Ducati Monster Forum

Finished my MSF course over the weekend, got my license Monday morning and then I picked up my new M696 immediately after. Thanks all who provided input on the bike. I LOVE IT! I'm 6'7'' and I was really worried that I would feel cramped on it, uncomfortable, whatever, but not at all yet. I've ridden 3-5 hours the past couple days and the only part of me that is sore is my right hand. I loveeee the bike though. It's so confidence inspiring, and does exactly what I want it to without surprise. This is my very first bike and I already feel so comfortable on it. I've taken it so far on the freeway and up some mountain roads in my area. I wasn't planning on starting such driving right away and my original plan was to take it slow on some suburban roads for a month or so, but within literally an hour of being on it, I felt ready to hid the road. My first stop light I stalled about 5 times coming out of first, but the engine seems to be warming up a bit and I haven't really stalled it much sense. But the bike is a true joy to ride. It seems to really be eager to go fast and it purrs when I allow it too.

My only complaint is the throttle feels a bit too small for my hands, my fingers feel overly long around it and therefor my fingers get a bit sore as does my palm. I'm trying not to death grip it, when I release some of my grip I notice that the hand pain goes down. Also, everyone thinks I should chop the tail. Is that a fairly easy thing to do? Anyways, here are some pics :)

(http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/9430/photo1ddk.jpg)

(http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/9279/photo3fe.jpg)

(http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/997/photo4mf.jpg)

Congratulations on passing the class and the new bike.  Your sore hand is natural.  I had a death grip on the handle bars when I started riding again after a 30 year brake.  If you get one of these


(http://throttlerocker.com/media/models/original.jpg)

it should fix the problem.  When you feel more relaxed the throttle rocker will still be helpful, as it makes long rides more comfortable.  Here is there web site.  http://throttlerocker.com/ (http://throttlerocker.com/)

I'm not connected to the company in any way but have been using the rocker for about 10 years and think there great.  I recommend taking them off for the twisties and track days.   

I'm 6'3 and sitting on an '09 696 crushed my balls and the peg position felt awkward to me... did they change the seat to a less-ball-crushing design?

Careful with a Throttle Rocker as a new rider... they can "get in the way" and surprise you from time to time. I have them on both my bikes.

Another idea would be something like Grip Puppies (http://www.casporttouring.com/cst/motorcycles/GRIPPUP.html (http://www.casporttouring.com/cst/motorcycles/GRIPPUP.html) is one supplier)... a little extra padding on the grip, that also makes a larger diameter, so your hand doesn't constrict as much.

Both are budget friendly options... and removable.

Ride safe.

(as mentioned, but I'll post anyway)

This can be a cheap and effective fix. I recommend using grip glue or they will slide a little bit after a while.

http://www.casporttouring.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CST&Product_Code=GPSMALL&Category_Code=GRIPPUP (http://www.casporttouring.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CST&Product_Code=GPSMALL&Category_Code=GRIPPUP)

http://www.casporttouring.com/cst/motorcycle/16900.html (http://www.casporttouring.com/cst/motorcycle/16900.html)

tape them to your stomach.  always worked for me.

I think there's a Silence of the Lambs joke in here some place...

i like fava beans

2011 696's have the 796 riser and seat so it's a lot more comfortable now.

congrats. hope yoiu enjoy it  [thumbsup]

Yea, really loving the bike though. My shoei helmet dampens so much of the beautiful engine noise which is probably a good thing. Not too many problems with my balls. Just have to adjust my seating position a bit. But I feel fine on the bike, I really do. I'm sure I look huge on the bike though, but it feels great. Really love the responsiveness of the bike and how eager it seems to always be willing to go a bit faster. Just don't go above 6000 RPM for the first 1k miles or so? Anything else to be weary of? Also, the dealership wants me to bring the bike back in for its first maintenance at 700 miles. Is this standard ducati protocol? Any idea on what something like that runs? As the bikes gets worn in a bit, what kinds of things will respond better? I'm interested in the ducati art monster shells, and really really really like the old school ducati logo on the black shell. Any experience with these things? Thanks for all the input as always. LOVE THE BIKE!

