New Ducati Owner in MD

[PBateman]

I just fulfilled a long time dream of becoming a Ducati owner. I've been riding a zx-6r for the past 5 years and although I miss the peak HP at times I don't regret my decision at all. My new (to me) bike is a 2008 Monster S2R1000



First thing I want to do is get rid of the hideous rear fender. Does anyone have any input into which kit I should go with? Also, down the line I'd like to replace the stock exhaust, I like the Akropovic 2-1 system but I haven't figured out yet if it will work with this bike. Anyways just wanted to say hi and I look forward to contributing to the community here.

[Slide Panda]

Where abouts in MD? There's a lot of folks scatter around the DC and Balto area and all the way down to VA beach.  CAM is our little local section. So if you want to find out what's going on, get a hand with wrenching etc etc - that's the place
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?board=20.0

For the tail and exhaust questions, you'll get a lot more traction if you post in Accessories & Mods. Though folks (obviously) come to the intros section, it's far from the busiest.

For the tail you've got 3 basic options. The no-cut short tail like so:
http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/ZU-C010EDM/Bodywork-Carbon/ZU-C010EDM.html
- Shortens the tail, an cleans it up with out the need to cut the frame at all.

Next is the half-chop.
http://www.shift-tech-carbon.com/onlineshop/product_info.php?info=p158_EVO-TAIL-CARBON-MONSTER.html
- Shorter, but still leaves some tail to protect you from a rail rooster tail. Requires you to cut the frame, but not as much as the classic tail chop. What' I've got on my 900. It's a good compromise.

Last is the full chop. That on ends the frame right at the brake light. As far as kit for it... I had a Competition Werks one on my 620 that seemed good. But I've never had them side by side with any other kits.

[PBateman]

I'm located in Bethesda. I just moved here a month ago from Chicago. Thanks for the info, I'd love to meet/ride with other Ducati owners!

[Slide Panda]

Drop a line in CAM.  There's a few folks right by you. I'm in Arlington and work in Rockville.

[Artful]

Welcome to the spot! I'm up in Balmer but I slum it down to DC every now and then. Make it out to a meet sometime, especially the rides.

[bikepilot]

Welcome    I'm in DC/NoVA.