Ducati Monster Forum

Hi guys.  So, I read a lot about the cosmetic mods and folks have absolutely fantastic looking bikes.   For me, I'm looking for options that enhance the power/ride of the bike in some way.  I have the 14T sprocket which I really like and the Pazzo levers which were needed.  But what else, within reason, would folks here recommend?  For now, I am staying away from the after-market pipes.  I know there is value but I just don't need/want the increased loudness.  They do sound awesome that's for sure but day-in, day-out just not for me.  I'm in the minority there for sure.  Anyway, just inquiring.  Thank you.

What flavor of monster do you have?

If you're looking for more power, but excluding exhaust... You're pretty much restricted to working inside the engine.  Porting and polishing work can add some.  Depending on your engine, higher comp pistons and or a big bore kit.

Other options that won't necessarily make more power, though will feel like it are loosing rotating mass,  That could be (but not limited to):
(dry clutch) getting a light weight basket and hub
Light flywheel
Lightenting engine components

Possibly the best place to loose weight in terms of making the bike feel more powerful is to loose it in the wheels and rotors.  The wheels and rotors represent a large amount of rotating mass, that is also unsprung weight.  By reducing the weight on the wheels/rotor the bike will be able to accelerate more quickly, slow more quickly (er?) and be easier to change the direction of.  Also, reducing the unsprung weight will let you suspension do it's work better.

So, don't know what flavor of wheel you have at this time - but there's plenty out there that are lighter than even the lightest OEM wheels.  Also the OEM rotors are on the weightier side - there's plenty of options for lighter rotors.

And last but not least - suspension.  Again w/o know what sort of monster you have it's hard to make any specific reco's - but even a properly set suspension on a 620 is worth the cost to have it set

I'd do this first - it's really surprising how much more confidence-inspiring a well set up suspension is, especially in corners.  One size does not fit all.

Sorry abut that.  I have an M696.

suspension suspension suspension suspension suspension.

all others can wait.

Seems unanimous!   When you say suspension, do you mean get it tuned for my weight, build, and type of riding? 

http://www.triumphnet.com/st/acc/racetech/setup.htm (http://www.triumphnet.com/st/acc/racetech/setup.htm)

kop put up a good link, but it does no good if your over or under the weight of the springs. thats the most important part fist.

How much do you weigh? if you are under 130 i think your good, just get it tuned. if you are much less than 130, or much more than 130, id get new springs at the very least.

If you do some search youll get a feel for how much different proper suspension feels. I'm only 150lbs and i have the front and rear respring and front revalved, and the difference is just...well you have ride the caynons for a bit to figure it out. My bike would be completely unstable in a turn. now its solid as a rock and its all smiles.

Got alot of canyons up there in NYC?  :D

actually yes we do!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adirondack_Mountains (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adirondack_Mountains)

technically, every twisty ride is about 2 hours away. but I also have a nice big empty airfield about 300 feet across and probably 1,000 feet deep. With about 40 half cut tennis balls as markers, we make a bunch of tight turns and big sweepers, easily get your knee down at 40mph, which is more than most can say for riding on the streets. its A LOT of fun and its free. The cops are cool with it as long as we dont get crazy with speed or have really loud exahusts.

your right not NYC, but i figure everyone knows NYC is a city thats flat. Theres no riding to be done here except commuting.

I see a lot of n00b riders out in jeans and sneakers with a fashionable helmet. Not good.

Even BEFORE your suspension is done, get some good gear. You won't believe how much more comfortable some good leathers, a really good helmet, boots and gloves are. When you put it on it should disappear from your senses and keep you focused on the road. No more wind/cold/heat/ noise driving you nuts.

Less distractions from bad gear  = more concentration on your riding.
Search gear threads, there are a lot of them. Try stuff on. Helmet has to fit really well or it's worthless.

i dont think the 696 suspension can be "tuned"...the best you are likely to do is to set up the rear for your weight (if possible.) its possible that you will need to re spring it at a minimum.

to really do the suspension right, you are going to need adjustable forks.

I think you're right on the non-adjustable front suspension.

springs and oil will go a long way to improving it, however.
good info on this here:  http://www.ducatimonster.org/forums/general-monster-forum/173420-decision-tree-buying-selling-modding-620-695-formerly-don-t-sell.html (http://www.ducatimonster.org/forums/general-monster-forum/173420-decision-tree-buying-selling-modding-620-695-formerly-don-t-sell.html)

Thanks Privateer.  That thread cracked me up.  I can tell you I'm not in need of anything more than what the stock 696 provides.  I just enjoy riding  -- the uncanny merging of calmness and thrill.  But, being interested in the technical aspect I am certainly curious as to what you can and can't do, within reason of course.  Thanks guys for all the info.

BST wheels! :-)

:o  where?!

 ;) in a galaxy far far away!

Get the stock suspension set for your weight if possible, change springs if nessisary.  A 14 tooth front sprocket goes along way in rideability.  Exhaust, air filter & tuning will help the HP.  Upgraded rear shock & forks will improve handling greatly.  Light weight wheels will help everything.