What's the purpose behind getting triple clamps

[DrNo08]

or whatever they're called.  Is this something that ducati should've included on their stock bikes, in your opinion?  I suppose they look better but I'm not clear on why that's such a common modification, especially when some people add them with risers.  Is the main purpose so that a person can manipulate the angles of the bars in ways that a standard bar won't allow? And why are they called "triples"?  Thanks.

[CapnCrunch]

or whatever they're called.  Is this something that ducati should've included on their stock bikes, in your opinion?  I suppose they look better but I'm not clear on why that's such a common modification, especially when some people add them with risers.  Is the main purpose so that a person can manipulate the angles of the bars in ways that a standard bar won't allow? And why are they called "triples"?  Thanks.

some are just for the bling factor, some are lighter, some allow for different clip-on positioning. most look better than the stock setup if you modify the controls from stock trim.

they are called tripple clamps because they clamp in three places. the steering head tube, and each of the fork tubes.

[Spidey]

Ducati does include a triple clamp.  It's called a triple clamp because it has three holes and it clamps.



People upgrade for a different reasons.  For many, it's cosmetic.  The stock triple clamp isn't all blingy and many don't like the shape.  So they upgrade. 

Others will tell you they do it for weight and for strength.  I don't get that explanation.  A billet aluminum triple clamp (which is much stronger than a stock triple) might make a difference on an SBK at the edges of performance, but not on a monster as a street ride. 

Others get an aftermarket triple clamp as part of a set of above-the-triple clip-ons.  It's hard to find clip-ons that will fit above the triple clamp and onto the fork legs.  Most clip-ons go on the fork legs below the triple clamp.   So, if you want above-the-triple clip-ons, you get a special triple clamp with an attachment that allows you use clip-ons above the triple.  Below is a Rizoma triple/riser/clip-on set-up.  Below that is a bike with a CycleCat triple, risers and clip-ons.  Both are above-the-triple systems.





Does that answer your question?

[DrNo08]

some are just for the bling factor, some are lighter, some allow for different clip-on positioning. most look better than the stock setup if you modify the controls from stock trim.

they are called tripple clamps because they clamp in three places. the steering head tube, and each of the fork tubes.

- Seems a bit too expensive of a mod just for the bling factor, IMO, b/c most people won't even notice such a thing.  The ability to position your grips in a manner that's most suitable for the rider is the only legitimate reason I can see for adding them.  I'm pretty comfy with the stock bars but the ability to manipulate them and find the most ergonomic fit is a pretty cool thing.

Sorry for the stupid question on why they're called that.  It's obvious now that you've said it.

[Spidey]

The ability to position your grips in a manner that's most suitable for the rider is the only legitimate reason I can see for adding them.  

You'll likely find that the best way to get the proper ergonomics for your bike is with clip-ons.  Then you can adjust the location of the controls along a number of different axes.  You can't do get the same degree of customization of your ergos with handlebars.

This is where the problem arises.  Clip-ons often have to go below the triple and you end up with an aggressive riding position.  So you sacrifice a more comfy riding position for the adjustability that comes with clip-ons.  Often, the only solution to get clip-ons that are close to as tall or maybe even taller than the stock bars is to also purchase a new triple.  Trust me that it's worth it.  Once you get your ergos set the way you want, your bike will feels completely different.   

[DrNo08]

Ducati does include a triple clamp.

People upgrade for a different reasons.  For many, it's cosmetic.  The stock triple clamp isn't all blingy and many don't like the shape.  So they upgrade. 

Others will tell you they do it for weight and for strength.  I don't get that explanation.  A billet aluminum triple clamp (which is much stronger than a stock triple) might make a difference on an SBK at the edges of performance, but not on a monster as a street ride. 

Others get an aftermarket triple clamp as part of a set of above-the-triple clip-ons.  It's hard to find clip-ons that will fit above the triple clamp and onto the fork legs.  Most clip-ons go on the fork legs below the triple clamp.   So, if you want above-the-triple clip-ons, you get a special triple clamp with an attachment that allows you use clip-ons above the triple.  Below is a Rizoma triple/riser/clip-on set-up.  Below that is a bike with a CycleCat triple, risers and clip-ons.  Both are above-the-triple systems.

