Ducati Monster Forum

Well, I've posted an introduction in two different places and keep getting routed to different boards, or at least forums within the boards. I think I FINALLY might be on the right one.

The quick version:
ryan
29, married, two dogs
Just took my rider course and had a blast
Live in East Dallas, very near arboretum
Have always wanted a Ducati - Looking hard at the Sport 1000 and also Monsters
Want to make some new friends who can help me into the life
Have owned, worked on, been member of boards for both domestic (F-body) and Import (scion tC and 350z) cars.

So, who's gonna help the newbie spend way too much money? :)

you are in the right place.

So...  who has an opinion on ducati motorcycles around here?

If you are heading to AMS this week, let me know, and I might be able to meet you there and we can talk face to face...  otherwise, it might be the right time for a "which ducati is best" thread battle!!!

For me, I love the sport classics and the superbikes, but also love the monsters...

AMS?

See what I mean? Gotta help the newbie.  ;D

start here:  http://www.advancedmotorsports.com/

 [thumbsup]

Ah yes, I have been there. Got my gloves for the training course and drooled over some bikes.

I'm really liking the looks and the way the sport 1000 feels. The monsters are great too, but there's something about that classic cafe racer look that gets me. I tossed around the idea of getting the 696 for a bit, but from what I keep hearing I'll be pissed in a few months that I dumped all that money on it when I outgrow it. The popular opinion is that I get the S2 if I do decide to go with the monster.

I think I can handle having the extra power and being responsible about it. I'm a little older and wiser (not much, but hopefully enough) than a lot of teens or early twenty-something folks that get their first bike. I don't want to do anything stupid. I just want to ride responsibly, get comfortable, and eventually try out the track days.

it's worth noting that patrick is also a huge fan of the multistrada.

FWIW, though...i don't know how quickly you would really "outgrow" a bike like the 696...it has some pretty respectable specs.  my first three bikes were all 800 or smaller and i never got to the point where i thought i needed something more (the only thing i need more of are track days to get better at cornering).  but i guess i don't know what kind of riding you have in mind, either...track, touring, street...

Mainly street right now. Maybe a few nice rides around the area. Be nice to not depend on my z with the price of gas headed in the direction it is.

Get an S4Rs. Remove all plastic. Replace bars with clipons... you probably won't outgrow it and maintenance costs are virtually the same as the other models in the lineup. The liquid cooled engine is to die for IMO.

There are additional side benefits of this particular model as well. After 2 years and 14k miles I can now crush walnuts with my left hand and give crazy indian burns with my right.  ;D

Ryan,

Welcome to the forum!  Sorry you had so many problems finding the right place, but now that you're here - it was worth the trouble!

Sport 1000?  Great choice!  (no, I'm not biased)  [cheeky]

Keep your eyes on the used SC1000 market.  I saw one with low miles on ebay go for under $6500 last week.  If you're patient, and willing to shop around and travel a little, there are deals to be had.  The bike is very nice indeed!  It's my first Duc, so I can't offer a valid comparison to any other Duc's, but depending on your riding experience and expectations, the SC1000 is a very good blend of many elements (retro styling, modern reliability, not quite comfort, not quite 1098 seating, and fun to ride).

There are a couple of other local owners of the Sport Classic line (Duc L'Smart - Paul Smart, and fastwin - SC1000 Back in Black edition)

Here's some more pics of my bike...
http://www.barneephife.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=680

 - Jim

Ryan if you want we could meet up sometime and talk bikes. I'm right up the street from you. We might even be able to go by Brians place for a peak at virtually the whole ducati line up. Or maybe for a few test rides at AMS. I'm dying to try the 696 and HM

Nobody tell Jim about Ryan, he might think of selling his Sport Classic again to buy a Corvette (bad idea).  Fortunately he is out of town.  Oops too late!



Everyone on this board can help you spend your money.  That's not necessarily a good thing.  Stay away from Brian (Fastwin) or you'll end up with more bikes than fingers.  James, or you'll need a dictionary or thesaurus.  Alan (LYD/BLQ), or you'll need earplugs.  Me. or you'll grow old before you get to 30.   ;D

Oh, welcome! We have at least three guys with Sport classics.  Brian's Black on Black SPort Classic 1000, Scott (L'Smart) has a Limited editon Paul Smart and the previously mention Jim has a Black Sport Classic, which he thought of selling to buy a Corvette until his wife talked him out of it.  Smart wife.

