I'm a couple of weeks late, but thought I would post here and say hi. I was born and raised in Australia but have lived in the United States for the last ~15 years. I was reading Adrian Mole books when the 916 was released, and new I wanted one from the moment I saw it. My first bike as an Aprilia RS125 (which I regret buying). Since then I've had a 1996 Ducati 748SP with a 955cc mill (which I regret selling), a 1995 900SS (which was cursed), a 2008 HyperMotard 1100S (which I still have), and I just picked up a 2002 998 (pictured below) from a mate. I just realized I left the sidestand down in the first picture. Oh well...
Greetings! Thats a great looking bike. Regrets about an Aprilla at a young age? If that was the worst decision you made I reckon you got off lightly!