Ducati Monster Forum

Hey guys, I'm pretty new here but have been lurking/searching around for a bit. i tore my achilles a few weeks back (not motorcycle related) and I'm on the mend. While I'm unable to ride for the next few months I'd like to do some work on the bike - plus a neighbor knocked my bike over and bent some things. Here is what's on the list so far:

• Front & Rear Wheel stands: can you guys point me to the exact model I should get?
• Exhaust: thinking Ex Box (want to get rid of the cans and clean up the look)
• Tail Chop: I've read there are a couple options - is one better than the other?
• Kickstand
• Foot Pegs: the stock ones have zero grip - would like a set that have uber grip
• Shifter / Rear Brake
• Handlebars: standard vs. clip on?
• Clutch / Front Brake Levers
• Grips
• Mirrors
• Bar Ends

Here's a pic of the bike currently:
(http://i.imgur.com/zYGbvEQ.jpg)

Another project likely after I tackle the above items is overhauling the suspension so it's tailored to my weight and riding style.

Thanks in advance for any and all input!

Howdy Skank and welcome aboard! I don't have the same bike so I'll refrain from too much input but one mod I have personally seen that you MIGHT consider instead of the Ex Box is chopping (shortening) your existing cans. Muskrat on the board did it a few years ago and the same type of frame (though his bike was a 4 valve) and it looked awesome! Just a thought on maybe changing something you already own over spending more $$.

Good luck healing up!

Mark

 

•Front & Rear Wheel stands: can you guys point me to the exact model I should get?
  Rear stand: http://t-rex-racing.com/catalog.php?item=37
  Front stand, but not perfectly suited to S2R fork/brake design...  http://t-rex-racing.com/catalog.php?item=91   I'd call our sponsors for fitment.
 
•Exhaust: thinking Ex Box (want to get rid of the cans and clean up the look)
    ExBox often, very (?) often, creates problems and bad performance. Looks great, but works bad. The sound isn't any good either.

•Tail Chop: I've read there are a couple options - is one better than the other?
    Make sure it has plate mounts to fit US plates and supports turn signals. Again, our sponsors will know.
 
•Kickstand
    You'll find used stock stands on ebay, but take a look at the slightly longer SSR stand which will come in handy when/if you upgrade the suspension  http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/SSRBKS/Accessories/SSRBKS.html
 
•Foot Pegs: the stock ones have zero grip - would like a set that have uber grip
    http://www.monsterparts.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?

•Shifter / Rear Brake
     Used stock parts

•Handlebars: standard vs. clip on?
     Clip ons give you different wrist angles and lower elbows. Better for high speed riding, but a little less control in city riding. Rizoma bars is somewhere in between.

•Clutch / Front Brake Levers
     Get them if you want, but stock levers work well.

•Grips
     Nice to have them a little softer and grippier, maybe...

•Mirrors
     Many, many, many choices. Pick some with large surface and convex glass.

•Bar Ends
     Cool stuff. Make sure they fit the smaller than normal inner diameter of our aluminum bars.


When you go shopping, there are many cheap options, but they don't include the expert knowledge that our sponsors have. Our sponsors know what fits, what works and what will last.

I would suggest keeping the Termis and getting a link pipe to eliminate the udder.

get your suspension done first! Youll find the best smile for your buck there. While it wont look cool at all, when you hop back on youll be riding on clouds!

I hear you about your injury though, i put on a total of 0 miles on last year because of a neck injury. :(

The S2R800 is an awesome bike. The two main downfalls are the brakes and the suspension. I did a lot of my S2R800 but once I changed those the bike became much more enjoyable.

If you are thinking of going exbox you might as well just go udder only. It is about the same sound.

I really like my pitbull rear stand, and the front stand that lifts by the triples. Makes a lot of cleaning and maintenance jobs very easy.

