Still chattery...

[mr5ev3n]

Well folks, I made it!
After a twelve hour drive, I now own my first Ducati Monster!
11 796 that had under 630 miles on it.

I rode a 796 with a 15t front sprocket demo bike and noticed the lower rpm chatter. 14t was suggested to alleviate.
So, before I picked up my bike, I had the 14t installed so I could be freezing my ass off riding my new monster. The next day when I was coherent enough to go for a 46 degree ride, I noticed a fairly significant amount of chatter still(same rpm range as the 15t). I cruised around (5-10 miles) and put it back in the garage. I noticed after doing some manual reading that my chain had a lot of play. More then the manual suggests. Could this be causing the chatter? (Side note, I have the 15t sprocket in hand, so I'm pretty sure they did the swap.)(also, the 14 was for a 796)

Also, if its the chain latency, could someone point me to a good illustrated chain tensioning guide for a SSSA? I'm used to old jap bike tensioning, which is slap-dash and simple.  

Thanks in advance.

[Heath]

What RPM range are you talking about?  New Ducs do not like anything much lower then 4k until they are broken in. Hopefully someone can link you to a workshop manual for the newer bikes to help you with the chain.

[Slide Panda]

And over loose chain can cause a herky jerky feeling - especially during throttle transitions.

No visuals on hand but it's a super simple procedure. You'll need the right sized spanner, that's the one catch. Should have a torque wrench too.

- Loosen the two nuts at the back of the swing arm, behind the eccentric hub.
- use spanner to rotate the eccentric hub until the chain is properly tensioned.
- Tighten the two nuts to the recommended torque - tighten in 1-2-1 pattern.

It's a really simple job.

[mr5ev3n]

Rpm range is between 2-4k.
Is there a special tool needed?

[Bishamon]

I had a rattle with my 796 that seemed to be chain related, but the tension was within spec and the noise persisted after swapping to a 14T sprocket.  It turned out to require chain lube, despite only being a few hundred kilometers after being lubed.  Others have reported their 796 Monsters requiring more frequent lubing to prevent the noise.  I can't say this is the problem you are having, but it's a possibility.

[mr5ev3n]

I appreciate the insight bishamon.

[Slide Panda]

You'll need the correct sized spanner.

Even with a 14t - 2k is too low.

[ducpainter]

<snip>
Even with a 14t - 2k is too low.

Exactly.My Duc will cruise at 3K, but if you want to eliminate the jerkiness from accelerating you'll need to shift down a gear to pick the revs up.

All the 14T sprocket does is make it easier to eliminate the jerkiness in low gear at take off.

[mr5ev3n]

Yeah, I think the first issue is that I just need some more time riding it, getting used to it.  My last bike had a good amount of torque and I could creep it around town low RPM.  Personal adjustments need to be made.

But in all honesty, I think the chain is way too loose also...
This is the tool I need? http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/CI-SWINGARM/MAINT-TOOLS/CI-SWINGARM.html

[Slide Panda]

Give monster parts a call to double check that if fits your hub, just in case. But that should be the one