hello! another newbie

[Captain Caveman]

Hi everyone,

glad to have found the site :ukm:

name's David, from up in sunny Scotland (well, ok, it's snowing right now, lol) for last 10 years or so, but originally from NW England
current owner of a red 08 Monster 696+ - pretty much stock so far apart from carbon Termis, R&G aero bungs and DDA

look forward to getting to know you all! :)

[Pomp1]

hi and welcome, snowing in Scotland ? bloody atrocious down in Essex too..how you're finding the 696 then?

[MonstaChicky]

Welcome :) Zowie Cavie hehe

[J.P]

Welcome David I hope you enjoy the bike there ae lots of 696 owners around now, not all that far north though.

[jimbo696]

Welcome David, great choice of bike...

[davkyt]

Welcome. Have you had monsters before ?

[Diego]

welcome m8! monsters :yoparty:

[PhilLew]

Hi David, welcome.

You should have moved to Edinburgh, we didn't get any snow last night LOL

[Captain Caveman]

Thanks all

been riding about 15 years, but my first Ducati, previously rode a screaming jap four (NC29) - seating position took a little bit of adjusting, but definitely comfier now i'm getting old and creaky, lol

think the 696 is best summed up as 'confidence inspiring' - fuelling isn't perfect below 4-5K rpm, but actually seems a bit better with the termis than stock pipes, suspension's great and braking excellent - a bit of snow this morning didn't stop me choosing the monster over the car, lol

think the gearing is maybe a little tall, but makes for relaxed progress at motorway speeds, and the big wide bars make lazy counter-steering/bend-swinging a joy - flicks probably as well as the old 400 i had, and gotta love the increased torque and the sound... although not a bike for the shy and retiring - still getting used to turning heads and dogs freaking out as i go past :D

it might not be the most powerful bike out there, but certainly no trouble keeping up with lardy beemers, triumphs etc. on most roads, and excels in the twisty stuff - definitely nice to have a bit more torque low down and usable power from about 5K - last bike redlined at 14.5k and only really made good power from about 10-11K... slipper clutch works well too for a cack-handed oaf used to ILFs

apart from a flat battery (optimate lead now fitted), had no problems with it at all so far, and still about the most fun i have with my clothes on, lol ;)

looking forward to giving it a go round knockhill once the weather improves a bit.

[chris yeatman]

hello mate and welcome.

[LVC]

Welcome to the family David :thumbsup:

[Stafford]

Welcome to the UKMOC.
I'll keep an eye out for you as I'm Glasgow for the next two days.