Ducati Monster Forum

I hadn't wanted to mention this until things were sorted but now they are. 

Short version: I'm fine but my bike was totaled.  It's gone.

Long version:
Work sucks a lot for me lately.  About a month ago I had a day that was much worse than usual.  I put out the fire of the moment, handed things off to my coworker, and left a little early.  I made plans to meet a friend for dinner.  Then I set out for a nice long ride to clear my head.  I went down Germantown Road, then Skyline, then Old Skyline out to the edge of the county where it turns to gravel.  I came back just a bit to a nice overlook of the river and stopped to collect my thoughts.  Then back on the bike to retrace the same route into town.

It was still early so I stopped in at MotoCorsa and had a coffee and sat down to write down a few thoughts before I lost them.  It was a great ride and it really helped me shake off the bad feelings and regain my composure.  Feeling much better I picked up my things and headed to meet my friend for dinner.

I parked outside my favorite restaurant and waited for my friend to arrive.  It was one of the first nice, warm days so we took a table outside right where I parked.  Conversation was great and he really helped me to frame things and get some perspective.  It was such a rotten day that I actually broke my own 'no drinky-ridey' rule and decided to have a cocktail with dinner.  Somewhere around the middle of the cocktail and entree the white BMW parked in front of the bike backs up and just knocks it over onto the left side.  Now the car had about 10' or more clearance in front of it so I don't know why it was backing up to start with, and I parked well behind it just in case it did decide to back up but not far enough it seems. 

I caught the start of this out of the corner of my eye and by the time I looked over the bike was already pushed over the kickstand and headed to the ground.  I heard that sickening crunch of sheet metal and was pretty sure that meant a tank ding.  The old lady driving stopped and got out and apologized profusely.  I was really upset but said no one was hurt it's just a motorcycle and it can be fixed.  We got the bike up and assessed the damage: tank ding, bent bars, bent clutch lever, bent foot peg bracket, mirror crunched, assorted scratches.  At this point she's asking if it's damaged and I said yes.  It looks minor but I'm sure it's going to cost a lot.  Pointed out a few of the issues.  "Are you sure that's bent?", she asked looking at the foot peg bracket.  At this point I lost my cool a little.  I told her it was bent and I'm pretty sure it's a $200-300 part.  The tank is dented and that costs $1000.  She backed off a little, got out here insurance and license.  We traded info and parted ways.  It was an accident, no hard feelings.

I got back to the table to find my friend had graciously ordered me a beer.  Since I already broke my rule, if one why not two?  I know all the staff there and they all came by to say how sorry they were.  We finished up with some dessert and then went to see about the bike.  It was sort of barely rideable so I asked my friend to follow me to MotoCorsa.  I limped it there and I was in luck, though it was past closing time a few guys were still in the service dept and took the bike in.

MotoCorsa went over the bike and did an estimate.  Over the next month it went back and forth.  The old lady's insurance company agreed to take responsibility right away.  They totaled the bike after about a week and a half and took another few days to assess the replacement value.  The tank costs $1,800 dollars and the dent is in a place where the metal is too thin to reliably repair.  It has to be replaced and that with the other parts and labor took it to totaled.  For the next two weeks or so was negotiation.  They wanted to pay out less than I thought the bike was worth.  Many thanks to Brad at MotoCorsa for advising me and walking me through the negotiation process over the two weeks.  With things at work sucking so much I was really not in the mood for this but he kept me calm and rational.  I sent in some comparable bikes I saw for sale, they looked for comparable bikes for sale, they looked up NADA value, they called some dealers, I directed them to dealers who actually sold Ducatis, they called them too.  They came up to a better price but still not what I wanted.  Many thanks to Arun for writing me a letter of estimated value which the insurance company considered and finally came to a value I felt comfortable accepting.

Now I didn't want the bike to go the junker but I didn't want to keep it either.  Yeah, I could live with the ding and just fix the functional bits, maybe pocket some cash to boot, but I didn't want a bike with an $1800 tank that I couldn't get collision on because it was a salvage title.  Honestly, there really wasn't all that much damage it's just the cost of parts and labor and the way the insurance worked that made it totaled.  So I took the payout less the cost of buying back the wreck.  I sold it for the price I bought it for to someone who is going to fix it up and give it a good home.  I made no money but got my money out of it and the bike doesn't go to the scrap heap.  Everyone wins as far as I'm concerned.

I was considering selling the bike at the beginning of this season and was pretty much decided on doing it next spring.  I'm getting older, 40 this year.  Some of you know I have a bone disease and my spine is in pretty bad shape.  Some days I can't even sit on the Monster comfortably with my back pain, when I can I lack any hint of will power or responsibility.  I shouldn't be riding like that on public roads and certainly not with my back.  And much as I hate to admit it, becoming a father late last year probably weighed in on the decision too.  Not so much the danger to myself as setting a bad scofflaw example for my son.  At least that's what I tell myself so I don't feel like a total wuss.