The current 696 is said to have as much HP as the old 800 and early 900s but certainly not the torque of the bigger motors.  It is always easier to start smaller.  Less initial investment.  If you decide at some point you don't want to do it or if it is stolen or crashed your loss is less.  But we always end up wanting more.  for some it is immediate for others they love the nimbleness of the smaller bikes.  I started with a superbike and now have a Monster.  Great for city riding and longer rides.  Although I don't want to tour on them some swear by them as good touring bikes too.  BIg bike or small, you can adjust but it is more tempting to twist that right wrist with bigger bikes than with smaller bikes.

I told you you'll get older quicker if you hang around me.



sucking up to Monster owners again, eh?

cdc

To be honest, there isn't anything wrong with starting off with a litle bike that won't break your heart when you drop it. The ninja 250 is considered the ideal starter bike bc its cheap and you can sell it for virtually the same price you paid for it.

I started on a M620 and have been hooked since.

OK, first off, since you are a bikeless newbie please leave the important stuff like doing "anything stupid" to us old pros! It takes years of exerience and many bikes to achieve an expert level and professional capability of doing "anything stupid" correctly. Nothing worse than having to witness lame, wanker, rookie acts of stupidity. Just stand back and watch grasshopper. When you hear the words "Here, hold my beer, watch me do this" you will know you are in the presence of greatness! [thumbsup]

Secondly, don't listen to them when they say to stay away from me... well... hmmm, maybe that's not bad advice after all. :P

DO NOT think a 695 or 696 is too small and you will outgrow it tomorrow. Mondo mistake for a new rider. Go down and cruise a couple of wings of the hospital and check out all the yahoos that thought they needed a Suzuki GSXR1000 for their first bike. I have been on lots of rides with these guys and several have 695s and I haven't exactly seen any of them get left in the dust by bigger bikes. Those 695s are really nice scooters and the new 696 is supposed to be even better. It's not like a 800cc S2R Monster or a 1000cc Sports Classic is too much bike, but you should grasp the idea and get comfortable with the concept of starting out slowly. And by "slow" I do not mean small, slow as molasses bikes. I mean take things slowly and learn how to ride and how to survive first, you are a long way from being in a place to start worrying about being "under-biked".

WARNING: DO NOT LET YOUR WIFE READ THIS! Ask any of us and we will all tell you it is a god damn combat zone out there! You think it's bad in your 350Z? Try that commute to work on a bike with no street experience! It will scare the hell out of you. Get used to the fact that no one in a car sees you or cares you are there and even if they do you are fair game to be pushed around or run over. They won't even drop a cell call or miss a text message in the process! Sorry, but it's true and you might as well hear it from me now because you will hear it a lot. This long winded BS (... I know, he'll get used to it. >:() goes back to the idea of starting out slowly on a bike that's not "too much bike". Hey, you will save money on a 695/696 over the bigger bikes too! [thumbsup] Lastly, get the proper gear. I could care less what bike you get but I do care that you have a good helmet, jacket, gloves and boots. It will help you live longer.

OK, end of long winded BS, now back to your regular programing...

fastwin/Brian

ps  by the way welcome to the madness! I also live near White Rock Lake.

Hi Ryan,

Welcome to the DFWM Forum.  My first bike was a Monster 620; never ridden a motorcycle.  Rode the crap outta that bike... something like 18,000 miles in a year but decided I wanted something a little better for track days.

Sold the Monster to someone here on this forum and bought a 999.  AWESOME motorcycle that'll scare you to death anytime you take it out!  There is a reason they call it a "superbike."

Anyway, great bike on the track (now if I were even a 1/10th as great a rider as my bike... THEN I'd be on to something   [laugh] ), and a reasonably decent bike for the street.  My only issue with it around town is it's like killing a fly with a bazooka; way too much bike for around town, IMHO.

So long story long  [roll] , I bought my old Monster back and kept the 999 for track days and nice long rides in the country.  

Reader's Digest Version:

620/695 Monster = good, all round fun bike
Ducati Superbike = awesome track weapon

Hope this helps!

Lisa

Ryan, listen to Lisa! There, that short post made up for the earlier novel! ;D

Brian, it's funny - we were both writing replies at the same time.  I hit "Post" and I got the "Someone else has recently posted.  Do you still want to post?" message  [laugh]

i'm on my fourth bike, and i still don't know how to ride...   :-\   no but really, i'm still figuring it out.

and if you want an idea of which bike Lisa (n2f) likes more...just look at what bike *doesn't* make a mention in her sig....

