I must be getting old because

[ab]

.. I don't have that same eagerness to want to ride all the time this start of the season so far.  Very strange.  Just busy at work with a new position and new tools to learn.  Not to mention the freaking gas price at over $4.  Can't think of anything else to blame it on.  Darn!

you?

[zarn02]

These things happen. I've gone through peaks of intense motorcycle interest, and valleys of near complete apathy.

Let things move as they will. The enthusiasm will probably return.

[geoffduc]

Don't blame getting old for not wanting to ride...

and gas at $4 a gallon shouldn't stop you either...

jeez come over to europe and start having to pay what we pay for gas...

now that would surely put you off...

Olde but slow...Geoff...

[zooom]

gas going up and draining your 4 wheeled wallet would certainly motivate me to ride to work at the very least...maybe I am weird?!?!?!

[El-Twin]

Because I have to remember to take a couple Advil if I want to last a couple-three hours at the helm.

[Novelo]

I find I want to ride less to save tire life and lack of exciting roads to ride. It's just boring to ride around town can't go anywhere nice as I will have helmet head by the time I get there plus have all my gear on. I've just adopted the idea that riding is more of a sport for me so I treat it as such.

[Curmudgeon]

Because I have to remember to take a couple Advil if I want to last a couple-three hours at the helm.

Try Aleve and a Sargent saddle instead.  You might get 300+ miles that way.

[triangleforge]

When the other alternative is a 12 mpg Land Cruiser, $4 a gallon gas makes me want to ride more, not less! 

[El-Twin]

Try Aleve and a Sargent saddle instead.  You might get 300+ miles that way.

You know this feeling perhaps? I think that you and I are the same age, yet we still drag our sorry butts into the saddle. 

Speaking of saddles, I'm finding the stock unit just fine so far. But then my max range is limited to ~ one tankfull. If I can get about 100-120 miles in, then I'm happy. The rear-end holds up, but the neck and shoulders start to feel it.

So I might just try that Aleve. 

[Blackout]

I sound like my dad when I get up from a chair.

[Curmudgeon]

Two Aleve? I do what my physiotherapist tells me.  I'm 65 and HIGH mileage? Are YOU that ancient?  Parts falling off daily here...

Broke my left shoulder three years ago, so that arm is pretty weak. Check out my setup in my signature line.

The stock seat is better than the old ones but still forces you onto the faux tank at slow speeds. The Sargent is flatter and has high tech foam. You can try one and send it back if it does nothing for you. How tall are you? I'm 5' 8". The stock-looking Rizoma bar I fitted gives 5/8" more rise and 2" more sweep, also resulting in a nicer wrist angle. Cheap investment IMO. Bear in mind that my 796 has a 20mm higher riser than your EVO, so you could also swap that out.

Don't overlook the Tech Spec pads too because you can dig your knees into them at low speeds to give yourself some back support. This ain't my first Ducati or my first rodeo. Get that hot dealer of yours in Santa Barbara to set you up. Ordinarily they are all kids and don't consider the needs of old geezers. I TOO recall a time when I could ride my 851 SBK all day. 

[RAT900]

at age 60...a day on the Monster requires mental commitment and lots of aspirin

aspirin thins the blood so it can get to the extremities better

and the pain numbing effects are very welcome too

5 hours is about my limit for decent/quality riding...

after that it is an endurance contest

[El-Twin]

I'm 65 and HIGH mileage? Are YOU that ancient?  Parts falling off daily here...

Bingo! I sense a disturbance in the Force.... 

How tall are you? I'm 5' 8". The stock-looking Rizoma bar I fitted gives 5/8" more rise and 2" more sweep, also resulting in a nicer wrist angle. Cheap investment IMO. Bear in mind that my 796 has a 20mm higher riser than your EVO, so you could also swap that out.

I'm 5' 10" and fit in the cockpit just about right. The wrists haven't suffered any stress yet, but I shall remember your Rizoma option as I get more miles on the old framework.

Don't overlook the Tech Spec pads too because you can dig your knees into them at low speeds to give yourself some back support. This ain't my first Ducati or my first rodeo. Get that hot dealer of yours in Santa Barbara to set you up. Ordinarily they are all kids and don't consider the needs of old geezers. I TOO recall a time when I could ride my 851 SBK all day. 

I've noticed that it's sometimes necessary to support yourself with your core, to give the arms some relief. So I can see where those pads could help. The dealer has been great so far, by the way. My goal is to get in for the 600-mile service at the end of the month.

[Curmudgeon]

Don't forget that 14T at the first service. 

Check out my cockpit in this thread and compare angles. The frame is the same as yours. http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=56238.msg1045134#msg1045134

Those pads are cheap and look good IMO but are tricky to apply. Have the dealer do it. Cheap enough and they come right off if you don't see the benefit but I'll wager you will around town..., and quickly.  http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/621500SS/696/621500SS.html

While you're in there, lose the evaps canister and have the holes plugged with the right screws. Keep the junk in case you ever need it in CA. Looks cleaner with a left shroud which matches the right. http://motowheels.com/i-6921561-ducati-air-deflector-left-side-m696-m1100.html

[Pedro-bot]

I must be getting old because...............

I am now a firm believer that "youth is wasted on the young."