Good mods and bad mods

[supperduc]

The 14T front sprocket was just a bad idea so I ended up reinstalling the OEM sprocket (15T). A couple of issues: First is the diameter of the 14T sprocket which was too small thus putting a lot of downward pressure on the chain guide therefore wearing it out prematurely. Secondly, this may just be a personal preference, but I kinda like the OEM tall first and second gears around town.
 

[Twizted]

Why were the mirrors bad?

[sofadriver]

I've been waiting to hear someone say this. I think this bike's throttle response is plenty fast enough already.

Here's two good mods for you, SD;
Remove those ugly frame stickers.
Replace those blingy Termi stickers with Rollin Stones lips stickers  

[supperduc]

Why were the mirrors bad?

They are well made (billet aluminum) and look pretty slick but as far as functionality is concerned not so much. Regardless how much I have tried to adjust them, the views are very limited so I end up turning my head anyway. I bought them via Ebay, direct link below.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Billet-CNC-Mirrors-Tomok-Ducati-695-696-796-MONSTER-Black-/250938490288?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item3a6d197db0

[supperduc]

I've been waiting to hear someone say this. I think this bike's throttle response is plenty fast enough already.

Here's two good mods for you, SD;
Remove those ugly frame stickers.
Replace those blingy Termi stickers with Rollin Stones lips stickers  

Agree with you about those ugly frame stickers but not sure about Mr. Stones Lip stickers 

[NateNewThread]

another good mod. remove those reflectors from the front forks 

[Curmudgeon]

The 14T front sprocket was just a bad idea so I ended up reinstalling the OEM sprocket (15T). A couple of issues: First is the diameter of the 14T sprocket which was too small thus putting a lot of downward pressure on the chain guide therefore wearing it out prematurely. Secondly, this may just be a personal preference, but I kinda like the OEM tall first and second gears around town.

You must have a remarkable 696 there if yours is happy around town at 3,500 RPM. The one I rode fell on it's face under 4,000 and IMO was massively overgeared. Methinks you are lugging yours bigtime.

Personally no issues running a 14T on my 796 which is a lot healthier than a 696, and my reason, among others for buying it.

So..., you are saying that your bike now pulls redline in 6th with a 15T?

If you aren't living in CA, maybe get rid of that evaps canister?

[supperduc]

You must have a remarkable 696 there if yours is happy around town at 3,500 RPM. The one I rode fell on it's face under 4,000 and IMO was massively overgeared. Methinks you are lugging yours bigtime.

Personally no issues running a 14T on my 796 which is a lot healthier than a 696, and my reason, among others for buying it.

So..., you are saying that your bike now pulls redline in 6th with a 15T?

If you aren't living in CA, maybe get rid of that evaps canister?

Curmudgeon, Honestly, I am much happier with the 15T, especially for my rides around town. She does not feel like she's lugging at all so perhaps it's her racing exhaust and ECU kit that helps. 

[Twizted]

They are well made (billet aluminum) and look pretty slick but as far as functionality is concerned not so much. Regardless how much I have tried to adjust them, the views are very limited so I end up turning my head anyway. I bought them via Ebay, direct link below.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Billet-CNC-Mirrors-Tomok-Ducati-695-696-796-MONSTER-Black-/250938490288?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item3a6d197db0

Oh, I thought it may have been a vibration issue. You should be turning your head with any mirrors. Maybe they could be a good thing as they are forcing you to shoulder check. The more you move on a bike the more visible you become as well.

[Curmudgeon]

Curmudgeon, Honestly, I am much happier with the 15T, especially for my rides around town. She does not feel like she's lugging at all so perhaps it's her racing exhaust and ECU kit that helps.

Anything is possible, but I doubt it. There is a reason Ducati equip the bike with a 15T and offer a 14T as an "accessory". Back to my question, your bike pulls redline in 6th with a 15T? Generally, except for 4-valve bikes, Ducatis are happiest between 5,000 and 9,000 and smoothest too. It's your bike of course.

[wannabfast]

i like my 14t because im not really concerned with top speed, as i rarely go 100+ but having that extra get-up down low and it gets up to 80 pretty quickly

although it could go either way on the argument, the 796 is different from the 696, so maybe the swingarm angle is slightly different, but i was thinking about replacing the rear sprocket and going back to the 15t on the front

[supperduc]

... the 796 is different from the 696, so maybe the swingarm angle is slightly different, but i was thinking about replacing the rear sprocket and going back to the 15t on the front

The gearing on the 696 is different than the 796 and 1100. I believe 796 and 1100 have much taller gearing than 696. I use 6th gear on my 696 quite often but I am told that some 796 and 1100 riders never use their 6th gear.

[Curmudgeon]

i like my 14t because im not really concerned with top speed, as i rarely go 100+ but having that extra get-up down low and it gets up to 80 pretty quickly

although it could go either way on the argument, the 796 is different from the 696, so maybe the swingarm angle is slightly different, but i was thinking about replacing the rear sprocket and going back to the 15t on the front

Yes, besides the extra torque and BHP, (8 ft. lbs & 7 BHP, but feels like more), your 796 is a lot different; big bike frame, SSS, wider rear wheel, etc.

For what it's worth, I've dropped a tooth up front on every Ducati I've owned except the '81 900SS and 851, neither of which seemed to need it. 100+ is pretty pointless around here as well. As it is, I'm 10 - 30 MPH over the limit all too frequently, today (when it was 65 F) included. 

If you change the rear and revert to the 15T, you'll probably need a longer chain too, which is the reason Ducati sell so many 14T fronts.

[Curmudgeon]

The gearing on the 696 is different than the 796 and 1100. I believe 796 and 1100 have much taller gearing than 696. I use 6th gear on my 696 quite often but I am told that some 796 and 1100 riders never use their 6th gear.

According to the website, you are correct about that; internal gearing identical, 45T vs 39T in the rear. Regardless, the stock 696 demo I rode felt massively overgeared, the forks worked, the rear didn't, otherwise nice. I ordered a 796 with 14T and an Ohlins for the back and a Rizoma bar.

[TNWINESELLER]

The gearing on the 696 is different than the 796 and 1100. I believe 796 and 1100 have much taller gearing than 696. I use 6th gear on my 696 quite often but I am told that some 796 and 1100 riders never use their 6th gear.

With the 15t front on a stock 796, you need to be going a minimum of 80mph (4000 rpm) on flat ground to even shift to 6th gear. Really need to ride the clutch pulling out too. I am in the mountains of East Tennessee for what it's worth