All that factored in, the parking lot tipover got me a good price for my bike without having to let a bunch of jugheads test ride it.  With all that Ryan and Dan are going through I can't say it's the worst outcome.  And someone else got an inexpensive ticket into the world of Ducati.  No down side really except the insurance hassle which worked out in the end and missing out on the best month of riding weather we've seen so far this year.

So the Ducati is gone.  I will miss it and I know that.  Having gotten good compensation from the insurance company though I'm already looking at new bikes.  Something a little more mellow, not totally sure what yet, just something that doesn't goad me into riding 60mph through a 30mph corner just because I can.  So I probably won't be on the board much any more but if you send me a PM I get an e-mail so just holler.  This is one of the most friendly and helpful internet communities I've ever been a part of.  I hope I can find the same thing for whatever bike I get next.

Big thanks again to Brad, Arun, and the rest of the MotoCorsa staff that helped sort this all out.  Farewell for the board but I'm sure I'll see some of you around from time to time.  You'll see me in my yellow helmet as you pass me ;)

Scott

Too bad about your bike :'(, but we'll still let you ride with us even if you buy a Harley. ;D

...even if its a Vespa.... Cause we like you. Sorry about the bike, but if I read correctly, sounds like a win win for you.

Sad to hear about your hassles and the bike going down the road, but I'm happy for you that it worked out to the maximum benefit for all involved.  I hope you can find something easygoing and comfortable to ride.  It might sound blasphemous, and it's definitely ugly, but you could take a look at the Buell Ulysses.  The previous owner of my SS couldn't handle the riding position and that's what he replaced it with (he also had a HD Heritage Softail in the garage).

Best of luck in all things, and hope to see you around!

Thanks guys.  Harley, no.  Too big, too loud, too expensive, too common.  Vespa, maybe but I just can't get used to riding something without a tank to grab.  I want to like scooters since this is a scooter town they just never feel right to ride.  No Buells either.  Nice bikes in many ways but even more hooligan than a Monster. 

I need something that's fun to ride even below the speed limits.  I love the mid size cruiser I had a few years ago but it's just not my style any more.  If they made one where your feet weren't 17 feet in front of your butt I might consider it.  And no, no Bonneville America thank you.  That is the worst cuiserization abomination of a nice old British style bike I've ever seen.  Yech!

I'll probably have something soon.  I have a road trip planned to San Fancisco and back in less than a month and I don't want to miss it just because I have no bike. :P

Scott

What about a Triumph Bonneville?

Don't they sell them nortons or bullets or what not at the vespa store? Them looks cool. Get one and we can all try it out.

Thought about a Bonneville.  Started reading reviews.  I found one that said something to the effect of, "The engine: anemic.  If you want to see what an 800 twin should feel like ride a Monster."  :(  And they're a bit pricey.  Couldn't imagine spending that much money on something with a review like that after owning the Monster 800.  And a little big/fancy for me.  I want something more minmal.

The Enfield: Yeah, Vespa has them and I test rode both models.  Tops on my list right now.  Small and a little pricey for what it is mechanically but it's so pretty!  And a whole sidecar is less than an Earles fork for most other bikes.  Gotta think of the rug rat ;)  Once you get past the fact that it only has 1/2 the redline, 1/3 to 1/4 the hp you're used to, and makes freeway speed but not much more it's really enjoyable.  We'll see.  Dealer is a really nice guy too.

If I get one you can all ride it and make fun of me for buying it. :P

Scott

Make fun of you?  Are you kidding?  Those are cool!  [thumbsup]

Well I think so but my opinions are rarely those of the masses.  And it's usually thought of as a second bike, not an only bike.  Still, it's about the only 'standard' style bike available in the US today with less than 750cc's, not designed for someone 5' tall, fast enough for the highway, and that has some style.  It's truly a shame that there are so few small motorcycles to choose from in the US.  Asia and Europe have us beat.

Here's my review of the two different models they make:
http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php/topic,8098.0/all.html (http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php/topic,8098.0/all.html)

Scott

Asia definitely has us beat.  Not only in practical small motorcycles, but cars and trucks, too.  I saw some great rigs in the Philippines that I'd love to import.  Toyota Hilux pickup, Toyota Fortuner SUV, 400cc dual-sports...  You could actually go places and do stuff with these vehicles.  The crap we sell here, especially the so-called "small SUVs" that are nothing more than passenger cars with 2" of extra ground clearance...  [bang]  And don't get me started on the subject of dual-sport motorcycles.  Nobody actually makes what I really want.  Mid-size powerplant (~80hp, 800-900cc), 2-cylinder, easy to work on (not the fricken buried rear shock and valves of the Gran Canyon), comfortable seat for long-haul trips, stout enough to carry two people and three cases, fuel efficient, big-ass gas tank, reasonable weight (~400lbs), enough highway stability to cover some distance, enough offroad capability to go poking around in the backwoods.  The BMW F800GS misses the mark a little (on the small side for 2-up distance riding, smallish gas tank), and it's way too expensive.  The Multi misses the mark in the other direction (it's a bit on the big side and a bit more road-oriented than what I consider ideal), but I can live with its shortcomings.  The Gran Canyon would be nearly perfect, but it's still a little short on range, it's a bizatch to maintain, and it's no longer in production (parts availability will be a problem).

