Buying tips?!?

[swampduc]

thanks for the feedback so far.

Wife is deadset on brand new, no arguing there otherwise I would look around at used.

I did used to wear gloves when I rode, I lived in New Jersey then, never got to be 120 degrees...... Advise duly noted, will buy, and wear, regardless of weather. Do they have vented gloves? I think those would work best. I had leather ones previously.

I am 5'10 150, will probably go with icon base don price and function. I understand many of the Ducati jackets do not come with back armor which I assume is fairly important given that is where your spine is and all....

Do you all reccomend buying your gear at the same place as your bike or getting it somewhere else like a cycle gear or something?

+1 There are many vented gloves and/or perforated gloves available. I've used Joe Rocket GPX and Alpinestars GPtech gloves with good results (Astars are much better IMO, though pricier- what's your hand worth?)
Before that I wore just a plain leather glove without armor - after a highside and 3 broken metacarpals, I learned my lesson. Since then, I've had 1 chance to "test" my armored gloves and they worked great.
I'm about the same size as you and the Ducati 80's and High Tech jackets fits me great. They don't come with back protectors but have a pocket for the Dainese G1 or G2 protectors- those cost about $70 or $80 at Cycle Gear.

[Bun-bun]

+1 on check the gear board.

As for the original reason for the post, Pi t the dealers against each other, but don't expect one to have a huge savings over the others unless you can find an '08 at one of them(doubtful). Most likely they'll all be within a few hundred of each other. You're more likely to find one offering gear, mods, or services as an incentive. If one offers gear, nail down what gear is being offered, all the way down to specific brand and model, not just "We'll throw in a helmet."
Good hunting.
Jeff

[causeofkaos]

I am sure other people will chime in on this, if you can get $500 off the dealers asking price you did good ( there are exceptions to the rule ) i paid cash for my 696 and they only came down $600 all i got was a t-shirt and a pair of gloves = $230 ducati coarse gauntlets  they were the only ones that fit is the excuise i used.
almost all of my gear was purchased on-line. Most of the time the sizing chart for on line purchase is close other times not so much.
P.S. The pearl white is officialy the fastest color.

[mlondre]

I will need to get the bike and some basic gear (helmet, jacket, probably not gloves yet as it is getting warm here in AZ).

Getting the right gear is huge!  I had a very minor spill on my monster last weekend going about 25 around a sharp turn, and i'm lucky i was wearing leather pants, leather jacket, boots, gloves, and obviously a helmet.  i would have messed my left leg and foot up pretty badly if i wasn't wearing gear, but instead, i only have a small bruise on my knee and some battle scars on the gear.  its all still completely wearable.  i scuffed the gloves up in all the spots they were planning on me scuffing, so my hands are perfect still. 
pleeeeease make sure to always wear good gear, especially if you're heading to the canyons of arizona!  i'd love to take my bike and ride in sedona area some time in the future!

[brickdogg]

OK cool, so I think I got the gear part down, gloves, helmet, jacket for sure. Will look into pants when I am going to have time to take her out for a serious ride, but probably not practical for everyday riding to and from work/school.  oh, also need a good bag that will accomodate a 17" laptop....

As far as getting a deal, how much of that gear do you reasonably think I can get them to throw in with the bike? I am not looking for an outrageously priced jacket or helmet, just ones that fit well and look good. I am estimating 200 for textile jacket, 200 for a helmet, 50 ish for perf gloves. Think i can score most/all of that included in my total purchase price? Oh and I want the 14t front sprocket installed..... no idea cost on that.

Looking forward to thoughts..... (PS. not trying to be cheap, just trying to get as much as I can for my money and I feel I am in a good buying position considering "the state of the economy")

[Raux]

i think that ducati is giving back protectors as part of new purchases.... i think i saw that on the web site. (i got my 696 before they did that)

crap.. that's only in europe.. but maybe you can get your dealer to buy in http://www.ducati.com/safety/

also, gear is and always is...

helmet
jacket (preferably with armor)
gloves (full finger)
boots( armored and ankle support)
long pants (preferably with armor)

if you are on a budget, try www.leatherup.com
some helmets are not DOT and SNELL but you can look up the SNELL test and see if any of the other helmets of the manufacturer failed the SNELL ratings. i went with DOT only as i check out the manufacturer and it has passed SNELL with other helmets. (SNELL costs them money)

[hcomp]

I am from Chandler, AZ and I purchased a White 696 in July.  I bought mine from Ducati Superstore down on 7th Street. At the time gas prices were high and they would not move on the price.  Now, you may have some bargaining chips.  I would check out Scottsdale Ducati as well they gave my buddy a really good deal on his 848 recently.  AZ Superbike may give you a good deal as well they are in Chandler.  I would shop all three against each other and see who is willing to give you the most.  As far as the gear goes, I always were my jacket and gloves no matter what.  I have a Joe Rocket complete mesh jacket with armor that works wonders in the summer and I wear A-Stars  SMX-2 A C Gloves  as well.  They work really well for ventilation except they are textile.