Ducati Monster Forum

I am posting this photo because this is what she looks like in her current state.  The modding starts tomorrow and I am beyond excited because I just hooked up with a pair of arrows at a totally awesome price sot that I now can have them next month instead of waiting until this winter (bouncing... so happy... I HATE the stock pipes and that ball sack thing hanging off the bike and I want it gone yesterday.)

(http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m152/Mstek_photos/ducati2.jpg)

Planned mods (aesthetic):

Forks
Swing arm
Exhaust
Mirrors
Rear Slider
Belt cover
The thing that hold the handlebar to the forks (yeah laugh.. the correct technical term is ALWAYS the or that "thing")
Tail chop (maaaybe.  Not totally sold yet. After the new exhaust comes on then well think about it some more)
Rear tail light flasher

Other mods

Brake upgrade
Height/suspension adjustment (that's not the technical term either)

So making this thread to update later as I progress with changing her bits.

(soooo happy about the exhaust!)

Remove reflectors, frame stickers, side covers, passenger pegs and belt covers.  [thumbsup]

cool!... is the Tangerine a common colour in the US? (ask's the Aussie) - Chris

I would say no to this..
I have seen allot of Monsters and very rarely do I see an orange one..

This picture actually doesn't show the color very well at all.  I found this online. Its closer to what the color looks like in person and you can see what the arrows will look like on it.

(http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m152/Mstek_photos/duc_crop.jpg)

I have a tangerine S2R as well. seems like one of about four on this board...
this last picture here shows the color well.
In the service manual under paint codes, the color is actually listed as "Tangerine Red."
It's a very hard color to try and describe.. But i do have the PPG paint code, so if i ever go custom, it's getting a sweet tangerine paint scheme.
The color is too cool to ever get rid of.

Tangerine Red was only available for 2005-2006 models. IIRC

Yeah.. the color almost "fluoresces" under direct sunlight. It's orange, but its red, it glows, but it doesn't.  It is hard describe.. but much more impressive in person.

Can I get that PPG paint code from you please?

 [laugh] [laugh]

I hadn't heard that one.

ball sack is waaay better than udder. [clap]

Given it's function, and aesthetics... It's more of a prostate than a sack  [evil]

thats how you know its a boy monster... although mine has been neutered..

Tangerine/Black is tha fastest!
 [thumbsup]

agent orange...

Only because the color is called Tangerine RED

That was my original name back before the DML board. LOL!

In the Parts Catalogue:
Rosso (Tangerine), PPG Paint Code: 473.101

My Tangerine Machine:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/32732335@N03/sets/72157616721628622/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/32732335@N03/sets/72157616721628622/)

Is it just not visable in the pic, or do the arrows not have a crossover/balance pipe?

Is it not where the pipes come together below the CF heat shield?

UPDATE (minor): 

Scorpio alarm has been installed.  Had to take the cover off the tool kit to fit it but its on.  Perimeter sensor isn't working though.  At least the shock sensor is.
Reflectors finally removed.  Needs a bit of goo be gone but still, they're off.
Chain was adjusted
Mirrors removed.

Arrows are on order
Will paint the belt covers today.

No photos-  boring update.  lol.

EDIT:

Can't get the covers off... Its like the screws are glued into place.  They won't move at all!  Allen wrench is taking a beating.

Also, does anyone know where I can get caps to fit into the holes left by the mirrors I took off?

Thanks!

Camera isn't working?

Perimeter sensor in the correct slot? There are two, I don't remember which one goes where.
Sensor adjusted properly? (Under the 4-5mm round cover in the middle of the sensor box) Tiny screw driver, be careful - it's very sensitive, doesn't take much movement to adjust a lot.

Also, if you didn't already know, activation with perimeter sensor is done by the lower left button.

I remembered seeing this earlier. Might help.
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=14855.0 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=14855.0)

Woot! thanks!  I need to go get some tomato cages today anyway!

Another way is to flip the rear side of the bracket, where the hole is, upside down to hide the hole.
If you do this, make sure to tighten both bolts equally - a little at a time.

What the heck are "tomato cages"?

When you grow tomatoes, they need support so that when the tomatoes start to grow, it doesn't topple the plant over.

Yes.  I ride a Ducati, and I garden.  But this is the first year I've tried my hand at gardening.  I like caprese salad so I decided to grow basil and tomatoes on my deck.  I though about getting a cow as well so I could make mozzarella but building management said that wouldn't fit on my deck.

Clearly THE MAN is keeping you down. How about goats?
I thought "tomato cage" might slang for some cool Ducati part I was unaware of: red helmet, red clutch cover, fluid reservoir, you get the picture. It didn't occur to me you that may actually mean tomatoes.  :-\

Haha... no worries. I'm sure "tomato cage" threw everyone for a loop there.   [thumbsup]

Actually for the good stuff you need a buffalo, remember to cut tops off the basil so they don't go to seed

These were posted earlier as an alternative to just plugging the holes. Don't have the original post bookmarked, but i kept this link as I plan on ordering some myself.

http://shop.bevelheaven.com/detail.aspx?ID=284 (http://shop.bevelheaven.com/detail.aspx?ID=284)

(http://shop.bevelheaven.com/images/brk-clamp-no-mirror.jpg)

All of a sudden, the DMF morphed into Martha Steward Living...  Scary

My topics tend to wander but then come back.  ;)  But you never know... If you hit the thread at the right time, you might find a recipe for knock em dead chocolate chip cookies, or fart talk.