Anyway... sorry about the rant.  I agree Scott, we don't have as wide a selection of useful vehicles here in the US as elsewhere.

Yeah, dual sports are just like SUVs.  Bulkier than they should be and most never see a drit road :)  I really like small cars too.  My last three cars were a Bradley GT, a Volkswagen Super Bug, and my current Honda Civic hatchback.

My friends blog:
http://subcompactculture.com/ (http://subcompactculture.com/)

Scott

Did you see the Top Gear episode where they try to kill a Hilux and can't. They eventually put it on top of a 10 story building that's about to be demo'd, and it still ran afterwards. :o

Rmeinds me of what I think was a special feature on the 'Long Way Round' DVD where Charlie tries to kill a Hona Cub.  Replaces the motor oil with used deep fryer grease, beats the snot out of it, drops it off a roof several floors up... still ran :)

Look at all these posts. You suck at leaving the club, Scott. May as well just stay.  :-*

You are a monster rider emeritus... Part of the club no matter what you ride...or don't ride. Friends here with or without a bike.

That's two things I suck at this week: leaving here and not saying f**k in company meetings.  Work really sucks this week and I've been super irritable all month since I lost the bike.  My coworker quit too which left me holding the bag for the entire department, not that I can blame him. 

I went for another 40 minute test ride on the C5 yesterday and feel so much better.  Not having a motorcycle is bad for my career.

Scott

Hell, I've never owned a monster. Double hell, I've never owned a Duc period! I'm still here (unfortunately for you guys  :P )

Don't leave Scott! We love you! We don't care what you ride, you're a part of this community and we want you to stay.

You guys should come over and have dinner with us one night, we'd love to see you again.

Betty makes a strong point.  Plus how would I keep updated on when Mo and Ryan crash or on what goes wrong with Chuck's bike?  Ok, I'll stay.   But I might be around a little less often and I may not post quite so often in the tech threads.  Who am I kidding?  I'll probably suck at that too :P

Got the C5 home last night, nice little bike.  Compared to the Duc I can't even feel the clutch  lever. [laugh]  Totally forgot I'd have to do all that insurance and DMV stuff when I agreed to pick it up last night.  Oh well, made it home just fine and sorted the insurance this morning.

Scott

Here are a few pics of Tor and me with the bike.  These are from a while back when I was just looking at the Enfield and before the Ducati got totaled but I'm pretty sure it's the same bike I ended up buying.

http://picasaweb.google.com/scottaraujo/BabyPics20100531To20100621#5486350151663338994 (http://picasaweb.google.com/scottaraujo/BabyPics20100531To20100621#5486350151663338994)
http://picasaweb.google.com/scottaraujo/BabyPics20100531To20100621#5486350161259802850 (http://picasaweb.google.com/scottaraujo/BabyPics20100531To20100621#5486350161259802850)

I'll post some newer ones later.

Scott

Creepy, just noticed those pics are dated 4 days before the bike go totaled :(

Gotta love baby pics with motorcycles.  [thumbsup]  There's one of my niece on the SS from last summer... it's posted around here somewhere I think.

That's a really cool moto, too!  I'm diggin' that style.  If it had 2 seats, I'd be tempted.  Another one I think would be a total hoot is the Triumph Scrambler.

It does.  By the time I got around to buying it they had gotten the accessory pillion in and installed it.  I figured I may as well take it, I'd use it and it flows nicely with the rest of the bike and keeps the look.

Also, there's a Scrambler kit for it :D
http://nfieldgear.com/enfield-store/aftermarket-parts-accessories/mods-kits/scrambler-trials-kit.html (http://nfieldgear.com/enfield-store/aftermarket-parts-accessories/mods-kits/scrambler-trials-kit.html)
I hear the exhaust on that sounds pretty cool.

Scott

For $2150.00 it had better sound cool.

Yeah, I find it ironic that the bike is very inexpensive but the 'kits' are pretty pricey.

marrying a trophy wife is free. The upgrades cost more than the wedding however.  ;D

see

I knew you wouldn't leave

and

I bet you will be back on two wheels by next summer

now we just have to work on Johnny

Next summer?  I picked up my new bike the week I got the insurance check!  I was very grouchy for the month I didn't have a bike.

Scott

That. Is. Awesome.  [clap]

Some pics of the bike at home:

http://picasaweb.google.com/scottaraujo/BabyPics20100625To20100809#5503655500352019794 (http://picasaweb.google.com/scottaraujo/BabyPics20100625To20100809#5503655500352019794)
http://picasaweb.google.com/scottaraujo/BabyPics20100625To20100809#5503655500352019794 (http://picasaweb.google.com/scottaraujo/BabyPics20100625To20100809#5503655500352019794)

Scott

Wrong link.  All I see are naked pics of Monika.

Ain't she hot?

Made me go back and check the links again.  ;D

Ha ha ha . . . sweet ride man!