After reading the sticky in this sub forum and checking out the bikes online, I am seriously considering picking up a 2009 Ducati Monster 696. I have several questions for the bike experts here.

1. I am a total beginner. I have a lot of experience with off-road bikes but I have never been on a street bike in my life. Will the Monster 696 be too much for me to learn on?

2. I don't have a bike license. Can I purchase the bike and learn on it without a license - kind of a "learners permit" situation? Otherwise, how would I get my license before I own a bike?

3. Are there any training courses - like the one Auto Purveyor went to in the sticky - that I might attend?

4. If not the Ducati Monster 696, what other bikes might be good for a total beginner like myself?

5. The MSRP on the bike is $8,775. What kind of deal do you think I can get on one right now?

Any advice and insight on these topics - or anything else about this subject - is much appreciated!

 

Hi Dana, i'll try to answer a few of your questions.

***1st Priority*** Take the class. You can find a local training course through the chp or cc rider. IMO this is a very important step.

If you have experience on dirt bikes, I think you will be fine with a 696. It is probably a good choice.

You can get you learners permit by going to the DMV and taking a written test only. The only restrictions with a permit are no freeway, no passengers, no riding after dark. To get your license, you can either complete a basic rider safety course or take an "on bike" test at the DMV.

When you are ready to buy, I'll put you in touch with my guys at Pro Italia in Glendale, I've bought many bikes from them and referred many friends. There should be some good deals out there.

Other advice - Buy plenty of good gear, and wear it EVERY time you ride - no exceptions.

I have to warn you though, it's addicting. Seeing as to how you love F1 I think you're going to be a MotoGP fan pretty soon too.

Let me know if you have any more questions. Feel free to PM me.

Ara

***Disclaimer - This is not my expert opinion.***

 

1. You've got bike experience: You'll do just fine no a street bike. Street bikes are easier to ride in general. The 696 might not be enough for you actually.

2. You don't need the bike license to buy the bike. I can't speak for Cali, but here in Georgia if the seller knows that you don't have a license, he may not let you ride off. So either don't tell if he doesn't ask, or bring someone with a license with you.

3. There are rider training courses, Honda apparently has one that is decent for people who have no riding experience. You do have riding experience, so you intelligence might get insulted. Any savings on insurance from taking the course will be mitigated by the cost of the class.

4. Take a look at the big Monster. The extra power will be welcome, and definitely overpowering. The motor on the Monsters are extremely user friends.

5. The deals that you get go dealer by dealer. Some will give you a break, but some will not come off sticker at all.

If you like the Monster, take a look at the Aprilia Tuono. Amazing, rock solid bike, that is also user friendly. it has a lot of power, but it is not hard to manage, just like the Duc's. And you can't score a sweet Tuono for under $10k all day.

I've had Duc's and Aprilia's for years, and it is hard to choose one over the other. So I started alternating.

I just don't think that you're going to get charged up for long on the 696. It is a little bike, and since you've had riding experience, not to mention your familiarity with managing the power in a few nice four wheel cages; opt for the bigger Duc Monster.

 

i love Ara that you added the disclaimer

 

Dana is the man. Who else quits their job, and goes out to buy a Ducati shortly after. I need to step my game up. When I quit my job to start my own company I went to the grocery store and bought Lean Cuisine (only $2.49 each).

 

No joke! I went for a case of Ramen...

Dana!

 

If you have experience with motorcycles, just not street bikes, the Monster will be fine. If you had no experience at all, I'd recommend some beater like a SV650 to learn on first.

You can purchase/register/insure it without a bike license. Your first step should be to complete the motorcycle written test. Then, find your nearest MSF instructor and take the class. Upon passing the class, you get your full license, no road test required.

See above.

If you have "a lot" of experience with dirt bikes, you're unlikely to put the Duc down, which is really the only point in advising someone to get a cheap beater first.

Not a huge one unless you go used. Ducati generally doesn't have a huge problem selling bikes. You can cross-shop a few dealers if you have more than one in your area, or entertain shipping a bike from elsewhere. The cost of that will likely negate any discount you pull off, though.

1) Written test.

2) BUY GEAR. Get a good helmet, the best gloves you can afford, ditto boots, and at the bare minimum a textile jacket and kevlar reinforced jeans. Leather is better, though much more expensive.

3) MSF course. You'll want your lid and gear for this, so get it first.

4) Final license, and enjoy. Riding a bike on the street is not significantly different than in the woods. Aside from the trees not actively trying to kill you, as most cars will, anyway.

 

Concur on the gear!

Plus... the gear is just cool...

I kept Kneedraggers.com in business for quite a while.

I'd also HIGHLY recommend Vanson leather. Their jackets are second to none, and you can't wear them out; unless you try your hand at asphalt skiiing.

 

Vanson is very good stuff. The apparel manager at Pro Italia used to work for Vanson, so they have a lot of their stuff in stock and she knows the product well.

 

What is this Pro Italia you speak of...
Sounds and that I could get into a lot of trouble there...