What's more fun at the track? A monster or something else?

[The Architect]

(Beating a dead horse.)

I also started on the track with my Monster.  I quickly realized the bars and the forks needed to be upgraded.  Next on the list was the pegs and the rear ride height.  You can see why in the pic below.  That shifter loved scraping the asphalt.



Soon after that it would have been the exhaust.  That's when I realized this could be a very expensive adventure!  So I placed my money elsewhere.



Much more comfortable on the track, quicker and look at that ground clearance.

[The Architect]

I forgot to add that the monster was great on the street.  The 748 would probably break my back and damage other body parts. 

[dansamp]

how much different is the M900 chassis compared to an 851/888
couldn't the M900 be set up like and early SBK and be competitive on the track
or at least be comparable

[fasterblkduc]

how much different is the M900 chassis compared to an 851/888
couldn't the M900 be set up like and early SBK and be competitive on the track
or at least be comparable

Yes, but it is a lot of work. Read my post on page 3. The M900 can be comparable to an SV650.

[gm2]

or, for far less money and headache, you can just get an SV.  =)

[duccarlos]

To each their own. I think fasterblkduc explain it thoroughly. Not everyone that hits the track is going to do it for racing and many of us can't afford a second track only bike, but for those that can afford it, listen to the man and get something more track suited. The SS is the most widely used Duc I've seen on the track. I guess it's because it's still air-cooled with the ergos of a super bike.

[Cider]

I think this air-cooled Ducati would make a fun track bike!

http://forums.13x.com/showthread.php?t=241532

[The Architect]

I think this air-cooled Ducati would make a fun track bike!

http://forums.13x.com/showthread.php?t=241532

100 ft-lbs of torque   

[duccarlos]

I think this air-cooled Ducati would make a fun track bike!

http://forums.13x.com/showthread.php?t=241532

Good ol' Webman. Saw that bike on the track for the CDC trackday. It was very fast.

[GregP]

The SS is a great track bike. It has different ergos then the Monster and the bikes overall geometry is sportbike oriented as opposed to standard. The bike was excellent out of the box for track use.

I would have kept my SS but it was just to pretty to throw down the track. 

[fasterblkduc]

I think this air-cooled Ducati would make a fun track bike!

http://forums.13x.com/showthread.php?t=241532

Yes it would and I've raced a 900 very similar. They need the triple clamp offset upgrade to corner well. Even at that weight if the front end is stock, they feel like a tank to corner. But that power is very nice.

Again, I'll give the practical advice that I'm good for...for the money, it's not worth it unless you're going to race it. At that price, you can get a sweet middleweight, that will handle much better, go much faster, require less maintenance, and have cheaper spares. If your heart is set on a SS, check the WERA forum often because you can find 800 and 900SS racebikes for sale for cheaper. Still not the best bang for the buck but I understand if you just really want a Duc. 

[zooom]

how much different is the M900 chassis compared to an 851/888
couldn't the M900 be set up like and early SBK and be competitive on the track
or at least be comparable

hold on a sec.....1st...it depends on which 900...there are the 851 framed 900's and then the ST framed 900's...different animals to a small extent...my track pregnant dog 900 is an earlier 851 framed M900 and though it required the right parts( like ANY and every Monster) it is a pretty competent machine in it's right....would I do better to pick up and SS? yes I would ( especially given the upgrades I would like to do to the motor)...but I think some of the question here about setting it up ala 851 style is feasable and doable...just depends on which framed bike you have as to how much easier it can be.

[derby]

but I think some of the question here about setting it up ala 851 style is feasable and doable...just depends on which framed bike you have as to how much easier it can be.

possible? yes... feasable? well, that really depends on how much money you wanna throw at it.

honestly, when my parts and labor list approaches 50% of the cost of a different bike, i usually just go ahead and buy the other bike.