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Title: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: peanut_man on April 12, 2009, 07:48:23 PM Ok, so I'm about to finalized a purchase of a used 2009 Monster 696 (with only 300 miles on the ODO!). I think I got a pretty good deal, also comes with Termis (a must!) and a touring seat (not really need, but a nice addition). Only thing is it's the dark version. I would have preferred red or white, but heck, can't have everything.
Thinking of first round of low-cost mods, until i save a bit more toy money: 1) 14t front sprocket for sure. 2) Pazzo adjustable levers (need advice, are 2 shorties ok? Or I should go regular length?) 3) Black out various small pieces What else would provide me good return for $? Other mods I want includes: 4) 46t rear sprocket (how big a diff would that make? Would it be too low?) 5) repaint the covers to get the pearl white color I really want. 6) Upgrade wheels w/ 180-series rear (expensive) 7) Rizoma bar / grips / ends 8) reverse retro barend mirrors, those looks gorgeous Any other recommendations for biggest bang for the buck mods that I haven't thought of? I'm looking to have this 696 hold me over for a year or two until I can afford the 1100s. So dont' want to go overboard w/ the mods. Thanks! Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: Holden on April 12, 2009, 08:19:28 PM Cheapest mods are yanking off the ooglay plastic stuff. Turn signal extenders, charcoal canister, engine shroud (preference), reflectors, stickers, windscreen (preference)... then again, this is coming from someone who also threw away his heat shields, mud guard and sprocket cover! I must have saved 5 lbs. [laugh]
Tail chop! Mirrors are a must. I have the reverse retros, but CRG makes some good'ns too. Take a gander at some of the other dark monsters here... mix and match. Whatever you end up doing, have fun with it! Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: Spicoli on April 12, 2009, 08:30:59 PM I would say save your money and buy the bike you want. You'll loose a good amount by buying a bike and riding it for a year. Hold out and buy the 1100s or get the 1100.
If you want a bike for the next year or 2, buy older (like 2003 or older) monster. You won't loose much that way. Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: Raux on April 13, 2009, 02:54:09 AM if you got a good deal you wont be disappointed for the time being.
for the black out version. there are vinyl wraps for the forks, etc. but to go with the pearl white paint jobs you might spend a bit too much. another option is to buy this one, get the pearl white 1100 when you do, keep both and swap panels for fun. but mods, least expensive paint or powdercoat, heatsheilds, headlight frame and exhaust hangers. wheel stripes. short tail - i prefer the R&G racing, but other like the Competition Werkes which is a bit cheaper (get it powdercoated with above if you go with CW) I just ordered (AGAIN, long story) Pazzo shortys. i find i dont use all my fingers for even panic stops. and for shifting the clutch action is light enough for 2 finger clutching most expensive WHEELS, love the 5-spoke with 180, but in reality i dont think needed. there isn't enough power or weight for the larger wheel. it's all aesthestic. Bars, etc. i may have to go this route too unless i figure out why my right hand is going numb. Mirrors, i purchased some bar ends, (still haven't got them on) but the stock have to be really worked for adequate rear viewing. the right is my rear, the left is my left lane view... so i'm blind on the right blind spot. but on the autobahn no biggy. in the city... an issue. rearsets Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: peanut_man on April 13, 2009, 03:05:23 AM I would say save your money and buy the bike you want. You'll loose a good amount by buying a bike and riding it for a year. Hold out and buy the 1100s or get the 1100. If you want a bike for the next year or 2, buy older (like 2003 or older) monster. You won't loose much that way. Off subject of what I'm asking for help on, but advice noted. This is the reason I got a used bike and not a new one. It just luck that I got one that's so new. And I really really dig the new looks of the Monster, so given the chance, I had to jump on this deal rather than getting an older Monster. Out of the 3 bikes I have own, I actually made a bit of $ on 2 of them after owning each for about 1 yr. The only one I didn't was a Honda CBR600RR that I bought new. I'm fairly certain that I will only loose a few hundreds on this bike at most, next year. Back on subject... Tail chop. I'm actually OK w/ the current tail. So maybe I can save that for later. If I got 14t front and 46t rear, do I need a new chain? Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: Raux on April 13, 2009, 03:39:51 AM Off subject of what I'm asking for help on, but advice noted. This is the reason I got a used bike and not a new one. It just luck that I got one that's so new. And I really really dig the new looks of the Monster, so given the chance, I had to jump on this deal rather than getting an older Monster. Out of the 3 bikes I have own, I actually made a bit of $ on 2 of them after owning each for about 1 yr. The only one I didn't was a Honda CBR600RR that I bought new. I'm fairly certain that I will only loose a few hundreds on this bike at most, next year. Back on subject... Tail chop. I'm actually OK w/ the current tail. So maybe I can save that for later. If I got 14t front and 46t rear, do I need a new chain? the tail chop... hmmm the stock is LOOOOOONG but i've been think about going back to it myself for a summer tour i wanna take for the protection value. the pazzos are gonna set you back about 180 the tail chop is not much more. your going one down in the front AND up in the rear? wow, stump pulling are ya? i know one down you don't need a new chain. but i would assume going up any in the back would require a new chain. Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: peanut_man on April 13, 2009, 03:53:25 AM the tail chop... hmmm the stock is LOOOOOONG but i've been think about going back to it myself for a summer tour i wanna take for the protection value. the pazzos are gonna set you back about 180 the tail chop is not much more. your going one down in the front AND up in the rear? wow, stump pulling are ya? i know one down you don't need a new chain. but i would assume going up any in the back would require a new chain. Haha... I know that my last Multistrada is so much nicer w/ only the 14t up front. Some other people in this forum did -1 / +1 combo and said they were very happy with it. And the 696 seems to rev easier than the bigger enging bro's anyway. I'm just thinking if I don't need a new set of chain, I may do it too. But if I will, then I'll put it off for now. While similar price, I'd go for mods that improves the ride qualities first before going for the looks (unless it REALLY bothering me). Pazzo's are desirable because of their adjustability. Tail is purely for looks. (Of course I'm sure you go 10mph faster w/ that weight saving. [laugh]) Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: Raux on April 13, 2009, 04:08:27 AM Haha... I know that my last Multistrada is so much nicer w/ only the 14t up front. Some other people in this forum did -1 / +1 combo and said they were very happy with it. And the 696 seems to rev easier than the bigger enging bro's anyway. I'm just thinking if I don't need a new set of chain, I may do it too. But if I will, then I'll put it off for now. While similar price, I'd go for mods that improves the ride qualities first before going for the looks (unless it REALLY bothering me). Pazzo's are desirable because of their adjustability. Tail is purely for looks. (Of course I'm sure you go 10mph faster w/ that weight saving. [laugh]) aerodynamics baby [moto] right ... on a naked as far as weight... i've dropped the stock cans for light CF shorty cans and lost the tail, plus i eat less... i can do 150MPH now :D with a 14t sprocket! Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: z0mb1e_DUC on April 13, 2009, 04:17:45 AM ...with a tail wind
.....downhill [moto] Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: peanut_man on April 13, 2009, 04:19:11 AM aerodynamics baby [moto] right ... on a naked as far as weight... i've dropped the stock cans for light CF shorty cans and lost the tail, plus i eat less... i can do 150MPH now :D with a 14t sprocket! I assume you mean 14t sprocket AT THE REAR WHEEL, right? [laugh] Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: Raux on April 13, 2009, 05:30:26 AM well i figure the 696 HAS to outdue the 620 :D
seriously though. hit 190kph at about 8200 rpm. still had more to give Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: Danmack_98 on April 13, 2009, 05:46:44 AM Definitely look into the touring seat! Much more comfortable on the arse and helps keep the twig and berries from crushing against the tank! [thumbsup]
Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: swampduc on April 13, 2009, 06:00:11 AM Congrats, sounds like a nice find.
You say you didn't want a dark - post up in the parts for sale section and see if anyone wants to trade skins. Red, for instance, would look cool with a black frame, and vice versa, so maybe someone will switch a red with you. Cheap mod, you say? That would be free. Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: peanut_man on April 13, 2009, 06:19:42 AM Congrats, sounds like a nice find. You say you didn't want a dark - post up in the parts for sale section and see if anyone wants to trade skins. Red, for instance, would look cool with a black frame, and vice versa, so maybe someone will switch a red with you. Cheap mod, you say? That would be free. I'm going to keep it dark for two weeks and see if it grows on me or not. If not I'll definitely post! BTW, wheel rim stripes, for black bike would red be suitable? I know for white 696, white stripes looks really good. About the seat, this bike will come w/ the touring / comfort seat so that is taken care of! As well as Termi's / ecu already installed. I'll be one happy camper once the bike is delivered. Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: Raux on April 13, 2009, 09:21:30 AM I'm going to keep it dark for two weeks and see if it grows on me or not. If not I'll definitely post! BTW, wheel rim stripes, for black bike would red be suitable? I know for white 696, white stripes looks really good. About the seat, this bike will come w/ the touring / comfort seat so that is taken care of! As well as Termi's / ecu already installed. I'll be one happy camper once the bike is delivered. there are 3 options for rim stripes for the dark IMO Red, Black (reflective-silver or gold) and white. Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: sroberts152 on April 13, 2009, 09:59:13 AM #1 thing to do - get the touring seat. This is hands down the best thing to do. Period. Save yourself.
