Hello Everybody

[julitro]

Hey there, just wanted to say hi and introduce myself. I haven't done much posting on here but do come to the forum regularly do start learning a bit about the bikes we share in common and the culture.

My name is Julio and live in Maryland. Last summer I got my dream bike (The Monster) and I'm so stoked to learn about the bike inside and out. It's a 2004 Moster 800. I've put about 2,000 miles since July and consider this my first bike. (Had an 78' SR500 for about a year but had to let her go due to hardship at the time.)The Monster currently has about 11,000 miles on it. (if anyone wants to help out a rookie wrencher with the 12K service, I would be extremely grateful: Food and BEER is on me!!!!; or if anyone could recommend an honest shop in the DC/VA/MD area, that would be great too) I need to meet some folks in this area to ride with. Currently commute with the bike and weekend rides by myself. I'm still a noobie, only been riding on the street for a couple of years. Mostly dirtbikes and ATV's for the past 10 years or so. Well, thanks everyone. Hope to hear from some locals and I'm sure I will be asking for help and guidance from all the Ducatisti's on this forum.

[Slide Panda]

Much?  This is your only one!

So, welcome.  There's a pretty active local area section - CAM
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?www;board=20
with folks scattered through MD DC and VA. Not sure what part of MD you call home, but there's probably someone near you.  We've got a thread about the local shops. Read it if you want, but to sum it up - DucPond is top dog. Problem is they are in Winchester VA, so they might be a long way from you.

So come post up in CAM, we're always chattering about something

Assuming that it hasn't been done before, you'll need to do some maintenance items before you ride much, or possibly at all. All your fluids will need a fresh up and you NEED new cam belts. They are spec'd to be 2 year or 12k mile items - which ever happens first. As 12k hasn't passed I'm guessing the belts are original and working on 5-6 years over their replacement threshold. So they are part of the 12k, which you might want to do sooner. A busted timing belt is no fun...

[julitro]

Thanks Yuu, I will start checking out CAM. I don't plan on riding anymore until I get the 12K service done. I have Battley's down the street but a few folks have also mentioned DucPond as the place to go. I'll give them a shout to see how much and when I can get her in there. BTW- I'm in Howard County

[Slide Panda]

Yeah, so the pond will be a haul for you. But as I said, they are the best.. really. They have a stack of awards from Ducati for various level of best service including at least one national level.

As far as Battleys the only complaint I've heard is the cost. I have not heard a complaint on their quality of work, only that it'll be a bit more dear to the wallet. DucPond is a little more Ma and Pa feel, so they are willing to talk through what you need vs. going by the service check list. Also DP is more used to dealing with customized bikes, as they do a lot of that sort of work.

I know there's some folks in Balmer, Silver Spring area.. but I don't know the MD so well. I'm one of the Arlington hooligans.

[Autohag]

Welcome, julitro! Another Arlington hooligan here. As yuu pointed out, everything you need is filed under CAM.

Can I borrow your bike?

[julitro]

Thanks guys, I already started checking it out over at the CAM board. Sure you can borrow my bike, but you might want to wait to it's been serviced. She's a bit ruff around the edges right now.

[Slide Panda]

Danger Will Robinson.

That one attracts inattentive Japanese Sedan drivers like nobody's business....

[julitro]

Yeah it does. Too funny!! Just noticed that AutoHag's bike died. Sorry for your loss bro!! Hope you are okay.

[somegirl]

Welcome to the DMF! 

Congrats on your M800 and good luck getting it up to snuff.  Great advice from yuu.

We love bike pictures so don't be shy about showing off.

Have fun! [moto]

[julitro]

Thank you !! Here's my first attempt at posting a pic as the Monster sits today.

[somegirl]

Looks great!