Birthday upgrades: what to do?

[Streeticus]

It's my birthday tomorrow, which means that it's time to treat myself to some bike parts. I'm pretty new to riding (3000mi) and never worked on a car or anything before so I'm pretty lost and don't even know enough to know what I don't know. But from what I've been readng, I feel like I have a pretty good idea of what I want to do.

-I want to go down a tooth on my front sprocket. I don't ever need to go up to 120 but not having to work the clutch in a parkin lot would be nice. Do I need to change my chain too?

-In Dayton this past bike week two of my buddies were having a pissing match and got their bikes dynoed. I figured why not and did it too. Power delivery was very choppy and I was only putting out 55hp at the wheel. I had service done after that which helped but I still want a bit more power, and the guy running the dyno suggested a Power commander. Would there be any benefit to that or would I just be wasting my money?

-I want a loud pipe. Leaning toward arrows, as I can't find anything else. Either want those or termis. I work 70 hours a week (car salesman) and don't have the tools or workspace necessary to core out my stock cans, and they're a little rashed from an encounter with pine needles on a blind right hander. What performance gains can I expect from a slip on? Not expecting a miracle but an extra 3-5 hp would be nice. Do I need a Power commander to get any gains out of a slip on?

-Lastly, my stock seat is both uncomfortable and has some rips in it. I'm looking at the Sargent seat but don't want to drop 450 on it. Is there any way to still get the DP touring seat?

My bike is a 2005 M620 that is, to my knowledge, stock.
Thanks in advance for the advice.

[Billyzoom]

Happy birthday...

I went down a tooth on the front and was happy with it, but my bike's bigger...I wasn't sure if it would be revving too high on the freeway, but it's fine for me.  I definitely noticed the change when pulling away from stops and in parking lots and traffic.  It is not necessary to change your chain.

As far as the slip-ons go, I can only speak from experience.  I put a Termi stubby on my S4Rs recently and removed the DB killer.  It is otherwise stock.  It sounds better and isn't obnoxiously loud, but I noticed zero difference in power.  I guess a power commander or something might help a bit there, but if you're putting out 55 horses now, hoping for nearly 10% more from a slip on isn't likely to happen from what I know.  I was a little worried that it wouldn't run well, but mine runs just fine with no other changes.  I have enough power, so it didn't bother me.  I wanted better exhaust tone and less weight.  I think the power commander alone wouldn't do it for you.

The touring seat was just re-released from what I saw...I don't like the new look myself, which was disappointing as I wanted one of the last versions. 

[ozzys4r]

To get that sorta power increase i think you would need to get a full exhaust system. I high flow air filter and the power commander+good dyno tune.

If you cant afford all that then just do the system to start.

Im not an expert on your bike but thats my 2c

[booger]

Mivv GP low mounts for dual-sided swingarm Monsters= teh win

http://www.pjsparts.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=75&products_id=210

those are hawt - I wouldn't consider anything else and they are LOUD (well maybe I would consider cored and chopped stockers but I like to make stuff)

[DucofWestwood]

I was in your same situation with my 620. I did the 14t (big difference) and power commander (waste of $ imo). The bike had termi slip-ons when I bought it so I can't speak to any power differential there.

Happy bday

[supertjeduc]

A full system brings nothing on a 620 (or other DS Monsters) they look nice but that's it
14 teeth sproket is cheaper and more fun
And i think 55hp for a 620 isn't so bad (rear wheel)

[Slide Panda]

I'm sure there's DP seats out there. Check with a sponsor like Motowheels.

THough it won't address the comfort issue for you, HT-Moto sells custom covers for Monster seats for $70
http://hydroturf.com/product/Seat_Covers_-_Sport_Bike/SB-D03

Unless your chain has been badly abused, you should be just fine going to a 14t with the original chain. Just be sure to adjust the tension

A Power commander, with proper adjustment could help smooth out the power curve as it allows for finer fuel adjustments across the RPM band. Regarding HP, you'd see the most gains if you had slip ons, an open air box w/ K&N or similar oiled cotton media filter and a power commander (or similar) that was then tuned.

[Wonked]

Why not spring for some used (new to you) adjustable forks? I put some S2R forks on my 695 and it's made a world of difference.

I've gone down a tooth in the front (good);
Added termis/open airbox/ecu (good, but not really performance-enhancing);
Added clip ons (good, but YMMV);

I've done lots of other cosmetic things, but on the smaller displacement Monsters, there's not a whole lot you can do to make dramatic leaps.

[TJR178]

Happy Birthday!

Do:
- sprocket
- Sargent seat
- Exhaust (Arrow is good)

Don't:
- PC until you have the exhaust, or if you cut open the box.

[DarkStaR]

light flywheel FTW!

[redial]

if you only have 3k on 2 wheels why do you want more power?
please dont take offense but you probably cant ride past the bikes capabilities.
nor can I, with a few years under my belt.

learn to thrash that 620 first


that being said i agree that arrows have great fit and finish. from what ive heard superior to the termis (dont hate)

seat and suspension are the best mods. i really love levers too as the stocks really suck

happy birthday!

[redial]

probably the most fun thing you could get yourself is a track school day,
that will really make you faster without needing the bike to be faster,
and youll have a lot of fun

[xcaptainxbloodx]

1st mod ergonomics so that you are 100% comfortable with the bike

2nd mod the suspension so that the bike handles the way you like it to

3rd mod the brakes so it has enough brake power for you

4th mod the power to your hearts content


1-3 may already be satisfied to your suiting from the get go, but its important to re-asses everything after doing anything. unusable, uncontrollable power is worthless. If there are times when your suspension/brakes leave you sweaty with the power you have now, or a day on the bike leaves your arms cramped and butt (unreasoably) sore,  then thats the area id look into first.

PC might be a good idea to smooth out your existing power and make the bike more predictable, just dont expect it to turn your bike into a rocket ship.
But then again, if you are already getting a custom tune it wouldn't be a horrible idea to throw on a full exhaust and mod your airbox at the same time, if only to save $ on dyno work and mapping.

 Just dont underestimate the intangible performance mods. theres no dyno to check how well your forks work and brakes may not be rated with as easy numbers as hp but some fully adjustable forks  set up specifically for you and a properly sprung rear will be appreciated every time you go out.

[ChrisH]

Actually,  there are suspension dyno's

I agree with everyone else. Make the bike comfortable with a seat, maybe some adjustable levers, maybe new bars or clip ons. I like loud pipes on bikes, they're fun, and can potentially alert others to your existence so if you can afford it throw the arrows on.

Happy bday 

[Wonked]

Also, upgrade the horn with a Stebel. It will wake the dead, and make cars swerve off the road.