Hello from Fort Collins, CO

[tuxicle]

Saluti, Ducatisti!

Bought a 2008 Monster 695 (with 6200 miles on it) nearly a month ago, she's my first Ducati and I'm totally in love! All stock, except for a tail-chop done by the previous owner. I'm originally from India, used to ride a dinky little 125 cc for about four years back in 2003. This is my first big bike, so I'm treating her with quite a bit of respect until I learn some more. Did the MSF BRC in January, and put about 350 miles on the Monster so far.

I'd love some inputs on required maintenance - the previous owner seems to have taken good care of the bike, but it's right about the time she needs to go in to the shop.

And since I live in Fort Collins, I'll get everyone a round of Fat Tire!

[herm]

welcome to the board. i actually live in ft. fun for over 10 years (can i have a 90 shilling instead?)

i know there are a few members currently in ft. fun,.......be careful to ignore Buckethead when he finds you. other than that, enjoy the new ride!

[DucatiBastard]

Greetings from St. Louis! I'll send ya a Schlafly Schwarzbier for a 1554!

[d3vi@nt]

Go here to grab the manual if you don't already have it. Maintenance intervals are detailed within: http://www.ducatiusa.com/services/maintenance/index.do

Mostly check your oil and filter, brake pads, chain tension and tire wear at this point. You may need to change the belts if they're the originals. You'll be coming up on the 7500 maintenance soon...

[Buckethead]

be careful to ignore Buckethead when he finds you. other than that, enjoy the new ride!

You shut your dirty mouth when men are talking, herm. 

Ahem.

<straightens tie>

As herm so "graciously" mentioned, I also live in FoCo. Welcome to the forum! Tons of info here on anything and everything you could possibly want to do to/for your bike. If you need any help on basic stuff (chain maintenance, oil changes, brakes, etc) I'd be happy to help you out.

Shoot me a PM if you want to get together and go for a ride. 

Also, just a heads up: there's a good chance you'll be getting dragged to Ducati In The Rockies in August. So, you know, start planning ahead. 

[tuxicle]

Thanks all, for the warm welcome I've already hit the 7500 mile mark, so I'm taking her in this week. I also need to get a new rear tire, was quite worn when I bought the bike.

I'll take you up on that ride soon, Buckethead, I first need to get a bit more confidence. A month and 1000 miles later, I'm still one of the most cautious bikers!

[herm]

You shut your dirty mouth when men are talking, herm. 

Ahem.

<straightens tie>

As herm so "graciously" mentioned, I also live in FoCo. Welcome to the forum! Tons of info here on anything and everything you could possibly want to do to/for your bike. If you need any help on basic stuff (chain maintenance, oil changes, brakes, etc) I'd be happy to help you out.

Shoot me a PM if you want to get together and go for a ride. 

Also, just a heads up: there's a good chance you'll be getting dragged to Ducati In The Rockies in August. So, you know, start planning ahead. 

^^remember,...ignore him^^

or at least make him lead when you ride together..

[Buckethead]

Whatever. Herm's all butthurt cause I almost ran him over on our way to the first DIMBY way back in 2008. Let it go, CareBear man, let it go. 

Cautious is a good way to be. Ride your own ride. Get comfortable with the capabilities of your bike and develop your riding abilities at your own pace.

Hell, I'm still one of the slow guys, but I have fun, and that's what matters. 

And like I said, let me know if you need any help with basic maintenance or whatnot. It takes a while to accumulate all the tools and gadgets to make things easier.

Out of curiosity, what part of town do you live in? I'm over just west of Taft Hill, between Elizabeth and Mulberry.

[ducpainter]

Just how slow is herm? 

[herm]

Whatever. Herm's all butthurt cause I almost ran him over on our way as we were turning into DP's driveway for the first DIMBY way back in 2008. Let it go, CareBear man, let it go. 

...fixed

and that was after i led you through a tropical typhoon with my LED brake light....sheesh!

[Buckethead]

Yeah. We definitely should have pulled over before we did. There were times when your tail light was about all I could see.

[tuxicle]

Haha - the feud makes a little more sense now!

I live on the south side of town, Harmony and Lemay. Thanks much for the offer, I could certainly use the help when I do an oil change or start tinkering around. Will send you a PM if that's ok. Planning to head to Sears and pick up a basic Craftsman ratchet and socket set, rather than borrow the ones from work all the time.

[herm]

Ha!

i lived at the apartment complex at Harmony and Boardwalk when i first moved to Ft. Fun in 1991.

[Buckethead]

Planning to head to Sears and pick up a basic Craftsman ratchet and socket set, rather than borrow the ones from work all the time.

Nice. If whatever kit you settle on doesn't come with one already, look for a good Allen wrench set going up to 10mm. Between that and a decent set of metric sockets, you can dismantle and reassemble 90% of your bike.

Also, you're basically right across Harmony from Reader's Cove/Half Moon Bay Coffee, one of my favorite local shops. Stop in some time when Chelsea's working and you'll understand why.

[NAKID]

I would Live at the New Belgium Brewery if I lived there!

And since I'm in Japan you can take your pic of a Sapporo or Asahi....