Welcome Ryan

You really are starting off right by taking the time to get opinions before buying. There are many ways to go, but I have to agree that I am glad I got the 695 as my first Duc'. There are indeed times I lust after that dry clutch sound, but that is a very different issue (I’m a dryclutchaphile, BTW). For now I'll simply tap my tambourine after starting my bike to get the fix.  [laugh]

The bottom line is that you have to decide what your needs are for a bike on a day-to-day basis. Since I use mine to commute in traffic a few times a week, the bike it right for me. However, there are some who commute on SBK's <svoloch>. So, I guess it really depends on the individual.

Good luck with the decision. There are many folks out there who wish they had the opportunity to have such a decision to make.  ;D

 [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]



In the end, we all become assimilated into the Fastwin point of view.  Old bikes never die, they just get stored and kept forever.  ...........Or was it, never sell a bike, just put it on a battery tender.  One or the other.  It's all good.  [moto]

cdc

Thanks guys and gals. I'm lovin' all the great feedback. Lemme answer some questions, or concerns.

1 - I've had too many friends who ride and who have scared me into being fully suited up and very defensive on the streets. I'll never straddle a bike without my proper gear on out of shear terror of what could happen.

2 - I'm aware nobody sees or cares. My good friend once told me to get the loudest pipes I could find and ride with the brights on whenever possible. "You want them to see, hear and smell you coming a mile away" he used to tell me. Smart guy.

3 - I'm not as worried about outgrowing the 696 as I am not sure it's just the bike I want. I honestly think I'll just have to be super careful on the sport 1000 simply because it feels more like "me." Does that make sense? I think the monster's are beautiful, but I don't know if I see myself on it. I'll have to try it out.

 [thumbsup] to what the others have said.  Fastwin's post is on point for sure.  I have the air cooled 800 and hang with the more powerful bikes no problemo.  Yes you might get passed on the straights, but twisting the wrist is the easiest thing to do on any motorcycle and takes no skill!  The smaller monsters/bikes have plenty of oomph to stay with the group.

I was torn between selling or keeping my monster, fearing I've outgrown it, but really its a hoot to ride and you can rag the snot out of the bike once you become more comfortable with your skills.  They have more potential than you think, despite the lack of raw horsepower.

Good answers, good point of view, you'll go far! Hey, get whatever bike you want and whichever one spins your prop. As CJ said, what a nice position to be in. Hmmm, let me see... which Ducati do I want to buy, hmmm.

Sports 1000s are great bikes, no two ways about it. No argument here. If you do go that route you might consider the "comfort bars" that Ducati offers. They are about 3-4 inches taller than stock and make a HUGE difference in hand/wrist pressure and general comfort. You're 29 and can probably handle it stock without a second thought but you might look into it. I bet Jim/BarneePhife would agree. By the way, they will not fit the "S" model with the half fairing, only the un-faired model. They also make a "comfort" seat replacement. Yet another life saver that does nothing to hinder the sporting nature of the bike but is totally worth the $$$ in the long run.

Seriously, it would be a great excuse for us to get together and hang out so if you want to meet some of the DFW crew at AMS/Dallas and talk bikes just let us know. [thumbsup] We are always looking for a reason to go down to AMS and take up space. I hope they took down that picture of me behind the counter with "don't let him in again/call police" written on it. [evil]

ps  Ryan, while you are listening to Lisa also add Jester to the list! [thumbsup]

Ryan, one last thing. Will your wife be riding two up with you occasionally? Whether she will or not could influence your choice of bikes. Any feedback out there folks on this issue? ... I'll be quiet now. :-X

Yes, almost forgot that part. After I get a little comfy with the bike she'll want to ride with me. Probably not for great, long trips, but around town for sure. So yeah, there's that.

First let me say welcome to the group.  Everything everyone is telling is exactly correct.  There are many many many years of experience here in the group.  As for your quote I strogly agree!!  I think I have the loudest bike in the group with the D&D exhaust.  (anyone care to differ) (probally not)  Even cdc said you will need earplugs if you ride near me. I also drive with the high beams on in the day and I have a yellow bike and yellow gear. I think it helps me stand out.  There have been a couple of us who have been in really bad accidents, and would NEVER ride without proper gear.  This group always wears the proper gear!!  My 1st and 2nd ducs were 750 monsters and would go plenty for the riding we do.  The only reason I have a 900 now is to make george (caffeinejunkie) jealous with the open clutch ( and I bought it off a fellow DFWM for the right price).  Look around take your time, you will find something.  ASK LOTS OF QUESTIONS!!  no such thing as a dumb question.  We might make fun of you a little, but someone in this group will have the right answer.

Good luck and hope to meet you soon!

you are planning on putting a clutch cover on that thing soon, right?  i rode mine too/from Scott's place sans cover, (no plastics on either) and have to say that it's more than a little intimidating having a freaking meat/ankle grinder just spinning right there...scott and randy i think were a little "wtf" when they got on to take it for a spin...i know scott was reaching for his Sidi's.  i'm just sayin' man...

