696 on order

[r_ciao]

Hi all,
I'm getting my first bike, ever!  41 y.o. treating myself to the new Monster 696.  I plan to ride on weekends only for pleasure in the San Francisco East Bay hills.  I cannot wait to ride.  Already got my license (last month) and am still shopping for gear.  Interested in your opinions about gear.  Am thinking about the Shoei RF-1000 helmet (for my big round noggin), a Ducati Tricolore or Nero leather jacket, Ducati Smart gloves, Sidi or Dainese boots.  Still don't know about pants yet.  Perhaps textile with armour.  Then I got to think about accessories, oh boy.  Time to go shopping.  I don't have anything but a license, some cash, and a desire to get out of my home office.  Suggestions?

[Hollywood]

Welcome  wt:

Don't forget to introduce yourself to the locals in the Ducati MOB.

See ya around,   mo:t:

[tommys67]

At 37 I treated myself to a 695.  I know where you're coming from.

First, keep reading around here - a lot of info from TOB is coming back here.

Helmet - go to a moto store and truly try helmets on.  I have the RF1000 myself because it perfectly fits my melon.  Others like Arai or Scorpion or Nolan or whatever...  It's all about fit.  Don't just put it on and take it off.  Spend some time in it looking for comfort, pressure points, visibility, etc.  Remember, on a 12 hour ride, this will be on your head for over 12 hours.

Other gear - here's something to remember from one newer rider to another - dress for the crash, not the ride.

Also - I concur - the MOB folks are VERY social and very active.  Go there!

Welcome!