Ducati Monster Forum

I bought my first Ducati, a 93 Monster 900 a few months ago after a few small bikes back in the 90s & a couple of Road Trails in the last couple of years. In the last few months I have enjoyed not only getting to know a proper Road Bike but most of all The Ducati Monster. As a kid/teenager I was not really a bike guy but always remembered 1 of my neighbours Ducati Darmah.

Anyway to the point of the post. The Monster needs new front & rear sprockets & chain. Should I stay with the standard set up or change to say a 14/41 combo. I don't do a lot of high speed riding and still have a little trouble getting cleanly off the line. I do a little bit of commuting when the sun is out. Any suggestions as to what ratios and why would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks to anyone that can help. I have already been able to use this forum to help with a few other small problems I needed to get sorted. 

Thanks Mark......   

Hi Grover900, welcome to the forum.

I think chain/sprocket combos are a bit like the endless tyre question.  Usually a personal choice based on how you ride and what you've tried.  However we have been discussing the question in this thread: http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=56147.0 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=56147.0)

Cheers   [beer]

Yep, defn personal preference.

I changed my front sprocket from a 15T to 14T after reading a lot of positive comments here. I found it improved the low end feel and could get it off the line easier.
After doing a long trip from Tas to SA, I spent half my time wishing I had put the 15T back on.

Once I went with a full exhaust system I found the low end engine response much better so have gone back to 15T. I think I have the best of both worlds now.

Changing the front sprocket is not expensive so change it and see how it works for you. You can easily change back. I don't do much commuting. I am mainly out on the country backroads on the weekends. 

With the 5 speed box in my old 750, the 1 tooth down on the front really helps as the carbs arnt as efficient/effective as the injection!  [Dolph]

My later DS isnt probably that critical, although I do like the 14T better than the 15T! [thumbsup]

Horses for courses and personal preference are the main thing. Dont just do what everyone else does and it isnt an expensive thing to try!?  ;D

I'm going a 14/40 or 14/39 combo myself. Just waiting for the front sprocket to arrive, which will hopefully be this or next week.

I currently have a 15/40 set up and my bike is simply too tall geared and annoying to get off the line fast and smooth.

As has been said, going a tooth smaller on the front is a cheap and pretty quick mod to do and if you don't like it, simply put it back.

GK

...run the 14 F and the std one rear. Rule#1="HAVE FUN"! [clap]

a 93 900 has the wide ratio box and 2:1 primary drive.  it would have had 15/38 originally i think, maybe 15/37.  i would run 15/39 on the early motors.  i had 14/39 and 15/39 on mine and preferred the 15 on the front.  if you are replacing all i'd go with 15 front and a larger rear.  14/41 will be very short.

check what it has now and go from there.

My 98 750 had 15/41 and the change to 14/41 really sparked it up and helped mask some of the fluffy characteristics of the carbs, particularly in commuter mode!  [thumbsup]

primary drive a bees whatsit less than 2 to 1, and of course a fairly well spaced 5 speed!.  [Dolph]