Congratulations! Isn't it fun?? How long have you been riding?? Yes, I think it could be a U.S. marketing ploy but don't know. I know, I wish I could ride now but have to wait. Going skiing instead for a few months as we live in a ski town.
Don't break a leg and be unable to get on the 696 when spring comes.
Yeah, my 696 is da bomb.
I rode my first bike when I was a kid. I progressed to larger machines whenever the (tiny) budget allowed. Then I made the mistake of giving up riding because of an SO who didn't like the idea of me on a bike. (Has any other woman done that?) That was over 10 years ago. That SO is history--happily. Current Spousal Unit sat me down for a talk a few weeks ago. A colleague was selling his bike. SU wanted to me to consider whether or not I'd like to buy it. (This was pretty much out of the blue.) I mull it over, then take the bike for a test ride. It's a 250 Eliminator. Cruiser style is not me at all. A bit underpowered, too. But, wow! Was it GREAT to be on two wheels again. My confidence at low-speed cornering was shot, but... So, with SU's full encouragement, I seriously start thinking about a bike. I visit dealerships. Each test ride confirms how much I enjoy riding and how I'd like to get a bike again. Anyway, the day comes when I sit down with SU at the computer and we visit bike websites where I can highlight which models I've been looking at. SU is utterly cool with the concept that I have rocketed past getting the 250 and want a bigger bike! Then comes this surreal moment:
SU: What is your dream bike?
Me (without hesitation): A Ducati.
SU: What's that?
Me: You've not heard of them?
SU: No.
So, I immediately visit the Ducati webpage. Lo and behold, I see that they've just done a complete re-design of the monster. The 696 looks incredible. First thing: check the specs for seat height. Wow!
Then comes an even more surreal moment:
SU: Why don't you buy that one, then?
(I think I may have fallen out of my chair in response to that, or said something dorky like: are you kidding?)
A couple of weeks later I am taking a 696 for a test ride. The bike feels like it was made just for me. SU gives me the green light to buy it. So, I do. (I have this nasty suspicion that I am going to wake up at any moment and discover it's all a dream.)
(As a postscript, we end up buying the Eliminator for SU, whom I am teaching to ride. NZ law has an upper cc limit of 250 for learners, so that worked out perfectly well. Moral of this story: dreams can come true. --I mean about finding the right SU, of course.
)
Ducgirl: how long were you on the 695? What made you decide to get a 696?
