While I still *love* my M696, and still find it to be the finest motorcycle I have ever ridden, I have now found the 'cold start' problem to be irritating. EvErY FrEaKiN' day it takes 3 or 4 tries to get it to start up, even if ambient air temps are above 60 degrees. I don't unplug the battery tender until the idle is strong. The dealer has received information that there is a problem. Um, duh, like *I* was the first to tell them, but to date, no solution has been offered. My emails to Ducati have remained unanswered--I'm shocked--not so much. It was interesting timing that I received a letter from DNA (Ducati North America) customer service yesterday confirming my information, etc. I decided not to take the job in the Service Department at SPS as I promised myself a one year mid-life make-over, part of which was a summer of play. I have been offered a position there next Spring should I want it, so that was very high praise for my resume. )

So, I have 1650 miles down, (average of about 35 per day since I got it), the first (600 mile) service done and a 2nd oil change scheduled--as I prepaid for service for 3 years I'm gonna use it. I know how to wrench, I just don't want to anymore. (I kept a 1981 Fiat X1/9 alive and racing autocross for the 17 years I owned it) I am still awaiting the smaller front sprocket. Finally got the tail bag today. I also signed up for my first 'track day'. Should be interesting to see what it will do. Bought a set of less expensive black leathers, as opposed to my mid-life crisis, er I mean 'make-over' pink and white set, that actually offer better protection--but they aren't as pretty.

Also had my first experience in Seattle rush hour traffic on a Ducati. People were so nice. They let me in, gave me extra room (probably because they think a chick can't ride) and honked and waved in approval. I found out how good indeed the brakes are, and the fork travel, as I nearly became one with the rear end of a Ford Exploder. The 'M' stopped short and held true. I was impressed, as well as relieved. You know how it goes, 30 feet, 20 feet, $hit, 10 feet--phew! Foot down. Shake head. Open viser. Breathe!! It was genuinely a pleasant experience--other than the fumes Apparently, even in Seattle, a chick, in pink and white leathers on a sweet Duc is a sight to behold. So, I will *never* do Seattle in a car again. ) And now with my cool new tail bag, I can get me a new pair of 'Vogs' while I'm downtown. )

Thanks for reading my rambles...

Looking forward to meeting you all some day!

Bons in Ferndale, WA

I was at DucSea on Friday talking to Dave R about the 696 and he mentioned one of the issues their first delivery bike had and the massive PIA it was to get it figured out. Apparently the polarity for the wires going to the coils is switched. It took Dave a TON of emails and phone calls to Ducati before they sent an engineer/mechanic to see it for himself and figure out how to fix it (they didn't know what was wrong at the time.) Have you experienced any issues with the bike above 4500/6000 rpm (when you are trying to go from a stop on a hill or revving in traffic to not have to put a foot down?)

//Have you experienced any issues with the bike above 4500/6000 rpm (when you are trying to go from a stop on a hill or revving in traffic to not have to put a foot down?)//

I have not. I do notice that until it really warms up that it does a little bucking and lurching at low revs. Then, once it's warm, it seems to be OK.

I still have the cold start problem every day. I have an oil change scheduled for Friday and will ask the service manager about the possible polarity issue.

1950+ miles to date. Headed out again this afternoon and then on a Poker Run on Saturday. It's so funny to see 100 cruisers and ME! I don't care. I just like to ride. Let them talk smack. )

Thanks for the insight.

Cheers!
Bons