - according to my buddy past 60 degrees. Not intended or expected but course work (Cornerspin) I'd done helped my not to freaking panic and dump the bike. Instead I kept the upper body loose, clamped onto the bike with my legs and throttled it out. So even after riding 7+ years now, that was all new to me.

As noted gear (jargon for the stuff you wear) - there's a section devoted to it on here if you need/want help finding stuff. There's plenty of options these days to fit utility, aesthetic and budget.

Oh and with an older biek - do you know the maintenance history? Specifically the cam belts?