New Ducati owner in Texas

[Charlie98]

Howdy from Texas!

Finally satisfied my 10-year quest by picking up a lightly used 2013 Ducati M796 ABS, my first Ducati, but not my first bike.  Having been off the streets, largely, for the past 10 years (when I sold my CBR1000F) I have a bit of a learning curve to climb again... not only for street riding, but learning the peculiarities of the Ducati as well.

I've wanted a Ducati since 1990, when I first saw the Paso 906... and I have been lusting for one ever since.  I took a detour in 1994 when I bought the CBR1000F, which I drove for a little over 10 years; sold to fund a Ducati ST2 or 3, life sort of got in the way and it never happened, but the Top Secret Ducati Discretionary Fund continued to build.  Preparation meets Opportunity... friend of mine wants to get rid of his lightly used Monster and needs cash.

I'm going to need some advise on setup and maintenance, which is why I'm here, this seems like a very active and involved forum.

Largely stock, only a fender eliminator kit (which I don't care for,) and a clear clutch cover (which I love.)  Loving the Artic White...



...and parked next to the XR650L... and looking quite small compared.

[xcanuc]

awesome. Beautiful bike. Love the XR too 

[Charlie98]

awesome. Beautiful bike. Love the XR too 

Thank you!  The XR is a fun bike... I waited almost 3 years for them to finally come out and I bought the first one I saw.  It's a '93, frame #1129.  I debated selling it to help off-set the cost of the Monster, but... my wife talked me out of it.  Always the voice of reason, she is....

[koko64]

Welcome!

[Curmudgeon]

Good taste! 

Depending on your riding, you may want to have a 14T front sprocket fitted. An M796 is geared tall for Euro 3 drive-by noise testing. You might find a use for 6th.  If you do, the 14T for the 796 is special, so be careful what you order. Sponsor Monsterparts on here has them. Driven Racing part #1067-525-14T.

[Charlie98]

Good taste! 

Depending on your riding, you may want to have a 14T front sprocket fitted. An M796 is geared tall for Euro 3 drive-by noise testing. You might find a use for 6th.  If you do, the 14T for the 796 is special, so be careful what you order. Sponsor Monsterparts on here has them. Driven Racing part #1067-525-14T.

I already have the 14T on the way.  I have my XR geared way low so I can just let the clutch out and walk it, the stock Duc gearing was a big surprise!  I'll be bumping the rear sprocket up when I replace the chain.  You are right... I don't think I've had it in 6th but once or twice.

Question, RE the 14T sprocket:  I have the Afam 796-specific 14T coming... it's for 525 chain.  I haven't really been able to find what size the stock chain on the Monster is...  I assume it's drop-in, but I don't like surprises.

[Curmudgeon]

Yes, it's 525 and that sprocket is the same if AFAM Drive Systems is the same as Driven Racing. If you don't have the dealer do the swap, you'll need the tool for adjusting the chain. The slack needs to be measured precisely with the bike on the side stand per the sticker on the swing arm..., or from the manual:

"Tensioning the drive chain
Turn the rear wheel slowly to find the position at which the
chain is at its most taut.
With the motorcycle on its sidestand, press with a finger in
the centre of the bottom run of the chain and measure the
distance between the centres of chain link pins and the
aluminium swingarm. The distance should be within 60 to 62
mm.
Important
Have chain tension adjusted by a Ducati Dealer or
authorised Service Centre.
Warning
Correct tightening of the swingarm screws (1) is
essential to rider and passenger safety.
Important
An incorrectly tensioned chain will lead to accelerated
wear of the transmission components."

Others may comment but make sure there's no slop in the locating plate and maybe a little blue Loctite on the bolts..., but don't over-torque!