What decent motorcycle forum wouldn't have its share of fart talk.   Well, that and the miniature sheep porn.  Key reasons I joined.  I don't even have a Monster.   Who makes Ducati anyway, Kawasaki?  Is that one of those Naked Ninjas?

You can fit the alarm module behind the side cover.  I put the PCIII behind one and the Scorpio behind the other.

What is PCIII?

PowerCommander

 Ya, that looks great man, good job. I see my 1100 going bright orange...."orange crush"....

It's what she calls her car, which also happens to be tangerine red.


I hope you and your neighbors get along well.  I fired up a DS1000 at the shop last year with those on it and they're LOUD.  You may need the powercommander to adjust the air/fuel ratio  once you get the new exhaust put on, otherwise you may experience a little loss in power, backfiring on deceleration, etc. 

They should be coming in a few weeks.  How much is the powercommander? My bike right now seems quiet-  it kinda purrs.  Actually, I have a bunch of questions coming up since I know exactly what direction I am going with my bike now.  There's the asthetic things that I am doing to it, but I also want to improve its handling and such-  like new brakes and whatever I can do to make it faster, more powerful, but look really hot.. Like its a modded bike but it actually has a bit of bite to her even though she's pretty.

$400 for that power commander thing!!??  Surely there must be another way!

If you change the exhaust but don't open the airbox you should be ok with the stock fuel mapping.  Your 800 is an open loop system so the dealer can bump up the trim on the stock ECU and compensate for the extra air flow if needed.  I ran my S4R with a full Arrow system and open airbox by just bumping the trim until the PCIII was available for the S4R.

Ah food and cooking, my second (ok 3rd  [evil]) favorite thing to do after riding.

Leave the tops of a few of the basil plants to flower. Add those flowers and seed to your pesto, it's makes an amazing difference.
And remeber basil should usually be added to food at the end of cooking in order to maximize it's flavor.

The beefsteaks makes great caprese but don't forget to plant some nice plum tomatoes, perferably some San Marzanos, which make great sauce and sundried tomatoes too.

As for the mozzarella, you can make some great homemade with store bought milk, although if you can find raw at a nearby dairy farm all the better. And as an added bonus you can make ricotta from the "leftovers" from homemade mozzarella. Nothing better then a pizza or lasagna with homemade cheeses.

Oh yeah, and your monster is looking pretty killa too, cant wait to see the next round of mods..

jimi

Dude...  I just got the worst mental image of a naked ninja in my head.  Thanks alot...



 [cheeky]

You're lucky it was just a image of a naked ninja.  If it were a real ninja, naked or not, it would be last thing you see.


Yeah, the power commander is kind of an optional thing but a lot of the local guys I ride with do nothing more than buy some cans and put on a K&N so their bike sounds/runs like shit.  I have a bit of an aversion now :). 

I'm actually pretty excited about the lemon basil I have coming up.  I'd never tried that vareity so this should be interesting, that is if I don't kill the damn thing first. 

I decorate with the flowers, but I never used them in Pesto or cooking.  Gotta try that. 

You make mozzarella and ricotta from scratch?   [bow_down]

Yup,

It's really not that hard once you try it the first time.
I took a class at one of the local stores, bought a book and screwed up the first batch or 2.
It really comes down to the details, good milk, clean equipment and being attentive to the details.
But once you've gotten it to work it kicks ass.

I've actually gotten to teh point now where I can make all the ingrediants for lasagna from scratch.
Pasta, check (whole wheat and semolina)
Sauce, check.
Sausages, check,
Cheeses, check.
We ( the wife and I ) made it last year for Christmas dinner and it was a big hit.

Cooking is kinda like wrenching to me, the more you do it the better you get at it. And there's a tremendous sense of pride in doing it all yourself.

I am not dead.  Still have the Ducati... No mods as of yet but she is about to go into a friend's garage for the winter next week who happens to be a wrencher.  There is a serious problem with suspension being way too squishy at the moment as well as the clutch not grabbing like it should. I pray its nothing serious (meaning $$$).  My goal is to have the arrows I bought and had powder coated and the forks wrapped in vinyl by next riding season.  (I hope).  My immediate concern is the suspension and clutch at the moment however because I can tell its a little bit dangerous.

Good to know you're well [thumbsup]

I hope the suspension and clutch issues aren't too bad. My impression is that it's more often minor than major.

Let us know how it turns out - good luck!

Good to hear.  I was looking forward to the powdercoat pics on the T-Dream.  Good luck with the other issues.  Every once in a while a winter comes along that actually seems beneficial.  Hope this is yours.

Visit,

http://www.techlusion.com/ (http://www.techlusion.com/)

 or

http://www.powercardtuning.com/home.aspx (http://www.powercardtuning.com/home.aspx)

Both less than $300.00 and availble for your bike...Installation, about 25 minutes.

Suspension squishy? ???
How much do... whoa, can't believe I almost asked a woman that. ;D
I would expect your bike to be oversprung rather than under.
No oil on either fork or shock (seals blown)?

If so, fill up with a heavier wt oil like 10W... It'll make the suspension a little firmer.

