Brought a Ducati & don't know how to ride

Nel of Bklyn · March 16, 2011, 07:25:38 PM

Hey All!

I realized I've never introduced myself to the members of this forum. Well, I brought my Ducati since last September, I've yet to ride it. Although I'm officially licensed by the DMV, problem was I got it with the intention of getting a Vespa. Then this one day, I saw the Monster 620 parked on the sidewalk, It was love at first sight. Those other superbike don't really do it for me, was too loud visually. The Monster was sexy and looks good without all those fairing. Well, I'm looking for lessons again, on how to ride. Hoping to be a more active member of this forum!

Nelson
Here is mine '02 620 (dark?)!

stopintime · March 16, 2011, 07:43:14 PM

That's much better than a Vespa

Throttle is on your right hand. So are the brakes. Good luck

No, seriously, lessons will be the way to go. Fun too.

Nice clean bike - congratulations [moto]

bikepilot · March 17, 2011, 05:33:06 AM

Awesome looking monster

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course would be a good start and then I think they have an Advanced Rider Course. Then maybe find a friend who knows their stuff and go ride together (be aware that many people who ride a fair bit are pretty bad at it, so don't blindly take all advice from all riders), then I'd strongly recommend a track day school very soon so that you can learn how the bike handles when pushed a bit harder in a safe environment. You don't want the first time you attempt a maximum effort turn or braking to be on a street when a cage pulls out in front of you.

Nel of Bklyn · March 17, 2011, 11:18:38 PM

Thanks for the advices! Right now a few friends who ride before gave me pointer to take it slow in the open parking lot. I'm definitely thinking about taking the MSF course once I know how to ride, to bring up my experience.

Also another thing, is I'm pretty short, 5'5", inseam I believe about 29"or 30". I recall I can straddle the bike and tippy toes on both feet, is it suggested that I try to get it lowered a bit more so that way I can plant both feet flat when on the bike?

The Bacon Junkie · March 17, 2011, 11:37:08 PM

The MSF course is designed to teach you from the ground up. So if you don't know how to ride, you will learn. Nothing fancy, just good solid basics. Friday night is the classroom portion with a written test. Saturday and Sunday are the riding portions of the class. Lots of fun and lots of good experience.

Good Luck

DucaChic · March 23, 2011, 06:42:06 AM

Quote from: bikepilot on March 17, 2011, 05:33:06 AM

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course would be a good start and then I think they have an Advanced Rider Course.

This!

More here: http://www.ridemss.com/faq-msf-course.php

bikepilot · March 23, 2011, 11:55:53 AM

Being on tippy-toes only when stopped doesn't bother me at all, but as a new rider you might be a bit more confident and less likely to tip-over if you lower it a bit. I think you can get a lowering link from the rear (or maybe use one from a 748 or something) and slide the forks up in the claps for a bit and then put it back to stock height easily once you've gotten comfortable with riding.

have fun

Rawr01 · March 23, 2011, 07:48:16 PM

unless i misread your post, you're one up on me. i have no significant powered 2 wheeled vehicle experience at all. (check my intro: http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=44493.msg801254#msg801254 ) my first bike and first duc. i got it in the fall as a sort of "graduation gift" and it's been a very long winter. i got a lot of the same advice and i will be taking the MSF course in about two weeks. if you have negotiated busy city streets on a scooter you probly have one of the most important skills you will need: situational awareness.

stopintime · March 24, 2011, 01:09:34 AM

Quote from: Rawr01 on March 23, 2011, 07:48:16 PM
.......................
if you have negotiated busy city streets on a scooter you probly have one of the most important skills you will need: situational awareness.

Yes!

freeclimbmtb · March 24, 2011, 02:09:15 AM

Quote from: Nel of Bklyn on March 17, 2011, 11:18:38 PM
Also another thing, is I'm pretty short, 5'5", inseam I believe about 29"or 30". I recall I can straddle the bike and tippy toes on both feet, is it suggested that I try to get it lowered a bit more so that way I can plant both feet flat when on the bike?

I am about 5'6" with about the same inseam as you. With a pair of logger style workboots I can comfortably flat foot my bike even with a little flex in the knees, obviously riding boots are a better choice, but I have yet to find any mens riding boots that offer a heel. I have heard mixed opinions about lowering the bike, you can do so and change the way the bike handles slightly, then when you are comfortable enough, bring it back up and regain that handling, also, you can look at getting a different seat that will give you a little more leway. Finally, being a new rider and in the city, I STRONGLY recomend as much bolt on protection as you can get in the form of frame sliders, bar ends, etc.

I generally ride in boots very similar to these:
http://www.constructiongear.com/carolina-8in-plain-toe-waterproof-logger-boots-ca4821.html

I can ride comfortably enough in sneakers, my heels about an inch off the ground on either side. Also, if you keep one foot on the peg, you can lean the bike to your other leg and flat foot quite comfortably. The more you ride it, the easier it will be. Theres no reason people our size cant be 100% comfortable riding just about any bike with practice.

Best of luck and happy and safe riding! [moto]

Rawr01 · April 02, 2011, 03:03:37 PM

oh, yeah. i'm kinda short too. 5' 6 & 3/4"

since my post i've finally gotten to do some riding [moto]

freeclimbmtb · April 02, 2011, 07:16:20 PM

Quote from: Rawr01 on April 02, 2011, 03:03:37 PM
oh, yeah. i'm kinda short too. 5' 6 & 3/4"
since my post i've finally gotten to do some riding [moto]

Must be nice, New England just got shat on with "4 of snow, luckily its all but melted again, now I'm just waiting on getting my rearsets back from powdercoat....still

CoolBDPhenom03 · April 11, 2011, 07:04:13 PM

Cool. Way to go! I bought my M1100 RIGHT after I finished my MSF course and don't regret it one bit. Some people just pick things up faster than others. At least you already had scooter experience..this was my first 2-wheeled vehicle ever. Have fun and ride safe!

Oh, and I'm 5'6" btw.

Nel of Bklyn · April 14, 2011, 12:05:55 AM

Thanks for all the advices! I've called for MSF class, will be taking it before end of month.
As for the whole height thing guess I'm not the only one, was afraid that I won't be able to ride cuz of short reach, that was also a reason I learned on scooter instead.

Ride safe everybody!

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Brought a Ducati & don't know how to ride