Some money to spend, need some quick opinions/advice and a couple questions

[golgofett]

I just sold some old hobby items to make room for my new ducati hobby.  I have about about 400 -450 to spend on some goodies for my 696.  I already have a competition werkes fender eliminator and frame sliders.  I already have full riding gear so no need to suggest that. 

Things I want to buy for sure are:
Pazzo Levers- $180
Optimate 4 Battery Tender $70

I would also like to pick up some stands and was looking at the T-rex for price.  My question though is how bad do I need a front stand.  I plan on doing basic maintenance myself (oil change/chain etc...) but nothing heavy duty.  My bike will also be stored during the winter in the garage for weeks at a time.  If it is nice enough, I will take it out, so it should not sit for months at a time hopefully.  If I did pick up a front stand, should I get a model that supports the triple tree also? 

Also, I would like to raise my handlebars also and was curious if I would be better off adding new rhizoma bars, or handle bar risers?  Is it possible to rotate the handlebars I have now back without causing problems?  I am not sure if they are mounted forward for a reason. 

As far as a 14T sprocket goes, does it need to be ducati brand.  I thought I read somewhere that someone added a 14T and it did not line up properly.  I would like to spend less than $70 on one but don't want to cause issues either. 

Thanks for any advice you can offer.    I am trying to make the purchases soon as I have a 3 day old little girl at home now and I know I will not be able to spend much more on my bike due to upcoming expenses. 

[Privateer]

I don't know how much you weigh, but getting the front/rear suspension resprung for your weight is probably the best mod.  I know you didn't list it, and I know new springs isn't glamorous, but they'll transform the bike.  Upgrade the other stuff as it wears out or breaks.


Andy

[He Man]

I don't know how much you weigh, but getting the front/rear suspension resprung for your weight is probably the best mod.  I know you didn't list it, and I know new springs isn't glamorous, but they'll transform the bike.  Upgrade the other stuff as it wears out or breaks.


Andy

+1 forks first then rear.

[golgofett]

What would the cost be on new springs?  I would need to have them installed. 

How would new springs increase performance?  I am guessing better handling. 

[sbrguy]

don't worry about levers or battery tender yet.

only consider the battery tender if you know you are not going to be riding the bike soon for a few months on end. ie, storage for the winter.  the levers are really a lot of money for bling, wait a bit.

like other say if you can get the suspension dialed for you for 400 or so then do that. it will improve your "ride" more for the dollar than any aesthetic change you make.

i finally got a set of adjustable forkes for my 620 that are geared for my weight and it does make the bike more stable and is more comfortable at speed even though i'm not pushing the bike hard.  it makes a difference even if you are just doing freeway miles the bike feels more planted than it did with the stock unadjustable forks.

good luck.

[Scottish]

+1 forks first then rear.

I would recommend the rear first then the front. I feel a lot more under sprung on my rear than my front, particuarly deep and hard in a corner.... but I run a higher bar, and I think you have clip-ons don't you? My point is that which end to do first could depend on weight bias.

[golgofett]

I was considering new adjustable levers for comfort.  I feel that I have to reach for my brake lever and that makes me a little uncomfortable.  The stock 696 levers are a little out there and I have shorter fingers.  

How about stands?  I hear people talking about flat spots on tires.  How long does it take for a flat spot to happen?

Would I be ok with just a rear stand?   I mainly want one for maintenance but also was thinking about saving my tires from flat spots.  

As far as upgrading the suspension, it sounds great but I do not know if I trust my local dealer to do that.  They are a newer ducati dealership and my rear brake was still squeaking like crazy when I rode home from my 600 mile service.  My service slip said the brake was no longer making noise after checking.  The only reason that would happen is if they did not road test it.  I already spoke with one of the managers about it.  They also did not have the equipment yet to reset my maintenance light.  


Also my weight is 215.   I am guessing suspension is set up for 160-180lbs.  


WannaDucBad- No clip ons on the 696

[sbrguy]

are you storing it for the winter for months? if so then maybe flat spots are an issue but ifyou think you are going to ride it ever few weeks i dont' see that being an issue.

the lever issue, i know what you are talking about i have the older non adjustable style brembo levers with the rectangular reserviors, it may be a bit uncomfortable right now, but honestly its something you can get used to.  but then again i'm not you, so if its really that bad then maybe the brake lever and such will be something good to invest in if its that bad to make the bike more rideable afterall the seat, pegs, and grips are the only places your body touches on the bike.

[Privateer]

Also my weight is 215.   I am guessing suspension is set up for 160-180lbs.  

racetech front and rear springs run about $110 each end.  so around $220 total.  To get installed, that'll vary based on your shop.


Andy

[Toxic]

Modern tires stored at proper psi don't get flat spots.  So forget that nonsense.
Levers if it make you more comfortable.

Proper set up is critical, suspension, sag etrc.
At 215llbs you are outside the norm for what the bike is set up for in stock trim.
So far out I would be reluctant to really push the bike hard in the corners.

[golgofett]

I will look into the suspension angle.  That would help.

What about the 14T sprocket issue that I listed.  Is it a good upgrade and does it need to be ducati brand to fit properly?

[Raux]

I will look into the suspension angle.  That would help.

What about the 14T sprocket issue that I listed.  Is it a good upgrade and does it need to be ducati brand to fit properly?

14t is worth it. i think the one i got from the dealer was not ducati. check with the dealer in OKC. Paul (i think) is the parts guy. he works with shadowchaser.

[golgofett]

Is the suspension install pretty standard amongst other brand motorcycles?  I am really interested in upgrading the suspension now but am afraid my dealership may not be the best in the service department.  Again the are new to Ducati's.   I checked the racetech site but did not see any specific models for the 696.  Could you guys point me in the right direction for the parts I should buy.  I thought the rear of the 696 was adjustable already, I will have to look more into that.