No fluid leakage on the bike anywhere.  I'm the one who has to store the bike outside?  I will say that there were squirrels trying to hid cupcakes under the cover (yes, you read that correctly) but that's about it.  Thank god the bike is going to hibernate at my friend's this week.

I was just thinking about that too-  maybe the suspension is squishy because I am not heavy enough?   Maybe it can be adjusted?  I am reading that I am going to have to replace the front forks which looks like serious $$$.  Still when I ride the motorcycle over a rough street, it feels so damn squirrely that I get a little worried and as far as I know, I'm a decent rider so if I am feeling kind of nervous, something can't be right!

I promise to post pictures when the pipes are on- that will happen over the winter.  I was told I actually need to powder coat one more piece that is ON the bike right now.  I wish I could take the rear swing-arm off and get that done too.  If I can make some money over the winter, I'll get it done.  The place I am taking her can hang her up so I could take the swing-arm off if I wanted to, I guess.  It's really about the $$.

And now, I want an S4r... but I love the color of my S2r too much. ;)

Or purchase or send the forks to suspension shop...

Your fork springs might be stiff enough for your weight and the damping is not the worst either.
The main issue (as I've experienced it) with our forks is that it has very little rebound damping.
That means it will jump back up after compression - making the bike squirrely.
This is made worse by the progressive springs which allow a deeper front compression followed by a longer up-jump.

Solution: a very qualified suspension shop will be able to apply magic and get you the missing rebound for $200-300-400. Another ~100 will get you linear springs as well.

If you can't find a guru with rebuild qualifications, then you will have to get used forks and have them refitted and serviced for your specifications.

Or, you can forget about it and ride it as it is. It's not a bad bike [thumbsup]

Racetech can rework the forks, or just buy some Ohlins!  There is a set on the for sale board now!  [thumbsup]

Bang for the buck:

Okay, bike is in storage (then of course this weekend goes above 60 degrees. DAMN).

Here are the questions.  I want the bike street safe before it looks sexy.

I hear that I can get the forks worked on, but if I were to REPLACE the forks, what would I want to replace the forks with.  
(keep in mind, we're trying to keep reasonable so having to purchase a new triple tree is out of the question).

Rear suspension.  New Öhlins or can I get a used one?

Clutch.. New clutch plates?

Those are the three things that are scaring the hell out of me right now.  My friend bounced the bike when I took it over to him and he agreed there was way too much travel on it (and then asked me "what did you do!! :o)

If you want an easy bolt on fork swap, look for S2R 1000 or similar forks. Brakes, triple tree etc. = everything fits.
The adjustability of those will most probably suit you. I suggest calling Chris Saraceni at MotoredSports/Desmotion 916 628 0963 for used parts.

Rear suspension. The stock parts aren't that bad, really. If the shock doesn't leak or anything, it's most likely ok - which means it will do it's job. Adjust the two rings on top of the shock (preload) up/out first. Then set the rebound (the flat head screw driver thingy on the bottom part of the shock) at something like half/one third of it's range (all the way in & then about ten "clicks" out). Go for a ride and then adjust again. And again. And again.

Clutch. It's impossible for us to diagnose the problem. I have had issues with missing lubrication on the connection between the lever and master cylinder. Others have had stiction on the rod/shaft between the left side slave cylinder and the right side clutch housing. Then there's also the possibility of a bad slave cylinder, which should be detected by leakage. Don't panic - one step at a time.

To me, it sounds like you're about to give up? Are you? The things you need to do aren't going to kill your budget, but you need to do things systematically. Please, forget about Öhlins, SBK forks and that kind of upgrades (at least for now). The stock parts will manage to get your bike to perform as expected - except the forks.

It's such a wonderful bike and you don't have to rebuild it. Except the forks ;)


ps
Once you have the basics sorted out, the fun begins..... Raising the rear and lowering the front (free) will transform your ride. Monsters with a light rider are too light up front - jumpy and unstable - adjusting the geometry will "SuperBike'ify" it. However, that kind of fun comes after the basics are taken care of. We'll get back to that later, but I promise you that great fun is ahead.

stopintime is correct, the biggest weakness on the 620/695/800 monsters are the craptastic marzocchi forks, which truly suck. I put a set of S4 forks on my 695 and it really transformed it. ST2/3/4 forks also work well, are showa and are a direct bolt on. Only issue with them is you might be far too light for the stock springs in them.

Not giving up.  It's just called "unemployment" which is a virus that has been going around these days.  Much scarier than swine flu.  Since I don't think I'll be able to find a job in the near future and my motorcycle IS my car (I don't own a car), I need to now make choices on what to repair.  The bike isn't safe right now, that I know.  Way, way, way too much play on it over potholes or other stuff in on Chicago streets.  It was a firmer ride when I first got her.  She isn't now.

I will start looking for parts in January (I have a little money coming to me then) so I am trying to put my shopping list together now as that I want the repairs done before the end of April and not the last moment before it's nice to ride again.  Also, maybe I get lucky and my dream job comes along.  Then I'll be taking the swing arm off and other things and getting them coated.

But right now, I just want my bike stiff again.  (and for the clutch not have to be pulled out almost all the way before it grabs)

Sorry to hear you got hit by the 'unemployment virus', been there, got something, but not what I needed/wanted, but it has helped to put the bike together and pay the bills.

