Picking Up Our New Monster

[Kev M]

So we dropped by Fast By Ferracci (FBF) today to pickup the new edition to our fleet...a 2011 M696 w/ ABS.

For some time we've been looking for a smaller/lighter bike to play in the twisties, something we could both ride and that Jenn could enjoy playing on especially when I was my Guzzi Breva 1100 and this was the answer over a Guzzi V7C/Cafe/Racer for how much we felt we were getting for the money. As much as I don't prefer ABS on bikes I was excited that IF I was gonna be buying my pregnant wife a new sportbike we could at least get one with ABS (ya know, for the baby).

The bike arrived yesterday in a crate, driven out to FBF by their Ducati rep in the back of a pickup because he knew today was our one opportunity to pick it up and if we missed it, then it could be weeks before we could make it back.

It was uncrated and prepped yesterday, but they put almost nothing on it in terms of mileage (0.3 on the odo when we picked it up).

I could tell by the expression on Jenn's face the second they brought it around from the shop that we'd made the right decision and the rest of the day bore that out for sure.

We took the long way home, about 70 miles or so sticking to backroads. We were caught in a little rain once or twice, but for the most part the roads were dry and it was relatively warm and sunny which gave Jenn a real chance to start to get a feel for the bike.

Honestly, Jenn is really loving this bike. She says it feels just natural how well it turns, how light it feels etc.

Once we got home I took it for a brief spin up through some local twisties, and all I can say is WOW. I've ridden a number of sportbikes on demos and press bikes and bud's bikes etc, but there's something different when you know it's going home with you (if you know what I mean).

I'm very impressed with the bike and it's surprising how much sportier it is than even my Breva 1100 (which is otherwise the most sporting bike we currently own). The Breva is in the same league at least, but still the Monster is a sharper edged knife (being lighter and smaller). I'm thrilled we have it, but I'm GLAD it's "HERS", cause that's gonna help keep me from doing stupid things with it.

Anyway, a few pics (the first one is to upset the "faithful" from both sides of the coin )

[red baron]

Congrats!


What is the yellow sticker on the left fork leg for?

[sbrguy]

those are the most awesome accessory you can have the reflectors, people that take those off have no style or taste..

oh ok now i see, yeah we in VA have to get those too.  but they are even bigger and uglier than the PA ones, so be thankful that your inspection stickers are half the size of the ones in VA. 

wishing you and your wife  long and safe miles on your bikes.  enjoy the new steed.

[Kev M]

What is the yellow sticker on the left fork leg for?

Upper end on the left side?

Annual State Safety Inspection - hideous but a necessity in PA.

[Travman]

Welcome to the Monster family Kevin.  Jenn looks like she fits perfectly on her new bike.  She made a good choice.  Your bike family is like mine now with air-cooled V-twin motorcycles from three different manufacturers.

[Kev M]

Welcome to the Monster family Kevin.  Jenn looks like she fits perfectly on her new bike.  She made a good choice.  Your bike family is like mine now with air-cooled V-twin motorcycles from three different manufacturers.

Yeah, the bike fits her perfectly (doesn't fit me badly either).

And absolutely,  air cooled twins are my thing. I like that we have 3 different and venerable examples now!

[lazylightnin717]

Upper end on the left side?

Annual State Safety Inspection - hideous but a necessity in PA.

Only if you get pulled over.

Unfortunately, I did.

[Kev M]

Only if you get pulled over.

Unfortunately, I did.

Yeah, necessary evil.

Nice dead quotes BTW.

You local?

[thought]

congrats on the new toy

look into getting the evotech fender elim as one of your first mods

[Kev M]

congrats on the new toy

Thanks

look into getting the evotech fender elim as one of your first mods

Nah, we're just the dweeby ride em and service em types - don't know that we'll do ANY mods (well, other than some frame sliders I gotta get off my butt and order today).

Maybe we'll add that tail pack eventually - but that's about it (at least for now).

[Monster Dave]

Congrats on the new bike! 

[thought]

Nah, we're just the dweeby ride em and service em types - don't know that we'll do ANY mods

sacrilege!  haha

Maybe we'll add that tail pack eventually - but that's about it (at least for now).

and i have the dp tailbag... and in retrospect, i think i would have gone and gotten a kriega tailbag system instead.  the dp one does look great and fits perfectly, but the kriega seems to be a bit more versatile... as long as you dont need to store a full face helmet.

[Kev M]

THANKS Dave

and i have the dp tailbag... and in retrospect, i think i would have gone and gotten a kriega tailbag system instead.  the dp one does look great and fits perfectly, but the kriega seems to be a bit more versatile... as long as you dont need to store a full face helmet.

I guess I'll check out the Kriega Tailbag system just to see the alternatives. I really like the way the OEM one mounts though. Hey, you could always think about selling me the OEM one and then buying the kriega for yourself...

We were running errands yesterday before the family came over for dinner and man I wish Jenn had SOME form of storage on the Duc. I took her Sporty - with LeatherLyke hard bags and a 45L Guzzi Topcase mounted to it, we packed 1 case of beer, 2 large bottles of wine, 4 bottles of soda and 2 bags of dinner rolls into the Sporty and were about out of room!

At least with a tail pack she coulda carried the wine and dinner rolls... lol

[lazylightnin717]

Yeah, necessary evil.

Nice dead quotes BTW.

You local?

Thanks. Don't know where my peace of mind would be without the Dead.

I'm out in Lancaster although I drive down through Philly to dirty Jersey often. I also went to school in the city.

Good deal on the 696. Red is the fastest color 

[Kev M]

Thanks. Don't know where my peace of mind would be without the Dead.

I'm out in Lancaster although I drive down through Philly to dirty Jersey often. I also went to school in the city.

Good deal on the 696. Red is the fastest color 

We're down here in Kennett Square...

My first tat I got back in the 90s (after riding Route 66 from Chicago to LA)...