Hows it Going?

My name is Micah. I just recently got my M1 license in Cali. I've been lookin' at bikes for a long time and have a huge heart for anything with tires and gas.   

Ironic enough, i'm the President of a local Motorcycle ministry in Auburn, California. i'm only 21, but i've been blessed.

Any who......I've been doing some research, and after the first of the year i think i'm getting a 2009 Ducati M696. i know its not the biggest, or fastest, but i've heard its one of the best first bikes you can get. I test road one two weeks ago, and i'm hooked. I've had a dream of owning a Ducati since i was 10 and my older brother was shopping for his first bike.

I have a lot to learn, and i'm lookin forward to hearing from you guys.

have a good one all.

Welcome Micah, congrats on the M1.

When you get a chance, you might want to stop in to the MOB and introduce yourself to the rest of the NorCal group.

I wrote this to someone else before but I'll repeat it here:

You will find all kinds of differing advice about the suitability of a Monster as a starter bike.

Personally I would recommend first finding a little beater bike and riding the snot out of it for 6 months, then getting your Duc.  Why?
- You should be able to sell a good starter bike for about the same price that you buy it for
- Less expense and heartbreak when you drop it - Ducs are more expensive to repair
- It'll be very forgiving when you are still learning the mechanics and coordination of riding; it's much easier to get in trouble quickly with a bigger bike
- It'll build your confidence faster than a bigger bike will - it's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow.
- It'll save you on insurance
- After you've been riding for a little while you'll have a much better idea of what you are looking for in your next bike

Here's a review I wrote up a while ago on the Ninja 250:
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=2613.0

And here's an excellent post I saw on another board about beginning bikes:
http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5380523&postcount=8

Anyway, no matter what your decision is, best of luck and keep us updated.

i've had lots of people telling me that i'll drop it. I like to think positive, and know that i wont. That doesn't mean i don't plan just in case.   


15 days and i'll have my new duc.

Quote from: Miami on December 14, 2009, 11:52:01 AM15 days and i'll have my new duc.

We'll want to see pictures!

well at least get frame slider, bar ends, axle protectors and great gear.

and welcome.

will do.  where can i find all that  LOL

I'm a car guy usually. Kinda new to the Bike parts mechanic area...forgive my lack of knowledge.

i've been cruisin around and lookin at different sites and have found some stuff i'd like, but have lots of questions. where is the best place to ask parts related questions?

You're probably most interested in the Accessories & Mods forum, you'll find several threads there about aftermarket parts including frame sliders etc., or start your own thread.

If it's more of a "this part doesn't work" question then try the Tech forum.

Check out the Gear forum for info on things that you wear, such as helmets, gloves, jackets, boots, pants.

awesome. Thanks guys. and gals.

Hi,

I just bought my first bike, 06 S2R 800, and have ridden it about 200 miles now, with a lot to learn. I purchased my frame sliders from a company named t-rex racing I believe. Good luck, welcome, and ride safe.

Moses