[k-dub21]

Kia ora from New Zealand.

Greetings to the forum members wherever you may be in the world.

Thirteen months ago the petrol in my veins rose to the surface and I bought a 2016 Triumph Street twin.
This was after no riding for forty years, yes forty years, I am 68 years old.
Now after 9000kms and thirteen months I am yearning to try a Ducati.

In years past (distant past) I have owned a K1 Honda 750 four and a Yamaha 650 XS2 before turning to trials riding.

I am looking for some advice from the knowledgeable members here about what model might be best for me.
I am 5'6" 165cm and weigh 70kgs.
I am liking the look of the 821 but should I consider the 796? or something else? maybe the Monster1100?

My Triumph is 900cc with a modest HP rating but strong torque so I have ruled out the 659 engined bikes.

Any thoughts, opinions, comments are welcome.

Thanks in advance

Regards
John

Greetings from another part of the globe. I was in a similar situation last year, after a 30 year hiatus and with an itch I’d never scratched to have a Ducati. It was pretty easy for me to narrow down my options. I wanted a bike under warranty and with longer service intervals since I am not able to work on bike myself. I love sport bikes but knew at 57 I’d want the ergos of a more upright. I was reluctant to get something exceptionally powerful after a long time off and the fact when I did ride I never had anything bigger than my GSX-R750. I won’t to off roars or long rides or touring so no Hypermotardbor mutkistrada. That left me with Monster+, Streetfighter or Scrambler. Streetfighter I just don’t like the looks up front. Scrambler I just don’t like the name. The Monster I had initially hated losing the trellis and thought it looked more like the Yamaha. But in the end I went with the Monster+ and it’s a fantastic ride. Little bit on the crotch is my only gripe. I’ve put quite a lot into mods and now I think it looks and sounds like a proper Ducati and it’s a sheer joy to ride.

 

[k-dub21]

John, No matter what you ride please consider taking a motorcycle safety course. Not a course that teaches you how to write a motorcycle, you know how to do that but a course that helps you be safer on the street. Here in the US the returning rider 40+ returning rider is more at risk than all other age groups to die in a motorcycle crash.

This world has changed alot in 40 years. I am also 68 and have been consistantly riding for 50+ years 3-400,000 miles. I take safety courses often, i do not want to die in a mc crash!

For the sake of survival, consider committing to life long learning for safety. As we age, our reaction times slow, my plan it to make up for that with better skill.

Lets have fun!

This is such good advice. I’m only 57 and had a 30 year layoff but I took and continue to take course and also for first time have been doing track days where I can more safely exploit my bike’s capability and also hone my skills for more spirited riding. That was one reason I opted for the Monster+ as well because as the entry level price I had plenty of money for proper kit, helmet and training.

 

[k-dub21]

hey Munter, welcome to the forum !
I will give you a different perspective (since I know little to nothing about bikes, I just love riding them) I'm the sort of guy that needs to look at the bike or car and fall in love with it each time I see it. Tell you a quick story...my 2nd car...(back in Argentina) I found one that I loved, colour, year, money, kms, all the bells and whistles HOWEVER my father (looking it from a business point of view) tried to convince me to buy the same car but latest model and brand new. I knew he was right, same money but a brand new car ...makes total sense, right ?... Well, I couldn't. Yes good idea but I couldn't picture myself driving it and it didn't have any additional accessories, just basics so it was no no.

Basically, what I'm trying to say here is besides de brand/model/torque/cc look at the bike and see how you feel. When I bought my current (also 1st bike) it was a bit easier...I'm a learner so that took out of the picture lots of options BUT I knew exactly what I wanted (M659 red and white)...god I love that mix of colours. Lots of my friends tried to convince me to get a Ninja 300 or a KTM but they don't look as good as mine (personal opinion) . I'm in love with her, what can I say, she is gorgeous

In short, look and the bike and if she doesn't put a smile on your face then (personally) is not for you.

Hope it helps you and that you find your bike soon

Same! If I don’t want to look back at my car or bike every time I look back, why spend any money on it

 

[k-dub21]

I know some people will hate me. But maybe a Multistrada would be the right choice. I rented one in Puerto Rico a few years back. It had a dry clutch so it must've been an 06 or older. And I can't remember how tall it was. I am 5'9, and used to tip-toeing my enduro. But the 'Strada has no foam to cut from the seat..... I had a blast on that Multistrada!
The low end torgue was there, unlike my 696 Monster, which hates anything below 4,000 rpm. So the Strada would be more like your Triumph.The 696 is a very potent motor. I also have a Speed Triple as well as my Monster. And I am still trying to get used to the fact that my Monster will not let me idle thru a parking lot and use the rear brake to slow down, with no throttle what so ever.
But the important thing is that since these bikes are adult-ridden. They would be less risk to buy used than a Monster.

Why would any hate. The multi is a fantastic bike. Not my style or suited to my riding but if I ever found myself with the option to have multiple bikes I’d have one in the stable