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January 24, 2009
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Well, this summer I have a new ride. And no, I did not sell my 1st gen Vmax (the Aquamax) seen on PG 1 in this thread. Never! This is my first foray into Italian bikes, and as such I'm still learning about what makes it different than other "normal" bikes. Like...I had to read the owner's manual to figure out how to operate the high beam!
This is also the first bike I've owned in almost 20 years that has had fewer than 4 cylinders, so that's a little adjustment in itself. This bike really likes to run in the 4K & up RPM range. However, the riding position & seat of the pants full throttle power is very similar to the Aquamax, with a similar sized 1200 CC engine.
Normally my bikes have lots of "bling", so for me to go with an all black bike is freakin' unheard of! 
But cleaning it should be a breeze, so there's that. Here is my mostly stock 2011 Ducati Diavel...
Also, the first chain drive bike I've had in a long time...
Engine warming up for the first 100+ mile ride last Saturday. Don't worry, I mowed the unkempt grass, weeds & whatever else was there when I got back. 
May 6, 2024
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I'll Play;
Whoda guessed, I may ride something kinda Old..1974
Dans Club
February 24, 2013
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Charger Fan said
Well, this summer I have a new ride. And no, I did not sell my 1st gen Vmax (the Aquamax) seen on PG 1 in this thread. Never! This is my first foray into Italian bikes, and as such I'm still learning about what makes it different than other "normal" bikes. Like...I had to read the owner's manual to figure out how to operate the high beam!This is also the first bike I've owned in almost 20 years that has had fewer than 4 cylinders, so that's a little adjustment in itself. This bike really likes to run in the 4K & up RPM range. However, the riding position & seat of the pants full throttle power is very similar to the Aquamax, with a similar sized 1200 CC engine.
Normally my bikes have lots of "bling", so for me to go with an all black bike is freakin' unheard of!
Also, the first chain drive bike I've had in a long time...
Engine warming up for the first 100+ mile ride last Saturday. Don't worry, I mowed the unkempt grass, weeds & whatever else was there when I got back.
Nice Duck!
Dans Club
February 24, 2013
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racepres said
I'll Play;Whoda guessed, I may ride something kinda Old..1974
Nothin wrong with old! Nice lookin bike.
Dans Club
February 24, 2013
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Speaking of old, only bike I have now is the one my dad bought new Feb, 1977. He passed away March, 2019. Here’s a pic of his last ride.
May 6, 2024
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I dig yer Dad..Sorry for loss, I lost my Dad in 2021.
No bike for him.
While I am Not a Fan of UJM's...I did have one...in the '70's. Heck, I even tried a Wing, again in the '70's, into early '80's!! Not for Me!
Dans Club
February 24, 2013
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January 24, 2009
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Kurt, those photos of your Dad's last ride have got to be priceless. Really cool, thanks for sharing them. 
Dans Club
February 24, 2013
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Yes they are, thanks!
February 16, 2016
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Nice Ducati Charger and sweet Shovel Race.
September 19, 2011
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I got my first motorcycle when I was 19, and I've had at least one ever since, usually 2. My current bikes are...
1993 Honda XR650L. First year for the 650L, and I bought the first one I found... yes, back in 1993. It combined the electric start NX650 motor, suitably tuned, and the XR600 chassis, into what was at that time the best dual sport motorcycle made.
Although I bought this bike when I lived in OH, it's been to IN, CO, CA, NV, AZ, and currently resides in TX. Fairly modded, it's geared for high altitude. Even at 31 years old, it starts with the first push of the button, and always gives me a smile. It is affectionately known as the Torque-a-Saurus. Fun Fact: Honda, after 31 years, is still making and selling this bike, basically unchanged... except for the color and BNG's.... (Bold New Graphics.)
My other bike is a 2013 Ducati 796 Monster. This would be the last of the 2-valve, air-cooled Ducati bikes... by this time, Ducati was making the transition to water-cooling, and more valves across the lineup. My previous bike was a 1993 CBR1000F... so I wondered how well I would like the smaller 800cc Ducati twin. What the Monster lacks in brute power, it certainly makes up for with nimbleness, rideability, and that Ducati sound.
My 796 is also the last of the single-sided swingarm Monsters with the high exhaust... later models (after 2015 I believe...) had the lower exhaust. It's just a very fun, very fast motorcycle... I love it. The only issue I've had is the size... it's light and nimble because it's small... and I'm 6'2". My idea to turn it into a semi-sport tourer has been dashed to the rocks... I will definitely need a different bike if I'm going to ride this for any distance. Not that the bike can't do it... but I can't.
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February 16, 2013
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I just picked this up April 19th and already have 650+ miles on it. First time in over 40 years I didn't by a Moto Guzzi. Boy this is smooth compared to a 90° V-Twin!
Dans Club
February 24, 2013
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Is that a Victory? Looks pretty snazzy!
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January 24, 2009
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KurtB said
Is that a Victory? Looks pretty snazzy!
Looks like a Honda Goldwing to me. And yes, those run a whole lot more smooth than a 90° V-twin!
Charlie, I love that little Monster! There is a Monster 1200 S for sale locally that I almost jumped on. But after sitting on it & feeling just how compact it is, I decided to go with the Diavel, which even though it's a heavier bike, it offers a bit more room. I may still have to get a Monster in a year or two, just to have fun with for short jaunts.
September 19, 2011
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The Monster is a great bike around town, and for short jaunts... say less than 4 hours. I rode it from Dallas to the MotoGP, in Austin, twice... and after 4 hours, I was ready to get off of it.
I realize now what I really want is a MultiStrada... or an ST. When I sold my CBR1000F in 2005, that was my idea... to buy an ST3... but life got in the way, and it wasn't until 2016 when the stars aligned and I wound up with my 796.... it was a deal I couldn't refuse. At this point, all the classic Ducatis are 10-15 years old or more, so I'm stuck with what I have, or move up to something more modern. I don't need a basket case in the garage.
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February 16, 2013
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Charger Fan said
KurtB said
Is that a Victory? Looks pretty snazzy!
Looks like a Honda Goldwing to me.
You are right Charger Fan! A 2018 Honda Goldwing.
September 19, 2011
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I was out in Hawaii this past week, took Monday to rent motorcycles. No... no Ducatis, but they did have a 50th Anniversary Z900...
It was actually a VERY nice bike to ride. I'll admit, the one thing I miss with my Ducati is analog gauges... at least the speedo and tachometer. Felt like the good ole days...
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January 24, 2009
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That one does look fun! A retro look, with modern goodies...I know for sure that Z900 turns & brakes a LOT better than the 70's bike it was styled after.
Dans Club
February 24, 2013
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I looked at one of those when they came out. I got a ticket on the ‘77 Kaw KZ650 I got from my dad on the drive to the dealership. I liked the new bike, but it seemed a little too “crotch rocket” for my taste. Who knows, I may change my mind and still get one.
May 6, 2024
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Charger Fan said
That one does look fun! A retro look, with modern goodies...I know for sure that Z900 turns & brakes a LOT better than the 70's bike it was styled after.
Brakes????
I need an Update... '70's Brakes just don't cut it!!!
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