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Title: Introduction.... Post by: MAZ on July 21, 2008, 10:01:41 AM Just wanted to post a brief intro - female rider. I just got my Monster 696 on Friday and put about 350+ miles on it Sat. and Sun. I feel so comfortable on this bike and out of the 4 bikes I have had, this is #1 without a doubt. Below is a picture of me on the bike.
(http://zs.smugmug.com/photos/334782155_5NWZW-L.jpg) Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: jdubbs32584 on July 21, 2008, 10:05:03 AM Welcome!!!!
What state are you in? What other bikes have you had? Your bike looks great btw. [thumbsup] Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: MAZ on July 21, 2008, 10:18:18 AM Thanks :D - the bike had the Termis, filter, ECU upgrade when I bought it (demo model - last 696 the dealer is getting till fall). I am adding Pazzo levers this week. I have Speedymoto frame and front axle sliders. I had the dealership put on different bars - higher and a little more swept back - they added a spacer so the bars would clear the tank and very slightly reduced the steering lock. The front forks were dropped about an inch and I set the preload to soft.
I live in Iowa and usually ride year round (Gerbings is your friend [laugh]). This September will mark my two years anniversary of riding. Order of bikes - Honda Shadow (put 4,000 miles on it) - if I learned something it is that I am NOT a cruiser gal. BWM F650GS (put 11,000 miles on it) - too tall and didn't like the handling and high center of gravity. Buell Blast (put 6,500 miles on it) - really enjoyed flat footing, put aftermarket pipe, rejetted and filter for some power - but quickly outgrew the capabilities of the bike - not too difficult with that bike. However, that bike gave me a very clear idea of what I wanted in a bike - a naked, light, standard bike that fit me and my riding style with some power dammit! Monster 696 - whooooo booooyyyyyyyyyyyyy - that is all..... [moto] Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: whidbeymonster on July 21, 2008, 10:22:31 AM awesome! you two look meant for each other! i had a blast too and the shake made it feel like a lawn mower! love my 695! i added pazzo levers to mine last month, made it much smoother from the stop. i have the frame sliders, after market bars with a spacer and the front end lowered a little too, and it is like a glove now. if i could only afford the high mount exhaust! ha ha! welcome!
tara Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: MAZ on July 21, 2008, 10:31:58 AM awesome! you two look meant for each other! i had a blast too and the shake made it feel like a lawn mower! love my 695! i added pazzo levers to mine last month, made it much smoother from the stop. i have the frame sliders, after market bars with a spacer and the front end lowered a little too, and it is like a glove now. if i could only afford the high mount exhaust! ha ha! welcome! tara Yea that Blast shakes like there is no tomororw [laugh] - don't miss that a bit! Also, the Vance & Hines pipe I put on the Blast was SO LOUD - don't miss that either - the Termis are down right quiet compared to the V&H. Since I bought the Demo model - it already came with the Termis upgrade and I got a sweet deal so I jumped on it [thumbsup]. Sounds like I followed your footsteps on changes to the bike - we must both be short arses [cheeky] Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: jdubbs32584 on July 21, 2008, 10:41:56 AM Yea that Blast shakes like there is no tomororw [laugh] - don't miss that a bit! Also, the Vance & Hines pipe I put on the Blast was SO LOUD - don't miss that either - the Termis are down right quiet compared to the V&H. Since I bought the Demo model - it already came with the Termis upgrade and I got a sweet deal so I jumped on it [thumbsup]. Sounds like I followed your footsteps on changes to the bike - we must both be short arses [cheeky] You'll find that there's a significant number of us that are, how to put it, vertically challenged. I'm 5'2 with my riding boots on and am tip toeing my S2R 800. The monsters are so freaking fun tho! Welcome to the club! Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: Grrrly on July 21, 2008, 10:58:01 AM congrats on the new toy [clap], and welcome!!!! ;D
Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: somegirl on July 21, 2008, 10:59:53 AM Welcome and congrats on the bike, looking good. [thumbsup]
I got to try a rental F650GS in Germany last year, agree on being too high and top-heavy, I still had fun though, especially maxing it out on the Autobahn (not bad for a single cylinder ;)) Glad the 696 is working out so well for you! [moto] Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: mcgalinmd on July 21, 2008, 11:01:04 AM I go license test for Harley locations (rider's edge classes) and I watch those buell bikes shake and rattle, always seeming like they are going to stall no matter how much throttle the students seem to give. Great around town bike, though. Maybe Ducati would make a small 250??? :)