Being a new rider myself, and having just bought the 2011 Ducati Monster 696(white)....i have one little bit of info for the "stalling" issue that you might find to plague you with this bike.  Change the 15T front to a 14T front sprocket....ever since i've done this, i haven't stalled the bike once at a stop sign or light.  it also helps with the sluggish feel of 1st and 2nd gear at lower speeds.  It will make you want to shift out of 1st and 2nd a little quicker than before, but the positives far outway the negatives.  I bought a new sprocket for like 30 bucks and my dealership installed it and charged me $96 that was with pickup and delivery of the bike also.  Just my beginner 2 cents...not worth that much, it has just been a great mod for me so far.

Conrats on your new Monster
Hay if you have big hands and the grips feel too small an easy fix is a set of " Grip puppies"
they are a high density foam rubber that slip over the top of the original grips increasing their
circumference , added benefit is deadening vibration. Slip on reasonably easily with a bit of soapy water
and an air compressor  [thumbsup] They last about a year to two until the foam starts to compress.
Goggle them and buy a spare set .
Cheap and easy , I have been using them for years and swear by them.

congrats.  a word of caution on the tail chop.  without a tail you WILL get water/mud/watever on your backside.  of course depending on how you use your bike that might not matter to you, but if you ride on wet roads or in the rain you'll wish you had a tail. 

Hell no.  Don't chop it, ride it.

And on the death grip, I was just thinking this morning as I made my 20mi. ride to work how gently I hold the grips.  I remembered the golf adage, hold em like you're holding tubes of tooth paste.  Obviously sometimes conditions require a different approach.  I talking normal even somewhat spirited riding.

LA

Cool, I'll be ordering some of those grip puppies soon. Thanks for the advice. Do most not chop the tail? I really don't mind the tail, but a lot of people I've been talking to are under the impression it would look "cooler". Also, I guess the 14 tooth sprocket is a very common mod it seems. Are there any cons to going to that from the stock setup. The 15 tooth sprocket is simply quieter and that's why Ducati went with the 15? Or that's what I've gathered from searching the forums. On a positive note, I have not stalled the bike since yesterday and am not really having trouble in 1st. It does feel a bit sluggish in 1st as someone mentioned earlier.

commonly accepted reason that ducati went with 15t is for the emissions.  the 14t will make low end response better as you'll just be around 400 rpm higher in every gear.  it also makes the cruising speed (i.e. above 4k rpm) to be a lot more reasonable for the us.  right now on my 796 with a 15t sprocket, cruising speed is around 70+ mph in 6th gear.

getting a tail tidy does make the bike look a lot cleaner, but you'll get used to water and gravel being thrown into your seat.  look up the evotech tail tidy, it's the best one out there.

and congrats on the bike, you'll have a lot of fun ;)

Thanks for the report. At least for a newbee, you are making the right noises. Others above have given good advice. Do that 14T at the first service. The 696 cries for it and I fitted one to my 796 after riding a demo 696. Thank us later; the bike is hugely overgeared out of the box for EC noise and emissions. Leave the tail unless you want a black stripe up your backside or care more about appearance than practicality.

6000 until 600 miles is good. Keep it over 4000 most of the time and shift up and down a lot, varying the load. The bike will get better and better as it loosens up. Learn to smoothly match revs with the throttle and downshift to slow down and to carry the right revs through a turn. Ducatis are torquey and this will give you the best control. Downshift early.  ;) Also learn to use one or two fingers on the front brake and learn to lightly tap the rear to tighten your line through a turn when necessary.

Grip Puppies might be a good idea for those long fingers and glove fit is important too. No doubt you DO have a bit of a "death grip". Just relax but don't let your mind wander.

Figure $200 - $300 depending on your location for the first service. It's a glorified oil and filter change but Ducati wants them to plug it into the computer and do some diagnostics. They may also adjust the chain if necessary and generally look it over.

