Soon to be owner in NOVA

[jrswanson1]

Hi, my name is Jim, I like long walks on the beach, rifles, shotguns, and pistols, and I'm picking up a Ducati Monster 696 in a few days.  I got my motorcycle license two weekends ago.  The wife and I picked up a Can Am Spyder RT almost three weeks ago, we've put 700 miles on it.  I've always wanted a Ducati, now that I have the license, I'm getting one.  We walked into a local dealer, they just got a white one in that day, still in the crate, so that's the one I'm getting.  They're closed today  so they're building it Thursday and I'm picking it up that afternoon.  This is my first motorcycle, the Spyder is the wife's.  I'm looking forward to getting to know the new motorcycle, and will be riding it to work once I get really comfortable with it. 

Jim

[Slide Panda]

Coleman's I'm guessing?

Theres quite a number of nova, DC metro and Balmer folks on here. We've even got our own little play ground in the local area section - CAM

Having ridden a Spyder I guess it's the RS now, then it was the only model, it's very different than a two wheeled bike. VERY. The Spyder isn't too far off from driving a car if you're not pushing hard. If you are it's much like riding a snow mobile. A bike bike is a whole different beast

if you have not, I suggest you take the Basic Rider Course (BRC) as soon as you're able. Locally you can do it through NOVA com college but getting a spot is a crap shoot. For a sure slot, theres Apex cycle education. It will cost more but getting a spot will be fairly easy.

There are a number of additional courses or schools that are easily available here too. Apex offers a number, Lee Parks school does sessions in the area, Corner Spin comes to VIR, California Super bike school... And theres always track days.

And don't rush to commute on it. Drivers here are make the beast with two backsers as a general rule - even more so when you're on a bike. Honestly commuting takes more skill, knowledge and saddle time that folks give it credit.

Don't let me out you off - just want you to have a good start. Riding DC metro can be tough

[jrswanson1]

Yup, Coleman's.  I took the class and passed the test through MRC in Dumfries.  The commute from Dale City to Ft. Belvoir isn't as bad in the summer as any other time due to school being out and people going on vacation.  Yes, the Spyder RT is very different than a 2-wheeler, but you still have to pay attention like a regular motorcycle.  I've commuted with the Spyder several times since we got it.  I plan on practising with the 696 for a few weeks before taking the commuting plunge. 

Jim

[Slide Panda]

My comment about riding in the area was more about *hand waive* them... "Ride like you're invisible" isn't just a good notion around here, it's a fact. Hell I even have people act like I'm not there in my 4dr car, let alone the monster or stupidmoto.

As mentioned there's CAM if you'l looking to link up with folks in the region. There's a general buzz about upcoming events, rides, wrenching blah blah. And if you've got a question, want to go for a ride etc you can always start a new thread - CAM, and really the whole board is good place. Lots of good folks and good signal to noise ratio. Other boards, like the regional dcsportbikes.net can suffer a bit from I'm-too-coolitis at times. There's some good stuff there, but it requires a bit more filtering as well.

Pick up gear with your bike? If not, we've got a section for that too! And for many things moto, http://www.webbikeworld.com/ is a great site. And they happen to be local, so their reviews of gear reflect the climate

[jrswanson1]

I went to Coleman's today to pick up the motorcycle.  After doing a couple of laps around the parking lot, I gave it too much throttle and dropped the bike.  I got some nice road rash on my right arm since I didn't have my riding jacket with me.  It's in the shop now, getting fixed    Not even one mile on the odometer. 

Jim

[Slide Panda]

Well at least you were close to a shop, had back up transport (?) and probably learned a lesson or two. No doubt you're bummed and I'm sorry for your troubles = but try and half full it.

Take care of that road rash - it sucks. I used to get all torn up playing Rugby around here in the summer. Keeping it clean and covered for a couple days will help.

Once you get things sorted out mechanically - as I mentioned there's always something afoot in CAM. And you can always set up something as well. As long as the ground rules are clear (ie beginner ride) going out with more experienced riders can be a good teaching tool
.

[Cdawg410]

Sounds like you took it in stride and didn't bang ur self up too bad. Pretty sure you aren't the first guy to drop their brand new bike in that parking lot. Congrats on the new bike, now that you've got the first drop outta the way it's one less thing to worry about I guess. See you on the road.

[betarace]

Happened to me in 1990 with a CBR at the very same place. Once you get it fixed, drop me a note to ride.   I am in zip 20117

[jrswanson1]

I got the bike back this past Thursday.  $700 with the frame slider install.  Of course the weather turned to crap since I got it, nice and sunny while it was in the shop