First bike!! (and pics)

rambler1982 · 10-26-2008, 12:37 PM

I got my Ducati Monster 696 last night. Went for my first ride this morning and it was sooooo amazing!This is my first bike and I absolutely LOVE it!!!! I got back from my first ride (15 minutes), got off my bike and thought, "Wait, why am I home?" I hopped right back on my bike and rode for another 30 minutes. Haha.

Here are a coupla pics, it's bone stock right now and the quality of the pics isn't great, I'll try to post more later.

I'm sure I'll have more questions/concerns to follow, but one of the first things I've noticed is that I'm stalling a lot. It seems as thought the clutch doesn't engage until it's let out almost all the way. It's taking some getting used to, but I think I'll get there.

Also, I'm a little uncertain about the break-in period. I've heard that the first 100 miles are supposed to be really easy, and the first 600 should be kept under 4,000 or 5,000 rpm- but this is all word of mouth, and nothing confirmed from the dealer/manual etc.

For the record, I took the MSF course and passed the licensing exam, I have a helmet, textile jacket, and gloves. And will do my best to ride within my abilities as I'm obviously still developing my riding skills.

Thanks

hsartteacher · 10-26-2008, 05:46 PM

Wow the white color is SWEET. Yes, check the Owners Manual for details, but honestly I have always heard it's bad to ride for long time at the same speed/rpms, speed up and slow down some to help break in the seals.

FlyBy · 10-27-2008, 08:32 PM

That looks beautiful... congrats and be safe.

yeah i too have a 3/4 clutch which is like when you let it go all the way and the engine engages.. i am kinda use to it but still want it set as half clutch. I will be taking my bike for its first oil change tomm and will have them set it to half... so that it increases the friction zone.

sirgilbert357 · 10-28-2008, 06:09 PM

Well, I know every bike is different, but for mine (07 Ninja 650), it was:

0-500 miles; under 4k RPMs
500-1000 miles; under 6k RPMs.

I'd say thats pretty basic break in guidelines...just vary the revs like noted above, especially on the highway...

Jessie B · 10-28-2008, 06:33 PM

Engine break in is a controversial subject. This is how i believe it should be done.

http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

Probably too late for you though.

Nice bike. Those Ducati's sound sooooo good.

Ramazith · 10-28-2008, 06:52 PM

As much as I hate white for cages, on bikes it looks great.

How do you like turning with those stubby straight handlebars?

badmonkey · 10-28-2008, 07:14 PM

hawt. you need a chin fairing!

i do hard break-ins, but either way appears to work. take it easy for a while since it's your first bike anyway.

RonK · 10-29-2008, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rambler1982

I got my Ducati Monster 696 last night. Went for my first ride this morning and it was sooooo amazing!...

I'm sure I'll have more questions/concerns to follow, but one of the first things I've noticed is that I'm stalling a lot. It seems as thought the clutch doesn't engage until it's let out almost all the way. It's taking some getting used to, but I think I'll get there....

For the record, I took the MSF course and passed the licensing exam, I have a helmet, textile jacket, and gloves. And will do my best to ride within my abilities as I'm obviously still developing my riding skills.

Thanks

--
Ramb...,
Cool looking bike! It looks like it would be the Ride of the Devil at night! One thing on your clutch, it might be easier after your grip has adjusted to the squeezing--you know--your hand strength is better.

Also, I would suggest you also wear pants and boots. It gets real cold at night without them--as all of us experienced riders know. .

RonK

guineapig · 10-29-2008, 04:40 AM

SWEET looking bike mate!
ATGATT, be safe and have fun!

gkim4107 · 10-30-2008, 11:29 AM

nice bike, Congratulations, and enjoy the hell out of it.

Aatank · 11-03-2008, 11:55 AM

Sexy!! Ducati for your first bike

im jealous!!

Im also interested in the break in period, is it different for all bikes??
Thinking of getting a new Ninja250 and concerned about that as well!

Anyways.. great bike, have fun and drive safe

badmonkey · 11-03-2008, 01:16 PM

recommended break in procedure (soft break in) is generally the same for all bikes.

"soft break in" requires that you take it easy for the first few hundred miles. the manual should detail what rpm limits you should maintain.

