Hi All First time Ducati and indeed first time sportbike owner here. Have owned Japanese bikes exclusively until now (currently: Cb 600 Hornet for fun, XL650V Transalp for commuting + a Yamaha XT660 Tenere for the gravel roads back in my native land at the bottom end of Africa). Fully aware the 899 is a completely different kettle of fish and will very much be taking my time in getting to know her before any spirited riding! Fell for the 899 many years ago when I was at uni watching youtube videos and dreaming instead of learning anything of any use. Rekindled that desire last summer when I saw one moto camping in the Peak District - tail bag and all. Never thought I would be in a position to own one, but pleasantly surprised to have been able to prove that assumption wrong. I am based down south, but roads, traffic, thieves and insurance are against you down here so she's staying up in Derbyshire at a secure storage facility near Matlock. Family and friends/riding buddies up there plus some great roads, so made more sense than paying £2K per year for insurance and £150/month for storage closer to home. She's been meticulously cared for by her previous owners and has so few miles on her she's still on her original tyres. I am looking forward to getting her re-shod and looked over/fettled at Cornerspeed in April and then to making good use of her over the summer. Hoping to keep her pristine, but she won't be garage bound and I hope to see many happy miles on her. Looking forward to being part of the community! Any tips tricks hints generally and on the 899 in particular much appreciated - as great a resource as this forum is real wisdom comes with ownership not research... Happy riding all as we edge towards the light of warmer weather at the end of the tunnel
