2008 Ducati Monster 695

So I've been trying to resist posting about this but I just can't hold back any longer. We are the proud owners of a red 2008 Ducati Monster 695 as of last Saturday! Known as the Ferrari of motorcycles, the Monster is a beauty to behold. It's naked look is unique to Ducati's and its engine purrs like a newborn kitten.

Some specs:

• motor 695 cc L-twin engine
  
• power 53.7 kW/73 HP @8500 rpm
• torque 45 lb-ft - 6.2 kgm @6750 rpm
• front suspension Marzocchi 43 mm upside down fork
• dry weight of 370 lbs
  

A bit of background info, I have always wanted to drive a motorcycle for as long as I can remember and it's finally coming true! I've had the opportunity to drive the bike around the block (mind you I didn't leave first gear as I have never driven a bike before and wanted to get used to the controls) as well as Prairieland parking lot (where I did drive in second gear) before I got kicked out. Just to calm everyone down, I do have my learner's and am also enrolled in the Saskatoon Motorcycle Safety Course which starts next week. Thanks to all those that have helped me thus far, you know who you are :-) I was hoping to refrain from posting as I wanted to post pics of me actually driving the bike but I don't have the patience for it. So without further ado, here are some pics:

Disclaimer: The bottom RIGHT picture will never happen as I would rather drive the bike than be a passenger :P

I can't wait

I've been wanting something for the majority of my life and I am about to get it! It's big (well it fits me), red and full of awesomeness. I am about to get a motorbike :) Originally I was all over the cruiser, specifically the Boulevard S50. We went around to numerous bike shops around town which by the way there aren't many. We went to Custom Cycle where it took us 3 trips there before a salesperon actually took the time to talk to us and find out we were serious. It was only afterwards we heard other people complain about their service. It almost was like pulling teeth as he basically answered your questions and didn't offer information that a new biker should know about (I think I may have learned more off of other people shopping there!)

So Cyclemania rolls around and we went to it thinking there would be tons of dealerships there but I was slighlty disappointed at the lack of dealers there. I think there may have been less than 10 dealers there. So be it. We ran into some friends there who highly recommended the service from SuperCycle out of North Battleford but they were not present at the show. Hmmm lovely ole North Battleford where I was born and raised was only an hour-ish away. So off we went and I have to agree, the service there was awesome. I actually sat on a Boulevard M50 which actually suited me better so the decision was made!

Back to Saskatoon we go only to put more thought into it and after talking with our friend Allan we changed our minds again about the type of bike to get. So we acted on his suggestion and I can't wait for it to get here.... I wonder what I got ;-)

So I bought some boots...

...and can't get over how much I love them. In the past I've tried on dozens of boots but none seem to fit my scrawny calves. However that all changed!

Approximately 3 weeks ago, my husband and I were running some errands and stopped in at Redline Harley Davidson in Saskatoon for reasons that require a different post. Anyways there was a pair of boots that caught our eyes and I usually don't fall in love with footwear without trying them on. Keep in mind that I am also not the typical female that has footwear as her #1 priority. Don't get me wrong, I love footwear but have tons of other things I would like to save up for. In the end I walked out of the store without trying them on.


A couple days later, after some convincing from my husband we went back. The store had rearranged their display to make room for more inventory and I thought I lost my boots. The salesperson was very helpful, recalling past sales and even checking their main website for styles that were not displayed. After studying the boots on display, we found them not recognizing them initially as they were displayed differently. The salesperson asked for my size explaining these boots fit a size smaller than regular shoe size. I was in luck as the boots I was looking at was a size 6. I tried them on and they literally fit like a glove. Then came the debate as the boots also came in brown and suede but were half a size bigger. I finally made a decision on the black leather boots as I am a girl who loves the color black. The price was surprisingly reasonable considering they were Harley Davidson boots and I've seen nice shoes around the same price if not more. Not only that but the boots came with a 1 year warranty. What was even better they recorded my information in their system incase I lost my receipt and yes I realize I may get the odd flyer sent to my house but if it is one less receipt that I have to keep for a year the happier I am. Overall I am appreciative of my husband for purchasing these boots for me as I can't seem to take them off. Wonder what we'll get next.


Service at Redline Harley Davidson: knowledgeable, helpful, friendly
Rating: good

Style: Women's Afton 5-strap Boots

Warranty: 1 year

Boot size: 6

Material: Genuine leather