:smile: Hi Folks, completed a bike refresher course at the weekend as I haven't had a bike for 20 years. It was very, very worthwhile. The course lasted four hours & included plenty of manoeuvres (through cones), doing U-turns, figure of eight etc in a safe environment before going out around town on an XJ600. It all came back :smile: Also spent a couple of hours in bike heaven at Ducati Aylesbury which is a large dealership & clothing store. I have my eye on a Ducati monster 696 to get me back into things (my last bike 20 years ago was a GSX-R 750). At the showroom I couldn't take my eye off the Aprilia Tuono V4 - what a lovely looking machine - maybe for the future. I think the monster would suit me well. I'll go to the MCN bike show in Feb & have a good look. So I'am a bit nearer to getting my first Duke.
Probably a good idea to get a bit of training after a long lay off. Good luck in your search for a new bike, think the Tuono V 4 could be a bit to much for a first bike and the Monster should be less scary but still fun.
Hi, Depending on your budget and confidence, maybe a larger monster might be good, the 796 and 1100 models would be better for longer distance and come with higher spec suspension. If your last ride was a GSXR750 you might find the 676 a bit tame once you're used to it.
You could be right. Not sure whether to get the 696 to get used to driving again & keep her for a season & move up to a bigger machine or get a 796 straight off.
Get the bigger bike. I think the 1100 would be best - you'd probably keep it longer and you don't need to open the throttle all the way...
If you are going Monster route get the 1100. My mate did as his first bike, new to biking in his mid-late 40's and still loves it 3 years on! Then get some good mates to ride with who can help bring your confidence up or carry on with the training thing with a friendly (sic) IAM bunch be warned, you may stray after Ducati but will always return
I took my refresher last Aug, collected my Diavel in Sept and completed 750 miles & 1st service before laying her up for the winter. You will wonder why it took you 20 years- I did, but lots of good riding to look forward to in 2013. I agree with Char, book some test rides. Aylesbury are pretty good, especially if they know you are serious about buying a bike. Talk to Steve Brockbank & he will get you sorted. Good luck & have fun!
The bigger bike is probably the better option, as like others have said the smaller one may not supply the same level of enjoyment over a longer period. You know how to ride and the throttle always goes both ways
If you've never had a big bike and experienced the performance, get one to get it out of your system. I've had plenty of fast bikes, but my current project is based around a 750SS. It's not only what you've got but what you do with it. I used to race, but the most fun I've had on track is squeezing everything you can out of small stuff. There's a lot more to riding then just opening the throttle ;-)
Well said. I far prefer riding twisties and the thrill that brings than just opening the throttle on a straight. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it. :tongue: ps -I've done the speed thing* and IMO once youve done it, you've done it. Nothing to prove to myself any more :smile: *75mph. Honest Officer :smile:
i'm in tears here.........all thats needed now is someone to get the "what you need is a real world bike" out and the thread is complete........