Anyway, the ride looks like a bunch of fun - congrats! [thumbsup] Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: somegirl on July 21, 2008, 11:04:12 AM Maybe Ducati would make a small 250??? :) It's a shame the M400 isn't available in the US. Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: whidbeymonster on July 21, 2008, 01:51:17 PM maz-
if you don't mind me asking what kind of pants are you wearing? i am having an awful time finding pants being short and i like those. cause i am too old to wear any of that icon kitty crap. and i don't want stars and glitter on my butt. tara Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: MAZ on July 21, 2008, 03:06:06 PM Well the best fitting mesh pants I ever tried on are made by Olympia (I have the Olympia mesh jacket on in the photo) and about the last six inches of the pants are made to be cut off so you can fit them to different inseam sizes. Really top quality and very reasonably priced. I have not bought their mesh pants yet because hubby gave me the pair I am wearing in the photo. I will buy the Olympia ones once these crap out. I wore a size 10 pants in the Olympia brand and I normally wear size 16 jeans - go figure. Olympia sizes are very generous.
The ones I have on in the photo are pants hubby bought and they didn't fit him. They are mesh pants made by Fieldsheer - mens sized 34 - they are a tad long and cannot be easily cut to fit - I have a 28.5 inch inseam. I highly suggest the Olympia brand! [cheeky] on the Icon Kitty comment - I can't wear their stuff either - hell I couldn't wear their stuff when I was age 12 [laugh] Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: whidbeymonster on July 21, 2008, 03:11:45 PM sweet will look for the olympia ones, i wear sixteen jeans too and if olympia can magically change a 16 into a 10 i am definately in!! ;D thanks
tara Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: brlchief on July 21, 2008, 04:53:59 PM Nice Bike!
I also have the 696. Mine is white (as you can see in my signature pic). I love mine too. What kind of handlebars did they put on? Do you know if they had to replace any cables? They seem to have very little slack. I don't think I want to replace mine yet, but maybe some day. I am short also. Only 5'2". How do you like the touring seat? You look so comfy on the bike. Well, CONGRATULATIONS and enjoy! Brenda Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: TiNi on July 22, 2008, 02:44:39 AM hello & welcome MAZ :)
great picture and an awesome bike [thumbsup] Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: MAZ on July 22, 2008, 05:56:03 AM sweet will look for the olympia ones, i wear sixteen jeans too and if olympia can magically change a 16 into a 10 i am definately in!! ;D thanks tara Yea, I love losing 3 pants sizes in one fitting [laugh] Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: MAZ on July 22, 2008, 06:06:23 AM Nice Bike! I also have the 696. Mine is white (as you can see in my signature pic). I love mine too. What kind of handlebars did they put on? Do you know if they had to replace any cables? They seem to have very little slack. I don't think I want to replace mine yet, but maybe some day. I am short also. Only 5'2". How do you like the touring seat? You look so comfy on the bike. Well, CONGRATULATIONS and enjoy! Brenda Congrats to you too! The handlebars they used are Coerce - Naked Bar - Monster Machine Control - that's what the label says anyway :P. They had to re-route some of the cables to provide more slack and they said if I wanted bars any more swept back (or higher) I would need custom cables. They were very careful to make sure all the cables had enough slack and I think they did a fine job. I actually bought the touring seat before I got the bike - wanted to have a custom seat done to make sure I could fit comfortably on the bike *before* I spent thousands ;). I bought the touring seat because is was cheaper than the OEM (go figure). The seat has .5 inches of dense foam and then a SHOCKTec gel pad - it dropped me at least an inch (probably more) and believe it or not is extremely comfortable, I had a local automotive place rework the seat. I rode for 4 hours on Sunday and didn't have any butt pain. The SHOCKTec gel is amazing and is also very thin - it is a very dense gel and I think that is why it works so well. I did a lot to make the bike fit me because I know if I am not totally comfortable, I am not going to ride so it was all worth it. Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: brlchief on July 22, 2008, 02:34:50 PM Looks like they did a nice job. I can't seem to find those handlebars anywhere on the internet. I will keep looking though. You did a great job customizing your bike.
