Hello all.

Just wanted to introduce myself as I may be purchasing a new 969 sometime in the near future.  I'm still debating between a Gladius, Er-6n or the Monster 696.  It's been pretty wet here the last week or so, (Vancouver) so I havn't been able to do any test drives to help solidify the decision.  But I can tell you that the moment I saw that Ducatti in the showroom, I think somewhere in my brain the decision was made right there and then. 

I took a motorcycle course a few years ago and have been riding my trusty 2008 250 Ninja since graduation.  So I think I have enough experience behind me now to try something a little more aggressive.  From what I hear the monster is a good intro/intermediate bike to further progress your riding skills on.

Anyways I'm sure I'll be asking more stuff in the general area in the upcoming days.  Take care everyone.

Schnooble.

Welcome and good luck with your decision.

Welcome to the club fellow Vancouver-ite. Going from the 250 to the 696 should be a fairly easy transition for you. Hope to see you on the roads soon.

Thanks!  Hope to be on the roads soon. 

Don't forget the following rule:
Pictures, or it doesn't exist.
We love pics here, so post some when you get the bike.

Not a problem at all.  Photography is my 'other' hobby.  Just need to figure out when I can schedule a test drive and make it all official.  Probably a few weeks for that and then of course the wait period to actually get the bike.  I believe all they have in stock right now is a black bike and I'm thinking I want the white one.  So it's going to be a while... 

Welcome, and best of luck with the test ride and the decision!  I agree the 696 should be a pretty easy transition after all your experience on the 250.  Looking forward to your updates.

Update!

I just put a down payment down on the bike (2010 white 696) and they are asembling the bike for next Tuesday.  Photo's soon to follow.  Pretty damn excited!

Just wondering, are all motorcycle stores closed on Sunday/Monday or is that a Canada thing?  Cause it sure would have been nice to pick it up on Monday. 

Randy.

Sweet!  Looking forward to the pictures!

It's also the case here in the US - virtually all moto shops are closed on Sundays and Mondays.

The dealers are usually open on Mondays when spring arrives. Depends on the dealer, though.