Ducati Monster Forum

So far I've got the 14T front sprocket, tail chop, frame sliders, and CF Termis on order.  I'm looking to do one of these three next: Steering damper, corbin seat, or purchase some leather pants.  Any thoughts?

I vote for gear.

then maybe the damper.

the seat I'd wait on, in case you decide the stocker isn't bad after all

If you don't ride to aggressive the gear can wait.  Get the dampner

gear > no gear when that cager didn't see you

+1.

I dont follow the logic of this advice  ???   If you hit the road the gear can never wait, and a steering damper isnt gonna help you if some inattentive bozo causes you to go arse-over-tit.

Sounds like he already has some gear.  We all don't ride with leather pants, besides leather pants are not going to save you from any impact just the road rash!

you are right, not everyone rides in leathers.
Leather pants before anything else. Good gear is always worth the money. Buy yourself an Arai Helmet as well, you 'll be thankful if you ever need to use it!
Yesterday I saw a boy out on a gixxer in a t-shirt,sun was out it was 55*. Bozo.
BGB.

Yeah, but if you fall without leather you have skin grafts on top of the broken bones and internal injuries.  

Just the road rash.... NSFW
http://home1.gte.net/res0ak9f/1accident97.jpg (http://home1.gte.net/res0ak9f/1accident97.jpg)

Get the pants.  I've had the occasion to actually use mine.  I'm glad I had em.  It happened when I wasn't riding hard.

This is from the same site.  Ouch...

(http://home1.gte.net/res0ak9f/1accident146.jpg)

pants do help with impact. My pants have knee protection and hip protection, on top of skin-graft prevention.

Gear gets a big +1.

Then a sargent seat. boo to corbin.

Maybe replace the mirrors?  Get some CRG's?

A lot of guys got Rizoma grips, I did as well, though I switched back to stock.  IMO not very comfortable.

I just lowered my gauges and converted to clipons, love it, so glad I did it.  Send my u-bracket to TAftonomos for the modification.

did you check out that website?

DAMN MAN.

I don't always ride with my leather pants, or always with my dedicated riding boots.  But always with leather jacket, gloves, and helmet... but thats when i'm headed to campus, or the store, or to a friends place... only short rides.

Any time I go out riding, full gear.  I love it.

Another vote for gear, my pants have definitely protected me. [thumbsup]

That website should be part of the process for getting your endorsement.

Pants first!!

minimal gear.
helmet
gloves
leather or textile armored jacket
long jeans with armor (icon) or leather armor pants
boots

if you don't have at least that... get some... saved me twice

I also vote gear then damper.

+1 gear.

Even if you wear something like draggin' jeans, its better than regular ol' pants. If you wear regular ass jeans, wear some armored underpants and knee protectors beneath them.

There's lots of options for gear that don't look like you are going straight to the track. I've got a pair of khaki colored AlpineStars, built to be "baggy" looking, has knee protection, removable down liner to keep potatoes baked during chilly weather.

Looks like I'll be getting the pants next.  I already have a leather jacket, leather gloves, and a full face helmet... not to mention the giant orange reflective vest that the military makes me wear.  I was planning on the pants next anyways, this just solidifies it.  Thanks for all of the input.

There's no fun like that of removing gravel from underneath belt line, in the skin with needle-nose pliers to remind you to always put on the gear. Even on the short trip - that same short trip where your tires don't get up to temp and you are less cautious...because, afterall, you are only going a short distance...

I cant figure the military out at all....... they spend multi-gazzilions of $$$ making fighterplanes "invisible" and then they overlook the basics by making you wear a fluro vest.  If Iwas the enemy I'd carry a flashlight. 

I guess if you wear the high-vis vest whilst inside a stealthfighter that'd be alright......

As a side benefit...
I find my butt is less sore at the end of a long ride when I wear leather pants instead of cordura...
you may not need the seat after you get the pants

Pants, then seat. 

You'll need the seat unless you never plan to have more kids...
The boys will thank you. [thumbsup]

The reflective vest is only while riding the motorcycle.  They want me to be visible to cagers who wouldn't see me even if I was riding naked.

I knew, just kidding with ya  ;)

That website is traumatizing.  Ughhhhh

Totally gruesome - I just scratched retro half helmet off my want list

(http://home1.gte.net/res0ak9f/helmet.jpg)

That was in the TN learn-to-ride book. eegadz.

Just saw the website... damn

good thing the wife didn't see that before you purchased

She knows the risks inherent to riding motorcycles.  But then again, everything I do is dangerous.  I have to do periodic personal risk assessments for work and I fall into the high risk category every time.  I'm a soldier.  I ride motorcycles.  I skydive.  I scuba.  I snowboard.  I own multiple firearms.  I drink (not at the same time as any of the above).  But I do have good life insurance.   ;D [cheeky]

I know that nobody survives life (we all die), but do you actually have statistic numbers that tells you how your work and lifestyle affect expected living age? Of course, nothing is going to happen to you, but average.

yeah the army has a statiscal chart it uses to characterize a soldiers lifestyle risk wise. not sure how oftern they are supposed to be counselled on it, but if they are higherrisk, they get a 'be careful out there talk' or worse can be ordered to stop risky behavior.