Does that answer your question?

- Yeah, it answers my question on the possible reasons why someone would do it.  However, alot of what you said is about as clear as mud.  And since I've been on this board for the past 6 months or so it appears that alot of people wrestle with finding the pieces that work to do this.  Perhaps thats b/c older models are more difficult to find the correct pieces. 

On a side note, I wish Ducati had've included the flat silver/aluminum stock bars on the 695 as they did on the S4R instead of the chrome, which I don't think fits this bike, atleast not the Dark monsters.

Ok, here's my 07 695.  If I were to do this at some point what all would you recommend I need?

http://img247.imageshack.us/my.php?image=pic0245yv5.jpg

[DrNo08]

Clip-ons often have to go below the triple and you end up with an aggressive riding position.   

- Ahh  So this is why I often see clipons that have risers added to them - because their aftermarket clamp had to go below the stock clamp.

Why is the question of whether or not they will go above or below such a difficult question for people to answer?  For example, is it not as simple as all pre- 2000 model monsters not allowing for an above mounted triple and 2000 models to present models DO allow for it?  That's just an example of how I would think this would be answered.  How does one know what parts will work and what won't without having to order a whole bunch of shit and sending back the pieces you don't need?

[Spidey]

Which parts didn't make sense?  I'll try to explain.

If I were to do this at some point what all would you recommend I need?

I'm not sure what you're contemplating do.  The first question to ask yourself is whether you want to change your riding position.  That's a question of personal taste.  Try riding some other bike and see if you like the bars angled inward toward the tank or lower.  Maybe begin by rotating your bars so that they are lower and closer to the tank.

You then need to decide if you want a more aggressive riding position or something like the stock position but just tweaked a bit.  For a more aggressive riding position, you might only need clip-on handlebars.  For something like the stock riding position, it might be that you just need to change out the bar for a different brand of bar.  But if you decide that you want to keep the stock height and have a lot of adjustability, you might need to look into either aftermarket risers and an aftermarket bar or a triple/clip-on/riser combination.

But like I said initially, the first question is what riding position you're looking for.  That will determine what you need to purchase. 

P.S.  Here's a post I wrote last week about clip-ons.  It might provide some more information.  I'm trying to put it together into a FAQ.  I'll see if I can add some information about triple clamps.

[DrNo08]

Which parts didn't make sense?  I'll try to explain.

I'm not sure what you're contemplating do.  The first question to ask yourself is whether you want to change your riding position.  That's a question of personal taste.  Try riding some other bike and see if you like the bars angled inward toward the tank or lower.  Maybe begin by rotating your bars so that they are lower and closer to the tank.

You then need to decide if you want a more aggressive riding position or something like the stock position but just tweaked a bit.  For a more aggressive riding position, you might only need clip-on handlebars.  For something like the stock riding position, it might be that you just need to change out the bar for a different brand of bar.  But if you decide that you want to keep the stock height and have a lot of adjustability, you might need to look into either aftermarket risers and an aftermarket bar or a triple/clip-on/riser combination.

But like I said initially, the first question is what riding position you're looking for.  That will determine what you need to purchase. 

P.S.  Here's a post I wrote last week about clip-ons.  It might provide some more information.  I'm trying to put it together into a FAQ.  I'll see if I can add some information about triple clamps.

I like the current posture as it is.  I'm 5'9" and I already added a set of risers I got off ebay.  It helped b/c the stock setup was a bit of a reach for me.  I'm a 42 short in jacket size and that means I have shorter than average arm length.  The stock posture put a bit too much weight on my wrist.  The risers helped with that.  Atleast it does for the most part b/c I later added a DP gel seat and that seems to have added a bit of height which kinda brought me almost back to my orignal stock position. LOL

So, I guess I would like to keep the same aggressive posture I currentlyy have but would like the ability adjust the grips.  A new handlebar wouldn't allow for adjustability down the road (pun intended).

[Spidey]

Why is the question of whether or not they will go above or below such a difficult question for people to answer?  For example, is it not as simple as all pre- 2000 model monsters not allowing for an above mounted triple and 2000 models to present models DO allow for it?  That's just an example of how I would think this would be answered.  How does one know what parts will work and what won't without having to order a whole bunch of shit and sending back the pieces you don't need?