Thanks for all the great suggestions thus far. Ok so here's what I'm hearing and thinking:

• Exhaust: going to remove termi slip-on's for time being and go udder only - can decide to get custom tips to finish it off at some point or shorten termi's...although I love the clean look with no pipes blocking the side
• Front/Rear Stands: Pit Bull or T-Rex -- anybody have a preference? seems like t-rex are a little cheaper

If I don't change out the exhaust right now then I can focus on the following upgrades:

• Suspension: I've done some reading and seems like there are a couple options...what do you guys recommend -- upgrade springs/etc in existing setup? replace forks with others? replace rear shock entirely?
• Brakes: haven't done any reading here so would appreciate some guidance

In order of increasing cost, and (more or less) increasing quality:

A) Respring existing forks
B) Replace with adjustable Monster forks
C) Replace with SBK forks, needs shims for lower triples and upper triple bored or replaced
D) Replace with re-sprung adjustable Monster forks
E) Replace with re-sprung SBK forks
F) Replace with re-sprung and re-valved adjustable Monster forks
G) Replace cartridge in existing forks with aftemarket unit
H) Replace with Ohlins

1) Respring existing shock
2) Replace with resprung Monster adjustable or other Ducati
3) Replace with budget aftermarket shock; Penske or Ohlins single-adjustable (there are others).
4) Replace with higher level aftermarket shock

a) Replace brake pads
b) Replace rotors, calipers and brake line with OEM stuff, 320mm rotors and 2-pin goldline calipers
c) (b) plus replace master cylinder with goldline
d) (c), but with 4-pad calipers; needs 'custom' line, no OEM will fit
e) (d), but with floating rotors

Got an 2005 s2r800
I got pitbull stands both front and rear.  As mentioned above, the front stand from pitbull stands the bike up differently (the triples) than t-rex .  If you can afford it, get the pitbull front stands (or a front stand that lift bike by triple).  The rear stand for both pitbull and t-rex are similar (i think t-rex is cheaper and has a bit more function).  when getting a stand, GET A REAR STAND FIRST or get both AT SAME TIME and always put rear stand on first.

I upgraded front suspension with s2r1000 parts and a rear shock from a 999.  Did not upgrade them for my weight. I dont know what others think but for me, when I made my decision to upgrade the front, having any suspension set up to your weight is best.  I am guessing a stock s2r800 non adjustables with springs and set to your weight would be better than a stock s2r1000 adjustable fork.  For me, given that suspension will be set for my weight, i would like to have more adjust-ability.

Upgraded my whole brake system to brembo goldlines (both masters and calipers) from a s4 i think?  Rotors are 320 while stock s2r800 is 300. 

I did a lot of my mods from parts off the board in the "Parts for Sale" section.  Kind of slim pickings there now, expect to see more parts after riding season.  Hopefully no-one has to part out their bike due to a crash.

Lots of feedback so far. Been super helpful. Here's the completed list as far as what I know I'm doing at this point:

• Front/Rear Wheel Stands: buying Pit Bull
• Exhaust: removing Termi's for now, will reevaluate down the road - but this is free
• Tail Chop: going with Competition Werkes kit
• Front/Rear Wheel Stands: buying Pit Bull
• Forks/Rear Shock: contacting RaceTech to see about new springs and what can be done with existing setup - low $ and can always replace in future
• Brakes: holding off on this for now, but will certainly upgrade in near future

Areas where I could still use input:

• New Pegs vs Rearsets: what have you guys done? I have large feet (sz:11) so adjustability of rearsets might be nice to get better foot placement
• Handlebars: would like something nicer than OEM
• Shorty Levers: are there many variations here? anything to look out for?

RaceTech's online spring calculator is FUBAR for Monsters.
Check out what it spring it recommends, and then call them to confirm.
I'm curious what they say.

I have rizoma rear sets
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=6704.msg138283#msg138283 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=6704.msg138283#msg138283)

I have clipons on my bike with cycle cat top triple and top triple attachments (i dont know what its called) but it is a cylinder shape above the triple, in line with the forks, as if the forks were 2-3 inches taller above the top triple so that you can install the clip-on on top of the triple rather than below.  (CYCLE CAT is out of business....i think, they also made nice rearsets)

Before I got that, I tried to put clip-ons directly on the fork inbetween the top and lower triple and it made the riding position lower (didnt like it) and the clip-ons would hit the tank.  I like clip-ons because you can cause it to swoop back and make the bike look more aggressive. mounted above the triple, i can have a more aggresive angle but I did have to adjust my steering stops so it wont hit the tank.  If I make the clip-ons look more like a T, then there is no problem with it hitting the tank but I want it to look more like    \I/    rather than   _I_
(like a T)
 When I had them installed below the top triple, I couldnt steer to the right or left too much with out them hitting the tank.  Something you might consider if you go clip-on route over a new bar.



I have ASV leavers that are adjustable but my master cylinder are pee cup style rather than the stock coffin style.  

