Ducati Monster Forum

or whatever they're called.  Is this something that ducati should've included on their stock bikes, in your opinion?  I suppose they look better but I'm not clear on why that's such a common modification, especially when some people add them with risers.  Is the main purpose so that a person can manipulate the angles of the bars in ways that a standard bar won't allow? And why are they called "triples"?  Thanks.

some are just for the bling factor, some are lighter, some allow for different clip-on positioning. most look better than the stock setup if you modify the controls from stock trim.

they are called tripple clamps because they clamp in three places. the steering head tube, and each of the fork tubes.

Ducati does include a triple clamp.  It's called a triple clamp because it has three holes and it clamps.

(http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm143/Tarugo996/P1000453.jpg)

People upgrade for a different reasons.  For many, it's cosmetic.  The stock triple clamp isn't all blingy and many don't like the shape.  So they upgrade. 

Others will tell you they do it for weight and for strength.  I don't get that explanation.  A billet aluminum triple clamp (which is much stronger than a stock triple) might make a difference on an SBK at the edges of performance, but not on a monster as a street ride. 

Others get an aftermarket triple clamp as part of a set of above-the-triple clip-ons.  It's hard to find clip-ons that will fit above the triple clamp and onto the fork legs.  Most clip-ons go on the fork legs below the triple clamp.   So, if you want above-the-triple clip-ons, you get a special triple clamp with an attachment that allows you use clip-ons above the triple.  Below is a Rizoma triple/riser/clip-on set-up.  Below that is a bike with a CycleCat triple, risers and clip-ons.  Both are above-the-triple systems.

(http://www.monsterparts.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/PA202_large.jpg)

(http://www.ducatimonster.org/featured/2008jan/DSCN3158.jpg)

Does that answer your question?

- Seems a bit too expensive of a mod just for the bling factor, IMO, b/c most people won't even notice such a thing.  The ability to position your grips in a manner that's most suitable for the rider is the only legitimate reason I can see for adding them.  I'm pretty comfy with the stock bars but the ability to manipulate them and find the most ergonomic fit is a pretty cool thing.

Sorry for the stupid question on why they're called that.  It's obvious now that you've said it.

You'll likely find that the best way to get the proper ergonomics for your bike is with clip-ons.  Then you can adjust the location of the controls along a number of different axes.  You can't do get the same degree of customization of your ergos with handlebars.

This is where the problem arises.  Clip-ons often have to go below the triple and you end up with an aggressive riding position.  So you sacrifice a more comfy riding position for the adjustability that comes with clip-ons.  Often, the only solution to get clip-ons that are close to as tall or maybe even taller than the stock bars is to also purchase a new triple.  Trust me that it's worth it.  Once you get your ergos set the way you want, your bike will feels completely different.   [thumbsup]

- Yeah, it answers my question on the possible reasons why someone would do it.  However, alot of what you said is about as clear as mud.  And since I've been on this board for the past 6 months or so it appears that alot of people wrestle with finding the pieces that work to do this.  Perhaps thats b/c older models are more difficult to find the correct pieces. 

On a side note, I wish Ducati had've included the flat silver/aluminum stock bars on the 695 as they did on the S4R instead of the chrome, which I don't think fits this bike, atleast not the Dark monsters.

Ok, here's my 07 695.  If I were to do this at some point what all would you recommend I need?

http://img247.imageshack.us/my.php?image=pic0245yv5.jpg (http://img247.imageshack.us/my.php?image=pic0245yv5.jpg)

(http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/4307/pic0245yv5.jpg) (http://img247.imageshack.us/my.php?image=pic0245yv5.jpg)
(http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/pic0245yv5.jpg/1/w640.png) (http://g.imageshack.us/img247/pic0245yv5.jpg/1/)

- Ahh  So this is why I often see clipons that have risers added to them - because their aftermarket clamp had to go below the stock clamp.

Why is the question of whether or not they will go above or below such a difficult question for people to answer?  For example, is it not as simple as all pre- 2000 model monsters not allowing for an above mounted triple and 2000 models to present models DO allow for it?  That's just an example of how I would think this would be answered.  How does one know what parts will work and what won't without having to order a whole bunch of shit and sending back the pieces you don't need?

Which parts didn't make sense?  I'll try to explain.


I'm not sure what you're contemplating do.  The first question to ask yourself is whether you want to change your riding position.  That's a question of personal taste.  Try riding some other bike and see if you like the bars angled inward toward the tank or lower.  Maybe begin by rotating your bars so that they are lower and closer to the tank.

You then need to decide if you want a more aggressive riding position or something like the stock position but just tweaked a bit.  For a more aggressive riding position, you might only need clip-on handlebars.  For something like the stock riding position, it might be that you just need to change out the bar for a different brand of bar.  But if you decide that you want to keep the stock height and have a lot of adjustability, you might need to look into either aftermarket risers and an aftermarket bar or a triple/clip-on/riser combination.

But like I said initially, the first question is what riding position you're looking for.  That will determine what you need to purchase. 

