I've been lurking on the DMF for months (and this section in particular)...great info on this forum!!! Now I'm a member...another member without a Ducati...yet!
My name is Kim and I live in Maine and never ever rode a motorcycle until I took my MSF class July 12 & 13. My brother grew up on dirt bikes, but because I was a girl, my mother was dead set against me having a motorcycle. So instead I had sailboats (guess she didn't see a problem with me being on the ocean by myself at 12 years old
), skis, bikes, etc. Anyway, it never stopped me from wanting to ride and well with the gas prices the way they are, I no longer was a freak for wanting my motorcycle license...my perfect excuse
...so I signed up for the MSF and passed with flying colours!
My original intent upon completion of the MSF was to go out and buy a 695 (since the dealer sold their last 695 in June, I now want a 696), but once I actually took the class, I knew that I needed to start a little smaller. I'm not adverse to risk and am generally good athlete, but my size (5'4", 115lbs) had me a little concerned about getting such a big bike right away. Not only that, I definitely felt like after the MSF I had a lot of practice to do before I would feel comfortable on the road.
Anyway, I decided I'd get a used dirt or dual purpose bike to start with. I wanted to get a beater, but instead found a 2000 TTR 225 that had barely been used (no damage, perfect condition), for the kind of money that I thought I'd be buying a beater for...I feel bad because it is in such great condition and know I'll do way more damage to it than the original owner did. The great part is that Baja makes a DP kit and for what I paid for the bike and will pay for the Baja kit it is still a lot cheaper than any DP bike I could find.
I got the TTR about a month ago and have been riding it in the dirt nearly every day. I figure the dirt skills will only help on the road...and boy are dirt bikes fun!!!!!! I've dropped it a couple of times, but I've learned something each time and know what I did wrong. I plan on having the Baja kit put on in October and will take it on the road for the fall...by then I should be comfortable. The great thing about this bike is that it is about 95lbs lighter than the Monster, and fit wise (bars, seat height - I can't flat foot, etc.) it fits me almost exactly the way the 696 fits me (since I visit the Ducati dealer often
) so the transition size/weight wise to the Monster should be ok. I can pick up the TTR no problem (getting my practice at that
)...but better doing it to the TTR than the Monster.
I've put off the Monster purchase until spring, but I'm DEFINITELY getting one then. I don't know which colour I want so I can't possibly make a purchase until that is decided. I've always wanted a flat black monster, but the pearl white is beautiful...so now I'm on the fence.
So that's my story, and I'm sticking to it.