Definitely enjoy shopping for your bike and gear. Go by MotoLiberty off of I35 & Royal to try on all the gear you want. The folks there are great to do business with. Take the wife as well, they have a large stock ofwomen's gear that works as opposed to the fashion stuff thats worn on pillion.

Yeah, yeah, I know I said I would shut up earlier but just give me a minute. >:( Ryan, if your wife may go for an occasional spin and you want the Sports 1000 you will have to look into the 2007 or 2008 models since they are biposto (two seater) versions of that model. The 2006 Sports 1000s like mine, Jim's and Scott's Paul Smart are all single seat only with no passenger pegs. I don't think AMS has one but I'm sure you could find a left over 2006 single seat version for a good discount. But that requires you convincing your wife to never ride with you. I'm married but I don't have a problem with the wife ever riding with me... it's a long story. :P Again, they are great bikes but you may need to stick with the newer passenger friendly models.

Ah, great tip. Well, that's perfect. Guess I'll be spending more money than I thought.  Anyone selling a '07 for a song?  ;D

'07 SC down in Austin for sale, it's a GT1000 not the Sport1000.  It's had one tip over and it's looks to be pretty stock.  Check out the Austin craigslist.

nope, Not anytime soon!

Focus people, new guy needs advice not threadjacking here  [leo]

This little community of Ducatisti is pretty good about helping each other out, so don't hesitate to ask for some help.   [thumbsup]

I thought this was the Monster board! Get on a 695, let your wife inherit that when you upgrade to the S4Rs. I don't see what the fuss is about. [roll]

There are some new '06's still on showroom floors (but they are monoposto) for about $8995 now.  So, the '07's are still going for pretty much MSRP unless you can find a dealership willing to deal.  If you're wanting to do some serious shopping and research on the SC, PM me and I'll tell you about two other sites that have a larger SC community.  I don't want to distract you from this forum though.  I've never owned a Monster, and this group of folks has been the best online community I've been involved with!  [beer]  So, even if you do end up with an SC, be sure to stick around.

That said...

I guess I didn't realize your riding experience level.  While an SC1000 isn't really a starter bike, just about any bike can out-perform the riding capabilities of any new rider - and especially any irresponsible rider.  Based on your actions and comments so far, it sounds like you're not the irresponsible type.  My wife keeps asking me to teach her how to ride my SC1000.  She's got a good amount of street experience on a Stella scooter, but there's no way I'm going to subject anyone to learning (or at least, getting comfortable with a full size bike) on an SC1000.  Depending on your true riding experience, and the rate you'll likely to pick it up and saddle time, I'd tend to agree with many others that a 695/696 is a very appropriate bike to keep on your list (plus it's thousands less than an 07 SC1000).  It's no piddly scooter, but it's no liter bike.  However, a Monster will take you across the spectrum of most new riders' experience for the first several thousands of miles of street riding.  Plus, there's a much deeper and wider wealth of knowledge and mods for Monsters than for Sport Classics.  In fact, that would be my biggest complaint about my SC1000 - limited mods and much smaller population of riders/vendors/dealers with model-specific knowledge.

Most of the time, if you have a question about a Monster, someone in this crowd will have an answer half way through your sentence.  [cheeky]

Either way - the researching/searching/learning can be as fun finally buying the bike.  Have a good time, and don't get too bogged down in the process.  Ultimately, buy what you want, what you can afford, and what you will enjoy riding - and ride responsibly and safely!  [moto]

695 owner and damn proud of it. love it love it love it. i have had three bikes and this by far is the funnest i have had. a million times better than the katana i had and my brothers gsx-r. i like the gsx-r don't get me wrong but when you ride a duc it's whole new world!!! plus you should see the look on those "OTHER" guys faces when you pull up and give her a little gas (ask alan or scott also). call me about exhaust i have some new ideas plus i have a pair of stock cans i need a reason to cut, weld and paint on. [moto]

Good comments from Jim regarding the Sport 1000s. Anyone can tell you that Ducatis tend to get modified by their owners... you can even call it "personalizing" the bike. Some mods are performance enhancements that just so happen to be visually better and some are just visual/bling stuff. But it's hard to find a pre-owned Ducati that is bone stock. And that is where the Sports Classic line does lag behind. As cool as they are and as good as they are they are not Monsters and Monsters sale-wise are the backbone of the company. They have been produced in great numbers since 1993 and there are a ton of aftermarket parts available for Monsters. Not true of the Sport Classic bikes. It's not that you can't get parts for them. Far from it. It's just the number of aftermarket parts available isn't close to the options you have owning a Monster of any kind. There is not nearly as many Sports Classic bikes out there on the road and who do you want to make a groovy machined from billet part for? Make a part for a hundred thousand Monsters or ten thousand Sports Classics? It's just business.

