Matthew Taylor
El Paso, TX
1997 Ducati Monster M750
Brand new motorcyclist, coming from many years of Vespas and other scooters

I read a lot on this forum before buying my bargain Monster. Thanks for the help! Just got it home, and my $100 Dainese Ducati jacket (eBay) came today too! I'm hoping it's not too much bike for me; the test ride was pretty intimidating -- I need to work a LOT on smoothness. The engine braking, which I heard about, was more than I expected.

Can't figure out how to link the photo but:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=5773081&id=714499736

welcome. your smoothness will come with familiarity.

Matthew.....welcome!  That's a cool bike..just picked up a 99 750 for my wife, but I love it too.

Send me a PM with your address if you're up for it and I'll send you a little welcome somethin...

Congrats on the new bike!

Joel

OK, I've put about 70 miles on the bike these last few days and I'm not intimidated any more.

This bike is truly impressive. I don't really have to think -- it does what I want it to do. Feels very planted. The only thing I need to get used to is braking more smoothly; I'm getting a lot of nose dive, which I think is happening from braking too hard.

Gear changing is getting smoother all the time.

Quote from: mattym750 on December 28, 2010, 09:15:46 PM
OK, I've put about 70 miles on the bike these last few days and I'm not intimidated any more.

This bike is truly impressive. I don't really have to think -- it does what I want it to do. Feels very planted. The only thing I need to get used to is braking more smoothly; I'm getting a lot of nose dive, which I think is happening from braking too hard.

Gear changing is getting smoother all the time.

You can reduce the "nose dive" effect some buy downshifting but BEFORE letting out the clutch give the throttle a little blip, this helps rev the engine up a bit to settle the bike. Since you're just learning this might take a little practice as well. Remember, DO NOT let the clutch out first you might pull an unwanted wheelie!

Oh, and try this link for posting pictures.

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=109.0