NOW..., here's the best advice I can give you: Find two or three skilled, mature riders to follow on some longer rides and tell them to chill and keep you in sight. You may have great coordination and decent skills yourself, but watch what these guys do, and when and why. There is a reason why they are still alive. You will learn traffic strategies and how to best avoid "situations". You may also learn some better lines. Learn to ride in staggered formation. All this will hugely accelerate your learning curve.

Most of all, have fun!

The first service is actually a good idea (and a good time to do any small mods).  It turns out that my chain was really loose (might have been due to the sprocket change).  I also had them install my CF Termis that day.  So essentially your bike gets a checkup, and if there's anything else you want done, you can kill two birds with one trip to the dealership.

I did the 14 tooth sprocket change before I even brought the bike home (the 696 isn't my first monster).  I also had the tail chopped beforehand as well.  It looks much better, and a little rain/mud never hurt anything.

Another small, simple mod you might want to look into is putting some frame sliders on the bike.  This could save you a decent amount of money if you ever have a low speed drop, which is typical among new riders (ask me how I know).

Took the bike up to Virginia City today, the city sits atop a mountain and is an old mining town from the 1800s. Lots of curvy mountain roads to get up there. The bike performed beautifully up the roads and I let out a couple roars of excitement into my helmet as it was such an amazing experience. The dipping into the turns, the smooth and responsive fuel-injected acceleration out of them, what a blast. My skills seem to be improving with every second I spend on the bike, I'm doing a bit of a better job easing my grip, but my wrists still get sore, maybe I'm putting too much weight on the handlebars idk, or my hands just aren't acclimated to riding a bike yet. My tall legs and mainly my knees finally felt the strain of the locked bent position after about 2 hours or riding, but after a bit of walking around and a glass of ice water I was reading to head back down the mountain. I definitely plan on doing the 14T Sprocket on my first service visit. Is that a part that I order myself, or do I have my local dealership place the order for me? Any idea what one might charge for that and for installation? One thing I've been noticing is that during times of deceleration, or going over some bumps, the bike has a knack of really sliding my butt down the seat and my crotch into the tank, in turns really tightening my knees and bringing my head up high away from my mirrors and my head over my digital panel. Any tips on how to maintain a more comfortable sitting position. It really hasn't been a huge problem, just puts my knees at more of a bend than I'd like. I'm still getting such a kick out of people commenting on my bike. People seem to really like the looks of it, as do I of course. It's also nice when someone asks what kind of bike you got and you answer with the first word being ducati. It seems to have a tendency of making people's ears perk up and smile. Anyways, fun fun stuff. Those turns earlier today was a religious experience, everything felt so tight and enjoyable. I've managed to clock ~300 miles on my bike so far and I've only had it for a few days and all of those days I've worked. I've been waking up early to warm up, go to work, ride on my lunch for an hour after a quick bite to eat, and for a couple hours of nighttime city driving after. Love it!!

(http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/5387/photoog.jpg)

you might want to look into some techspec grip pads if you're having issues sliding forward.  it'll give you a lot better grip on your tank so you dont slide forward as much.

have you adjusted your levers down yet?  that might be the issues with your wrist pain.  you'll want to adjust them down so you can extend your fingers straight when you're in the riding position.  this will keep your wrist from being in an unnnatural position when you're using the brake and clutch.  i had really bad wrist pain until i found out that tip.

Presume you are following this thread? http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=51734.0 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=51734.0) The Rizoma bar has a bit of rise and a better wrist angle with more sweep.

Consider a taller Sargent seat. They are also a bit flatter. http://www.sargentcycle.com/ducws6961000.htm (http://www.sargentcycle.com/ducws6961000.htm) It would also unbend your knees a bit as it's slightly taller.

The 14T should be < $40- plus labor. Any decent Ducati dealer will stock them. I also have Tech Spec pads. Going slow through town you can grip the faux tank with your knees to relieve the pressure on your hands.

