new rider, 696-lover ;)

[evocarti]

Hello!

Have been lurking this forum ever since I stumbled across the 696 in my search for a first bike. Took my safety course, fell in love with riding a motorcycle, and went on the hunt for a bike...

I knew I wanted a middleweight nekkid - went and sat on the sv650, the nekkid ninja, the gladius - but the first and last bike that I sat on, the one that called my name out, was the 696. She fit me perfectly! Well, that... and she's the pretty girl at the party 

Once I decided on the 696, I went on a hunt to find one in south florida. I knew I didn't want to pay msrp on a new one - but there was not a single used 696 within 250 miles. Resigned to shipping a bike, I found one from a seller a couple states over. A couple agonizing weeks of waiting - and she arrived

My first ride since the msf was this past thursday, the day the bike was lowered off the shipper's truck. Since I had been reading this forum, I knew the 696 likes a lot of foreplay (engine warm up - 2 bars!) before she's ready to play - but I proceded to stall her a bunch of times anyways I'm sure you all remember getting on your first bike for the first time, the nervousness, excitement and moments of abject terror / ecstasy - mine was no different. Eventually got her fuelled up and home. After removing my heart from my throat (and getting my temp tags), I took her riding the rest of the day.

6 Hours on my first day, 4 on my second. Yesterday, I took her out for a 'morning ride' that ended up lasting till 4pm. I'm in love with a snarly red italian woman. The rain is breaking my heart right now - I'd be out on my baby instead of posting here

But, we see the silver lining in all things: I've got a billion questions for the monster community, and if I can't ride right now, then I'll do the next best thing - talk about riding

So, hello all ya'll monster enthusiasts - I'm really excited to join you!

[somegirl]

Welcome and congrats on your new girl!

We love bike pictures, so don't feel shy about showing her off.

When you get a chance, also stop in and introduce yourself in your local forum, South Florida Ducati Brigade.

Have fun, ride safe! [moto]