As I mentioned before and cduarte said, ST2/3 forks are direct bolt on but for your weight might be oversprung for you, my best bet for you, contact HyperPro Suspension, http://www.hyperpro.com/index.asp?page=estimate&product=4683&artcode=SP-DU08-SSA006 (http://www.hyperpro.com/index.asp?page=estimate&product=4683&artcode=SP-DU08-SSA006) , just fill in the blanks with your info. Or/and contact RaceTech, http://www.racetech.com/page.aspx?id=53&menuid=61 (http://www.racetech.com/page.aspx?id=53&menuid=61) , to see what can they offer, regarding your clutch, try first bleeding the fluid out and refilling with new fluid, good quality fluid.

How many miles have you covered with your bike? My M620 has 8000 miles and I have no issues with my clutch, OK, bike has been on stands since January 7th, a day after the accident, untill a few days ago when I test rode it and back teo the stands, one of the forks legs is to bent to repair so I'm on the market for new/used; but to the clutch if replacing the fluid doesn't work then, go to, http://www.desmotimes.com/ (http://www.desmotimes.com/) , then go to the clutch link and look for the Barnett wet clutch pack, $159.00, the site has lots of very good stuff for all Ducatis.

Pls PM me if you need any help with whatever, I've been working myself on my bike for almost a year and let me tell you, learned a lot; the clutch, I bleed and refilled before test ride because it had your exact same issue, with the refilling bleeding, issues gone. I used Repsol DOT fluid.

Godspeed on getting a new gig...!!!  [thumbsup]

tell you what, I have the marzocchi forks from my 695 sitting in the garage doing nothing. I took them off the bike when it had ~4000 miles and while I don't like them, there's nothing wrong with them. I'll send them to you for the cost of shipping if you'd like. BTW, I happen to have been hit with the same virus unfortunately... :(

Talk to BH or Mike 931 about the clutch. Those cats have tons of info and skills on deck. Also, Tony from CLSB should know what's up too after building that bad ass 916 recently.

If you can get your front forks re-sprung and fluid swap I'd go for it and start from there. Forks by Frank in Evanston or the other shop off Golf Road just north of Elk Grove. I forgot the name but the CLSB guys might know. You can bring your forks in and it's much cheaper.

As a matter of fact, that shop off Golf Road can handle all your suspension issues. Just have conversation with them and you'll find the cheapest method for a street bike. Sorry I can't remember the name but if I come across it I'll get back to you.

A PC III is almost mandatory. Just find one used on ebay or here and you'd be all set.

Good luck with the build.  [thumbsup]

Oh and I almost forgot, get yourself this to lock down your good in the Chi
https://www.kryptonitelock.com/products/ProductDetail.aspx?cid=1001&scid=1002&pid=1168 (https://www.kryptonitelock.com/products/ProductDetail.aspx?cid=1001&scid=1002&pid=1168)

How are your tires?  Worn tires can make the bike feel unsafe.  Granted your bike didn't come with top shelf suspension but it was fine before.  Unless the bike was in an accident I can't see it changing much.  I would suggest tires, then new fork oil, before you start dumping money into it.

Never though about it from this angle... Over/Under inflation?


Ms. Tek, hold on tight, something will come your way, at least to keep you hanging on for a while untill the dream job calls you... Being there, waiting on the call!!!

Soo... an update- it's about time for my quarterly post on this board anyway.  LOL....

I have forks (which are black... OMG!!)
I have the arrows (which are also black... OMG!!)
I ALSO have belt covers (BLACK!! SHIT!)

But none of these things are on the bike yet.  So it might looks like CRAAAAP when everything gets bolted on.

And I still have that nasty virus...

Still, I have hopes and dreams.

This tail chop:

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=23953.msg422213#msg422213 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=23953.msg422213#msg422213)


Its not a full chop.  Is that a custom beer tray?  I sort of don't want to chop because I realized that it is VERY HARD for the cops to see my plate, yet I am legal.

(I get pulled over every year... but seem to get out of that! *wink*)

I want to change my headlight but I think that is really too complicated.

I still need the power commander and to get THAT to fit along with my scoprio alarm. 

(and I would love to be able to mount a GPS on occasion but geesh, that that point, maybe I should get a Harley?)

And I still don't know what is wrong with the clutch and how much that is going to put me out.

*sigh*

I am HOPING that by May, I'll have some photos for you all. As usual, I want to thank you all for your help and assistance in my little pet project.

Have a wonderful spring!  Be safe!

glad to read your bike is coming out OK...
why instead of a PC don't you send your ecu to have it reflashed to dp specs?
so much black is making me want to see pics of parts...

Excuse my ignorance but what is a "ecu" ?

electronic control unit = engine computer....

If you don't plan on running an open air box, I'm not 100% convinced you need a new ECU (electronic brain) or a Power Commander. You might as well try to have the stock ECU adjusted with the new exhaust. The S2R 800 is a bit forgiving with exhaust mods - might save you a few bucks.

Your posted link is to this thread. Which tail chop did you mean to show us and ask about?

It linked to the post in the thread with a bike similar to mine but not mine.  The tail look shorter.

It's a stock tray, but the license plate holder is the same as mine. I'm not sure what brand his is, but mine is a Ducati part. It locates the plate a little higher and more forward.