Enjoy! Brenda Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: MAZ on July 23, 2008, 02:33:29 AM Looks like they did a nice job. I can't seem to find those handlebars anywhere on the internet. I will keep looking though. You did a great job customizing your bike. Enjoy! Brenda I couldn't find them either - but I bet if you ask your dealer they can find them. Since the 696 just came out there isn't a whole lot of accessories for it - but I am sure that is going to change [laugh] and I will be adding more stuff in no time [evil] Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: mcgalinmd on July 23, 2008, 03:05:41 AM slight threadjack---
I wear all Fieldsheer gear, and i'm a generous size 16 but with a 31/2 inseam. I can wear most mens gear, but find that any part of a garment that is around the hip and waist area tends not to be fitted right. Men don't have hips. Darn. :P BUT, womens fieldsheer gear is SPOT on in sizing. I've never had the opportunity to try on Olympia gear. I'll keep my eyes open in my travels. Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: whidbeymonster on July 23, 2008, 05:53:01 AM maz-
where did you get your touring seat? is it from a dealer or somewhere else and please excuse the rude question, how much do they run? i might look into one for my 695. tara Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: MAZ on July 23, 2008, 06:06:34 AM maz- where did you get your touring seat? is it from a dealer or somewhere else and please excuse the rude question, how much do they run? i might look into one for my 695. tara I got the touring seat from my dealer (he had one to put on the demo for riding) but you can find them online. The seat was $213. I believe the link below is a touring seat for the 695... http://www.store.commoto.com/ducati-monster-touring-seat-p-326.html Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: whidbeymonster on July 23, 2008, 12:00:10 PM sweet thanks, i wonder if i brought it to my dealer they would let me try one before i buy one? and $200 seems pretty cheap for ducati stuff! anyway thanks looks super comfy, and if it drops me a little more in height that might be a good thing cause i can touch to the balls of my feet. might be nice to eek a little more out of the height.
tara Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: MAZ on July 23, 2008, 12:25:37 PM sweet thanks, i wonder if i brought it to my dealer they would let me try one before i buy one? and $200 seems pretty cheap for ducati stuff! anyway thanks looks super comfy, and if it drops me a little more in height that might be a good thing cause i can touch to the balls of my feet. might be nice to eek a little more out of the height. tara I don't know if a touring seat is going to drop you. I bought the touring seat simply for the pan. The 696 touring seat has about 2-3 more foam than the standard seat. However, I had ALL the foam removed in the seating area and an auto place put .5 inches of dense foam back in with a SHOCKTec gel pad that I provided. Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: brlchief on July 23, 2008, 02:43:36 PM I couldn't find them either - but I bet if you ask your dealer they can find them. Since the 696 just came out there isn't a whole lot of accessories for it - but I am sure that is going to change [laugh] and I will be adding more stuff in no time [evil] Thanks for the info. I keep watching for accessories too! Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: Cookie Monster on July 24, 2008, 02:10:27 PM I am adding Pazzo levers this week. Maz and Tara- hello! Question on the Pazzo levers, is this for comfort? I am in terrible hand pain after just a short while on my clutch hand. Maybe this is the answer, adjustments have helped but not that much. Thanks! Naomi Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: MAZ on July 24, 2008, 03:17:57 PM Looks like they did a nice job. I can't seem to find those handlebars anywhere on the internet. I will keep looking though. You did a great job customizing your bike. Enjoy! Brenda I asked my dealer about the bar - they said you won't find it on the internet because they order them from Japan. They said you can give them a call if you want one - Ducati Omaha. Ducati Omaha 3615 S. 149th Street Omaha, NE 68144 E-Mail Contacts: (All e-mail addresses are @ DucatiOmaha.com) New/Used Bike Sales - SALES Parts/Accessories Sales - PARTS Service & Warranty - SERVICE Phone: 402-408-4400 Toll-Free: 866-214-6627 Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: MAZ on July 24, 2008, 03:23:12 PM Maz and Tara- hello! Question on the Pazzo levers, is this for comfort? I am in terrible hand pain after just a short while on my clutch hand. Maybe this is the answer, adjustments have helped but not that much. Thanks! Naomi I just got the Pazzo levers put on today - the levers have 6 adjustments and adjustment level 1 brings the clutch lever (and brake lever) MUCH closer to the bar. The clutch pull on the 696 is feather light but the reach for the clutch lever was a bit far for my small hand. Also, the clutch engages right near the end of the lever and it is a very small window of engagement - so my fingers were just about stretched out all the way trying to slip the clutch. Bringing the lever closer to the bar will allow me to slip the clutch a lot easier - they made a huge difference!! Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: brlchief on July 25, 2008, 04:24:42 AM I asked my dealer about the bar - they said you won't find it on the internet because they order them from Japan. They said you can give them a call if you want one - Ducati Omaha. Ducati Omaha 3615 S. 149th Street Omaha, NE 68144 E-Mail Contacts: (All e-mail addresses are @ DucatiOmaha.com) New/Used Bike Sales - SALES Parts/Accessories Sales - PARTS Service & Warranty - SERVICE Phone: 402-408-4400 Toll-Free: 866-214-6627 Thanks! Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: whidbeymonster on July 25, 2008, 12:19:24 PM my pazzo levers are for comfort. my hands are really small so it made a world of difference. my husband loves them too so he can make them bigger cause he is 6'3". the sticker shock hurts at $200, but worth every penny.
