I'd like to share my experience when I REALLY started to like the Ducati Monster.
Rewind time... back to Thanksgiving weekend of 2002! I was a senior in high school. In the August prior to the start of the new school year, I took the basic MSF class (discount/incentive for 17 year olds woot!). Soon thereafter, I went and got my new all-class endorsement. Sweet! I never even knew it was all-class until I had learned it was a relatively new change. Thanksgiving came and I told Dad I wanted to test ride the new Monster 620 (I became interested in Ducati the year prior that; how? I have no idea).
So off we go to Ducati Seattle. It was a pleasant partly sunny afternoon and me and my Dad had agreed: he would test ride a Vespa my mom might get and I would test ride the--yes--Ducati Monster 620 Dark 2002 demo. We walk in and meet Jerry (or one of the) salesman. Scruffy guy, big 'stache and beard, good humor and friendliness about him... from here onward, you may find a spot to suggest---miracle?!
We're talking, looking around the place, then finally ask Jerry for the test rides. Ok sure just fill out the waivers and you're all set.
....
When I saw the checklist, I was like 'Crap, how will he let me ride it...?'
Motorcycle insurance: Yes (dad's). Endorsement: Yes. Over 21 yrs of age: ...No. 3 to 5 years of riding experience: ...No.
I'm not sure he even looked at it, 'cuz when I gave it to him, we just started walking to the Ducati-attached garage where the demos were. O_O Pops hops on the tan Vespa as I hop on the Monster 620 Dark demo. "Hm, how about doing a few laps around the garage before you go," said Jerry. I was like ok, sure. 3-5 unique laps later, I hear, "Ok, you look good. Have fun!" Yus-s-s-s-s-s-s!
Now keep in mind, before I even enrolled in the August MSF basic class, I've only ridden my dad's 1970's Honda CB125-something-XR?? So the MSF 250 bikes were the next level up---piece 'o cake.
Now off I go, 3 months later, taking a 620--a pretty torquey than what I'm used to--620 for a spin! Pulling out of the garage, I made the Buca di Beppo turn, went up to Dexter Ave and followed it to the bridge, then turned around.
Kind of strange, maybe it's just my natural ability to handle unfamiliar bikes or the Monster's proclaimed ease of riders', uh, self-adaptability? Or, whatever---you know what I mean. If there's anything I learned, it's this: It seemed pretty easy to pick up, very fun, and its simple cool body is awesome. I love the Monster. *All Hail The Monster*
Oh, I've found an (albeit, long lost) old photo of me on it before I rode it!
