Hi ladies! I'm a new rider with a beautiful 696!

[Ducgirl]

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?

Hi... just got home from a Thanksgiving car trip and checked the Forum... lots of messages! Fun! I didn't have the 695 for more than a few months.. I was having a little trouble learning on it and when the 696 came out my hubby thought it might be a little more user friendly. He was right, I really think it is easier to handle. Don't know why, maybe the ergonomics fit me better.  I am still  nervous on the bike, I am hoping to get more comfortable, I know it's just miles under your belt as they say. Going 65 feels like 165 to me so I have a lot of practice ahead. Don't you just love your bike?

[NekkedChic]

I am still  nervous on the bike, I am hoping to get more comfortable, I know it's just miles under your belt as they say. Going 65 feels like 165 to me so I have a lot of practice ahead. Don't you just love your bike?

ROFL  I remember when 50 MPH felt SOOOOOOO scarey-felt SO vulnerable, is best I can describe it.  By 4K miles on first bike, Ninjette, finally knew what all meant by that bike being "flickable" LOL   So then we bought my Beastie Boy and was almost like starting all over again. Had it ONLY couple weeks, tho put as many miles as possible on it to get first service done then took it on Speed Triple Rally in WNC mountains!  YUP...almost nuts. Me, ONLY chic and 30 liter FAST riders in serious twisties on new bike WOW!  After 1-1/2 hour on first day's ride, head was SPINNING from over-stimulation-started to go stupid, even forgetting how to stop. Called it a day, well with all the guys at least and took route back home SLOW N EZ lol  By time weekend was over, and home again to FL, felt I could ride that bike ANYwhere now LOL   

Now, have almost 3500 miles on him (yes, he IS a boy for sure) and running with some of the faster GUYS, even led a ride over past weekend-so trust me, it WILL come along for you-just does take miles under you belt.

YUPPERS I SOOO luv this bike. Not sure I will ever out-grow it also. PERFECT fit, physically and physiologically, feels almost tailor-made!  When I had Ninjette and pinked it out with flames and graphics, got a LOT of chics OH HOW CUTE comments.  Now, SOOOO kewl to be getting RESPECT from the guys DROOLING all over my Beastie Boy-and a lot of times ppl go straight to it and IGNORE hubbi's SPEED TRIPLE EVEN!!!   Now THATS just toooo kewl eh? 
Enjoy and ride safe!

 

[Ducgirl]

ROFL  I remember when 50 MPH felt SOOOOOOO scarey-felt SO vulnerable, is best I can describe it.  By 4K miles on first bike, Ninjette, finally knew what all meant by that bike being "flickable" LOL   So then we bought my Beastie Boy and was almost like starting all over again. Had it ONLY couple weeks, tho put as many miles as possible on it to get first service done then took it on Speed Triple Rally in WNC mountains!  YUP...almost nuts. Me, ONLY chic and 30 liter FAST riders in serious twisties on new bike WOW!  After 1-1/2 hour on first day's ride, head was SPINNING from over-stimulation-started to go stupid, even forgetting how to stop. Called it a day, well with all the guys at least and took route back home SLOW N EZ lol  By time weekend was over, and home again to FL, felt I could ride that bike ANYwhere now LOL   

Now, have almost 3500 miles on him (yes, he IS a boy for sure) and running with some of the faster GUYS, even led a ride over past weekend-so trust me, it WILL come along for you-just does take miles under you belt.

YUPPERS I SOOO luv this bike. Not sure I will ever out-grow it also. PERFECT fit, physically and physiologically, feels almost tailor-made!  When I had Ninjette and pinked it out with flames and graphics, got a LOT of chics OH HOW CUTE comments.  Now, SOOOO kewl to be getting RESPECT from the guys DROOLING all over my Beastie Boy-and a lot of times ppl go straight to it and IGNORE hubbi's SPEED TRIPLE EVEN!!!   Now THATS just toooo kewl eh? 
Enjoy and ride safe!

 

Thanks so much for your words of encouragement and the cool pics! Sounds like you are VERY brave and I really admire that! I will get there, just takes time I think!

[ducnymph]

Congrats on the new 696!  It's such a nice and nimble bike! I just got mine in July and was riding the hell out of it until it started getting chilly here in the Bay area. I can't wait for the warm weather so I can start riding again!

The most important thing to do when you first learn is consistency and getting on it every chance you get! And the groovy thing about you're bike is that it's newb friendly, but it packs enough punch to keep an experienced rider happy IMO. It sounds like you're rearing to go, so I'm sure when it warms up you'll have no problem getting out there!  [moto]

Get your Spring Motorcycling Calendar ready Ducgirl!!

[Ducgirl]

Hi ducnymph! Thanks for the encourageing words and thoughts about our great bikes! I am having lots of fun learning to ride... just need to get over the jitters sometimes. I know it takes lots of mileage so when the snow goes away here in the mountains I will be on the bike!