tara Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: Cookie Monster on July 28, 2008, 07:56:31 AM Thanks for the tip! I will have to get a pair. [moto]
Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: whidbeymonster on July 28, 2008, 10:18:48 AM the 696 and 695 have a clutch that doesn't engage until it is almost all the way released which sucks for women with little hands cause it doesn't give us a lot of clutch control and always made me feel nervous. i got titanium (grey) levers with black adjusters and they look sweet and make me a lot more confident with the clutch. [evil]
tara Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: Cookie Monster on July 29, 2008, 09:13:44 AM I have a '97 M750 and I'm pretty sure it's the same. I felt like I was doing bad things to the clutch, until my last adjustment where I can at least engage it all the way. I'm thinking about replacing the hydraulic clutch fluid too, it's probably been in there since '97. The mechanic thought it looked okay but I think he just thinks I'm a wimp. [roll] He had no problem pulling the lever in.
The bike sat unridden most it's life (4400 miles on it when I got it in May) so the more I ride it the better it works. Except for the clutch that seems to get worse so maybe there is something to riding it and gunk in the fluid. Anybody ever change their clutch or brake fluids? I'll have my honey do it but wondering more if it is something people do as a maintenance thing. By the way new tires are [thumbsup] Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: lauramonster on July 30, 2008, 08:32:49 AM took my bike to the local bike shop for a quick oil change - and the guy changed the clutch fluid. Was rather upset how black it was. Told him ducs are known for it.
Brought it back a week later and showed him the black fluid. He said never saw it trun so fast. Yeah, I'd change it considering how long it's been sitting in there. They can use brake fluid or any other fluid that can handle higher temps. (Brake fluid was recommended by 2 other guys who have ducs). S2R manual says to change the clutch & brake hoses every four years, and I would assume you'd change the fluid at the same time - so a minimum of 4 years would be a good guess. Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: jdubbs32584 on July 30, 2008, 08:40:47 AM Thanks for the tip! I will have to get a pair. [moto] +1 on the Pazzos. I've got them on my S2R 800. Love em. So much easier for my tiny XS hands. Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: Cookie Monster on July 30, 2008, 10:25:50 AM So I better change the fluids then... :o
Thanks for all the help! -Naomi Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: Dr Eti on August 04, 2008, 12:42:41 PM Hi Maz,
Was really interested to read about your modifications. Picked up my 696 last Tuesday. It's my first Ducati too and I also find the standard riding position far too uncomfortable. I'm getting my seat custom upholstered but was keen to know more about your handlebars and how much work was involved in rerouting the cables. Any chance you could post a few detail pics of the handlebars and cables? Thanks Dave Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: MAZ on August 05, 2008, 04:42:02 AM Dave,
I am afraid I may not be much help. I wasn't involved in putting on the bar and rerouting the cables and therefore have no idea of how mucy work was involved. Jarel and Jeremy at Ducati Omaha did all the work - you could give them a call. I think it took them a couple of hours and I am sure it would take far less now that they have done it once. Pictures of the bars and wiring are below. I did them as links because I didn't want to upload that many pictures to this board. You can see that the wiring isn't as clean looking as it was before, however, I don't really care about clean looking wiring - I care about my comfort when riding. If the wiring being routed outside of the forks bothered you, you could always have custom cables made which would be longer and allow the cables to be routed like stock. In the three weekends