For better or worse, it's adone deal!!

[dennisd]

A few of you have been helping me try to make up my mind on which bike to get to allow me to move into the world of Ducati.  To those people I say Thank You!  Or I guess that should be Grazie!

For those that haven't been reading my two other threads, I have owned 17 different bikes over my riding lifetime, from MX to enduro and dual purpose to cruiser to standard to sportbike.  I currently have 5 in the garage; '09 Kawasaki Versys that I've made into an adventure/sport touring, '06 Harley Roadking for those laid back trips, '94 Suzuki DR350S for friends to ride (probably going to sell), '95 Suzuki DR350S (might sell it also) and my '77 Triumph Tiger restored.  But can you believe it; I've never owned a Ducati.  Thought about it lots of times but never “pulled the trigger”.  Till now.

I went to a local dealer to look at the M1100 and they also had an '08 S2R1000 with only 76 miles on it they were selling on consignment.  I seriously considered the 1000 but since it was already out of warranty and he was wanting a price only $700 less than I could get the '09 1100 for; I quickly ruled it out.  Thought about making an offer but knew he would never come down to what I would want to pay for a year old bike.

I had pretty much decided I didn't need the S version of the 1100.  Yes the suspension would have been quite a lot better but I had to draw the line on spending since this will be bike number 6 (at least till I sell the DR).  That left two 1100 on the showroom floor, both silver.  Silver wasn't my first choice, I really wanted the classic color; RED.  But after looking at them a while I decided I might get a red racing stripe put on the tank, fender and seat cowl and I'd be OK.  I'll have to think about that.  Then I noticed that one had the Termignoni slip-ons on it already.  I asked about it and turns out it had the slip-ons, air box kit, EFI tuner and carbon fiber tank strips and muffler guards.  I haggled on it a while and got it to where I'd be serious about getting it since I would be wanting most of that anyway.  Then I decided to check on a few other items I'd be interested in getting; open clutch cover, fender removal kit and touring seat.  I got them to give me 10% off the price of them also.  I haggled some more but he said he was as low as it would go.  I tried several tactics about accessories and stuff but was getting no where so I finally said “DO IT“.  Asked if they would take a personal check but hold it till tomorrow so I could move some funds from savings since it was getting late and they said sure.  Finished up the paper work and wrote out the check.  But when they tried to verify the check through whatever service they use, it wasn't assured.  Funny thing, I had written a check for well over $25,000 a year ago when I bought my '06 Miata and it was accepted no problem.  I guess it depends on the service they use.  Anyway, I'll be picking up my beautiful M1100 tomorrow.  Ya' know, I think I'm going to like that silver! [moto]

[duccarlos]

Congratz and welcome to the family!!!

[grandpa nate]

hey hey hey...it ain't real without pics!!! 

[red baron]

Congrats

[Duc800]

I've given my $.02 in previous threads and I would say that is an excellent choice.  I don't think you are giving up too much on suspension and the other items make up for it.  I'm jealous as that is high on my dream list.  Note that with the new Ducatis you can interchange the tank panel colors rather easily - so much so that in some ways it comes down to frame color.  Well done!

[geoffduc]

Nice one Dennis, I know that red is the classic ducati colour but personally I think the silver-silver really works on the 1100 monster. Wellcome to the forum I'm sure you will find the guys and gals on here very helpful, congrats and safe riding 
BTW motografix have a very nice gel sticker kit coming out for the 696-1100 monsters, I've seen the proto-type installed on a bike in the local ducati store over here in the UK, it looks the "dog's". 

[Shifty]

AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME. Someday I hope to write a check and ride off on a brand new Duc. You're a lucky man, enjoy and be safe.  [moto]

[dennisd]

Granpa Nate:  Can't take pics yet because it's still at the dealer.  I'll try to get some tomorrow.

Duccarlos:  Does that mean I can come to your house for Thanksgiving dinner?   BTW, did you see my post on the other thread.  To me, the 1100 put less strain on my wrist than the 1000.  Go figure?!

Duc800:  Yep, I've already checked out the red panel price.  $700 for the set.  Luckily, the frame on the silver bike is red.  I have a couple of friends that paint bikes and one that has a automotive body shop.  I might consider at some future point to get the silver redone.  I'll have to wait to see if I really want to change it.  The advantage of the Ducati pieces is that I could go back & forth between silver and red.  A new bike every other day.

Geoffduc:  I'll check out the sticker kit.  You happen to have a link in case I can't find it on google?  I really think the silver will grow on me.  The red comes with silver wheels so I kinda think the silver bike looks more finished since the wheels match.  The silver might have looked good with black wheels too since there is a lot of black on the bike.

Shifty:  It feels pretty awesome.  It will be even more so when it's in the garage tomorrow night.

[somegirl]

Congrats Dennis, looking forward to those pictures.

[EvilSteve]

Congratulations Dennis, whatever makes you smile is a good bike. Enjoy.

[grandpa nate]

Granpa Nate:  Can't take pics yet because it's still at the dealer.  I'll try to get some tomorrow.

sure sure sure....likely story

i kid i kid...congrats

pics tomorrow

[Modena]

Hey, Dennis

Congrads, on your bike!! I look forward in seeing what your new bike looks like!! Send me some pictures.

Best Regards,
Kevin

[Betty]

Congrats Dennis.

To me, the 1100 put less strain on my wrist than the 1000.  Go figure?!

I think this is because it is less of a stretch to the 'bars. You seem to sit closer on the 1100 which probably also impacts the weight bias we were discussing in the other thread.

[Spidey]

Congrats.  It's always a blast watching someone (even one who has had as many previous bikes as you) go through the process of figuring out what monster works for them and then sharing the excitement of that first purchase with all of us.   

You'll be happy with the 1100.  It's a great bike.  Oh, and pics or the bike doesn't exist.   

    [moto]   

[Raux]

congratulations. and nice to see moditus hit you early !