As said before, get what you want. But once again you could save some good up front cash on a 695 (especailly with the 696s ready to hit the showrooms... read: discount!) that will carry the spouse for the 2 up riding you might do. There are a lots (and I do mean lots!) of cool aftermarket and Ducati Performance factory goodies for the 695 when the "mod disease" hits you. And it will! [evil] I don't know about you but is everyone enjoying this man's dilemma as much as I am? [evil] Buying a bike is an emotional experience (anyone care to differ?) it's not like buying a kitchen sink disposal. Get the bike you would love to see sitting in your garage every night. Buy the bike that makes you take off from work early just so you can get home and take it for a spin. Does this sound familiar to anyone? [laugh] We will all just sit back and vicariously enjoy your buying experience. [wine]

Hey, wait a minute, didn't I promise to shut up a few posts ago?... whatever, as if?.

Well, the plan is to run down to TXDOT tomorrow morning and take the written test, get that pretty little "M" on my license. :)

Sounds like a few of you are within a few blocks of me. Would love to meet you. After work tomorrow I'll be knocking around the house mowing the yard and such. Anyone in the Lakewood / Little Forest Hills / Casa Linda area wanna swing by the casa and show off their bike. Maybe you can convince me off of the 1000?  Might even have a beer in the fridge for 'ya since it's so hot out ;)

Shoot me a PM and lemme know.

  I live in that same area. I'll send you a PM

First off, welcome to the gang!  [beer]

Now some of my 2 cents...  [coffee]
All ducatis, being twins, have fairly linear power...  As such, you are less likely to get into trouble due to jerky throtle control on an air cooled 1000cc twin than on a 600cc inline 4.  However, the 1000 aircooled engine is still plenty powerful to get you in trouble if you are not very comfortable on a bike (or not as naturally gifted with such things)...

The new 696 has as much power as an SV650, which is much more than you will need for the street, while still giving you great gas mileage. There is also nothing wrong with starting with an used small bike until you are more comfortable and "in tune" with a bike. i.e. the SV650, a ninja 250, a ninja 650 (the twin cilinder one), and the monster 600/620/695/750.  Then you can use them as a down-payment towards your dream bike.
Everyone dumps their bike sooner or later... you may as well do it with a bike you don't care about as much and that are cheaper to fix.

At the end of the day, do what you believe is best for you.  There are no "right" answers, just some better advice than others.

Now go nuts!  [thumbsup]

Yo, Bryant is within rock throwing distance of your lawn mowing party. I'm pretty darn close myself. Good to know that there are more Ducati folks (or future Ducati folks) in the neighborhood. Again, let us know if you want to have a meet and greet at AMS or somewhere else for scooter talk. We aren't bashful about expressing our bike opinions!

hey, I still have my sweet little M750 which has way less power than even a 620! and I still have a freakin blast on the thing and it's never leaving my hands as far as I know...

yep... If I had enough money I would have kept my 620 (a much better street bike than the 999).

Yeah, I miss my M620.  I may have to find another one and mod the hell out of it  ;D

Hey that's my line.

cdc

I will help you spend way to much money.
Get...
1. A Sport 1000
2. Any Monster...they don't call them that for nothing
3. A 1098
4. Hypermotard

ha, I rode the monster in today  [cheeky]

WoW! I go to the track for a day & all hell breaks loose!

Let me see if I can straighten things out... (This may take a few posts  :P)

Glad you found our little corner of the net, Ideapimp [thumbsup]

Sounds like you're on the right track. Get the "M" on your license, do some test riding, process of elimination (do you REALLY waat a bi-posto?), then maybe a wall-sized flow chart of likes/dislikes.  ;D

At the end of the day, all the bikes you're considering are "good". We could debate techie stuff all day, but the most important thing is to follow your heart, & get a bike that makes you smile every time you see it [thumbsup]

I'm a former-eastsider (Lake Highlands Estates), but am not toooo far away if the beer is cold. Now which bike do you want to see  ;D

Wrong. Exactly backwards. Git yer a$$ to the track & learn to ride, THEN you'll be safer on the streets  [thumbsup]

Really?!? [evil] That's good to know.... Track Day Thursday? [laugh]

+1  [moto] [thumbsup]

No worries there, my friend [thumbsup]

two more things...