There are a few reasons it's a hard question to answer. 

First, triple clamps have changed over the years, as have fork lengths and how different models within the same year are set-up.  So there are many variations of monsters out there.

Second, you need your forks to stick above the triple a certain amount in order for clip-ons to attach.  How much depends on the brand of triple clamps.  So, you often need to raise the forks in the triple to get enough grip for the clip-ons.   In the pic below, see how there isn't enough fork leg for clip-ons to attach above the triple?



Now, compare it to this one:



 Here's the problem:  you can't always know what's going to happen to the bike's handling if you do that.  Different bikes--even the same model--are set up differently depending on rider weight, rear springs/suspension, fork oil/springs, etc.  So, if you raise the forks in the triples enough that your clip-ons can clamp on, you're not certain if it's going to screw up your bike's geometry. 

Third, there are enough different types of clip-ons and risers, etc., that it's difficult to figure out what is going to work with your bike. 

Fourth, a lot of folks change out bars pretty early in their ownership and their monster if their first bike.  They might not know that much about bikes.  So it's understandable that they are often confused about what they need and what to buy.  This is just my theory BTW.  I'm just talkin' out of my ass here.

[Spidey]

So, I guess I would like to keep the same aggressive posture I currentlyy have but would like the ability adjust the grips.  A new handlebar wouldn't allow for adjustability down the road (pun intended).

Honestly, I would just try to get more miles under your belt.  A lot of the sore wrist problems go away with riding miles.  You learn not to weight the bars as much.  Also, your back and ab muscles strengthen and you use them to hold you up more.  More miles will also give you a sense of what you *really* want from your bike.  Right now, you're just trying to make your bike comfy (and it sounds like you've succeeded).  But in a year or so, you may want something more sporty or maybe more touring.

In terms of adjusting the grips, I'm not sure what you mean.  Is there something specific you have in mind?  With your current set-up, you have a lot of leeway to move the grips inward and outward on the bars, rotate the bars for a slightly different angle and rotate the control (clutch and brake) to change your hand position.

[DrNo08]

Honestly, I would just try to get more miles under your belt.  A lot of the sore wrist problems go away with riding miles.  You learn not to weight the bars as much.  Also, your back and ab muscles strengthen and you use them to hold you up more.  More miles will also give you a sense of what you *really* want from your bike.  Right now, you're just trying to make your bike comfy (and it sounds like you've succeeded).  But in a year or so, you may want something more sporty or maybe more touring.

In terms of adjusting the grips, I'm not sure what you mean.  Is there something specific you have in mind?  With your current set-up, you have a lot of leeway to move the grips inward and outward on the bars, rotate the bars for a slightly different angle and rotate the control (clutch and brake) to change your hand position.

- Yeah, I'm in no hurry but was just curious b/c there is alot of triple clamp discussion on this forum and I also was curious if my bike would even allow for such a thing in the future.  And what I meant was being able to bring the grips in closer to the tank, though, there's the potential for them to be too close to the tank as well.

This thread is a pretty good introduction.  It should maybe be added to the tutorial board if there's not one on this already.

[DrNo08]

- From the looks of it, it doesn't appear as though my 695 has the needed fork space on top to add a clamp, atleast not the clamp in this picture.  But that pic would be what I'd want.

[Buckethead]

- From the looks of it, it doesn't appear as though my 695 has the needed fork space on top to add a clamp, atleast not the clamp in this picture.  But that pic would be what I'd want.

No Monster does from the factory. To put the clamps above the triples, you have to loosen both top and bottom triples and slide the forks up. Unless you compensate for this, it'll drop the nose of the bike, decreasing rake and trail and can adversely affect your handling.

[stopintime]

If I'm not mistaken, Rizoma (PJsParts) make a "normal" bar for your bike. They come in different colors, maybe a little lower than yours and with a sweep back (better wrist angle).

http://www.pjsparts.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=264&products_id=51&page=2&osCsid=3f652f1c251a1398836bd9c7f1a12a40