When I first got my bike a month ago I was secretly dreading riding it. I was horrified to get up above MSF speeds on roads with traffic.
I forced myself to get on day after day and do 10 miles in slowly expanding circles on the side streets around my apartment.
I'm still learning but I've already come a long way. I had some electrical problems with my bike this weekend that, for the most part, are fixed (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=23480.0). The sense of relief when I got back on it to ride while there was still some sunlight today was immense. I've been without the bike for literally a day and I had severe separation anxiety. I used to find California a pretty miserable place to be honest but now I've got a bike I'm ecstatic that I can go riding practically any day of the year at any time.
Anyways, thanks to everyone that's helped me on this board so far. Hopefully one day I can return the favor!
(http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/433/angelescrest3.jpg)
Nice [thumbsup]
Pink welcome to the club, I started on a 620 about 2yrs ago.
Modded it like mad and have now just moved up to the big time and got an S4Rs.
You will never wipe the ;D off your dial. [thumbsup]
keep at it man
I've been riding for about 3 summers now and i'm still learning and sometimes dread to ride as well.
I will be taking a total control class this week , i'll let you know how that goes.
as far as cali goes i hear its awesome, my buddy moved to santa clara, I'll be up that way july 4th wknd [beer]
Quote from: That Nice Guy Beck! on May 10, 2009, 10:54:49 PM
god bless Brazil.
[thumbsup]
Really dig the gold frame/wheels.
Mad Max boots!! [evil]
Just to answer your question: YES
Pink,
You lucky SOB, you get to ride in California!!! You have twisties, and elevation changes, all things I dream about while I'm at WORK. I'm fortunate to live in flordia, but it might be one of the best weather states for riding with the WORST places to ride, flat, flat, flat. However, my addiction started 3 years ago and it has not waned at all. I think it gets worse (the addiction) with your experience level and the more bikes you ride/try out. Many people boast about the value of the total control schools. I've never had the opportunity to try one yet but the book by the same name by Lee Parks is fantastic. Read the chapter on cornering/countersteering. It will make you a different rider. After reading that book, I took one of the Penguin Schools for a track day. Wow!! Do what ever you can to learn as much as you can about riding. It will make you safer and your enjoyment level will go up exponentially.
Enjoy your new addiction!
Good on ya for having all the gear. [thumbsup]
yeah, you could say that :)
it was like the first time I played hockey... it just fit me
Yes, absolutely. I bought my M620 3 years ago and have done a lot of nice mods and made it 'mine'. That's the beauty of a Monster is it's ability to operate as an outstanding canvas for the owners whims. In the meantime, I've become a better rider, and a better mechanic. The ease of maintenance and rideability of a Monster ust begs the owner to become completely immersed in the experience and learn all they can about their bikes.
You know i have been wondering the same thing. I am so hooked its not even funny. Rainy days piss me off now, and driving my car (which used to be my top hobby) bores the crap out of me.
I had to drive the bike from NH to Boston when i picked it up, i was scared s-less about making that as my first drive on this bike...about 1/2 home i started wondering why i waited so long to get my own street bike.
I have a lot of skills to work on - but am enjoying every minute.
Quote from: WhiteStripe on May 11, 2009, 10:12:56 AM
You know i have been wondering the same thing. I am so hooked its not even funny. Rainy days piss me off now, and driving my car (which used to be my top hobby) bores the crap out of me.
I had to drive the bike from NH to Boston when i picked it up, i was scared s-less about making that as my first drive on this bike...about 1/2 home i started wondering why i waited so long to get my own street bike.
I have a lot of skills to work on - but am enjoying every minute.
Welcome to the knuthouse [thumbsup] Where ya from?
Well, ya see.... that's how addiction works, it happens RIGHT NOW!! Congrats and embrace the addiction. It's easier that way.... [laugh]
Crazy how many of us have similar stories.
Bought mine March '06, had a friend ride it home because I was freaked out, rode around neighborhoods to get comfortable. First time on the freeway freaked me out, too.
Now I can't imagine NOT having it. I describe this bike as the best dumb thing I've ever bought. I only say dumb because it's not a NECESSITY in my life, but my soul sure likes it.
Quote from: Ducaholic on May 11, 2009, 10:17:27 AM
Welcome to the knuthouse [thumbsup] Where ya from?
Work in Waltham and live jsut a bit further west. Are you in the area?
Quote from: Holden on May 11, 2009, 02:09:47 AM
Mad Max boots!! [evil]
Favorite trilogy ever. Well, the first two parts at least. The reason why I can never truly hate Mel Gibson.
Quote from: GatorDuc on May 11, 2009, 04:52:33 AM
Pink,
You lucky SOB, you get to ride in California!!!
I know! I'm thinking about it right now. Even mundane things like looking for a new apartment or dropping off mail is made interesting with a motorcycle.
Quote from: Scottish on May 10, 2009, 11:29:02 PM
[thumbsup]
Really dig the gold frame/wheels.
Thanks! Is that a Boglin? I had the green one when I was a kid.
Quote from: RBX QB on May 11, 2009, 12:00:20 PM
...had a friend ride it home because I was freaked out, rode around neighborhoods to get comfortable. First time on the freeway freaked me out, too.
Man, this was MY life a month ago.
Quote from: WhiteStripe on May 11, 2009, 12:14:17 PM
Work in Waltham and live jsut a bit further west. Are you in the area?
Nah I'm in Texas. Check out the local club section of this forum and you may find some riders close to you.
I know what you mean. I took the MSF class last September and picked up my bike right after I finished. Riding definitely freaked me out a bit at first. However, I've now been fully bitten. I brought my bike up to northern Virginia when I had to go for work for 3 weeks...in January and February. When I went up to Baltimore for 7 weeks for work I also brought the bike. Unfortunately now it is stuck up there in a shop getting fixed and I'm a few hundred miles away from it. I was dying this weekend with the great weather on the east coast. I'm going through significant separation anxiety right now, as I haven't had my bike in 3 weeks. I need to ride. Badly.
Welcome to the club and enjoy the lifestyle.
Quote from: Ducaholic on May 11, 2009, 05:11:50 AM
Good on ya for having all the gear. [thumbsup]
I thought the same thing -- no middle finger guy comments here.
Quote from: RBX QB on May 11, 2009, 12:00:20 PM
Crazy how many of us have similar stories.
Bought mine March '06, had a friend ride it home because I was freaked out, rode around neighborhoods to get comfortable. First time on the freeway freaked me out, too.
Now I can't imagine NOT having it. I describe this bike as the best dumb thing I've ever bought. I only say dumb because it's not a NECESSITY in my life, but my soul sure likes it.
ha! same here... i had one freak out in my neighborhood... like the first or second day i rode... i thought oh damn... what did i just get myself into
and then another big freak out on the e-way taking a somewhat big (for me) curve... i started leaning a little and i thought i was done for... but it stuck and now i can stop smiling when i ride
Nice post. The addiction sticks man. I'm getting to see that again as I'm helping a friend learn to ride right now. She just got her bike last wk and I rode it home for her. She's riding farther and farther, and better and better already!