Hi guys,

First off let me thank you all for the information this forum has provided me. As a newbie to motorcycling and Ducati this place has been completely invaluable to me.

I had been lurking on this site for nearly a year since the Monster bug bit me. In that time I was waiting to pounce on the perfect deal, and a little over a month ago it came my way in the form of a S2R 800 Dark. I pulled the trigger! I'm now the proud owner of a Monster and the mod obsession can begin.

I took the forum's advice and avoided the 1000. I was originally seeking a high mileage 620 or 695 since this a) this would be my first bike, b) I've read its only a matter of time until I drop it, and c) it was originally just going to be a work commuter. That said, I couldn't be happier with this 800. It's a well behaved city machine to and from work, but very spirited for interstate merges and an open road!

I've only been riding for a month; total rookie taking it slow. I've probably read over the stickied crash analysis threads a half dozen times and no doubt it will save my butt in the future.

You guys are great and I look forward to learning more and hopefully contributing something. 

Congrats and welcome!  Excellent bike choice, if I do say so myself... 

Welcome    The 800 is a great bike.  Don't be shy about taking classes, especially track day classes - that's where you'll really learn a whole bunch. 

Welcome.

Ducati's are pretty dang awesome. 

Be Safe.