P.S.  Here's a post (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=14477.msg257294#msg257294) I wrote last week about clip-ons.  It might provide some more information.  I'm trying to put it together into a FAQ.  I'll see if I can add some information about triple clamps.

I like the current posture as it is.  I'm 5'9" and I already added a set of risers I got off ebay.  It helped b/c the stock setup was a bit of a reach for me.  I'm a 42 short in jacket size and that means I have shorter than average arm length.  The stock posture put a bit too much weight on my wrist.  The risers helped with that.  Atleast it does for the most part b/c I later added a DP gel seat and that seems to have added a bit of height which kinda brought me almost back to my orignal stock position. LOL

So, I guess I would like to keep the same aggressive posture I currentlyy have but would like the ability adjust the grips.  A new handlebar wouldn't allow for adjustability down the road (pun intended).

There are a few reasons it's a hard question to answer. 

First, triple clamps have changed over the years, as have fork lengths and how different models within the same year are set-up.  So there are many variations of monsters out there.

Second, you need your forks to stick above the triple a certain amount in order for clip-ons to attach.  How much depends on the brand of triple clamps.  So, you often need to raise the forks in the triple to get enough grip for the clip-ons.   In the pic below, see how there isn't enough fork leg for clip-ons to attach above the triple?

(http://www.ducatimonster.org/featured/2006nov/IMG_0424.jpg)

Now, compare it to this one:

(http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t180/bobspapa/100_1659.jpg?t=1226862380)

 Here's the problem:  you can't always know what's going to happen to the bike's handling if you do that.  Different bikes--even the same model--are set up differently depending on rider weight, rear springs/suspension, fork oil/springs, etc.  So, if you raise the forks in the triples enough that your clip-ons can clamp on, you're not certain if it's going to screw up your bike's geometry. 

Third, there are enough different types of clip-ons and risers, etc., that it's difficult to figure out what is going to work with your bike. 

Fourth, a lot of folks change out bars pretty early in their ownership and their monster if their first bike.  They might not know that much about bikes.  So it's understandable that they are often confused about what they need and what to buy.  This is just my theory BTW.  I'm just talkin' out of my ass here.

Honestly, I would just try to get more miles under your belt.  A lot of the sore wrist problems go away with riding miles.  You learn not to weight the bars as much.  Also, your back and ab muscles strengthen and you use them to hold you up more.  More miles will also give you a sense of what you *really* want from your bike.  Right now, you're just trying to make your bike comfy (and it sounds like you've succeeded).  But in a year or so, you may want something more sporty or maybe more touring.

In terms of adjusting the grips, I'm not sure what you mean.  Is there something specific you have in mind?  With your current set-up, you have a lot of leeway to move the grips inward and outward on the bars, rotate the bars for a slightly different angle and rotate the control (clutch and brake) to change your hand position.

- Yeah, I'm in no hurry but was just curious b/c there is alot of triple clamp discussion on this forum and I also was curious if my bike would even allow for such a thing in the future.  And what I meant was being able to bring the grips in closer to the tank, though, there's the potential for them to be too close to the tank as well.

This thread is a pretty good introduction.  It should maybe be added to the tutorial board if there's not one on this already.

- From the looks of it, it doesn't appear as though my 695 has the needed fork space on top to add a clamp, atleast not the clamp in this picture.  But that pic would be what I'd want.

No Monster does from the factory. To put the clamps above the triples, you have to loosen both top and bottom triples and slide the forks up. Unless you compensate for this, it'll drop the nose of the bike, decreasing rake and trail and can adversely affect your handling.

If I'm not mistaken, Rizoma (PJsParts) make a "normal" bar for your bike. They come in different colors, maybe a little lower than yours and with a sweep back (better wrist angle).

http://www.pjsparts.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=264&products_id=51&page=2&osCsid=3f652f1c251a1398836bd9c7f1a12a40 (http://www.pjsparts.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=264&products_id=51&page=2&osCsid=3f652f1c251a1398836bd9c7f1a12a40)

perhaps you don't understand the concept of 'bling'?

That's a thing that has got me puzzled for a long time. I mean the monster's turning radius is already so large because of how early the handlebars hit the the tank. (the 695 is even worse at this than an S*R I think)

Two problems I see are these:
1. using clipons means you lower the grips to a point where the tank is wider then where the stock handlebar was. This results in a smaller angle you can turn your clipons compared to handlebars.
2. bringing the clipons even closer to you means you additionally decrease the space between the grips and the tank, resulting in even less movement ability for steering.

Is this correct or am I missing something?

you are correct, tho it has never been an issue for me except when maneuvering the bike around in my garage.

Don't forget the option with custom triples to change the offset and thereby the trail of the bike. Some aftermarket makers even include shims so you can try 2 or 3 different angles.

I went with clip ons below the triple for a few months but it was too uncomfortable riding around town.  Now I have Suburban Machinery bars, which give a clip on like angle but is nearly the same height as the stock bars.

Nah.  With the exception of the bikes with fatties (S4R only?), they all use the same handlebar AFAIK, and the tanks are the same, etc.

