For whatever reason this has been a banner month for the blog. The final stats aren’t in just yet since there a few days left in the September, but it looks like we’re going to go over one-thousand unique visitors for the month for the first time. When I started this several months ago I had no idea that people would actually read this thing, so this is pretty cool. I’ve also been getting an increasing amount of email from avid readers and first time visitors alike, which is also really cool. If you haven’t had the time to stop and say hello, please do. I’d love to hear from you…

Now several of the folks who’ve written in have asked my take on purchasing a new bike and/or more specifically new Ducati. Frankly, I’m not sure that I should be the one offering advice on this since I’m sure there are much more qualified motorcycle experts out there and even an entire magazine industry that’s basically predicated on promoting new models every so often. But since it keeps coming I thought I’d toss a few thoughts out there.

First of all, I’m a strong believer that before you purchase any motorcyle you ought to take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. I believe that they’re offered around in most states around the country. While a bit boring, the course is a good way to start. I found it to be a good eye-opener on the basics.

Secondly, I think you’ve got to ask yourself the most fundimental question of all. What kind of bike do I want to ride? In today’s market there are so many options: cruisers, sport-tourers, sportbikes, dual-purpose, naked bikes, grand-tourers, etc. The list go’s on and on. Once you lock down the style of bike, then you’ve got to test ride several in that category. I’ve read that some dealerships are refusing to allow test rides on demo bikes. If this is the case with the dealership you’re checking out my suggestion would be to find another place to shop. I tend to think of test rides as rather important parts of the motorcycle evaluation process and information gathering stage. Without them you’re left to what can sometimes be preconceived notions about a cycle.

In my case, MotorMilt and I went and kicked tires at the local Aprilla dealer only to find out that demo rides were not allowed. We left and never looked back. Who knows if we would have fallen in love with the Millie, but since the dealer wasn’t giving test rides how am I supposed to know what that bike feels like? No way I’m throwing down cash for something I’ve never ridden before.

Most importantly, I wouldn’t shop anywhere that tries the pressure routine on you. Purchasing a motorcycle should be fun, not annoying. I hate to say it, but in my experience I’ve often found that mixed dealerhips that sell either several japanese marques or a combination of japanese brands and foriegn imports, tend to be the worst places for such nonsense. The least pressure I’ve ever had was BMW and Triumph dealers. Again, from my experience it seems that more sporty you get the more annoying the sales people. And when I say annoying - let me be clear - what I’m talking about is when you specifically tell them what you want and they present something else. For instance I was with a buddy of mine who was shopping at a local Honda motorcycle dealership near Hollywood. My friend tells the sale manager he’d like to talk numbers on a particular bike but he doesn’t want anything else. Just the bike. The sale kid says sure thing and then proceeds to fill out the purchase agreement with a 72 month extended warrenty and a 500 dollar clothing credit. That’s not how to do business in my book.

Finally, I’d also offer that nobody ought to be heading out to purchase the biggest, baddest, most powerful anything as their first bike. I’m a big believer that even if you’re perfect when you start out, you’re still going to do something stupid at some point. Like dropping your bike or clipping one of those poles in parking lots. Who knows exactly what it will be, but it will happen. I know folks who are great riders, but when they started out they did silly stuff, like forgetting to put their feet down at a stop light. And nothinig hurts like seeing a shinny new bike laying on the ground. Accidents - hopefully only minor ones - will happen. Let it be. Get something that’s used, that has some life left in it and ride the heck out of it until you feel like you’re ready to move up.

Now along those lines, I’ve been reading in several of the new sport bike magazines what seems to be the current debate in motorcycling, is it better to start off with a 600cc class sportbike or a liter bike. The magazine editors believe that a 600cc bike teaches you more about shifting, keeping the rev’s up and braking while at the same time giving you a great motorcycle experience. I haven’t ridden a 600cc class bike in awhile - expect for the 749, which technically is a bit larger displacement - but from my point of view there’s something to be said for having to shift more rather than less when you’re first starting out. On the football field they call it getting reps and I don’t frankly think it’s much different on the street. The more time you spend practicing, the better you get. It’s just that simple.

Anyway, that’s my take on it all. Again I’m not an expert and there are far more qualified folks to ask these sorts of questions to, but if you’re interested and think I can help drop me a line!