Have the dealer adjust the preload on the shock for your weight. It's set up from the factory for a light rider PLUS a light passenger. If it bucks, you probably have too much preload.

Glad you are having a blast! Remember what they teach new single-engine pilots. Most accidents occur between 250 - 500 hours of flight time. So definitely enjoy breaking in the bike but don't become overconfident..., and concentrate on learning road craft.

Have Fun!

Cool, thanks curmudgeon. I'm going to contact my local dealer and see if these things are items that can be ordered and installed. I really like the idea of the sergeant seat and bar risers to take weight off of my hands/wrists.

If your dealer is a decent Ducati dealer, he'll have a 14T on the shelf. The rest he might have to order. My dealer used Motovations USA. Follow that thread above to get the part numbers for the correct riser for a 696. If you go too high, you'll have to replace all the lines, cables, and switch gear! AND..., tell them to be careful with the routing of the stock cables with those bars. You might want to be there to position the levers and switch gear correctly when they drill the new holes on the bars for the switches. This will influence what you can see in the mirrors and also your comfort with the levers. Suggest you try positioning those downward a bit unless your 6' 7" makes this unnecessary.

This is a 796, but you can see the Sargent seat, Rizoma bars (with a 796 stock riser) and Tech Spec pads. Your seat would be a bit lower as the 796 shares the 1100 evo frame. Any questions, just ask!

(http://gallery.leica-users.org/d/282951-1/Rt_-Above.jpg)

Very nice Curmudgeon. Now if I see around Goochland, I know to wave you down and say hi.

Wave fast! This bike is rough on my left shoulder under ~ 55 MPH.  ;) Suggest you keep it under 40 MPH through town though.

The bike was at "Bikes in the Bottom" at Poe's Pub for breakfast last Sunday. You're aware of that gathering in Richmond every 2nd Sunday of the month? Otherwise, any nice day BUT Sunday, give me a shout and just ride out to Powhatan for a late lunch and take this route. Not too much traffic and plenty of bends.

http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=37.560197696845115~-77.75797835914194&lvl=11&dir=0&sty=r&rtp=pos.37.521383_-77.613517_Robious%2C%20VA___e_~pos.37.587419_-77.753121_Subletts%2C%20VA___e_~pos.37.52965899999999_-77.85362200000002_Red%20Lane%2C%20VA___e_~pos.37.54158999999999_-77.91894299999997_Powhatan%2C%20Powhatan%20Co.%2C%20VA___e_&mode=D&rtop=0~0~0~&form=LMLTCC (http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=37.560197696845115~-77.75797835914194&lvl=11&dir=0&sty=r&rtp=pos.37.521383_-77.613517_Robious%2C%20VA___e_~pos.37.587419_-77.753121_Subletts%2C%20VA___e_~pos.37.52965899999999_-77.85362200000002_Red%20Lane%2C%20VA___e_~pos.37.54158999999999_-77.91894299999997_Powhatan%2C%20Powhatan%20Co.%2C%20VA___e_&mode=D&rtop=0~0~0~&form=LMLTCC)

Sorry, missed Poe's. I was in the process of shutting down my archery club in Goochland. Will try to make it out there next month.

I have a Corbin seat on my monster.  It's much flatter and eliminates sliding into the gas tank.  It's also just more comfortable overall.