Shorter, no-chop alternative:

http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/ZU-C010EDM/Bodywork-Carbon/ZU-C010EDM.html (http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/ZU-C010EDM/Bodywork-Carbon/ZU-C010EDM.html)

Another update.  Still unemployed.  =(  (And I think getting my masters isn't going to make a damn bit of difference either.)

Used the last bit of my airmiles to go to the UK for approx a month and came back yesterday.  In the meantime, a few of my friends at DRILL had a surprise waiting for me when I got home.  You see, they installed all of the parts and I HAD bought, prepped my bike for the summer, and detailed her.  I was really quite shocked as that I figured I was going to have to figure out a way to do it myself and well... it was looking like it wasn't going to get done due to the fact I lack the skill, time, etc...

Anyway, before:

(http://tekwh0re.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/ol_duc1.jpg)

and... NOW:

(http://tekwh0re.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Nu_duc1.jpg)



More photos can be found here:

http://tekwh0re.net/2010/04/because-tangerine-red-is-the-fastest-ducati/#comments (http://tekwh0re.net/2010/04/because-tangerine-red-is-the-fastest-ducati/#comments)

Sadly, just as I returned to Chicago, it seems I brought the shit weather back with me so haven't jumped on her yet.  I'm excited and I want to do some other mods on her but broke... =(

And yeah, I know... get rid of the frame stickers... patience... patience.

(and I think she looks MUCH better now)

She still needs a black swing arm and some other bits and bob's powder coated on the engine.  And I still would like an all in one tail lamp (if I can get it to fit along with the scoprion alarm under the seat).  I'm really happy with it so far.  A lot of people told me to not do this but so far, I think my choices were the right ones.

Thanks for your help too, DMF!!! =)

Happy Spring, everyone! =D

(http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0022/1762/products/toit_black-feature.jpeg)

Looking forward to hearing about the new fork [thumbsup] Should be great!

Powder coated rearsets and passenger peg assembly (or simply remove) will look good, whenever funds allow.
Cheap alternative to powdercoating engine cases is to spray paint the outer circle of the clutch cover.

Clutch is OK now?

Tail chop and/or integrated tail light won't interfere with the Scorpio. http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/TLDMON/Electrical/TLDMON.html (http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/TLDMON/Electrical/TLDMON.html)
http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/1DMON/ACC-Tail/1DMON.html (http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/1DMON/ACC-Tail/1DMON.html)

Happy spring to you too, good luck with your degree and job hunting [thumbsup]

Oh... I forgot about the clutch. I doubt it. =(  I will check it out on Friday if its a nice day.


Does that integrated light still shine on the license plate?

I am not ready to tail chop yet-  I don't want my butt to get wet!

The Kellermann Micro's and the DesmoWorld non-chop tail on this and it would be just right!

Wonderful surprise indeed!  Lookin' gooood [thumbsup]

what kinda forks ya got thar? clearly longer than the stock marzocchis... ST forks?
lookin' REAL good.

Looking great Mstek...Very nice indeed

Very nice indeed...are those the original windscreen?looks low,nice...

I am loving your bike! I agree, if it were me, which your not, chop and rizoma teeny tiny blinkers.

 [bacon]

Yes it is, and thanks.
Where is this desmoworld fake chop?

This is the one which is probably most popular
http://www.desmorados.com/shop/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=339_110&products_id=2120 (http://www.desmorados.com/shop/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=339_110&products_id=2120)

....which is the same as this one, only cheaper and in/out of stock every second month or so
http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/ZU-C010EDM/Bodywork-Carbon/ZU-C010EDM.html (http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/ZU-C010EDM/Bodywork-Carbon/ZU-C010EDM.html)

Some other DesmoWorld alternatives
http://www.desmorados.com/shop/catalog/default.php?cPath=339_110 (http://www.desmorados.com/shop/catalog/default.php?cPath=339_110)

Theres nothing fake about desmoworld... [bow_down]

Chris is the "Man"... [thumbsup]

 [coffee]

Out of stock. :(

There is this one from Shift-Tech that requires you to only trim a good deal less off of the rear frame than a full chop. They call it the "Half Chop..." You need to take about 85mm off. Might be a good option?

http://www.shift-tech-carbon.com/onlineshop/product_info.php?info=p158_FENDER-ELIMINATOR-TAG-BRACKET.html (http://www.shift-tech-carbon.com/onlineshop/product_info.php?info=p158_FENDER-ELIMINATOR-TAG-BRACKET.html)

It's CF too [evil]

Just chop it.  It looks so much better.  No have chops.  You're bike is calling out for you to do it. 

Also, you should black out your oil cooler   Check out the Hypermotards with their black oil coolers.

i gotta disagree on the chop. your bike is really balanced looking. keep it as it is

but do like the black oil cooler idea.

Agree with Raux... Don't like the tail chops, but, the short 'beertray' does look good...

Take a look at this bike and how good it looks with the tail chop and the Arrow exhaust.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm21/JonTravisKing/Misc/SR2_1000b.jpg?t=1271178231)

Now look at her bike with the droopy beer tray. 
(http://tekwh0re.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Nu_duc1.jpg)

I'll say it again, she needs a tail chop.  Half chops are half-assed versions of the real thing.  I'll drop it now.  ;)

nope. on this one i disagree. there's just something about the bike. .maybe the color, not sure, but it looks great as it is

Thanks.  =)

i keep looking at all these bikes.... and every time i look at mine, or a photo of someone elses... man i make the beast with two backsing hate that oil cooler more and more...