"hard break in" requires that you ride the piss out of the bike and put the engine under heavy load in the first 15 miles you ride the bike.

either way appears to work, it's just a matter of preference and what you happen to believe. since it's your first bike, i'd take it easy.

ErikG · 11-04-2008, 11:21 AM

Thats a nice bike. I really like the white and black color
scheme.

hobbzilla · 11-07-2008, 11:35 PM

nice bike. love the colors

11-08-2008, 06:32 PM

Awesome first bike!!
I know what you mean about not wanting to stop!
did 4,000+miles once just kept saying just a little father a little farther...

Brokenwall · 11-09-2008, 10:58 AM

I agree that white on black looks clean and sexy!

rapmeister99 · 11-10-2008, 11:32 AM

not a big fan of naked bikes but this one looks sweet, my mom has one in red and idk lets just say its not my style. but that white looks very sleek!

aiya · 11-11-2008, 04:25 PM

That colour has me hooked!! Congrats and enjoy!

stoopidsteve87 · 11-11-2008, 04:51 PM

sexy bike, looks great in white

Archangel · 11-12-2008, 07:44 PM

Love your bike It looks freaken allsome !

The clutch thing is not unusual you will get used to it.

My clutch is kinda weard Is seems to work 2 ways it just starts to engage with clutch at or around 1/2 to 5/8 opened but it does not stop pulling tell 3 /4 to 7/8 closed . not sure why but I got used to it.

99genx · 11-12-2008, 08:51 PM

Great looking bike; I've fancied the Monsters for a while.

74thst · 11-13-2008, 06:33 PM

Beautiful bike!

mbaker80 · 11-16-2008, 04:30 PM

thats a sweet bike

Icewatch · 11-18-2008, 12:15 AM

Very sweet bike, how you have many miles of fun on her!

Matt.knj · 11-19-2008, 10:32 PM

Great looking bike, congradulations. That's a great bike to start with and it's Italian! You'll have a great time with that bike for years to come.

The_Snowman · 11-22-2008, 05:55 PM

wow , that is one good looking bike.... i envy u

lol

mellowfe · 11-22-2008, 10:37 PM

rambler1982 · 11-23-2008, 10:17 AM

WOW! You guys are way too nice!! Thanks for all the kind replies. Here are a few more pics. I've got about 250 miles on her now and absolutely LOVE it!

11-23-2008, 01:25 PM

glad your likeing it!!

jina152 · 11-27-2008, 06:36 AM

looks awesome!! lucky you

i cant wait until i get my own

F650GSer · 11-27-2008, 02:00 PM

dear friend you talked about that machine as a her, but it looks like very muscular.. :-)

I hope you have a great and nice time with that bike..
ride safe end enjoy..

gkim4107 · 11-30-2008, 05:05 PM

yep, that is deffinately a badass bike, I dont know why, but I have always had a thing for the ducatti monsters. Have fun and ride it safe!

Gaevren · 11-30-2008, 05:16 PM

Wow that is a gorgeous bike. I am a big fan of the naked look with bikes...just seems more aggressive and "oomphy" somehow. Glad you're enjoying it!

kmac27 · 12-06-2008, 12:43 AM

Sweet ride.

shdw on th sun · 12-10-2008, 05:18 PM

man that looks VERY good! im a fan of naked bike AND white, so what a great combo! duc makes a good bike as well. can i request pics of the riders view including a few shots of the speedo/gauge cluster?

gueedo70 · 12-10-2008, 06:49 PM

Beautiful bike man man

rambler1982 · 12-10-2008, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shdw on th sun

can i request pics of the riders view including a few shots of the speedo/gauge cluster?

Sure. I'll try to take some tomorrow or the day after.

shane.drummer · 12-12-2008, 08:57 PM

Is the bike pretty comfortable?

ilia · 12-14-2008, 04:30 AM

B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L

enjoy it and be careful (as much as possible lol)

kitty kat · 12-14-2008, 12:15 PM

Looks good, makes a change from the usual red Ducatis. Not my style of bike, but if we all rode the same bikes then forums would be boring.

