Two weeks in, some thoughts on my first Ducati and first bike

[Craig Thomas]

After a few rides, I'm thinking a 14T sprocket will help the low end. 

[Mash]

I'm a new rider too, and when I first started riding my bike my wrists and hands would hurt quite a bit.  I've got dirt-bike riding experience, but that was actually contributing to the problems.  On my dirt bike, I have to really hold on to the handlebars to keep them pointed in the right direction.  On my monster, much less so.  What I do when riding the monster is this... let up on the deathgrip!!!  I consciously have to remind myself about this, but it's starting to become ingrained in my muscle memory.  Squeeze the tank with my knees, hold my riding position using my back and stomach muscles and use a very light grip on the handlebars.  It's immediately noticeable as the bike seems to track better on the road, and even if my wrists were starting to hurt, it stops.  As a side benefit, my core muscle strength and stamina is increasing.

But most of all, not having sore wrists and hands lets me enjoy the ride even more.   It's great to hear from other new riders enjoying their bikes as much as I do. 

You'll hear this last nugget a lot, and with good reason.... If you haven't taken an MSF class, do so, you'll be a much safer and skilled rider for the 3 day investment.

[zedsaid]

Another thing you could do about the wrist pain is to GO FASTER!  The wind will keep your weight off your arms.     Anything above 85 really helps.

Also pinching the tank with your knees = big help for the boys.

[Lukey]

I'm a new rider too, and when I first started riding my bike my wrists and hands would hurt quite a bit. 

It's called "hanging on for dear life" and it's subconscious until you gel with the bike.

[Cucciolo]

If you care for your girl.. then you shouldn't have her as a passenger. Not until you have had at least 1 year experience on the bike..or a couple thousand miles on it minimum.

[yotogi]

If you care for your girl.. then you shouldn't have her as a passenger. Not until you have had at least 1 year experience on the bike..or a couple thousand miles on it minimum.

As a newer rider, I refuse to take on passengers at my current experience level. This has led to some times when I had to take the cage so that the wife and I could go do something when I just wish we could have hopped on the bike. Considering that I lowsided the bike on Monday making a very routine turn, I can attest that a passenger would make riding that much more complicated for me personally.

If you do take her on, please make sure she is in FULL gear. Of course, what level of risk you both take on is up to you, as long as you both are informed.

Oh, and as you get more comfortable on the bike your wrists will hurt less as you take more of the wight into your core instead of your arms (focus on keeping them "loose"). I have heard that the DP Touring Seat makes the 696 so much better on your man-bits than the stocker.

[amcloud]

I have the same bike, although its not my first.  I replaced the mirrors with CRG lanesplitters.  I only use one on the left side, but I would recommend you using one on each side.  I also regeared mine with a 14t front sprocket.  This helped get it off the line quickly, but it will stand up off the line if you give it too much, so be careful if you aren't experienced enough to control this.  I also added termis and the new ecu.  After all this, it is a whole different bike.  It is a fun, maneuverable bike, although I do plan on ditching it for the new 1100 when it comes out.  Be safe.  Have fun.

[DY]

If you care for your girl.. then you shouldn't have her as a passenger. Not until you have had at least 1 year experience on the bike..or a couple thousand miles on it minimum.

My thoughts exactly... Carrying passengers with barely 150 miles under your belt???  Sorry, but to me thats really irresponsible, and I hope your passengers know what risks they're taking. 

[Jimmy Ducati]

My dealer just swapped out my stocks for CRG's,
they gave me $85 credit for each mirror, and I
put that towards the CRG's. I loved the stock
mirrors, but they are very fragile. That metal piece
at the base, inside the plastic, works it way out
and falls off. That said, if you are keeping them,
try and center the leading edge of the mirror (when
looking from the sides) in the center of the grip to
just slightly forward. They should ride just over your
knuckles. That got me about 3/4 of the mirror being
useful. You can also get a spacer and raise them
up as well. I raised mine about 1/2" and it was very
helpful. My Dealer says Ducati knows the mirrors
are an issue and that is why they did it. My guess is
they are reimbursing dealers on the DL. Just a hunch. 
The CRG's work awesome if anyone is contemplating.
I was worried I made a bad decision with the swap,
all it took was about a mile and I was sold.

Enjoy the bike, and stay upright