Best option IMO. I think the 1/2 chops look the best.

I agree with Travman on one thing though...something has to be done to the stock beer tray. They are fugly!

chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop
chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop


Oh, and chop the tail.   [cheeky]

I don't like carbon fiber.

                     :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o

god i like this person... not putting an ounce on my bike either.

Then paint it.

I'm not a huge CF fan either, but pretty much any bodywork you get aftermarket is made from it. No one makes plastic aftermarket parts that I'm aware of.

I dont like the look of carbon fiber either. I still buy it for its wheight and strenth. I always paint it.

It can be painted black, which I think helps hide it a little.  Here is mine painted black with new oil lines that don't cross the belt cover. 
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm21/JonTravisKing/Ducati%202005%20Monster%201000s/20100406_92.jpg?t=1271272380)

Another option would be to raise it and hide it within the framework of the frame similar to what Duc-Stew did with his latest "Dirt Track Special"
Hidden Oil Cooler:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2374/4512008476_b1bb13a76a_b.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/4420947989_8a8f61682c_b.jpg)
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=37028.0 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=37028.0)

yea i saw this little trick. pretty slick work.
those frame tabs look custom though.... are they?

I just took a look at my stock frame and it doesn't have any such tabs, so those must be custom tabs added just for the purpose of raising the oil cooler.

come on guys... seriously if they had been there someone would have done it before. Stu is the man on this one.

Zip ties [evil]

How well does it turn out when painted? I've been dying to paint my carbon fiber belt covers, but it doesnt look like they would turn out well. Any specific tricks?

I believe the stock oil cooler is too big to hide under the tank and the stock lines are too short. Stuart used a different cooler and longer lines.

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=37028.75 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=37028.75)
(bottom of the page)

Ask ducpainter, I'm sure he knows all about painting CF!  [thumbsup]

You can FO SHO paint CF and it looks awesome if done right. My personal preference if to paint and use CF as an effect! ;)

Before you spend money on a tail chop kit, you might want to try cutting your stock fender.  I did this on my M1100, and I was very pleased with how it turned out.  I simply fabricated a plate holder from a piece of .080" aluminum and installed LED license plate bolts.  I got the aluminum from the scrap pile at work, and paid $16 for the LED bolts.  I figure if I screwed it up, then I would "have" to buy a tail tidy kit, but I'm more than happy with the way it looks now.  Now I can spend the extra cash on an open clutch cover  [thumbsup]

Long Time, no post....

I zombie'd this tread because it really is about my bike and my saga with it.

Things are going okay... finished up my masters degree started up my own company so that's been taking up quite a bit of my time.

But the real reason why I post is that I finally got a garage for my bike next door to my apartment (YAY) that I pay too much for considering I cannot also fit a car into the garage at the same time (boo).  Also-  my battery is dead.  I didn't put it on a tender and there isn't even power in the garage so I don't know how I could have anyway.  That being said, I need to get a new battery and am not sure what I need to buy.  I probably can wait a few more months as that I'll not be riding again until end of April at the latest but I still want to know what to put in her.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Hope you all are doing well. Ride safe!

Welcome back - thought maybe a gator got you.

In lieu of a batter tender total disconnect of the battery from the bike can extend it's life. Or for the winter remove the battery bring it inside and connect the tender to the battery in a mud room or on the porch

Unless your interested in one of the super small batteries the tech is pretty much the same from all vendors

So just look up motorcycle battery and I'm good?

Just get it from a vendor that's been around a while like Yuasa

not bubba's batteries are us

http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/YT12BBS/Electrical/YT12BBS.html (http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/YT12BBS/Electrical/YT12BBS.html)

Like this  [thumbsup]

Spreading the tang love!    ;D
(http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb408/lofty55/IMAG0012-1.jpg)

Thanks!

Poor baby won't turn over at all. =(

But at least she is in a garage!!!

one last thing - freezing will kill batteries

Yeah... that garage is not heated.  Will hold off on the battery for now.  Thanks for the advice guys!

To be safe you might want to pull the battery, last thing you need is for that thing to freeze - crack - dump acid - since the bike has been / will be sitting for a while you might also want to put in some fuel stabilizer

+1 ^^   also can you re host pics.. other ones aren't showing...

My pictures?  I did take down that server if it was me.  Let me know and I can fix it.  I just can see everything so I am not sure it is  me.

yeah just take the battery out, order a new one from some online retailer and when you are ready charge that one up and then put it in the bike and it will be good to go. llike you said wait till april and you don't even need a tender until then.

i say no tail chop, i never liked the tail chop but each to their own.

Yea your pics..  maybe you have access to the server..

I can see the pictures just fine  [thumbsup]

Just decided to log in and say hello to everyone as that it is getting to be that time of year here in the US Midwest.

I also decided to do this (http://chicagowomanmotorcycle.wordpress.com/ (http://chicagowomanmotorcycle.wordpress.com/)), though I am sure it won't work or will bite me in the ass.

I'm also wanting ANOTHER motorcycle.. though I better get some clients first.

Hope you are all doing well!  :)

Hello again  [moto]

You and the bike doing ok?

Which other bike would you like ???