Enjoy riding it, and ride safe

10-26-2008, 12:37 PM	#1
rambler1982 Verified Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 37	First bike!! (and pics) I got my Ducati Monster 696 last night. Went for my first ride this morning and it was sooooo amazing!This is my first bike and I absolutely LOVE it!!!! I got back from my first ride (15 minutes), got off my bike and thought, "Wait, why am I home?" I hopped right back on my bike and rode for another 30 minutes. Haha. Here are a coupla pics, it's bone stock right now and the quality of the pics isn't great, I'll try to post more later. I'm sure I'll have more questions/concerns to follow, but one of the first things I've noticed is that I'm stalling a lot. It seems as thought the clutch doesn't engage until it's let out almost all the way. It's taking some getting used to, but I think I'll get there. Also, I'm a little uncertain about the break-in period. I've heard that the first 100 miles are supposed to be really easy, and the first 600 should be kept under 4,000 or 5,000 rpm- but this is all word of mouth, and nothing confirmed from the dealer/manual etc. For the record, I took the MSF course and passed the licensing exam, I have a helmet, textile jacket, and gloves. And will do my best to ride within my abilities as I'm obviously still developing my riding skills. Thanks

10-27-2008, 08:32 PM	#3
FlyBy Motorcycling Unplugged !! Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Edmonds, WA Posts: 1,264	That looks beautiful... congrats and be safe. yeah i too have a 3/4 clutch which is like when you let it go all the way and the engine engages.. i am kinda use to it but still want it set as half clutch. I will be taking my bike for its first oil change tomm and will have them set it to half... so that it increases the friction zone. __________________ kawasaki zx6r

10-28-2008, 06:09 PM	#4
sirgilbert357 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Dallas Posts: 1,221	Well, I know every bike is different, but for mine (07 Ninja 650), it was: 0-500 miles; under 4k RPMs 500-1000 miles; under 6k RPMs. I'd say thats pretty basic break in guidelines...just vary the revs like noted above, especially on the highway... __________________ My key to happiness says "Kawasaki" on it.

10-28-2008, 06:52 PM	#6
Ramazith 2005 Suzuki C50 Boulevard Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 338	As much as I hate white for cages, on bikes it looks great. How do you like turning with those stubby straight handlebars? __________________ Ride to Work.

10-30-2008, 11:29 AM	#10
gkim4107 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 205	nice bike, Congratulations, and enjoy the hell out of it. __________________ If life gives you lemons, find someone whose life has given them vodka and throw a hell of a party!!!

10-26-2008, 05:46 PM	#2
hsartteacher I Ride Like A Girl Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 1,589	Wow the white color is SWEET. Yes, check the Owners Manual for details, but honestly I have always heard it's bad to ride for long time at the same speed/rpms, speed up and slow down some to help break in the seals.

10-28-2008, 06:33 PM	#5
Jessie B Master At Arms Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Gainesville, FL Posts: 102	Engine break in is a controversial subject. This is how i believe it should be done. http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm Probably too late for you though. Nice bike. Those Ducati's sound sooooo good.

10-28-2008, 07:14 PM	#7
badmonkey track junkie Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 798	hawt. you need a chin fairing! i do hard break-ins, but either way appears to work. take it easy for a while since it's your first bike anyway.

10-29-2008, 04:40 AM	#9
guineapig Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: in transit to AZ Posts: 476	SWEET looking bike mate! ATGATT, be safe and have fun!

11-03-2008, 11:55 AM	#11
Aatank Verified Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 38	Sexy!! Ducati for your first bike im jealous!! Im also interested in the break in period, is it different for all bikes?? Thinking of getting a new Ninja250 and concerned about that as well! Anyways.. great bike, have fun and drive safe

11-03-2008, 01:16 PM	#12
badmonkey track junkie Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 798	recommended break in procedure (soft break in) is generally the same for all bikes. "soft break in" requires that you take it easy for the first few hundred miles. the manual should detail what rpm limits you should maintain. "hard break in" requires that you ride the piss out of the bike and put the engine under heavy load in the first 15 miles you ride the bike. either way appears to work, it's just a matter of preference and what you happen to believe. since it's your first bike, i'd take it easy.