1.- The title may say "Monster", but we have as many, if not more, non-Monster owner/riders here. Even several non-Ducati riders... All are welcome  [beer]

B.- The statements in this thread, and this forum in general, are the opinions of the author(s), and may bear no relation to reality. Your mileage may vary.

Three.- Keep us posted [thumbsup]

when is the next track day anyway?  i think the SS will be up to task...

Who do think you are, threadjacking like that, Duc L'Smart or something?!? [evil]

what are you doing posting?  don't you have a track to be racing around or something?

Scott do you want to ride over and visit our soon to be Ducati owner in White Rock?  There's been an offer of beer there  [beer]

That goes for anybody else too.  New guy buys the beer right?

Hey Ryan, just wanted to welcome ya here...

not much of a monster rider, but if you need help in the SBK area, let me know. =)

Hmmm... What time?

Maybe 7ish? I get home around 6 and need to walk the dogs and hit the lawn really quickly. Nothing formal. Just a "hiya," a beer and drooling over your bikes.

When he's not trying to lower his lap times he's here trying to bump his thread count! [laugh] [moto]

I'll have to cruise by and say hi another time Ryan, I have little league baseball playoff parent/spectator duties this evening... on the worst field we play on in 95 degree heat... and the coach probably won't play or kid... again. :P

and doughnuts if I remember correctly.

cdc

did someone say free beer?   [drink]  are we talking about tonight after work?  where at?

Did I say anything about beer? [drink]

I usually don't get off of work until 6 or so anyway.  I'll head to the WareHome after and meet up with Scott  [thumbsup]

whoops, fixed it for you

Ok, to answer the "where at?" question I will now break every written rule about the internet. I am going to post my address.  ;D

See you cats at 9006 Daytonia Ave - Dallas

Want directions? google is your friend.  [thumbsup] Again, folks. Just hoping for 3 or 4 folks here. Don't bring your cousin and his whole soccer team.

Haha, that's almost directly across from my apts

Fooey!!  If I wasn't sitting in Las Vegas right now, I could make it over for you to see my SC1000 tonight.  Maybe Duc L'Smart will bring his Paul Smart.  MUCHO cooler than the SC1000, but you'll get the idea.

whoa whoa there big guy...don't be so quick to rank yours lower on the scale...you're bike has a totally different look, and is *hella* cool; super clean.  it would be really tough if not downright impossible to rank your SC against the PS...  in my book, anyway.

Okay this is a MONSTER thread!!!!  HELLO people!!  [laugh]

Thanks man!  [thumbsup]


Oh, and to keep Alan happy, I'll keep this post in-theme with the forum.
(http://sanseverything.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/cookie-monster3.jpg)

ahhh man... I was gonna bring the Velvet Kittens.  :'(

I hope that's a joke.

My wife started The Lollie Bombs and I happen to be the manager.  [thumbsup]

(http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Lolliebombs/LolliesGroupFinal.jpg)

you can't bring them I am!!  

(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x60/alamin115/m_DSC03706.jpg)

I love that pic!!

Sorry thread jacking is a crime  [leo] so what ever you do buy make sure its YELLOW!!  happy hunting and I have a great painter!!

Yet another party foul. Both of you are uninvited.  ;D

ah shite, I think I got myself in trouble..... you know what I mean Scott!!!  The sbk's in the proper hands will whip me silly, but in spirited road riding, I can hang around with them.   [thumbsup]  Guess I better prepare my trackday-noob hiney for some lessons hehe.    [moto]

He's already well on the road to success; saw Jacob today at MotoLiberty picking up his new track day leathers...

Oh, we're equal opportunity lovers of burlesque hotties (excluding your wife of course  [roll])  [laugh].  It's good to have another burlesque troop to turn to. It encourages competition and that's good for the economy. More burlesque I say. So when's the next show and when are we invited. To help the economy of course.  ;D

Does the girl on the "booking" page of the website look familiar to anyone alse?
http://www.lolliebombs.com/

That would be Ms. Lawless. Her hair is much longer now. That's an old picture.

Everyone is invited to the next show at Pocket Sandwich Theatre July 11th and 12th. Too bad we just had one or you guys could come and see 'em. Of course, if you don't mind the drive, we have a show in OKC on June 7th.

Damn, I haven't been to the PocketSandwich Theater in years.  I may have to make a trip over there soon

I'm trying to get out of work at the normal time but no promises.  I'll be back in the WRL area though by 7 for sure.  I'll swing by IP's place to visit and say hi, then back to the Duc Cave to work on my wheel chock rig

Do I see an exotic bike/car night in our future???

stuck at a clients, I may be out... :(

Actually, I think a "Velvet Kittens" vs. "Lollie Bombs" Ducati Dance-off is a better idea.

