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!

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, 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 

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!