My First Superbike

15784 Views 47 Replies 23 Participants Last post by DasDucati, Oct 26, 2015

DasDucati

Discussion Starter · Feb 10, 2014

2

Alas!

I decided to sell my Ducati Monster 696 and picked up my 899 Yesterday! I put down 120 miles yesterday in the Malibu canyons and let me just say WOW.

This bike is absolutely incredible and is exactly what I was looking for. I grew up riding dirt bikes and when I was 15 years old rode an Aprilia RS50. The Monster was my first real motorcycle and I enjoyed every minute of it. However, when I saw the 899 and read its reviews, I realized that considering my riding style (weekends, canyons, soon to be tracking) the 899 seemed to call my name.

I will continue to update you guys as I get adjusted to the bike. I have been noticing my wrists hurting while I ride, I am still trying to find a comfortable position and use my legs and core to hold myself up. I am 6'1 190 lbs. If anyone has any suggestions, Id appreciate it, the tank grips are helping a little bit.

I am going to sign up for a 2 day track school which I am really excited for. I am sure this will help.

Here are some mods that I am getting done this week.

1. Painting wheels Matte Black (not a fan of the red)
2. Tail Tidy
3. Removing rear turn signals and installing the integrated tail light/brake light
4. Rear sets
5. Termi exhaust
6. Tinted front shield
7. Tail Guard Kit

Will post pics soon

Cheers

1st photo is bike being prepped before I took her home
2nd photo is from my first ride up in the Malibu canyons

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Reactions: 3

1 - 20 of 48 Posts

d3rRiCk7

· #2 · Feb 10, 2014

Great bike there ! Hope to see more of your reviews. I have place a order for one too. But will only be collecting it in April. The wait is killing me !!!

dissonanz

· #3 · Feb 10, 2014

Glad that you're enjoying it!

If you are able, videos and audio of the sound before and after you fit the Termis would be extremely helpful. There is discussion of this topic on another thread, and you appear to be in the position to help. I've been curious myself to know how the Termis (with baffles in) sound compared to stock.

adeyrob

· #4 · Feb 10, 2014

dissonanz said:
Glad that you're enjoying it!

If you are able, videos and audio of the sound before and after you fit the Termis would be extremely helpful. There is discussion of this topic on another thread, and you appear to be in the position to help. I've been curious myself to know how the Termis (with baffles in) sound compared to stock.

Firstly, welcome to the forum, be good to see some photos when you've had the wheels done.

The Termi's were fitted to mine when I picked her up, but I was fortunate when at the dealers one day that the demo bike was outside with the standard cans fitted, so we were able to do a side by side comparison, the original cans sounded fantastic, but the Termi's had a sweater note IMO, also several others had the same opinion. They weren't that much louder than the stock system, and I think my neighbours will think the same which ever system fitted when I'm setting off on an early morning ride

92GTA

· #5 · Feb 10, 2014

Congrats! I did about 300 miles myself up to Santa Barbara Saturday.

I MUCH prefer the look of the white 1199 with the black wheels, good choice painting yours black. One of the reasons I bought a red 899.

I'm up to about 860 miles so far, you are going to love it even more than you do now. I bought mine Jan. 18th and can't ride it enough!

DasDucati

Discussion Starter · #6 · Feb 10, 2014

92GTA said:
Congrats! I did about 300 miles myself up to Santa Barbara Saturday.

I MUCH prefer the look of the white 1199 with the black wheels, good choice painting yours black. One of the reasons I bought a red 899.

I'm up to about 860 miles so far, you are going to love it even more than you do now. I bought mine Jan. 18th and can't ride it enough!

I used to ride the monster and after few hours I would get bored and be ready to go home. My first day on the 899, I ended up riding for over 6 hours! and did not want the day to end!

Cheers and congrats on your purchase

draggin

· #7 · Feb 10, 2014

congrats and sweet photos!

the monster is a nice bike but the 899 is a whole other level of performance.

i like the red wheels

in for some photos of the black wheels!

Ducato

· #8 · Feb 10, 2014

DasDucati said:
Alas!

I decided to sell my Ducati Monster 696 and picked up my 899 Yesterday! I put down 120 miles yesterday in the Malibu canyons and let me just say WOW.

I will continue to update you guys as I get adjusted to the bike. I have been noticing my wrists hurting while I ride, I am still trying to find a comfortable position and use my legs and core to hold myself up. I am 6'1 190 lbs. If anyone has any suggestions, Id appreciate it, the tank grips are helping a little bit.

Interesting, I'm wondering whether to keep my beloved 750ie '02 monster and buy a 899. I'm also 6'1 190lbs and that "my wrists hurting while I ride" part really bothers me. I doubt you [or I] would last long using the legs and core to hold yourself, not very natural, but granted it's a superbike so...