Something to consider
If you do desire to get short leavers and also want to upgrade your brakes (rotor caliper and master cylinders) levers are different between the coffin and pee-cup (one of the hole are larger than the other).  so if you upgrade your brakes, you may end up buying leavers twice (like I did)
 When I had my stock coffin set up, I had CRG levers.  I like how the ASV leavers adjust over how the CRG adjust.  

My thinking on suspension is once a set of forks is properly set up for you, adjustability becomes a gimmick. Unfortunately the Marzocchi units on the S2R's offer less options than the Showa units on earlier bikes.

There are several choices for suspension techs on this very board that offer more than the cookie cutter advice from racetech. Their parts are excellent, but IMO, unless you live in Cali, or just ride on racetracks, their recommendations don't always fit the real world.

what ducpainter said.

To add on that, if you have the dough to swing it, upgrading the forks as a whole is nice. But adjustability is sort of over rated for the everyday rider.

You typically have one terrain type and your weight is largely static, so adjustability isnt too much of a concern if you are within the ball park range.

you will really need to be a stickler for suspension before you start thinking "Im wearing a 20lb back pack today so im going to need to add half turn of preload, and then back off my rebound half click to keep the same performance"....and then ride normally from A to B like any other day.

Indeed, the adjustability is not something you're likely to use often.

The only large-axle forks that have decent valving are the ones that are adjustable.

If you live on the west coast Speeddog is your man for suspension set up.  East coast, either  http://www.clubhousemotorsports.com  (board sponsor)  or  http://www.europeancycleservices.com
You need to discuss budget and riding style with whomever you pick.

Adjustability?  Since initial set up I have not touched the adjustment.

Another handlebar option  http://www.suburban-machinery.com/duchypmoto.html

Suspension
Call Jim or Nickie at Catalyst Reaction  http://www.crstuning.com
They are in San Carlos just south of you and can let you know what your best options are. They are one of the best suspension people in the Bay Area and super nice to boot.

Hey guys, providing an update...

Parts purchased:

• Front/Rear Stands
• Rizoma bars/grips/mirrors/bar ends -- got from Monsterparts.com, Jeff was great!

Going to start the process this morning.

Question: Drill holes in bars or remove plastic nubs for controls? (and best way to go about either option)

Drill holes in bars.

Measure carefully from the previous bars to get distance from the bar ends.
Mock install to get the rotational position.

Thanks. Looks like the stock bars are slightly narrower than the new Rizoma bars I got (MA011), so I'm planning to get them cut to same width by a local metal shop.

From there I'll take both sets to Catalyst Reaction in San Carlos so they can drill the holes for proper alignment while also mountain grips. Any additional feedback or suggestions?

Excepting the adjustable Showas on Monsters, ST´s etc., adjustable suspension tends to have slightly better function overall; at least they lend themselves better for modifications aimed at tailoring for your personal needs. Of course, once you´ve found a setting you like you won´t fiddle much with the adjusters, but at least you have a little more possibility to find a setting you like.

For springs, I have found very few options for the showas with the correct length. I use the 245 mm Öhlins springs fo the R&T43 forks, available in 0.5 N/mm steps from 7N/mm to 11N/mm if memory serves. To make up for the missing length, I use alu tubing 38 mm Outer Ø, 1.5 or 2.0 mm wall thickness, and the spring support washers used in most SBK forks.

I don´t have the Öhlins part numbers right now, can get them if you´re interested.     

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/707/32436511253_e7dd1c86c6_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/RqiAJ2)20170209_200528 (https://flic.kr/p/RqiAJ2) by torbjörn bergström (https://www.flickr.com/photos/125016045@N02/), on Flickr

2007 s2r 800 here.
did the ANDREANI ADJUSTABALE HYDRAULIC CARTRIDGE KIT FOR MARZOCCHI FORK DUCATI MONSTER S2R 800 [CODE: 105/D02] - super awesome. basically plug and play
and 999 rear shock. need to relocate the reticfier. easy enough.
not quite a superbike but close enuff. i will never get my money back out of the cost but hot damn it is soooo much better where the monster shines.... in the twisties. seriously.
and before but still on ohlins steering dampner. not needed as much since the upgrades but very good prior to.

pcIII. take off the top of the airbox. and lose the udder.
knock off rizoma radial sport mirrors from the far east
and pazzo levers. got me a set of vortex 7% clip ons to be added soonish

and now the wierd part. i did a tail unchop. grafted back on the tail so i can have a rear fender. i run the bike through all kinds of weather and its sucks having road spray down your back.
and when the money fairy lands at my door ... a farbon cyber hugger.

and i would not take my monster for any other.