I'm currently on a business trip for a couple weeks, will be a long couple weeks away from the bike! Anyways on the way home from my gf's house early on the morning of my departure, I was entering my neighborhood and braked perhaps to heavily at a stop sign and I'm not sure exactly what happened but the bike's weight shifted to the right and me being unable to correct it at the lean point it was at, I literally "laid" the bike down super gingerly. I had to walk around to the side of the bike and lifted it back up. I was surprised the strength it required to get it right side up again. The bike still looks rather perfect, no physical markings on the tank itself or rear, but there are some scratches on the rubber on the right side of the right handlebar (Bar end?)from being on the street, as well on the right handlebar's mirror plastic. I believe I perhaps grabbed the front brake too forcefully at around ~8 mph during my deceleration, the bike lost it's momentum and just tipped to the side, I had managed to get a foot down and tried initially to lift it back up, but it was too heavy as it was at a far lean and I laid it on it's side as softly as I could. Kind of a dumb mistake and I'll be easier on the front brake next time. I believe when I wanted to FULLY stop, I just grabbed too hard near the end of the stop and it tipped. It happened so fast I'm not sure. This all happened around 8 am in the morning so there weren't any cars behind or in front of me, there was a lady walking her dog from afar that I think was smiling at my mistake. I'm just happy the bike still looks alright. One thing is though, the right mirror is out of alignment now, I think the glass's angle shifted when I laid it down. I noticed that on the drive home that it was pointed inwards at my jacket I believe. I fiddled with the adjustment when I garage parked it, but I won't know if that's alright until I get home. I put nearly 600 miles on the bike in about 6 days, and my mind probably was not entirely focused on the task at hand, but at my flight departure in a couple hours. The stopping should of been more progressive, and I think it was, without the heavy squeeze near the end. I'm looking forward to my first maintenance check at 600 miles when I get back home, as I'm hoping to get my 14T installed then also. Unfortunately the snow will start soon and I won't feel comfortable to ride my bike until the ice has safely melted next spring. Thanks again for all the feedback. Any tips to think of to avoid a similar accident would be appreciated. Missing my bike hardcore and I've only been gone for a day!

Also thanks for the pic curmudgeon. Would you recommend that I start with a simple seat upgrade, to let's say a sergeant seat and then decide if I need the bar riser if my wrist pain is alleviated? What would be the downside to a flat seat? What was ducat's original intention with a sloped seat? Just a design for a smaller individual that is supposed to hug the tank with his/her knees? Thanks again for all of the feedback! Can't wait till I can jump on the bike again.

what????  you dropped it already.  that's it.. you're cut from the team.   

(http://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload/259548/images/how-to-pick-up-a-dropped-motorcycle.jpg)

 :'(

Not to jack this thread but... would a 14T Sprocket be a good idea for a 620?

Don't sweat it...
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=50101.0 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=50101.0)

Hmmm... Sorry to hear that. No ABS? Didn't I tell you to use 1 - 2 fingers?!  ;) Maybe learn to use a bit of rear brake when you come to a complete stop as well?

I've done something very similar on my 851 in a parking lot when it was new. I think you are probably finding it difficult to unwind your legs at 6' 7" and couldn't get your foot off the peg in time. Guess you'll have to plan ahead a bit better?

Hard to call but I'd say you'll get more benefit from the Rizoma bar and riser to relieve your wrist pain, but the seat will open up your legs a bit and also give you a seat with a wider platform and being flatt"er", you can move all the way back on it when you are moving faster. No idea why Ducati made the 696 seat that way. Possibly to make it suitable for shorter guys and women? My stock 796 seat was not much better. The Sargent is still not "flat", even though superbike perches often are.

When your dealer installs the 14T, have them set the sag/preload for you in the rear. That may lower the rear slightly and give you a flatter "compartment". After 10 miles on a 696 though, I knew exactly what I needed to do to the 796 I ordered. This is my 8th Ducati and 32nd bike though..., so I have an idea what works for me.

You are in Reno? Work on finding a girlfriend with a big garage in Santa Barbara so that you can have "winter visitations"?  ;)

BTW, the mirror is mounted by an allen bolt. Maybe it shifted slightly. I doubt a replacement is expensive anyway and you won't need the plastic plug if you mount a Rizoma bar.

Be safe!

Hard stopping should not cause you to drop the bike.  Were you turning slightly while stopping.  The combo of turning and coming to a fast stop will put you on the ground in a hurry. 

