Ducati Monster Forum

I want more versatility in tail sections. Any implications besides possibly ruining the ability to carry a passenger? It's a 750, so passengers are out of the question for me.

Please give me your thoughts.

I have been toying with this idea since I bought my Monster, along with removing the passenger peg brackets.  Though I have one, I dont like the way the seat cowl flares to accommodate the rails.  If I did take the rails off, I'd make a new,  tighter looking cowl.


 The only downside might be resale down the road, but a passenger would be better off holding on to the rider anyway.

I kinda killed my resale by doing the following:

1) chopped airbox

2) chopped tail

3) clip-ons

4) ditched stock clocks

5) ditched stock headlight

6) will be ditching stock forks

7) more than likely non-factory paint

I will also be installing rearsets (or modifying the current rearset mounts and using an adjustable peg)

I think resale value is LONG GONE on this, unless someone REALLY loves this bike. I don't see me getting rid of this bike ANY TIME SOON, as I LOVE my freakin' MONSTER!!!

The grab bars are really useful for riding with a tail bag, and ultimatly required to properly secure most bags. I wouldn't cut them off.

So far-

1 for cutting,

1 against.

I will see who else weighs in.

+1 for tail bag mounting options.

Cut away if you'd like to, but may I suggest making the new cowl first?
If that project fails for some reason - you won't regret cutting the bag mounting rails.

Never mounted a bag on the back seat; I just use a back pack on rides that needed it.

I am considering the following: R6 seat, Swoopy Gixxer seat, or my own design. I have an R6 track seat cowl. It will need a proper R6 seat (cheap); however, I don't know how well it would fit the subframe on the Monster. I wanted to mock it up; however, it was virtually impossible due to the grab rails.

I think that Spidey has or had a bike with the grab rails removed.  I recall him stating that he regretted it.

Lemme search...

1 for,

1 against,

1 on the fence...

hmmm

since i'm rocking the mono monster too. fiance refuses to ride on it, and i've thought about cutting the handles off too. i have a cowl, but don't run it since i usually tie my work stuff down with a net.

+1 to cut rails off.

if worse comes to worse, buy another monster frame.

2 for,

2 against (forgot to count one in the last tally),

1 on the fence.

Dub- I hear you on the worst case scenario, but like I have said already, it ain't like I didn't kill resale already- rarely do you EVER get your mods back when selling off the bike. Furthermore, I have kinda taken this thing to the point of no return as far as going custom...

I am thinking the angle grinder comes out soon...

i vote cut off wheels on the angle grinder for hacking. faster and little more precise.

Definitely cut-off wheels!!!!

cut'em off yet? how bout now? cummmm on. not cum on. freaks

They were handy when I did track days.  

If you don't want them, why don't you go all the way, cut the frame and have somebody build you a bolt-on rear subframe with aluminum tubes?

See- that could be interesting, and I may do that after next riding season. My mod $$$ are tapped for the new suspension.

How did you use them on track days? Did you use them as a tie-down mount?

I absolutely intend to cut my passenger grab bars off - for all of the reasons you listed in your first post.

Will do so as soon as I finish up at university.

I haven't quite worked out the dynamics of how I will do it... I guess cut off the bars, then grind back the weld joints, and repaint the ground sections.  I will have to do that by hand as my indicators are in the frame.

Anyone have any advice/input on what you SHOULDN'T do with this mod i.e mistakes to avoid?

i wanted to cut mine off, but because they are so vital as a grab point for various cargo i had to carry, i opted against it.

I actually use the grab rails to manhandle the bike around the garage. My garage is very tiny and with two monsters, 3 mountain bikes and all manner of tools and other outdoor equipment, I don't have a lot of room to roll the bikes around. For me it's relly convenient to grab the bike by the grab handle to turn it around or what have you.

It's about 15 degrees here and I don't have a kerosene heater in the garage (yet). While I did do work right up until yesterday (clip-ons, clocks and headlight mounting, etc.).

You will see the results in good time. I do believe I am going to do it.

3 more against,

1 more for.

I get the sense that this is definitely NOT a popular mod.

But I think it's gonna be a go.

ha! haven't checked in a while, but I started doing mine YESTERDAY as a matter of fact. The frame is going off to be repowdercoated right after completion. I'll take a pic when I get into the shop today.

Cheers!

i was looking at the bike last night to imagine it without rails, and my only concern would be the rear end would loo too narrow. it's kinda hard to explain. the seat might look like it has a muffin top hanging over the frame. but i do think it'll make the back end a lot cleaner though. it's going to warm up this weekend so i might have mine cut off too

See, I am wondering if anyone has ever done this without pulling the bike apart - simply cut grab bars, ground back the excess welds, and repainted just those sections of the frame.  ???

That's how I would do it.  I just removed the coil bracket on the left and a wire clip on the right without taking the bike apart. 

Also, for those with a red frame, Rustoleum Sunrise Red is a very close match (thanks Nick!)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v48/orangelion03/rearshock3.jpg)

This is how I would do it if I was you.
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=34302.0 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=34302.0)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2693/4309653434_f70574f120_b.jpg)

Travman,

How does cutting that much off the rear of the frame impact the integrity of the overall frame?