The winner to be determined by a variant of the applause-o-meter, where we rev our Ducati's and the "Exhaust-O-Meter" levels shall crown the winning troop!   [laugh]

Either that or the woody meter!!  [evil] (sorry lisa, but Alan could join us)

dude, cmon.... honestly?  what does Toy Story have to do with this?

Anybody other than me going to meet up with IP?

I'll be leaving work in about an hour

'06 SC monoposto new = $8.499
'07 SC sport biposto new = $10,499
'08 SC GT biposto new = $11,495

cdc

It was good to meet you Ryan. Thanks for the beers and having myself and Rich over to hang out for a bit. Hopefully we'll we you out at Lee Harvey's this weekend.  Or at AMS for some test rides.

Crap, couldn't make it.... My beer better still be there!!!

you have to fight the wasps for it....and finish weed-eating.  then it's all yours.

thanks for the brews, man...and good luck with the test-riding; you'll have a blast.   [thumbsup]

Not even a contest. Since the Lollie Bombs strip down to pasties and g-strings and the kittens really only do cabaret.... Well, I think you guys would dig it.  [thumbsup]

Wow, looks like a good time was had by all   [drink] - at this point I'm going to step up and take some credit for snagging Ryan from TOB and reeling him in here

Something told me, lets get this guy over here  ;D

But of course my plan backfires 'cuz he was in THCM and I thought he was local - and now the DFWM crew has beers at his place while I sit here, beerless  :'(

nah, really, it gives me a warm IZ_  ;D

don't forget to drop by THCM once in a while man!

Just back from AMS, where I got to meet IdeaPimp in person ( [thumbsup] ), who's hair is really not as blue as promised, and who test rode a Black Sport 1000.

BarneyPhife just might have a little competition  [laugh]

Just for you, I'll see if I have some more dye around here and be all purpled up for tomorrow's meet and greet at Lee Harvey's.

So how'd you like the S1000?

Go over to the "plannin' my friday" thread. I've got it all there.

+1.

This is the "new & & a little lost" thread...

Whip it good  [thumbsup]

Ok, this is my first post on this forum, but a reply to the bikeless guy.
First off, an intro (I know, I should to a formal one on the left of this page and I still might.)
My name is Steve, 33, been on a duc for about 2 years. First was an 02 ST4s, second is an 03 ST4s.
I REALLY dig the STx bikes. I did 1200 miles in 2 days and the following weekend took off the luggage/racks and did a track day.
I bought an ST because my wife liked riding on a buddy's ST2 that he WAS going to sell me but backed out of at the last minute.
If you have to have one, bike, well.... There are many to choose from.

I'm actually looking to get a smaller cc/ lower power bike for "fun". I'm thinking an 848 (racey) or the M696, Hypermotard as far as sporty/fun goes and a GT1000 for just cruising.
I just started racing in Texas MiniGP a few months ago (working on a KX80 powered YSR). What I'm learning is small bikes teach you how to ride WELL. You need to ride them well to go fast.

Point is, smaller cc is not really a bad thing. When you are the top rider in the beginer class at a track day, then worry about "too much bike".
Hope that helps a little.
Steve

Good post, Steve, and Welcome [thumbsup]
Are you in the Dallas area?

Hey Steve, you should come on out to Lee Harveys this afternoon around 4:00. Looks like it'll be a good turnout.  [thumbsup]

-Will

Steve I had a YSR80 with I lived in Japan and I loved riding that little bike. Rather than just picking a gear and going, like a larger bike, I had to work on proper gear selection, braking points and good lines to keep up with full sized bikes.

As for Ryan, CDC helped me out a couple of months ago when I was preparing to buy my first Ducati. Mainly old vs. new and what to expect with maintenance, etc. I already knew I wanted a sport bike while my back could still handle it, then move on to something else. 

If only I knew what CDC was....

Cult of the DEAD Cow.

...I think.

A hacker group... hosted some info of the group that offed themselves during the "Hail Bop" commit situation...

Long live "SLAP MAXWELL!!!"

Getting hurt sucks.  There is nothing fun, or cool, or macho about it.  Getting hurt means pain,
wasted time, and wasted money.  This is enough to make some people run and hide from it as best
they can.  Tucked safely away, they risk nothing.  Tucked safely away they forget who they are.

