I love my monster

[mrpetebojangles]

Just wanted to come in here and let you all know that! Seriously, I have not been happier or more excited about a purchase in a long time or ever. After the 1300 miles I've put on it so far, the bike seems to be running MUCH better, and seems to not take as long in the morning to warm up. Part of this I believe to be due to the 14T upgrade, but the mechanical pieces seem to of more perfectly mated. I've been riding this past month in 25-40 degree weather here in Reno, and even though I've been freezing my ass off (my hands mainly brrrrrr), I've still maintained a smile beneath my helmet. I'm now planning on getting the grip puppies and tech spech pads (Seem to slide into tank with a boostier 14T sprocket in 1st and 2nd more). Any other small but beneficial upgrades I should be thinking about?

HDR pic I created through an app on my iPhone 4S. Parked in front of my work

[Billyzoom]

Nice bike.  I love the white!

[Curmudgeon]

Just be careful with that leg, boy!  Here's the Tech Spec and DP protector on mine. They do help me at least. You can dig your knees into them at low speeds for some back and arm support. Don't do that when you're cornering though! REALLY 

[mrpetebojangles]

What is the DP protector? While we're on the subject of mods, and recommended seats I should look at? I don't mind the stock seat much, but I've heard there are better ones. The Sargent seats have been recommended, as have the ducati touring seats. These seats that are a bit higher than the stock one, do they impair bike stability at all with a higher CoG?

[seevtsaab]

For your hands consider (if not heated gloves) - some Acerbis Barkbusters and some bar heaters (Polly Heaters).
Wind protection plus always-available heat for <$50. A little wiring involved but very helpful, really nice on cool evenings also. Nice to see a new monster fanboy!

[Curmudgeon]

YOU are the higher center of gravity! 

Seat height comparison on the Sargent site. You need the room for your legs. That's the Sargent on mine above. he DP Touring is higher but I believe the Sargent is flatter than stock but not flat. Works for me. http://www.sargentcycle.com/ducws6961000.htm

DP protector is that 3-piece carbon job on my tank cover. http://www.ducati.com/accessories/sundry_accessories/carbon_fuel_tank_protector/173/index.do?urlBack=%2Faccessories%2Fsearch%2Findex.do%3FkeyWord%3D%26pageNumber%3D2%26idBikeFamily%3D22%26idModelBike%3D%26idModelYear%3D0%26idCategory%3D0%26nameOrder%3Dasc%26sortOrder%3Dname

[NateNewThread]

Nice color! Love the pearl white. Its actually what I had before I crashed mine in November. Since then I swapped to the flat white.

[DuctheMonster]

Just be careful with that leg, boy!  Here's the Tech Spec and DP protector on mine. They do help me at least. You can dig your knees into them at low speeds for some back and arm support. Don't do that when you're cornering though! REALLY 

I LOVE THAT PAINT SCHEME! SO AWESOME

[sofadriver]

For your hands consider (if not heated gloves) - some Acerbis Barkbusters and some bar heaters (Polly Heaters).
Wind protection plus always-available heat for <$50. A little wiring involved but very helpful, really nice on cool evenings also. Nice to see a new monster fanboy!

^^
#1
That combo will make a huge difference in your enjoyment.
Best part of heated grips is they're always there when you don't expect to need them!

[Curmudgeon]

I LOVE THAT PAINT SCHEME! SO AWESOME

It's kind'a cute I'll admit. Got it in memory of my all time fave which you can see on my intro thread. The kit is really 500 SL colors. They had an ugly fairing compared to the 600 SL and were too slow though. Better colors for the kit probably. http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=50673.msg929505#msg929505