Yep - sounds like you didn't have the front wheel going straight. If it was dead straight the bike wouldn't have had the tendency to flop over as you described.

do they still have a manual throttle advance for warming up? I know the 796 doesn't; I wish I could just turn the key and go. Oh well, 1st world problems, i know...  ;)

I think I may of slightly turned the front wheel during my deceleration to the right to better straighten myself at the stop sign, or turned as I fully braked. What's the benefit of 1 or 2 fingers on the front break vs 4? During the MSF class we were instructed to use all of our fingers. Not saying you're wrong. I paid very close attention during my class and I can still hear my instructor talking as I do most of the things I'm doing on a bike. It's been so valuable. I would think I'd be hurt/dead if I hadn't been through that class. My dealership thought the provided me with the bike's manual at the time of pickup but they didn't and they had to order one. Otherwise I would of adjusted the weight by now. I'm 200 lbs and they are tuned in for 150 lbs no?

Two fingers are totally capable of stopping. You have to remember that the bikes at MSF do not have Brembo twin cylinder calipers. With four fingers, you are lucky you did not go over the bars. Two is all it takes.

 :) :) :)

Maybe they are teaching stoppies now!

MSF is fine for beginners riding the bike equivalent of a Jeep Wrangler.  ;) You now have a little thoroughbred.

Try one or two fingers and observe how much more feel and feedback and control you have. Maybe MSF is afraid your fingers will fall off the lever? It's the definition of "hamfisted". Time to forget that junk. I doubt many racers use more than two fingers either; at least none I knew.

NOW, also learn to "cover" the front brake at all times. This means your forefinger is always resting on or near the brake lever. The first time you need it, you'll understand the "why".  ;)

Do you have ABS?

The manual is here too. Easier for old eyes to read.  ;) http://www.ducati.com/services/maintenance/index.do (http://www.ducati.com/services/maintenance/index.do)

The bikes are set up for a ~ 150 - 175 lb. rider PLUS light passenger, i.e. 250+ lbs. Check the sag but you probably need to back that preload off a bit.

my TCARC course was taught by MSF instructors and they explained that they teach the 4 finger braking in MSF because the ultimate focus during that course is safety.  they said that for that kind of course they are not looking to teach you the fastest way around the corner, they're there to teach you the safest way.  so every single thing they teach you there is the most cautious and safest things to do.

OK, fine for rank beginners maybe. Now that you are no longer falling off the bike though..., time for some CLASS.

REAL safety is all about technique and control and knowing what to do. Nothing to do with speed..., although a smooth rider will untimately be a fast rider. Survival is the key.

Contact Reg and tell him what you need. http://www.classrides.com/_about/about.html (http://www.classrides.com/_about/about.html)  Reg is a nice man and no rider is too "green" to learn.

One of Keith Code's books wouldn't hurt either.

And Lee Parks book or classes as well.

Yes the MSF taught you, me and 6 million other folks 4 fingers. But the bike you were riding in the MSF was the VW (old) bug of the moto world. Capable, tough, but not fast or high performance in any regard.

The 696, even as the base Monster is big step up... Sorta like a Boxter vs the Bug.

Hop on a 10/11 98 and you'll need one maybe two fingers on the brakes to get a lot of result.

Well when I get back home, I'll certainly be trying out that 2 finger brake. I noticed the front brakes were extremely powerful and I just always assumed I was squeezing too hard. Also, it is recommended that I at all times or close to all times have my index finger pointed outwards and resting on or near the front brake, for just in case situations? I do have the Lee Parks book and Proficient Motorcycling.

No.

It takes a while, but you eventually get used to easing the brakes... even if you have to get on them in a hurry. I've been lucky with only one 'evasive maneuver' incident recently, and was able to keep the 696 upright. But just be encouraged, you'll get the hang of it... the trick is not to panic. Stay cool, brake heard, and keep your eyes open for an escape route (this will keep you from hamfisting the front brake).

Slow down for every left hand turner in front of you (whether they're on your right or in the on coming lane) like they plan on turning at the last second because guaranteed one of them will. This has saved my ass twice this past summer. I do it religiously. Make it a habit like checking your blind spot.