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Ok, after 2 months and 1300 miles on the CB 250, I have test ridden some bikes, and am expecting to take delivery of a Ducati 696 (mini monster). I was lucky enough to have test ridden that bike, a 2008 Triumph Scrambler (air cooled approx 900 twin), and a 2008Triumph Speed Triple (liter- three cylinders). So, I am hardly experienced, but I feel that going up in ccs is only part of the equation.

Weight, CoG, brakes, and “other”; four variables that make a difference – to me. Taller and heavier made for more effort in turns, and more care at low speeds. The 696 may have a more sensitive throttle at high revs, but nimble, light weight and good feel make it easier to ride than the other two. Larger also makes acceleration feel less scary, but you are still accelerating.

I am not suggesting any of the above should be a beginner bike. I may not be ready for the 696, and I will ride it very easy for some time. It is nice to feel able to keep ahead with a semi behind me. The hardest transition, for me, will be from drum brakes to disks, and while the Duc has amazing brakes, even the retro Triumph brakes felt very different from the Nighthawk. It makes me wonder if the nighthawk should have disk brakes, just because a beginner needs a less threatening place to get used to them. Extra point to the Ninja 250.

Other comments:

Wow Megaspaz, I didn’t realize you bought the Duc. Last time I remember you mentioning it, you were thinking about it. The 696 is a V twin, but the 848 isn’t just a little twitchy? 138 BHP? Are you sure that it isn’t the rider who is more precise? Happy riding either way.

I hope that a year on the 696 will prepare me for a heavier bike. I could easily see adding a Sport-Tourer to the collection some day. It would be nice to carry enough stuff for a three day trip, or a bunch of camera gear.

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I don’t know whether you are looking at new or used bikes. If they are new, however, be aware that the 2009 650R and its naked sibling, are about an inch lower. I am not recommending 650s over 500s, just telling you about seat height.

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Better, in fact, than my answer. Downshifting (except for the friction zone part) is like a car—and generally you use a clutch differently on a motorcycle (it’s ok, even mandatory, to “ride the clutch”). In so many ways, motorcycles behave contrary to every one of the instincts you’ve developed driving a car.

Sangria7 is asking the right question. Did you take the course. If you didn’t take the course, perhaps you should consider it. If that doesn’t appeal to you, read some books, get advice, and still reconsider taking the course. Your question suggests that you are in urgent need of information.

Also, since I am not a mechanic, if all of the foregoing advice was useless because you know what you are doing, perhaps you need an mechanic?

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Megaspaz is right, can’t really answer the question correctly without knowing the circumstances. But I agree that matching revs is important, and it might be easier to skip a gear on a bike, than in a car (just press twice by accident).

Other people can almost certainly describe the sequence better, but I’ll give it a try. Ease off the throttle, break if necessary, clutch in, press gear level down once (for one gear), increase throttle to match revs, slowly let clutch out (the bike will let you know if the revs aren’t matched).

Others, feel free to correct me.

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Ok, it did indeed get my attention.

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They do have some things going for them (I don’t want a cruiser, but I have looked at lots). It would be unfair to criticize H-D so broadly.

History. For better or worse, riding has an image to some people that was developed over decades. It wasn’t challenged in this country until the Honda (“you meet the nicest people on a honda”) adds. Some like this image. Independence. Freedom. Mobility. This is a uniquely American company. Bikes are very customizable. Warranty and service, while expensive, are miles ahead of the Asian competition.

Unlike Europe and Asia, motorcycles aren’t especially practical in most of the US. We have longer distances, and need the ability to carry people and stuff. Riding is a matter of fun or attitude. You have to concede that H-D offers a certain amount of both.

Check out the August issue of Cycle World to see a neat H-D which you can only buy in Europe.

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Normally, I wouldn’t expect an enthusiast’s forum to object to connecting with other enthusiasts.

Also (and given some of the threads lately I’m telling you right up front that what follows is humor)…My manly parts are safer here than they will be if I buy that 696, on several levels. I wouldn’t be surprised if there wouldn’t even be some gratitude if there were fewer Ducati questions here.

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Very close. Rode one again today. Really do need a light touch to feather clutch (small friction zone), but really smooth up and downshifts. Power is manageable and the bike is well mannered at low speeds, but at high revs, can see why some think it isn’t a beginners bike- there is a certain amount of power available;-) Breaks are great, but again you need a feather touch. Practice would be mandatory, but bike handles wonderfully.

I’ll let you know.

Question, put on the Termi pipes for health of engine? Smooth out low rpms? Just more power which this bike needs like a hole in the head?

Favorite colors?

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Ranette, if you have tried it and don’t like it, no problem. If you haven’t tried it, you might want to take a look at http://nedoc.org/forums/index.php which is the New England Desmo Owners Club. They have been very nice to this newbie, and I’m only thinking about buying a Ducati. My questions definitely qualify as Newbie and people are down right enthusiastic.

Good luck.

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Yes, all three of the new 650s look pretty good. Ninja, Naked and Versys. Not sure that they have the same character as the Ducati, but that is wholly personal. Biggest problem with the Kawasaki bikes, is that you probably won’t see one for sale anytime soon. I have this itch to enjoy the next 4 weeks before the weather turns awful. If you live in CA, you are lucky.

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I hope that if the time comes again, by brain will work fast enough to let me do more than react. I guess that the only way to practice this would be with a dirt bike?

‘Cause I’m not sure I’d try it in a parking lot.

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Hang on. That 250 could be worth $2 million tomorrow. Waahhhh!

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Rear tire slid right. Bike was leaning way left, with tire still sliding. I pushed off (I think). Would have been worse with a bigger bike. Not sure I could have moved fast enough to shift my body weight. Would have been “pushing” up hill. Throttle? I guess you had to be there. I’ll just accept being lucky.

I also will get a pair of boots that can be adjusted to tighten around my ankle and calf (like some of the Sidi racing boots). Better to look silly and have the support.

Thanks Matt, what you said makes sense.

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posted before read to end of thread. I may add something at the end, but I’m staying out of this.

Let it suffice to say that my main point was that courses can differ. Mine was well worth it.

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First, I had not meant to imply that the stuff that bored me was unnecessary. Second, the instructor was a nice guy and was clearly bored with some of this. Fortunately for him, most of this stuff was on video. He could read a book while we watched. . My point was that the course was more useful than not, and that nothing of this kind could be perfect for everyone.

It does seem, though, that some of the courses in other states have a more strenuous riding component than those in my state. California, for example, seems to expect more from its students.

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