I have had the 696, I have put 1,300 miles on it - it is that fun to ride! [moto] [thumbsup] http://zs.smugmug.com/photos/345248129_75vum-L.jpg http://zs.smugmug.com/photos/345248065_9CHt8-L.jpg http://zs.smugmug.com/photos/345248003_6pYZJ-L.jpg http://zs.smugmug.com/photos/345247976_3fn3Z-L.jpg http://zs.smugmug.com/photos/345247955_8iZc5-L.jpg http://zs.smugmug.com/photos/345247920_vjkcS-L.jpg http://zs.smugmug.com/photos/345247897_o6Frb-L.jpg http://zs.smugmug.com/photos/345247867_Hymg3-L.jpg Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: Ducatista on August 05, 2008, 05:56:12 AM Dave, I am afraid I may not be much help. I wasn't involved in putting on the bar and rerouting the cables and therefore have no idea of how mucy work was involved. Jarel and Jeremy at Ducati Omaha did all the work - you could give them a call. I think it took them a couple of hours and I am sure it would take far less now that they have done it once. Pictures of the bars and wiring are below. I did them as links because I didn't want to upload that many pictures to this board. You can see that the wiring isn't as clean looking as it was before, however, I don't really care about clean looking wiring - I care about my comfort when riding. If the wiring being routed outside of the forks bothered you, you could always have custom cables made which would be longer and allow the cables to be routed like stock. In the three weekends I have had the 696, I have put 1,300 miles on it - it is that fun to ride! [moto] [thumbsup] (http://zs.smugmug.com/photos/345248129_75vum-L.jpg) (http://zs.smugmug.com/photos/345248065_9CHt8-L.jpg) (http://zs.smugmug.com/photos/345248003_6pYZJ-L.jpg) (http://zs.smugmug.com/photos/345247976_3fn3Z-L.jpg) (http://zs.smugmug.com/photos/345247955_8iZc5-L.jpg) (http://zs.smugmug.com/photos/345247920_vjkcS-L.jpg) (http://zs.smugmug.com/photos/345247897_o6Frb-L.jpg) (http://zs.smugmug.com/photos/345247867_Hymg3-L.jpg) Fixed. Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: MAZ on August 05, 2008, 06:01:11 AM Thanks! I would have done that myself but some board mods get a little irritated when lots of pictures are uploaded. Guess I don't have to worry about that here [laugh]
Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: Ducatista on August 05, 2008, 06:08:50 AM Thanks! I would have done that myself but some board mods get a little irritated when lots of pictures are uploaded. Guess I don't have to worry about that here [laugh] Nah, with the number of really intricate mods that folks do, it makes more sense just to embed the photos. Any whiny people can just scroll down. The pics that they don't like are the ones that are too wide. Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: somegirl on August 05, 2008, 06:51:41 AM These pictures aren't being uploaded anyway, we are just linking to the smugmug site. So no problems posting them. [thumbsup]
Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: NekkedChic on August 24, 2008, 04:40:21 PM Maz and Tara- hello! Question on the Pazzo levers, is this for comfort? I am in terrible hand pain after just a short while on my clutch hand. Maybe this is the answer, adjustments have helped but not that much. Thanks! Naomi "Adjustments"-please tell me which??! I am awaiting my order for Pazzo Shorties anxiously and had a REALLY bad, off day today on bike with clutch reach and nearly pulled bike over at a stop becuz I did not get a good grip and daredn't let it out WHEW, saved it tho. SO, hubbi is online trying to figure out if there is ANYway to adjust lever in meantime until Pazzos get here. ANYONE have clue if even possible? THANK YOU and otherwise SOO luv my new 696-perfect fit in every other way! Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: Cookie Monster on August 25, 2008, 01:22:02 PM hey there! I can't tell you the technical stuff but basically we loosened a nut/bolt/something and moved the clutch lever to almost 90 degree angle with the grip (vs maybe 45 degrees) and that did help some. The angle it was at before was too much of a stretch for my hand.
