[Rupmisc]

I had an interesting weekend and thought of this forum. Been too long since I dropped by. Hope all those I corresponded with in the past year are well.

When last here, I had added a Ducati 696 to share the garage with my 250CB Nighthawk after riding for about 4 months. I like the 696, but it just never feels perfectly comfortable for my body, somewhere between upright enough and forward enough. After test riding briefly, I got a great deal at the end of 2008 on a 2008 Ducati Multistrada 1100s so it became my third bike, but spent the winter with the dealer. I picked it up last Thursday, and have ridden about 300 miles on it. I’ve also played with a lot of gear in the past year. Some random thoughts from someone who is still a newbie:

Thanks, Ben, and this site, for convincing me to start with a 250. If you can afford to get a starter bike, even if it is only for the first 1000 miles, I would recommend it. There is no reason that I couldn’t still be living with that 250 (although it was scary on the slabs).

I finally have gotten my first glimmer of what it feels like to ride a bike instead of being a passenger. I feel as if I am part of the Multistrada. It’s tall and light (so you feel wind on the highway), but it leans effortlessly, holds a line, and makes me feel more confident. It is not the bike if you have right hand impulse issues (neither is the 696), but it is fine in stop and go (although a little front sprocket change might make it better). I am careful with my right hand, but it was worth risking 1098ccs if it means feeling more in control. If the thing had ABS it would be close to perfection for me. The 696 and Nighthawk will go now. I will probably keep at least two bikes, but the next street (or sport) bike will have a much higher smile inducement hurdle to meet before I go there.

The more you practice, the better you get. I learned that here. It’s true. All that time in parking lots practicing tight turns and stops helps. I’m going to take it to the next level I signed up for two days of track school (no street schools to speak of here) in two weeks. If I still have it, I’ll take the 696 so I’ll cry less if it gets scratched. Have joined a local Ducati owners club, and will be going to the track with them as well. Maybe by the time I hit 60 (5 years) maybe I’ll be a competent rider. Elwood, young man, hope you are still enjoying your riding (good thing you started younger than I did).

It’s finally getting warm enough to ride here, and most of the sand is off the roads. Did 150 miles today in MA and NH, and loved it (still needed heated gear).

I learned that a friend, and very experienced rider, got rear ended today and is in intensive care. After a confidence building day, it comes as an uncomfortable reminder of the random dangers of riding. I wish him a full and speedy recovery. I hate it when the “am I being irresponsible by riding” thought hits.

I have learned to buy gear from people who know what they sell. Most of my original gear has been replaced by better gear. Better because it fits. Had to go through three helmets to first. If there is any interest, I can express opinions on some Dianese jackets, pants, and suits, on a Revitt (sic?) fabric suit, and on a Kendon 2 bike trailer. Not quite up to writing reviews in a hurry, but would be happy to start with a product someone is interested in.

Well another long rambling post, like always. Happy Spring.

[megaspaz]

Happy riding season! make sure you ride the bikes equally or they’ll get jealous of each other…

[Rupmisc]

Good to hear from you. Hope you recovered from your canyon adventure. Is it an 848 you are riding, and if so, how do you like it?

[megaspaz]

been recovered for a while. I’m riding both the 848 and my SV. The 848’s a hoot to ride. very smooth, not as twitchy as other super sport bikes. foot peg placement sucks as does the stock lever locations. Those get replaced right off the bat.

[Rupmisc]

I am not comfortable on my 696. Thinking of trading it for a street/track day bike. Have sat on the Honda CB600 and it was pretty tight for me. Of the following, 848, monster 1100, Aprilia Tuono and Aprilia RV, I prefer the pegs on the Ducati bikes. How did you find them uncomfortable?

Also, I have no problem on the Multi, (except maybe for wanting a front gear change to improve smoothness at low speed). Is the 848 fairly civilized if you are caught in traffic? Do you think that the dry clutch on the 1100 would be a pain? Thanks. Glad you are fully recovered.

[megaspaz]

1. I have shorter legs.
2. The 848 is a really thin frame.

From those 2 points, in the natural riding position, I wasn’t coming anywhere near close to gripping the tank. The only way to grip the tank was to really get on my toes and really lift the foot. Not too comfortable. So out went the stock rearsets and in came the new adjustable rearsets.

The 848’s fine in traffic. You have to work to keep it under control, but it’s manageable. Mostly clutch feathering (not on or off). I have no idea about dry clutch being a pain since the only bikes I’ve owned are all wet clutches.

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