11-04-2008, 11:21 AM	#13
ErikG Verified Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 46	Thats a nice bike. I really like the white and black color scheme.

11-07-2008, 11:35 PM	#14
hobbzilla Newbie Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4	nice bike. love the colors

11-08-2008, 06:32 PM	#15
wawadave Guest Posts: n/a	Awesome first bike!! I know what you mean about not wanting to stop! did 4,000+miles once just kept saying just a little father a little farther...

11-09-2008, 10:58 AM	#16
Brokenwall Verified Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 27	I agree that white on black looks clean and sexy!

11-10-2008, 11:32 AM	#17
rapmeister99 Motorcyclist Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 8	not a big fan of naked bikes but this one looks sweet, my mom has one in red and idk lets just say its not my style. but that white looks very sleek!

11-11-2008, 04:25 PM	#18
aiya Registered Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 1	That colour has me hooked!! Congrats and enjoy!

11-11-2008, 04:51 PM	#19
stoopidsteve87 Verified Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 67	sexy bike, looks great in white

11-12-2008, 07:44 PM	#20
Archangel Angel's Realm Where Evil Fears To Tread Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Jeffersonville IN. Posts: 2,064	Love your bike It looks freaken allsome ! The clutch thing is not unusual you will get used to it. My clutch is kinda weard Is seems to work 2 ways it just starts to engage with clutch at or around 1/2 to 5/8 opened but it does not stop pulling tell 3 /4 to 7/8 closed . not sure why but I got used to it. __________________ A> <A

11-12-2008, 08:51 PM	#21
99genx Newbie Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4	Great looking bike; I've fancied the Monsters for a while.

11-13-2008, 06:33 PM	#22
74thst Verified Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 19	Beautiful bike!

11-16-2008, 04:30 PM	#23
mbaker80 Verified Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 15	thats a sweet bike

11-18-2008, 12:15 AM	#24
Icewatch Verified Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Sonoma County Posts: 26	Very sweet bike, how you have many miles of fun on her!

11-19-2008, 10:32 PM	#25
Matt.knj Verified Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 22	Great looking bike, congradulations. That's a great bike to start with and it's Italian! You'll have a great time with that bike for years to come.

11-22-2008, 05:55 PM	#26
The_Snowman Newbie Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 6	wow , that is one good looking bike.... i envy u lol

11-22-2008, 10:37 PM	#27
mellowfe Motorcyclist Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: jacksonville fl Posts: 10	nice

11-23-2008, 10:17 AM	#28
rambler1982 Verified Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 37	WOW! You guys are way too nice!! Thanks for all the kind replies. Here are a few more pics. I've got about 250 miles on her now and absolutely LOVE it!

11-23-2008, 01:25 PM	#29
wawadave Guest Posts: n/a	glad your likeing it!!

11-27-2008, 06:36 AM	#30
jina152 Newbie Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 5	looks awesome!! lucky you i cant wait until i get my own

11-27-2008, 02:00 PM	#31
F650GSer Motorcyclist Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 8	dear friend you talked about that machine as a her, but it looks like very muscular.. :-) I hope you have a great and nice time with that bike.. ride safe end enjoy..

11-30-2008, 05:05 PM	#32
gkim4107 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 205	yep, that is deffinately a badass bike, I dont know why, but I have always had a thing for the ducatti monsters. Have fun and ride it safe! __________________ If life gives you lemons, find someone whose life has given them vodka and throw a hell of a party!!!

11-30-2008, 05:16 PM	#33
Gaevren Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 243	Wow that is a gorgeous bike. I am a big fan of the naked look with bikes...just seems more aggressive and "oomphy" somehow. Glad you're enjoying it!

12-06-2008, 12:43 AM	#34
kmac27 Verified Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 64	Sweet ride.

12-10-2008, 05:18 PM	#35
shdw on th sun Verified Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: cincinnati Posts: 43	man that looks VERY good! im a fan of naked bike AND white, so what a great combo! duc makes a good bike as well. can i request pics of the riders view including a few shots of the speedo/gauge cluster?

12-10-2008, 06:49 PM	#36
gueedo70 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Southern PA Posts: 561	Beautiful bike man man __________________ 2009 Suzuki SV650SF -- Silver