New dumb question (hey!  I'm learning!)

So I bough a battery online... I guess I need to pour the stuff into the battery?  Then I stick it on a tender to charge it?  How long does this take?  24 h ours?  I guess I can stick it on a tender on my kitchen counter.  Sort of worried about fire for some reason.

Oh.. and what if I took the dead battery out of the bike now and put it on a tender?

Does your garage have an opener?  Is it plugged into the ceiling?  My garage at my apartment has no outlets on the wall but an outlet on the ceiling for the opener.  I run a 1to3 splitter at the top then an extension cord with multiple plugs down to the wall so I can have power for tools. 
Another option is if there is a light.  You can get one of those plug outlets that screws into a light socket and run an extension cord off that.  One thing to watch for it not overloading what you put on that thing.  I try not to run too much off the cord at one time.

Don't put the dead battery on the tender - recycle it at a local auto parts store or maybe the fire department. Call first so you are not dragging the battery all over town, or google a location.

I suggest you charge the battery on your back porch, not in the house, and obviously be careful with the liquid, it is acid

Rental apartment and garage is down the street so have to charge in kitchen.

And I poured the acid in myself.  no issues, no drip/drops.  Sitting on tender now.  So far, so good.

SHE IS ALIVE!!!

But...

The paint on the underside of the gas tank is chipping and falling off. =( 

What to do?!

underside? like where you don't see?
if so... just ride :)

 

Plastic or metal tank?  If it is plastic look for signs of expansion.  See the thread below:
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=25074.0 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=25074.0)
There could be a new tank in your future

If the tank is metal and the pealing is hidden, touch up as needed and [moto]

Plastic tank.  My friend said I should look into the tank issue.  Thanks for the link.  I will also call my dealer today.

Just doing my six month check in (lol).

So I am thinking about getting the swingarm powder coated black or purchasing one.

Also, what are people's thoughts on dropbars...

(Dealer told me I need new tires too... ugh!)

You need your dealer to tell ya you need tires ?! !?

And why not clip ons?

Powder coated ...

Good to see you're alive and kicking [thumbsup]

Check this thread for swingarm ideas
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=52026.0 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=52026.0)

What is drop bars?

Bars styled like the old cafe racer ones ... sort of like 'race bicicles ones" ...

Yeah.. I need to get it black.. haha.. but the pain in the ass will be getting the damn thing off the bike. Maybe I can con a friend to help me.  Best to do this over the winter.

I'm getting so excited.. even if I want to buy another bike now (I'd never sell this one but I am getting the itch again)

I wouldn't sell Gina if I got another bike, be it Ducati, BMW, Aprilia, Triumph ... Gina stays !!!

My thoughts exactly.  I'm looking at another Duc if I don't get a Harley... mostly because I figured I don't like riding the Duc on 500+ mile rides. :(

If intead of dropbars you'd get a SpeedyMoto top triple with risers and a 1 1/8" bar, you'll see huge improvements on long rides .... if you want to tour with th Tangerine dream and can swap between bar and clip ons .... just a thought ...

I keep bringing this necro back because its my bike and I don't want to keep opening up posts.

Anyway, long story short- haven't been able to find "steady" work since I bought this bike, but I refuse to sell it so sometimes she's up to date, sometimes not. Right now, the tank isn't sitting fully on  and I am worried I won't be able to latch it to the frame- I was trying to charge my battery during the winter, the connectors on the battery ripped off.  Apparenly they never put that "gel" on the terminals so it corroded solid.  So I need to buy a new battery and figure out how to get the one in the out. :(

She's been sitting for over six months now.  Hoping a new battery will get her to start. I can't afford to be taking the bus these days (OMG, they raised the fares where using my motorcycle IS cheaper).  But I am not sure if there are some other things I need to look at.  Hoping that tank will snap back in.

Also, tire pressure.  Is the PSI written on the side of the tires?  I was told to replace those too but.. :(  I need her to run to get me back and forth from martial arts practice until I find a job.

Any tips you might have would be appreciated.

Thanks!

The pressures written on the tire are usually maximum rated for the tire

for your bike 32 psi front and 34 psi rear should be fine

Thanks!

BTW
get some of this for your new battery

http://www.amazon.com/Permatex-80370-Battery-Protector-Aerosol/dp/B000BOKML2 (http://www.amazon.com/Permatex-80370-Battery-Protector-Aerosol/dp/B000BOKML2)

thanks a ton for that.  just ordered.  I blame the garage that put the new battery in for this happening.  I was PISSED.  No reason for this.

I'm sure this could start an entirely new thread about checking the bike after getting it returned from a shop - but this is a lot different than looking for a loose nut or bolt (or as happened to me once, a tank that wasn't latched down)

How old is the battery? some have a warranty that can at least give you some kind of pro-rated partial refund.

Also you will want to check the condition of the grounding strap. These are typically made of stranded copper wire and the corrosion can wick up the wire and it is usually better to replace the wire (ground strap) than to try to clean it.

good luck -

I wouldn't even know what to say to be honest. :(  Here is a photo that you can kind of see what happened and details from my blog:


I CANNOT get these out.  So I paid for a new battery last year, yes I let the bike sit for six months but I should be able to get the battery out without it breaking.

 This is where you need a hammer driver. It does not take a big whack to loosen something like that with one.