THE only reason I would ever consider this mod.

Nice write up Spidey,

you might like to add that another reason for changing to clipons is when you do a SBK fork upgrade as I've done. With SBK forks extending above the triple too far to allow standard bars to be fitted and many of the custom triples don't have this option anyway.

I've swapped a few emails with the guys at Woodcraft who make this clipon. They currently have 50mm options however they have a prototype in the works for a 53mm option which will be available soon.

The woodcraft clipons are black and adjustable and there also in 3 pieces meaning you can mount them without having to take off the triple.

(http://www.woodcraft-cfm.com/ProdImages/12-1550%20pair%203%20350.jpg)

Keep in mind, clip ons usually move the bars, and controls forward = away from the tank.

I was considering the LSL's w/ rise.  However, after seeing the Woodcraft pieces, I think I will wait for the 53mm clipons to become available.  Any time frame??

The purpose of fitting triple clamps  is to strengthen up the front end and to reduce fork flex under heavy braking.If you run your bike hard and slam on the anchors your front end will go all over the place like a wet noodle.I have the speedymoto triples fitted on my bike and the bottom triple is massive in comparison to the stock part.I have also upgraded my braking system so having a set of brakes that will toss you over the bars in a splitsecond I am happy to have a front end that does not flex.I have also upgraded the forks with the DP adjustable forks which had new springs, shimstacks and valves fitted and set up for my weight. I can run clip ons above the triple if I want to with those forks as they are 1.5 inches longer than stock.
The main purpose of after market triple clamps is not bling ,but to reduce fork flex and smooth out your ride if you push your bike hard in corners . [evil]
BTW it does make one hell of a difference to have better triples fitted to a monster. [thumbsup]

Sure, it can make a slight difference for some.  But few people are riding their monsters on the street hard enough for it to matter, and if they are, they're likely riding too hard for the street.  It's basically bling for most people.  If you're one of that small minority for whom it radically changes the feel of your bike, good on ya.  [thumbsup]  I don't buy it, but I'm not the one who judges the "feel" of your bike or whether it is money well spent.  But the fact is that the main purpose for the vast majority of folks is (a) bling or (b) above-the-triple clip-ons. 

BTW, if you "slam on your anchors", your front end is going to feel like dogshit regardless of what set-up you're running. 

According to they guy I was speaking with it will likely be in Jan 09. Not too long to wait at all!

Right around the corner! [thumbsup]
Thanks for the info.

suburban machinery bars are the dog's bollocks.
http://www.suburban-machinery.com/duchypmoto.html (http://www.suburban-machinery.com/duchypmoto.html)

got 'em on my S2R. nice sporty lean, plenty of weight over the front end now. they rock.

I have an s2r 800 that came with the crappola marzoocchi cheap as chips front end and the 2 pot brembo black calipers.

Now thats all been changed it does make a lot of difference. Fully adjustable ,custom built front end and 4 piston 2 pad 320 brembo set up.

"BTW, if you "slam on your anchors", your front end is going to feel like dogshit regardless of what set-up you're running." 

Pleased tp report my front end does not feel like dogshit under heavy braking or hard cornering.It also helps to run decent tire pressures too, as that can adversly effect how your front end handles. I run a michelin pilot power front and rear at around 30-32 front   34-36 rear

www.gpsuspension.com (http://www.gpsuspension.com) will sort out a dog shit front end in a hurry.

In my opinion the triple clamps make a difference when I am hammering it into corners and braking hard.

I also put a fully adjustable penske on the back end with a remote can.

I feel the beefier triples keep eveything under control when being pushed hard and I push the bike as hard as I dare. [thumbsup]

You substantially upgraded your front and rear suspension, got it set up for your weight and changed out the braking system.  And with all work, you think it's the triples that are making a difference in how the bike feels under braking and cornering?  It's great that you feel that you got a significant performance benefit for your $.  That's an added bonus that most don't feel like they get from changing out their triple clamps. 

http://www.ca-cycleworks.com/shop/catalog/ducati/img/m5_detail.JPG (http://www.ca-cycleworks.com/shop/catalog/ducati/img/m5_detail.JPG)

Stock bend bar in aluminum for only $50.

Also, some people want the type of bars where they are larger diameter in the center where they mount than they are at the grips.  I think the 695 and some later S*R bikes came with these stock.  If you've got a bargain stock triple clamp the bar mounts are molded in and can't be changed.  There are adapters but they don't look great.

Scott

I've done a lot of testing of front ends and DEFINATELY like the extra stiffness of a strong lower triple. We use 43mm forks and are thinking of going to 45mm but the selection goes way down. The minimum triple I would use is a 9*6 style. Obviously though, one of the best improvements you can make to any bike with any front end, is upgrading suspension. There is no reason to accept a compromise when under hard braking, if anything, this is where you need control the most. I also find that heavy, stiff handle bars make a big difference. Some people I know run solid alum, but I prefer 1/4" wall thickness 6061.

true, but most don't flog their bikes.
I am glad I have them and they were free.