Ducati Monster Forum

Well, the subject pretty much says it. I'm not a high speed rider for the most part - freeway at 80+ to get to riding destinations - but do enjoy tight hilly roads so light and flickable are important to me. I've heard that the biggest change that can be made is a new set of wheels. The only mods on the bike - 2010 Dark Monster 696 ABS - so far are speedymoto frame and wheel sliders, DP low seat and 14 tooth sprocket.

I was looking at the BST Carbon Fiber and at that rather magnificent price can afford the rear wheel now and look at getting the front for XMAS.

I'm open to entertaining the idea of other wheels than BST...or maybe even a different mod.

What are the downsides to changing to lighter wheels? Will I have to change other parts as well? Will it be an issue to get somone to change the tires? Is it OK to have one CF and one OEM wheel for a while or will that cause handling issues?
Anyone know of any deals at the moment?

Down side - cost. You're putting a super premium wheel set on an entry level bike. have you considers rolling that price differential into a different bike - like sell the 696 use that money and what you'd spend on the wheels to fund an 1100 or something? A BST wheel set is probably half the current value of the bike.

The lighter wheels will make for quicker reactions - but you're still attaching them to an entry level suspension set that wasn't set up with light wheels in mind and cannot (easily) be adjusted to suit. So you may notice that the ride will feel harsh or small road imperfections are more notable as there isn't as much mass in the wheels to absorb those deflections, and no  (easy) way to alter the suspension to compensate. A better value if you want to keep that bike would be to put some cash into better suspension. Nicer suspension is really, oh so nice.

yes, you'd want to ensure that anyone doing a tire change is versed in dealing with wheels like that. A hand changer, like the no-mar would probably be the way to go. Much less chance of scrapes vs. a powered changer.

Hmm, not so sure about changing one wheel at a time. That might make for a very odd feeling bike - but don't really know.

Carrozzerias !!!

I'm a small person and this bike is the right size for me so no changing bikes....mods to make it better. I was thinking that I might go for a penske (or??) rear shock after the wheels. I'm uninterested in increasing top speed and don't want anything that increases weight...easy handling and comfort are my biggies.

So I was thinking about the rear shock...anyone else think that's a better place to start than wheels?

...so why Carozzerias?

Nice looking, lighter than stock, and a set is about the same as the rear BST for cost.

For the cost of wheels you could do a shock and the forks - probably find a set of forks from an 1100 to minimize hassles. I'm not sure if anyone makes a drop in cartridge for the 696, though they may.

Won't go wrong with a Penske shock. Went to a tech talk by one of their guys - some interesting stuff going on inside.

 Here is a vote for suspension work. Way way bigger bang for the buck on that bike!

and not as fragile long term as BST.....

Ok, so I need to look at Carozzerias for wheels and explore suspension options some more.

The rear seems fairly easy to decide - Penske - but what are good choices for front suspension? I think that I'd rather avoid total replacement...maybe a cartridge? It would be nice to end up with something that's externally adjustable....but maybe that's asking for too much. Oh, and whatever I do, the bike can't end up any taller.

Any recommendations that might be local - San Francisco Bay?

Yeah definitely leave BST wheel thing for last.  Bang/buck ratio on it is pretty low; I think.  Get good suspension and have someone whoe knows what they are doing set it for your wieght/riding style. 

Dave Moss (Catalyst Reaction) in San Carlos ?
http://www.crstuning.com/ (http://www.crstuning.com/)
http://www.yelp.com/biz/catalyst-reaction-suspension-tuning-san-carlos (http://www.yelp.com/biz/catalyst-reaction-suspension-tuning-san-carlos)

Another option would be Scott (Desmoto) in SF. (I live in San Rafael, about 5 min from H#tt&r. Despite that, I take my bike to Desmoto. )
http://www.desmotosport.com/ (http://www.desmotosport.com/)
http://www.yelp.com/biz/desmoto-sport-san-francisco (http://www.yelp.com/biz/desmoto-sport-san-francisco)

OK, so I think that I may change my plans to suspension first and then wheels...and the Carozzerias do look a nice option. I've contacted Catalyst Reaction and Desmoto via e-mail to see what they can do and prices.

Does anyone know this shop? http://www.evolutionsuspension.com/parts/ (http://www.evolutionsuspension.com/parts/)  It's always nice to get a few ideas/quotes.

I have great suspension and BSTs.

I was surprised how much the wheels changed my ride, but I totally agree that suspension is WAY more important - to the point where I'd say lighter wheels are wasted money if the suspension isn't working very well first.

OK, well that just confirms the suspension first plan now. How are the BSTs working for you? Any challenges about them?

Very well for 25,000 miles  [thumbsup]

Because BST say so (and it suits me), I don't use tire irons on them.

I wanted these wheels from the day I saw them (I think on Statler's bike) and when I finally had the money, I thought... what the hell, let's go crazy. I got a good price and pulled the trigger. For me, it was all about the look, but when I went for rides and track days I understood that the functionality hype was real.

I think suspension is worth much more than lighter wheels. If you decide that you need lighter wheels later - go ahead, but even then there are choices that are more sensible than BST - never as beautiful though...

I've spoken with a couple of local folks and the clear winner in knowledge and effective communication is Catalyst Reaction. I'm going to get a new cartridge set-up for the front and have everything adjusted for me. Wooho!

How bout Alpina Spoked tubeless (http://alpinawheelsusa.com/)  . . .

just an example

(http://alpinawheelsusa.com/wp-content/plugins/pinwheel-slider/includes/timthumb.php?src=http://alpinawheelsusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/dscf2732.jpg&h=300&w=450)

These are my absolute dream...  [drool]  One day...maybe

agreed!  For the price, they're a great option.  Since you have the 696 DSS you could get a set of their new forged Tri-R (not necessarily in this color) for a about the price of the rear BST

(http://www.af1racing.com/store/ProdImages/st3/CZAPRV4VTRx.jpg)

Those wheels are gorgeous...and tempting...but I've got my money down with Catalyst Reaction for having my forks upgraded with a set of GP Suspension cartridges...of course, there's always Christmas! ;)

man, you guys who live in spitting distance of guys like dave moss don't know how good you have it.

Yup, I had Dave tune my suspension.  My bike went from crap to Gold overnight.  The Ohlins rear shock helped a ton but was still funky till Dave got it.

Well, I'm excited. I dropped the bike off at Catalyst Reaction yesterday and I'm supposed to get it back Saturday. I saw the GP suspension cartridges when I dropped off the bike and they looked very well made....almost a shame to hide 'em. :) This bike is wonderful in many ways but it will be nice to have the harsh ride tamed. Additionally, he's lowering the bike a few mm for me and will be adjusting suspension front and rear when I pick it up. I guess Saturday will tell.  [Dolph]

I'll wager that you'll be pleased.

back when, I went from a 620 with little to no tune work to a 900S that had been sprung for a rider of my size, forks worked with racetech bits and both ends set up. It felt soo much more hooked into the road

just so you know,
the 796 and 1100 can be made to be the same height of the 696...