Also riding a superbike in Los Angeles seems unreasonable when you know how damaged the asphalt is on pretty much every single streets avenues etc, I'm curious about your experience with that if you do ride/commute the streets of LA.

snake shake

· #9 · Feb 10, 2014

congrats man and welcome to the boards @DasDucati, enjoy the new sled

jumpman

· #10 · Feb 11, 2014

Congratulations! Hope to see more updates on what is going onto the bike!

Ugrin

· #11 · Feb 11, 2014

Congrats on you new toy . I test rode one last weekend and can't wait to sale my 2 bikes and buy one myself . Ride safe

cj899

· #12 · Feb 11, 2014

welcome Onboard..and please post the pics once you get the wheels painted all black

DasDucati

Discussion Starter · #13 · Feb 11, 2014

Ducato said:
Interesting, I'm wondering whether to keep my beloved 750ie '02 monster and buy a 899. I'm also 6'1 190lbs and that "my wrists hurting while I ride" part really bothers me. I doubt you [or I] would last long using the legs and core to hold yourself, not very natural, but granted it's a superbike so...

Also riding a superbike in Los Angeles seems unreasonable when you know how damaged the asphalt is on pretty much every single streets avenues etc, I'm curious about your experience with that if you do ride/commute the streets of LA.

I respectfully disagree! From what I understand, combined with what I have experienced first hand, it takes time to develop synergy between you and your motorcycle. I am sure you would agree that on the Monster you are sitting in more of an upright position - on the 899 you are leaned over more. However, both require the use of your legs and core to support yourself, more on the 899 than the monster, which is what I have experienced. You have to use more of your legs and core to alleviate the amount of pressure on your arms and wrists when riding the 899 due to the increased angle.

After watching a video tutorial regarding this topic I went out and applied the information and immediately solved my problem.

Here is what I focused on, and how I solved the problem with my wrist pain.
1. when riding, focus on keeping the balls of your feet on the pegs which allows you to dig your knees into the tank - more support
2. Straddle the bike like it is a horse - use your core!
3. Free up your arms and hands as much as possible which allows you to maximize control and alleviate the pressure on your arms and wrists
4. Practice, Practice, Practice

Riding the 899 compared to the Monster is definitely a change, and much more of a workout, but it is one that I enjoy. Some even suggest that gym exercises focusing on your core and legs can help tremendously.

Essentially, it comes down to what you want, who you are, and how you ride. Hence the saying, to each their own. Don't let my comment dissuade you from potentially purchasing the 899. I am so much happier on this bike, and would suggest it for anyone who displays even the slightest interest in purchasing!

Finally, my experience riding in Los Angeles has been great. I do not really plan on using the 899 for commuting purposes, as I have a car. I typically ride on the weekends and go out to the PCH or Malibu canyons. Road conditions are perfectly fine. I am sure there are areas where the asphalt is damaged, but I have not run into this problem. I love riding in Los Angeles, I guess it depends where you live, where you plan on commuting.

Goodluck and I hope you make the right decision

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Reactions: 4

DasDucati

Discussion Starter · #14 · Feb 11, 2014

d3rRiCk7 said:
Great bike there ! Hope to see more of your reviews. I have place a order for one too. But will only be collecting it in April. The wait is killing me !!!

I can't imagine how hard this wait must be. Just be patient and prepare yourself. It is definitely worth the wait!!!

jumpman

· #15 · Feb 12, 2014

DasDucati said:
I respectfully disagree! From what I understand, combined with what I have experienced first hand, it takes time to develop synergy between you and your motorcycle. I am sure you would agree that on the Monster you are sitting in more of an upright position - on the 899 you are leaned over more. However, both require the use of your legs and core to support yourself, more on the 899 than the monster, which is what I have experienced. You have to use more of your legs and core to alleviate the amount of pressure on your arms and wrists when riding the 899 due to the increased angle.

After watching a video tutorial regarding this topic I went out and applied the information and immediately solved my problem.

Here is what I focused on, and how I solved the problem with my wrist pain.
1. when riding, focus on keeping the balls of your feet on the pegs which allows you to dig your knees into the tank - more support
2. Straddle the bike like it is a horse - use your core!
3. Free up your arms and hands as much as possible which allows you to maximize control and alleviate the pressure on your arms and wrists
4. Practice, Practice, Practice

Riding the 899 compared to the Monster is definitely a change, and much more of a workout, but it is one that I enjoy. Some even suggest that gym exercises focusing on your core and legs can help tremendously.

Essentially, it comes down to what you want, who you are, and how you ride. Hence the saying, to each their own. Don't let my comment dissuade you from potentially purchasing the 899. I am so much happier on this bike, and would suggest it for anyone who displays even the slightest interest in purchasing!