   The body is flesh; a big sack of tubes and fluids and tendons.  Smash it enough, cut enough tubes,  and the
big sack stops working.   This used to be a daily problem for man: Getting eaten by bears, freezing in the snow,
coughing up your lungs from bubonic plague.  But, thanks to guns, and saughterhouses, and cities, we don't
have to worry about that Sh*t anymore.  Survival has little to do with avoiding physical danger.  Think about it:
you don't have to get hurt.  You can sit at home and watch TV and order food and you will live a long and stupid
life.  Hello safe and easy living!

   Nevertheless, some of us still go out and risk bodilly injury and death on a regular basis, for no
good reason at all.  Is skateboarding worth losing all the skin on your arms?  Is a motorcycle jump
 worth a broken back?  Of course not, but without taking the chance you might as well exist.  If
there is nothing at risk, what is there?   Don't fool yourself with "Virtual" fun.  Play enough video
games and golf and you will slowly lose any sense of meaning in your life.  Only by risking pain can
we embrace our physical reality.  Only by embracing our physical reality can we truly enjoy the
Land of Plenty.

   I have had my share of crash landings.  Most of which could have been avoided if I had never left the
house.  Skateboarding, bikes, stunts, fights, car crashes, cuts, bruises, broken bones, surgery,
convulsions, unconsciousness.  Whee.  While I won't say I've enjoyed any of it, at least it has let me
know I'm alive.  I know what it means to function, I know what it means to break, and I know that
someday I will break so much that I will die. 
   I am comfortable with my tendency to fall apart, and thus my mortality.  I don't hide from
reality, I like it to smack me around a little bit and remind me that it's there.  We are ALL big
sacks of sh*t in the Land of Plenty.  Learn to like it.  Go out and do something risky.  If you emerge
unscathed, good for you.  If you fall and get hurt, at least you tried, and at least you know what you
really are.

-"SLAP MAXWELL" (circa 1996)

Oh, that RichD, he's a funny one...

cdc is one of our's- he lives near Ft. Worth & has 3 very nice Ducs [thumbsup]

Oh, THAT  "cdc"...

Yeah, that one is different!  ;D

I know you have the phone number handy for the Center for Disease Control if necessary  [thumbsup]

Actually... I don't... but  do have this blister here...

Could you forward it to me?

THANKS!...








;D

cdc was formerly know as *** in TOB.

Charles de Castro to you Ryan.  Welcome to the group.  Sport Classics are beautiful bikes for sure but to get you started on a Duc you can use for two up riding, it is not the only Duc out there.  Trying to get a good deal on them will take awhile since other than the '06 GT 1000 which may be available on the used market these days, there will be more biposto SCs in the '07 and '08 which in many cases are still considered "current" models.  I know that definition is stretching it for the '07s.  

To get you started soon on a Ducati with good two up capabilities, like Steve (sdlrodeo) has suggested, a used ST (ST2, ST4, or ST4S) are great bikes for two up riding and touring.  They are sleeper bikes.  They might look frumpy and not "sportbike" enough but if ridden right they will more than hang with the superbikes.  Now I just need to ride mine right and I too will be able to hang with the hotshoes.  You know who you are. ;D

Another way to go is to show up this afternoon and out-drink Rich.  If you can get him so drunk that we can steal his 900SS,  you can use it and I can use it as long as Rich doesn't know where his bike went to we will be good.  Seriously, an older 900SS is now "old school" classic and is a neat bike to own.  I'd consider doing that to RichD's 900 SS/CR but he needs it to build a side bike for his dog and it just wouldn't be right to take that away from "duke".  Anyway, newer Supersports with fuel injected 800cc and 1000cc engine might also be good.  They no longer make them and maybe out there in the used bike market.  They are air cooled, fuel injected and with more modern electonics.  I would consider them if you are tall enough and have a long reach because they tend to have a high seat height and a longer reach to the bars.  They have a more decent seat than the Monster and are fully faired.  Some older ones were half faired.

From the high priest of the Cult of the Dead Cows (ie non vegetarian meat lovers)
previously know as ***
aka cdc (small caps peeps, not large caps)

RichD I like that Slap Maxwell mission statement. [thumbsup] My wife just wouldn't understand. To paraphrase a great line: The object of life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways at full speed, totally worn out, shouting "Holy Shit, what a ride!!!" I have that written on a piece of paper taped to a cabinet in my garage... right next to the note I left my wife before last year's Arkansas trip promising her that I would be safe. [laugh]

Yeah, Suposedly, the YSR I'm on used to race against and occasionally beat Hayden, Spies, and a few others. It is not running the same as it did 7 years ago. The tires were that old too! That first run wasn't fun with 7 year old tires in the rain. Good times!