MsTek

You actually don't have much corrosion there at all. this is what a corroded battery terminal looks like
(https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTLbM2mxGu95yxI_MlMZuVex9ML86neeDXATr0JPWrO_WupLcMV)

What probably happened is the installer used the wrong type of screw. But the real problem is that the terminal in question was never intended to withstand the torque you applied trying to loosen it. Holding the terminal with pliers once the screw didn't come out easily would have been better (right you're thinking "now you tell me")

As a suggestion just pull the terminal completely off, hold the entire terminal and grounding strap with a vice-grip (carefully don't squeeze it too hard) then use a socket that fits correctly not a Phillips head screwdriver to loosen the screw

I have a socket set which I bought to get this off when I saw the screwdriver wasn't going to work. That's when it ripped off.

I don't have the funds to get another battery at the moment so it's okay right now, I guess. But I know I still need to get that out. So pissed.

seems a shame just when riding season starts you can't ride for want of a battery, What we need here is a mini kickstarter program where people doing mods can ask for project funds. With the stipulation that everything is documented in a thread by recipient of funds. Other than that why don't you start a new thread asking if anyone has a battery. A number of folks have recently replaced regular batteries with the high-crank lithium ion small form factor batteries. Maybe they have the original lying around that is still usable.

I suggest starting a new thread in the general section

I don't want to do that.  People will think I am begging.  I've already done some begging because of how shit things are going.

Lol.. I wonder if I can start a thread asking for a job instead? ;)

It also just occurred to me that a live battery sent through the mail might be dangerous?

well batteries get shipped all the time - they're sealed.  someone might have one lying around they just want to get rid of. It looks like you have been on this site for a while. People here are pretty generous. one quick request to see if someone has a gently used battery they are willing to part with isn't begging. worst case no one has one and you are right back where you started

+1

I've got one I'd part with, but shipping from hawaii would be just as much as a new battery :-/ Good luck

So the battery is taken care of and I have some of that spray stuff to put on the terminals this time so they don't corrode.  I will also install the battery tender cables at the same so I am ready for next winter.

Once she starts, take her to the gas station and check the tire pressure.  Hopefully no problems right now until my situation get better then the first three things:

-New tires
-Service will be due about soon.
-New rear shock

Also, I need to see if I am eligible for a new tank or did I miss the window on that.

As usual, thanks again for all of your help.  I really want to learn how to do more of this myself because seriously, this battery thing really pissed the hell out of me. If I can't trust the garage to do the right thing, I may as well do it myself.

With the pic you provided, are you not able to get the hex screw out?  Have you tried a vice grip and turning it lefty like a screw driver while pulling it up so that the threads catch and screw out?  Or did the head break off?

I got a new tank 10/12. My bike is a 2005. The dealer took pictures and about two weeks later my tank was  in stock.

Bring it to the dealer and have them file the paper work.

Nope and it tore the plastic off the battery.  Both sides are like this but only the one side tore.  I'm thinking I need to rip it off the other side too, take the battery out, then  try to use a clamp of some sort to get them out of the connector. 

As soon as it is running, I will do that.  Tank seems okay now but I would like the spare if I am due one to keep and try to get it coated.

You can't have both tanks, unless you buy one outright. The dealer will take the swollen one and send it back to Ducati.

Will the new tank be the same color or do I need to get it painted?

It will be the same color - which is why sometimes it takes a while to arrive. Since this was my second tank I decided to have it coated because I knew it would just happen again and by then there would be no more replacement tanks. Unfortunately you have to do while the tank is new - once you put gas into it you can't get it sealed

^^
This

I would recommend anyone getting a new tank from Ducati get it coated right away, it will cost somewhere around $200. If you don't get the new tank coated it will swell again, it's just a matter of time. So far the coating seems to be holding up quite well, most reports are in the 2+ year range with no swelling reported.

i think it's crazy that someone has to pay out of their pocket to avoid future problems

Ah.. then I will talk to the dealer. I kind of CAN'T be without the motorcycle at the moment as that if something comes up in the suburbs, I have to take that job (no car).  I'm assuming they take your tank then you have no bike while the new one comes?

Then getting it sealed... do you need to ship it somewhere or is that a home job?

Agreed - even crazier, however, is that some congress critter decided we had to have ethanol in our gas and that Ducati had to be sued to agree to fix.  I think there is a guy in Japan that will hand make an aluminum tank but it is a tad spendy

Step 1. Take motorcycle to dealer point out tank is enlarged tell dealer you are having problems re-latching the tank when you lift it for service
Step 2. Dealer orders tank from Ducati - you leave with your bike
Step 3. Dealer calls and says your tank is in  2 to 3 months after step 2
Step 4. Tell Dealer to send it off to get sealed
Step 5. Tank comes back from sealing Dealer calls you
Step 6. Make appointment to get tank swapped - takes a couple of hours

optional step 3.5 you might want to go down to visually inspect new tank - I did turns out these tanks are sitting around in a warehouse somewhere in Italy and not in a de-humidified environment so tank may already have some moisture induced shape changes

Don't wait too long to get the process started turns out Italy shuts down for the month of August

 

Awesome! I will do this.  Thanks!

This is not always the case, my tank was at the shop within 3 weeks. However, it might be a good idea to tell yourself it will be 3 months just so you don't get to anxious.

Were you able to ride at all this summer?