I don't know. However I don't think it would affect the overall strength of the frame.  I don't think the subframe contributes to the strength of the rest of the frame.  The aluminim subframe is going to be weaker. It is not rated for a passenger.

i wouldn't cut off the grab rails , its just more mods to the frame that when you go to sell the bike later people may not want to buy a frame that has been cut up by someone in their garage.

That's a good point. I just find them too useful when traveling. It would only take one long trip to realize that not having them would really kill your ability to anchor down any tail bags:

A few years ago:

(http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/95/l_131bdce67b3c8b47fc729d09c43fcee4.jpg)

Why is it the first thing that comes to mind is resale?   Doesn't anyone keep their stuff anymore?  I would do it..

i would say we all "intend" to keep stuff for a long time, but stuff happens, and sometimes people grow out of stuff , grow tired of stuff, or fall on tough financial times to it happens to the best of us that you have to sell stuff.

I've found its usually easier to sell stuff in "stock" condition than to have to justify/explain to someone how different mods are worth it or increase the value of something.  at least that has been my experience.

also i second the idea of keeping them on for tie down points, i tried to put one of those bungee nets on my other bike that really has no grab handles or exposed bolts on the back and its being returned since there are no tie down points on the back of the bike except for the passenger pegs but that only makes 2 points and you really need 4 for this bungee net.

The passenger grab handles have been removed from my Monster 900ie.  With touring (just use the frame rails the handles were welded to to secure luggage) or for a passenger (my wife holds on to me if she feels the need, this is not a bad thing) I haven't had an issue with the handles removed.  
I don't miss them a bit.
However, I do not like the way the handles stick out or having a cowl on my Monster so take my opinion for what it is worth.
Here is a picture of my bike from last summer, I do not have a good one showing the tail section.
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4806313552_9ff8123cce_b.jpg)

Wait, I found one...
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4805665927_4f67bc03c7_b.jpg)

I couldn't find the subframe on the Flightcycles website. I like that, and that's how I would eventually go.

Again, had I not taken this bike to the point of no return already, I would probably pause for a moment. Seeing as there have been a couple of "grab handle-ectomies" peformed on here, it makes me feel all that much better about doing it. After all, my local Duc dealer doesn't even advise the removal of the beer tray!!!

Thanks for your input; however, I still want more.

I did.

wished i hadnt
makes it easier moving around/loading
also, the tail bags with straps mount really secure to the handles.

This thread should have had a poll going.

The yes and no votes would cancel themselves out and boobies would win.  As always.  Not complaining...just commenting...

It is a poll, now.

I meant one where the numbers and results would show on the top of the first thread page.

I vote for leaving them on.

They do come in handy not just for pillion use and securing luggage, but also for that once in a blue moon time when it needs to be tied into a trailer or the back of a ute (pickup) for track days or repairs etc.

Well, I did it.

The first thing I noticed is how much I like the lines better. It's gotta be smoothed, and it's gonna need paint.

Second thing I noticed is that I DON'T want to do the "non-conformist" R6 tail I bought. I should be able to get every dime out of it I paid. It is a nice carbon tail section with undertail tidy.

Third thing I noticed is how killer an old-skool cafe bubble or box could look with this.

Thoughts?

Photoshop geniuses have a rendering?

just make the beast with two backsing do it already you pussy. if it doesn't work out, just weld them back on.

Read the post before yours.

Yes, I am NOT a pussy in that sense of the word; however, I do eat a LOT of it, and you ARE what you eat, so... anyway...

...getting back on target, post up some pics of how it turned out.

Glad you're happy with the look - in the end that's what really matters.   [thumbsup]

That will happen soon; just gotta smooth it more and paint it.

Take photos all the way through the process. Then you can post them as a tutorial for future modders. I for one would be interested to see:
1. how it looks just after your original cuts.
2. how you went about cleaning up the weld joins: grinder or hand file?
3. how you went about painting the sections, given that you haven't disassembled the bike.
 [beer]

Just as a minor threadjack, roy-nexus, you have helped me greatly to convince my kids not to eat MacDonalds!

A question, is there any difference in the load bearing of the sub frame after cutting the handles? A welder friend of mine said there would be but I couldn't necessarily see it.

Removing the grab rails would weaken the rear part of the subframe (behind where the lower tubes join) a bit.
SWAG? 10% weaker.

The grab rails do brace the rear tubes, but they're not very effective due to the significant curvature.

That settles it for me, though my little wife is barely 100 pounds, but just to be sure with precious cargo.

My bike will not be carrying a pillion, EVER!!! Unless my wife and I BOTH lose a significant amount of weight, this bike really doesn't have enough power (or a comfortable enough pillion position) for a pillion. I like my girls with a bit of meat on their bones...

I am half-tempted to build a carbon skin for the tank. That will be a different thread...

Your evil clown still scares the crap out of me, and I'm a grown ass man.   :-[

Wait! If you cut the grab handles off, what do you use to lift the bike up on the center stand :D

Then you probably won't want to watch this. :D

Happy Meal (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3_KtEC1rkk#normal)

Gotta make it nice and smooth before the new powder coat. i also removed a few other tabs and brackets...pretty simple.

(http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll153/vwbluxu2/tailchop.jpg)