#2 14t front sprocket - Cheap and easy and immediate change to the low end power. Everything else is personal preference. Every one has their own preference for mirrors and pipes and plastic and carbon and tail chop and blinkers. Do these 2, ride for a while and see what YOU want changed. My Termis went on at 600 miles. My bar end mirrors went on the first week I had my bike. I finally got rid of my windscreen for a carbon piece. I have a few other pieces I want to change out, but nothing dire. Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: Statler on April 13, 2009, 10:03:24 AM track school.
Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: swampduc on April 13, 2009, 11:10:43 AM track school. +1Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: redial on April 13, 2009, 11:26:47 AM i was considering shorties, but i think that as a new rider i use my whole left hand to panic grab the clutch. thought about regular on the left and shorty on the right (where i really do only two finger panic brake)
but thought it would look rediculous, are pazzos good? was thinkin of the ASV unbreakable Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: ArguZ on April 13, 2009, 11:55:15 AM If you have short fat sausage fingers like me you want some adjustable levers.
And I really suggest ABM Synto (superfine precision finger licking good) over the Pazzos Question : Is "dark" just the color ? I remember dark was the cheaper edition with only one front brake disc and similar stuff.. Thats gone now, right ? Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: peanut_man on April 13, 2009, 01:29:41 PM #1 thing to do - get the touring seat. This is hands down the best thing to do. Period. Save yourself. #2 14t front sprocket - Cheap and easy and immediate change to the low end power. Everything else is personal preference. Every one has their own preference for mirrors and pipes and plastic and carbon and tail chop and blinkers. Do these 2, ride for a while and see what YOU want changed. My Termis went on at 600 miles. My bar end mirrors went on the first week I had my bike. I finally got rid of my windscreen for a carbon piece. I have a few other pieces I want to change out, but nothing dire. Bike came w/ the touring seat. So that's done automatically. :) I'm ordering 14t sprocket, cheap no brainer. Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: peanut_man on April 13, 2009, 01:34:11 PM If you have short fat sausage fingers like me you want some adjustable levers. And I really suggest ABM Synto (superfine precision finger licking good) over the Pazzos Question : Is "dark" just the color ? I remember dark was the cheaper edition with only one front brake disc and similar stuff.. Thats gone now, right ? Just the color, flat black to be exact. It's just traditionally called 'dark'. And yeah, it's used to be stripped down / bottom line version. But for the 696 is simply a color for the plastics. Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: peanut_man on April 13, 2009, 01:37:16 PM track school. I should have thought of that. Yes that's possibly the BEST recommendation. Cost isn't a problem, mostly just coordination, I don't have a way to haul the bike to the track myself. Will have to buddy up w/ some people. Hopefully later on this year I could. Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: sfarchie on April 13, 2009, 05:46:44 PM I have a red 1100S and may be interested in trading the tank skins. Never dropped my bike, but it has the usual fine swirls from cleaning. As you said, hang on to them for a few weeks first. I'm still undecided myself. PM me if you want a trade and I'll decide then. I know, I'm being lame. Tough decision!
Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: peanut_man on April 13, 2009, 06:07:05 PM I have a red 1100S and may be interested in trading the tank skins. Never dropped my bike, but it has the usual fine swirls from cleaning. As you said, hang on to them for a few weeks first. I'm still undecided myself. PM me if you want a trade and I'll decide then. I know, I'm being lame. Tough decision! I can tell right now, owning a 696 is gonna be a lot of fun. [beer] Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: peanut_man on April 13, 2009, 08:24:11 PM One more thing... sliders... Frame / Fork. Worth it? I used to have them on my Multistrada. But it broke off after a crash and in the process bend the tube around the frame. :-\ Not sure if that's what supposed to happen. Should I just rely on insurance instead of frame sliders?
Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: somegirl on April 13, 2009, 11:04:12 PM One more thing... sliders... Frame / Fork. Worth it? I used to have them on my Multistrada. But it broke off after a crash and in the process bend the tube around the frame. :-\ Not sure if that's what supposed to happen. Should I just rely on insurance instead of frame sliders? Frame sliders will be good for low-speed / no-speed drops, won't do so much good in a real crash. Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: Popeye the Sailor on April 13, 2009, 11:21:58 PM I have a red 1100S and may be interested in trading the tank skins. Never dropped my bike, but it has the usual fine swirls from cleaning. The irony of me saying this is a killer but..... remind me to show you how to clean a bike. You should not be swirling the paint :P Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: peanut_man on April 14, 2009, 08:09:25 AM The irony of me saying this is a killer but..... remind me to show you how to clean a bike. You should not be swirling the paint :P And how is that exactly? :) Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: hbliam on April 14, 2009, 10:27:27 AM reflectors, stickers on frame, sticker on tank, rear fender/plate holder crap.....in that order.
Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: sfarchie on April 14, 2009, 11:24:11 AM And how is that exactly? :) Note what he said, "The irony of me saying this is a killer..." It speaks volumes ;D Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: Holden on April 14, 2009, 12:57:48 PM reflectors, stickers on frame, sticker on tank, rear fender/plate holder crap.....in that order. Don't forget the shell sticker. And there's one somewhere on the left side of the frame under the seat (I think) that says something like "HELMET LOCK UNDER SEAT!" I think I'm obsessive-compulsive about stickers... edit: forgot the marchesini wheel stickers! edit 2: forgot the swingarm sticker!! Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: peanut_man on April 15, 2009, 01:36:26 PM It's here! ;D
(http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2744/73/57/639968787/n639968787_1588337_2610731.jpg) Will get some better pics later. Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: sfarchie on April 15, 2009, 04:37:43 PM Congrats! Now go put some miles on it, but don't drop it! Just in case we swap tank covers. ;D
Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: peanut_man on April 15, 2009, 06:42:42 PM 2 more:
(http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2744/73/57/639968787/n639968787_1589304_3312233.jpg) (http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2744/73/57/639968787/n639968787_1589305_2507850.jpg) Title: First weekend... First round of mods Post by: peanut_man on April 19, 2009, 08:59:55 AM Ok, so here we go... So far:
1) Black out heat shields 2) 14T Sprocket conversion Thank god this bike has a retaining ring for the sprocket. 2 years ago when did the 15T - 14T conversion of the Multistrada, it took my buddy and I about 30 min to get the stupidly tight sprocket bolt out. This time it took me about 40 min for the entire operation. Sweet... (http://photos-e.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2744/73/57/639968787/n639968787_1604508_7629363.jpg) (http://photos-f.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2744/73/57/639968787/n639968787_1604509_4594919.jpg) (http://photos-g.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2744/73/57/639968787/n639968787_1604510_4477943.jpg) (http://photos-h.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2744/73/57/639968787/n639968787_1604511_5624794.jpg) (http://photos-a.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2744/73/57/639968787/n639968787_1604512_4035258.jpg) Test ride reveals that the lower gearing improves the ride a lot. But it's still a tad high. This means I'll still go for the 46T rear sprocket. But most likely I'll be doing that after I'm done w/ the run in period. Grrr... can't wait! Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: mrplease on April 19, 2009, 12:57:57 PM looks really nice! i agree with some of the other posters though. i wouldn't put to much into it since you REALLY want to upgrade to the 1100 eventually. i put a sh*t load of mods on my 696 only because i am happy with it and i don't plan on getting the 1100.