I was at a Italian Bike/Car show this weekend and tried a few other older monsters clutches and they were the same as mine. The newer bikes seem to be better. I am having the fluid replaced on the hydraulic clutch next. Let me know how you like the pazzo levers! I need to get some ordered for spring or I'll have to use hand grips over the winter to maintain the nice muscle tone I developed on my forearm. [roll] Good Luck! Cookie Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: jdubbs32584 on August 25, 2008, 01:52:40 PM hey there! I can't tell you the technical stuff but basically we loosened a nut/bolt/something and moved the clutch lever to almost 90 degree angle with the grip (vs maybe 45 degrees) and that did help some. The angle it was at before was too much of a stretch for my hand. I was at a Italian Bike/Car show this weekend and tried a few other older monsters clutches and they were the same as mine. The newer bikes seem to be better. I am having the fluid replaced on the hydraulic clutch next. Let me know how you like the pazzo levers! I need to get some ordered for spring or I'll have to use hand grips over the winter to maintain the nice muscle tone I developed on my forearm. [roll] Good Luck! Cookie Hey cookie, I went from non adjustable (meaning how far away they are from the grips) to pazzos. They absolutely saved me. Definitely get them, and get them now. Adjusting like you did (change the angle in reference to the grip) can help alot but if you want more, go ahead and get the adjustables. Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: Cookie Monster on August 26, 2008, 08:40:52 AM Yeah, I think I should too, or I'll end up looking like I'm in the rodeo. [laugh]
Cookie Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: Dr Eti on September 01, 2008, 11:11:03 PM Hey Maz,
Sorry for such a late reply... been out of the country for a while. Thanks so much for posting the pics. Haven't fully decided what I'm going to do yet with the bars. The touring seat has helped a lot so far, and thinking or taking that a stage further and having it sculpted to fit me perfectly before I mess with the bars. That said, i think I'll still do the bars, but not such a big change as you have done. I've racked up about 1,300 miles now and am getting much more used to the riding position. I still want them a little more swept back, but think i only need a subtle change. Anyway, thanks again for posting the pics. Really helped me figure things out. I'll post pics when I figure it out :) Happy riding! Dave Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: NekkedChic on September 03, 2008, 10:15:42 AM I had the dealership put on different bars - higher and a little more swept back - they added a spacer so the bars would clear the tank and very slightly reduced the steering lock. The front forks were dropped about an inch and I set the preload to soft. AH HA! I KNEW, from ur pic, ur bars were diff...having some difficulties with my stock ones and hubbi pestering to let him put his stock Speed Triple bars on it...even HE says it is too far forward with stock bars and levers at "wrong angle"...I AM ok with bars, but NOT on our dirt/sand road-jus cannot get fine, fine throttle control/comfort down enuff to keep all steady on slippy sand-SUX actually ad kinda scarey honestly...oh and frustrating cus I am ALWAYS one to do thing on own, determined, bull-headed, but have had to give in and have hubbi ride bike to end for me AND come get bike/ride back up road AAARRRGG! I got it on my Ninja, but jus not "happenin" on Monster-really feel it is bars-HOPE...got Pazzo Shorties and BRILLIANT-a MUST I think. Let me know what YOU think-you seem to have quite afew more miles and experience-thank you and CONGRATS!!!!! Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: MAZ on September 04, 2008, 07:13:25 AM Dave - glad I could help ;). Def. post pictures of any mods you make!
Title: Re: Introduction.... Post by: MAZ on September 04, 2008, 07:26:51 AM I usually do whatever it takes to get a bike to fit me - OTOH, I do think that a person should ride a bike for a while before making a bunch of changes. That way they will have a better idea of what they think needs changing. I changed the bars right away because my arms were stretched all the way just trying to get to the bars - turning the bike would have forced me to get out of my seat so my short arms could turn the bars. I can't imagine riding on sand with this bike :o. If you feel totally comfortable with the bars during street riding I wouldn't change them just to get a bit more comfortable on the sand driveway. I am sure getting bars a bit higher and swept back would help on the sand - maybe try to find bars not so radical as mine? I have about 3,000 miles on the bike now and feel comfortable with all the changes I made.
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