[SteveinNC]

Well...I know we need pics...I'll get them...soon. Too busy breaking this in!

I haven't been on a bike in over 15 years (I'm turning 40 this year), and was VERY nervous about starting back up with a 749 (got a new leftover '05). I read all the threads about starting with a cheaper/easier bike etc. and...I think that's excellent advice...but, why be practical now! I stalled it 3 times in the parking lot, then started to get the hang of it....most of it came back. Enough for me to feel safe and comfortable anyway...certainly FAR from being where I need to be.

I must say that the bike is incredible....The agressive position will take some getting used to, but the feel and the acceleration etc. are just wonderful...I've got a major smile on my face!

I've put about 100 miles on it today, and I'll take at least one more ride...my arms are giving out a bit.

Again...thanks for all the advice and all the information I got from reading many other threads...it really helped.


Steve

 

[xseal]

www.superbikeschool.com

try level 1 and 2, you'll be glad you did.

 

[moto]

Congratulations!
You picked a great bike.

 

[SpiderSense]

congrats!

starting off on a 'starter bike' is always recommended.. i did it with an SV650S.. but i tell you, i recently got a 999 and i feel its ALOT safer. sure the power can get you in more trouble, but a better handling bike is safer. it handles bumps soooo much safer. it goes where i want it to go, and is much more stable in straights and turns. it even allows me to shift into a lower gear (by accident) without locking the rear (loves those tires and the tall gearing). i have better wind protection, better headlights, stickier tires. yeah yeah, i'm getting overconfident already.. but i finally enjoy riding and i'm not so much on edge worrying about every little crevice/bump on the road anymore. i'm in heaven and liking it the more i ride (everyday!).

it took me a week to get pass the aching wrist and sore lower back and stiff neck. the only thing that bothers me is i'm always afraid my jeans are going to catch fire from the heat. mine gets REALLY hot if i'm engine braking alot.

i hope you enjoy it ! just keep a level head and be safe...

 

[rustysrustyduc]

HI Steve,

I totally understand. I've also started motorcycling at 40, and I also started with a Ducati. Actually a Monster, and now I'm just starting with a 05 749 Dark too!

I have a little suggestion also. Frame sliders, and fixed pegs.

Those two items just saved me a bunch of $$$ when I dumped my bike doing 20mph or so on a mud-slick road. You can ride as carefully as you can, but sometimes stuff like this happens. And now that I'm rebuilding someone elses 749 Dark, I can tell you that you don't want to have to go through what I'm doing to replace fairings and mirrors and all kinds of fun stuff. The frame sliders and fixed pegs will probably only cost about around $500 now, but they will more than pay for themselves if your bike goes down. Not to mention, they might prevent a towbill or having to completely scrap a ride and ruin your friends day as well.

Oh, and get good gear as well, my jeans burned through in five feet of sliding. Its amazing what happens, even at really slow speeds.

Good luck with your new bike.

And as a clever fellow Ducati owner once said to me: even though its Spring, dress for the FALL.

 

[rob]

I stalled it 3 times in the parking lot, then started to get the hang of it....most of it came back.

Hey Steve, congrats! FWIW, I've been riding for about 14 years, and 8 of those on one Duc or another...and I still stall the 748 every now and then. Usually it's because I dump the clutch faster than I'd intended, and then panic when I feel the front wheel start coming up so I chop the throttle and stall.

If I'd just learn to go with it and ride the wheelie out, I'd look like a hero. Instead I stall out and sit in the middle of the intersection looking like a boob.

 

[rob]

Oh, and BTW, +1 on superbike school.

 

[migz123]

congratulations and welcome!!

It's not ever too late to get a Ducati, or even any motorcycle. Keep safety first and you will be enjoying your machine as much as a 10 year old on a new bicycle!