A Monster In The Garage...the new 696 to be preciseAfter passing my bike test with the unwavering patience of Bike Smart, (the quote for the day of the second and final test was “I’ve cracked the u-turn”), it was time to buy myself a bike. I had been burning around on a 250 Yamaha Virago, but my heart was set on something with a bit more…oomph.
We went to the bike show at the O2 Arena where I saw the new Ducati Monster 696. I fell unashamedly in love. It was sitting there gleaming in pearl white looking as sexy as only a Ducati can. I approached it, ran my hand along its shiny tank and climbed on. My toes just touched the floor, my hands reached the bars…this bike was made for me! …but the price tag… I already had a car on finance and I knew I could never afford it. My heart sank to my size threes. The Ducati had ruined me. I half heartedly looked at other bikes, but my heart had been stolen by the Italian stallion. I looked at my car with bitterness and resentment, my hopes of owning the bike of my dreams dashed.
A few weeks later my partner took on a new job and, as it didn’t come with a company car, he said he would need to use mine and offered to take over the finance payments. I was free from the shackles of four wheels and my hopes were renewed. We took a ride up to Pro Twins to “have a look”, but I already knew the outcome. Within 10 minutes I had handed over my credit card and the bike was ordered. The next six weeks took an eternity.
When I finally got the call to say it was in, I drove up there with my insurance so I could see it. It was sitting in the workshop with a piece of masking tape across the headlights with my name on it. I wanted to go and throw myself at it but managed to maintain some kind of dignity. Pro Twins were fantastic, they adjusted the suspension so it was low enough for me to ride and put adjustable levers on, only charging me for the parts, the labour was free. I ordered the sculpted seat which as well as looking seriously hot lowered it enough so that with my Ladystar highrisers I was able to touch the floor, (you’ve probably gathered by now that I’m vertically challenged). Finally the day came. I arrived at Pro Twins very excited and a little anxious about riding it home. I sat on it and thought “damn that tank looks big…it feels heavy…what if I drop it” I have to admit I was a little scared. The plan was to ride it around the block until I felt comfortable. I rode it once around the block, the weight wasn’t an issue as it’s so perfectly balanced and it was so easy to ride…effortless in fact. I looked at my partner Rich on his FZ1 and said “lets go!”
The ride home was awesome, I felt like I was born to ride this bike. No fear, no anxiety, just pure unadulterated exhilaration. The Ducati sang to me all the way home as I overtook everything in my path and I had the ride of my life. I still haven’t lost that buzz. Every time I ride it I have the same feeling of awe and excitement. So many things in life don’t live up to expectations…the Ducati Monster isn’t one of them, it’s exceptional. I still can’t quite believe it when I open my garage door and see it sitting there. I absolutely love this bike, the curves, the sound of the V Twin and the superb ride.
The say the course of true love never runs smoothly, but we all love a happy ending and they don’t come any happier than mine. I want to give a big thank you to Bike Smart for all their hard work and patience and also to Pro Twins for their exceptional service. I’m a very happy customer…thanks guys.
I want to go faster, I want to go faster..