Finally, my experience riding in Los Angeles has been great. I do not really plan on using the 899 for commuting purposes, as I have a car. I typically ride on the weekends and go out to the PCH or Malibu canyons. Road conditions are perfectly fine. I am sure there are areas where the asphalt is damaged, but I have not run into this problem. I love riding in Los Angeles, I guess it depends where you live, where you plan on commuting.

Goodluck and I hope you make the right decision

Words well said. It's all about body position and to free up the pressure in your arms and legs so it won't be stiff..which will then equate to riding pleasure!

rjjr

· #16 · Feb 12, 2014

DasDucati said:
Alas!

I decided to sell my Ducati Monster 696 and picked up my 899 Yesterday! I put down 120 miles yesterday in the Malibu canyons and let me just say WOW.

This bike is absolutely incredible and is exactly what I was looking for. I grew up riding dirt bikes and when I was 15 years old rode an Aprilia RS50. The Monster was my first real motorcycle and I enjoyed every minute of it. However, when I saw the 899 and read its reviews, I realized that considering my riding style (weekends, canyons, soon to be tracking) the 899 seemed to call my name.

I will continue to update you guys as I get adjusted to the bike. I have been noticing my wrists hurting while I ride, I am still trying to find a comfortable position and use my legs and core to hold myself up. I am 6'1 190 lbs. If anyone has any suggestions, Id appreciate it, the tank grips are helping a little bit.

I am going to sign up for a 2 day track school which I am really excited for. I am sure this will help.

Here are some mods that I am getting done this week.

1. Painting wheels Matte Black (not a fan of the red)
2. Tail Tidy
3. Removing rear turn signals and installing the integrated tail light/brake light
4. Rear sets
5. Termi exhaust
6. Tinted front shield
7. Tail Guard Kit

Will post pics soon

Cheers

1st photo is bike being prepped before I took her home
2nd photo is from my first ride up in the Malibu canyons

Those wheels are going to be in high demand. I think a couple guys with black wheels want red in the forum.

rjjr

· #17 · Feb 12, 2014

DasDucati said:
I respectfully disagree! From what I understand, combined with what I have experienced first hand, it takes time to develop synergy between you and your motorcycle. I am sure you would agree that on the Monster you are sitting in more of an upright position - on the 899 you are leaned over more. However, both require the use of your legs and core to support yourself, more on the 899 than the monster, which is what I have experienced. You have to use more of your legs and core to alleviate the amount of pressure on your arms and wrists when riding the 899 due to the increased angle.

After watching a video tutorial regarding this topic I went out and applied the information and immediately solved my problem.

Here is what I focused on, and how I solved the problem with my wrist pain.
1. when riding, focus on keeping the balls of your feet on the pegs which allows you to dig your knees into the tank - more support
2. Straddle the bike like it is a horse - use your core!
3. Free up your arms and hands as much as possible which allows you to maximize control and alleviate the pressure on your arms and wrists
4. Practice, Practice, Practice

Riding the 899 compared to the Monster is definitely a change, and much more of a workout, but it is one that I enjoy. Some even suggest that gym exercises focusing on your core and legs can help tremendously.

Essentially, it comes down to what you want, who you are, and how you ride. Hence the saying, to each their own. Don't let my comment dissuade you from potentially purchasing the 899. I am so much happier on this bike, and would suggest it for anyone who displays even the slightest interest in purchasing!

Finally, my experience riding in Los Angeles has been great. I do not really plan on using the 899 for commuting purposes, as I have a car. I typically ride on the weekends and go out to the PCH or Malibu canyons. Road conditions are perfectly fine. I am sure there are areas where the asphalt is damaged, but I have not run into this problem. I love riding in Los Angeles, I guess it depends where you live, where you plan on commuting.

Goodluck and I hope you make the right decision

My trainer tells me to do the chicken wing. Flapping your elbows like a chicken. Surprisingly it really works to keep you from clamping down hard on the bars and locking your arms. I'll do it even cracked over in a turn if I feel I'm getting tight on the bars. The more I ride my 899 the more I like it. Using my core seems natural and I haven't had any arm or wrist issues and I'm a big guy.

Ugrin

· #18 · Feb 13, 2014

Hi ya'll,
I was wondering what is the average age of the people that own 899 . I'll be 42 in May and although I love the 899 Panigale I found questioning myself "Am I getting too old for super sport bike " . After the short test ride I did on 899 I thought the riding position it's not as upright as I thought or maybe 'cause I've been riding GSX650F for a while ...But let me hear your thoughts on the Age subject . Thanks

Oni

· #19 · Feb 13, 2014

We'll i am 32 and i have mates that are in their late 40s and early 50s still riding superbikes. Your never to old for a superbike and after all your only as old as you feel.

jumpman

· #20 · Feb 13, 2014

I've got a friend whois 48 who just placed order for his 899!

1 - 20 of 48 Posts

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