anyway my favorite mod by far has been the 5-spoke wheels with a 5.5" rear so i can run a 180 tire. i think some good cheap mods are powdercoating the headlight surround & rearsets. getting a cw tail chop & powder coating them. also my michelin pilot power tires were a great upgrade from the stock tires. much sticker and the bike felt so much more planted. i also think adjustable levers are a must. check out the asv levers i installed on my bike. i really like the unlimited adjustment they have vs. the 6 that the crg & pazzos have. the quality is top notch as well. not to mention if they break (even in a crash) they will replace them. oh and kind of pricey, but the rizoma bar end reverse retro mirrors were a GREAT mod!!! Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: peanut_man on April 19, 2009, 01:12:37 PM looks really nice! i agree with some of the other posters though. i wouldn't put to much into it since you REALLY want to upgrade to the 1100 eventually. i put a sh*t load of mods on my 696 only because i am happy with it and i don't plan on getting the 1100. anyway my favorite mod by far has been the 5-spoke wheels with a 5.5" rear so i can run a 180 tire. i think some good cheap mods are powdercoating the headlight surround & rearsets. getting a cw tail chop & powder coating them. also my michelin pilot power tires were a great upgrade from the stock tires. much sticker and the bike felt so much more planted. i also think adjustable levers are a must. check out the asv levers i installed on my bike. i really like the unlimited adjustment they have vs. the 6 that the crg & pazzos have. the quality is top notch as well. not to mention if they break (even in a crash) they will replace them. oh and kind of pricey, but the rizoma bar end reverse retro mirrors were a GREAT mod!!! Most of my mods will go on the 1100 too, I think. So just have to swap out parts when I sell the 696. Your bike is awesome. I'm loving my 696 even more everyday. Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: mrplease on April 19, 2009, 01:45:17 PM yeah thanks man! i love my 696 too. its an awsome bike. i just honestly don't see why everyone feels the need to upgrade. the 696 has more power than i'll ever need. i don't really see how one can use all the power of an 1100 unless they are bringing it to the track weekend. maybe when i was 18 i would have felt the need for an 1100 but at 30 years old with a kid the 696 is all i'll ever need...
Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: peanut_man on April 19, 2009, 05:51:43 PM yeah thanks man! i love my 696 too. its an awsome bike. i just honestly don't see why everyone feels the need to upgrade. the 696 has more power than i'll ever need. i don't really see how one can use all the power of an 1100 unless they are bringing it to the track weekend. maybe when i was 18 i would have felt the need for an 1100 but at 30 years old with a kid the 696 is all i'll ever need... Maybe stupid, but the biggest 2 reasons I wanted 1100 are: 180 series tires, and SSS. To me, SSS screams Duc. I know old version of monster will get me SSS also, but I'm in love w/ the new style. I actually like the 696 engine better than the 1100. I had a Multistrada 1000 before, so I sorta know how 1100 should feel like. Now, yes the 180 tires are achievable via wheel kit, but that's $1300. The price difference between 696 and 1100 is $3000. Weighting the options, and the SSS, that's why I wanted the 1100. But it's purely personal taste of course. If I can get SSS on 696 at a reasonable price (highly unlikely) then I'll keep the 696. One thing I know I will miss on the 696 would be the seat height. It's just perfect w/ the touring seat. Not too low, not too high, perfect. :) oh well. In the mean time, I'll enjoy this thing as much as I can. Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: mrplease on April 19, 2009, 06:37:30 PM i do love the seat height of the 696 as i feel more comfortable on it than i do on the 1100. and i agree the 180 is, to me, VERY important! but the thing i don't like about the 1100 is the actual rims. i really don't like the style or the color of them. so if i was to get the 1100 i would still have to get new rims. black and preferably a traditional 5-spoke style. but hey thats me...
Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: peanut_man on April 20, 2009, 06:24:13 PM Ok, red wheel stripes are on:
(http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2744/73/57/639968787/n639968787_1611332_4058784.jpg) (http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2744/73/57/639968787/n639968787_1611333_3675487.jpg) I got the thinner 5mm width. Looks good, I like it. Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: duccarlos on April 20, 2009, 06:41:35 PM First thing I would change is the seat.
Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: peanut_man on April 20, 2009, 06:47:31 PM First thing I would change is the seat. Mine came with comfort / touring seat. Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: duccarlos on April 20, 2009, 07:49:15 PM So you can ride it for a whole 20 minutes?!
Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: Raux on April 20, 2009, 09:44:36 PM i have the comfort seat and zero problems riding solo. i only have issues riding 2-up when she forgets and slides forward on me. OUCH.
edit: i paid special attention today to my riding position on the touring seat. On the highway i scooted my butt back to the raised part and wow, way comfortable. legs fit right into the tank and even noticed feet and hand positions more relaxed. BUT not a position i would like to ride in the city. in the city i sit more upright closer to the tank, still grabbing with my knees so as to not slide forward during breaking. Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: z0mb1e_DUC on April 21, 2009, 02:54:06 AM same here. Got a comfort seat. I usually sit further forward, gripping the tank. I like the balance better. As many people as have changed to the comfort seat on here, I gotta wonder what % of owners actually keep the stocker...
Title: Re: About to get a dark 696, what to change first? Post by: Holden on April 21, 2009, 03:08:02 AM I gotta wonder what % of owners actually keep the stocker... I got no complaints with the stock seat. Seems really cushy to me. But then my BMI is 18.0, so I could probably be sitting on nails and not complain. |