Brand New Rider

[LSD4me]

Hello All! I just got myself an M696. Sick bike (well at least for a first time newbie..) I took a riding course last week and passed with flying colors..Few questions that I have seen asked over these posts but want to get a more critical response...

1) What RPM range should I be riding in under normal cruising speeds (40 mph..) Ive noticed that the RPMS don't really change when I'm in 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc... Obviously when I roll on in a higher gear the engine lags but I'm trying to find out the best gear to be in depending on my speed...I'm not confident enough to go on the freeways yet so my speed will probably never go over 60 for now...

2) Secondly, whenever i roll on from lets say 1st to 2nd or 2nd to 3rd, this engine / throttle response really jolts..and I'm not really rolling on hard..just a slight minor twist but its really jerky...Ive had to adjust to only , barely, barely barely, twist the throttle...Is this normal? Are there any adjustments that can be made to make it less sensitive?

3) I'm absolutely terrified of dropping this bike...I weight about 160 and i can feel the weight of this thing when I'm at a stand still and try leaning left or right....Do you guys have any advice on how to not drop it.. I know that must sound like a ridiculous question but other than that I'm pretty confident with riding this thing on the streets until i get more accustomed to the intricacies of cornering and high speed riding...

Thanks in advance!!!!

[Popeye the Sailor]

1) welcome-intros normally og here: http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?board=14.0 

2) Get yerself a set of frame sliders-these will protect the bike if you drop it.

3) get yourself some gear if you haven't already. It will protect you if you drop it.

[ducpainter]

Just say no...

to drugs.

It's a start.

[Howie]

Congrats!  Cruise at oh, about 3,500 RPM, it differs a little from one specimen to the other.  While breaking the bike in avoid constant speed and load.  As far as shifting goes, practice, it will get better.  

[jdubbs32584]

Hey there.

With regards to #3: I weigh about 125-130 and have an S2R. The weight of the bike is just something you have to get used to, I'm a little chick and I still struggle on hills. I can't flat foot my bike so I practiced coming to a stop and shifting over to one side of the bike so I could better handle the weight. Just practice. And get frame sliders for when you drop it.

#2: On Ducs, anything below say.... 3K RPM is notoriously jerky. Many have fixed this by going to a 14 tooth front sprocket. Its a cheap mod that helps with low speed throttle response.

#1: I believe this all depends on the gearing your bike has but I cruise around at about 4000-4500 RPM. Here's a thread about it: http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=12312.0


I'm sure others will chime in with their advice.

[causeofkaos]

I hope you got the pearl white cause it the fastest. ( everybody knows that dealer should have told you )
+1 on the frame sliders i got mine from motivationusa http://www.motovationusa.com/mvstore/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=395
this bike throtle takes some getting used,  throttle control comes with time.

[LSD4me]

Great Advice...The frame sliders I will def purchase...

I dont do drugs so no worries there...But the jerkiness of the throttle can be alleviated by shifting at higher RPM's?   Is that correct to say?

[grandpa nate]

First off.....WELCOME TO THE EXCITING WORLD OF DUCATI OWNERSHIP!!!!  (even though my wifee says the Ducatis own me)

On the subject of frame sliders I have heard that they can actually do more harm than good in a good oopah at anything over 25 mph.  Just sayin.  I could also be completely wrong.

Oh "f" it...just ride the damn thing

[LSD4me]

The frame sliders are just something I would consider...I would love to hear anybody Else's input on them as well.

Also, i want to get your input on Service Maintenance....I purchased a maintainace plan that covers 9 service's over the next 3 years (3 per year)...I paid 1899.00 for it..Did i get raped? Is that a good deal for the next 3 years?

[grandpa nate]

The frame sliders are just something I would consider...I would love to hear anybody Else's input on them as well.

Also, i want to get your input on Service Maintenance....I purchased a maintainace plan that covers 9 service's over the next 3 years (3 per year)...I paid 1899.00 for it..Did i get raped? Is that a good deal for the next 3 years?

I did the same thing and I must say it is really nice to know that when you need service done you just get it done.  No waiting for finances or anything.  I am also lucky because the shop here will pick up and deliver my bike for anything that needs to get done

[ducpainter]

The frame sliders are just something I would consider...I would love to hear anybody Else's input on them as well.

Also, i want to get your input on Service Maintenance....I purchased a maintainace plan that covers 9 service's over the next 3 years (3 per year)...I paid 1899.00 for it..Did i get raped? Is that a good deal for the next 3 years?

It's a good deal if you put the miles on it and get some major services done under the plan.

[LSD4me]

I plan on using this thing to the bone...Commuting and joy riding...Its my primary mode of transportation...Im glad to hear i wasnt raped because I was starting to think I got seriously boned on this because other people are saying their 600 mi service was like 150, otehrs were 280, etc..

[grandpa nate]

I plan on using this thing to the bone...Commuting and joy riding...Its my primary mode of transportation...Im glad to hear i wasnt raped because I was starting to think I got seriously boned on this because other people are saying their 600 mi service was like 150, otehrs were 280, etc..

When I had the 7500 mile service done the shop showed me how much it would have cost and all I have to say is ouch.  I think it worked out to over $800,  could be wrong ( I enjoyed the 80's too much)

[ducpainter]

I plan on using this thing to the bone...Commuting and joy riding...Its my primary mode of transportation...Im glad to hear i wasnt raped because I was starting to think I got seriously boned on this because other people are saying their 600 mi service was like 150, otehrs were 280, etc..

But the major services are much more.

Make some calls and get prices on a 6K, or whatever the first service is the valves get adjusted, or belts replaced. The plan cost you slightly more than $200/service. If you use them for oil changes yeah you didn't get a good deal.
If you use them for valve adjustments you got a smoking deal.

[LSD4me]

Well ive def picked the right forum to become a part of...You guys respond faster than any forum ive ever been apart of and I'm confident I can get reliable advice for the future..

Thanks again!!!