It's been over three years since I've been on a bike and my riding experience before that was limited.  I did take the MSF course, but I was ran off the road less than a month after owning my new/used monster.  It died, I didn't.  I can't wait to get my hands on the new 696 and will definitely purchase one, but I'm concerned about being rusty or nervous if I just hop on a new bike.  I would absolutely cry if something happened to another Ducati at my hands.  I've thought about picking up a 250 Ninja to tool around with for a few months to get my legs back under me, but would want to resell it or trade it in when I buy the Duc.  If I bought the 250 new, do you think I would get a decent trade in for it, or would I be pissing away a few grand?

I've been in South Korea for almost two years now, and we sold our vehicles before coming over here.  I've already purchased a car that will be waiting for us when we get back stateside, but I want a second mode of transportation so that my wife won't have to drive me to and from PT and work (in the army).  Because of this, I would like to pick up the bike within a month of being back stateside, so I'll have to decide, get the 250 or my dream bike.  Rest assured, I will most likely be taking the MSF course again as a refresher.

Let me know what you all think.

That new 250 is a hot little bike.  You may want to keep it! 

I'm sure you'll be able to get money back for it since gas prices are so high. 

Welcome back!