Noobie Question-Sprockets & chain.

[Grover900]

I bought my first Ducati, a 93 Monster 900 a few months ago after a few small bikes back in the 90s & a couple of Road Trails in the last couple of years. In the last few months I have enjoyed not only getting to know a proper Road Bike but most of all The Ducati Monster. As a kid/teenager I was not really a bike guy but always remembered 1 of my neighbours Ducati Darmah.

Anyway to the point of the post. The Monster needs new front & rear sprockets & chain. Should I stay with the standard set up or change to say a 14/41 combo. I don't do a lot of high speed riding and still have a little trouble getting cleanly off the line. I do a little bit of commuting when the sun is out. Any suggestions as to what ratios and why would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks to anyone that can help. I have already been able to use this forum to help with a few other small problems I needed to get sorted. 

Thanks Mark......   

[heatherp]

Hi Grover900, welcome to the forum.

I think chain/sprocket combos are a bit like the endless tyre question.  Usually a personal choice based on how you ride and what you've tried.  However we have been discussing the question in this thread: http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=56147.0

Cheers   

[techno]

Yep, defn personal preference.

I changed my front sprocket from a 15T to 14T after reading a lot of positive comments here. I found it improved the low end feel and could get it off the line easier.
After doing a long trip from Tas to SA, I spent half my time wishing I had put the 15T back on.

Once I went with a full exhaust system I found the low end engine response much better so have gone back to 15T. I think I have the best of both worlds now.

Changing the front sprocket is not expensive so change it and see how it works for you. You can easily change back. I don't do much commuting. I am mainly out on the country backroads on the weekends. 

[dragonworld.]

With the 5 speed box in my old 750, the 1 tooth down on the front really helps as the carbs arnt as efficient/effective as the injection! 

My later DS isnt probably that critical, although I do like the 14T better than the 15T!

Horses for courses and personal preference are the main thing. Dont just do what everyone else does and it isnt an expensive thing to try!? 

[GK]

I'm going a 14/40 or 14/39 combo myself. Just waiting for the front sprocket to arrive, which will hopefully be this or next week.

I currently have a 15/40 set up and my bike is simply too tall geared and annoying to get off the line fast and smooth.

As has been said, going a tooth smaller on the front is a cheap and pretty quick mod to do and if you don't like it, simply put it back.

GK

[auntymal]

...run the 14 F and the std one rear. Rule#1="HAVE FUN"!

[brad black]

a 93 900 has the wide ratio box and 2:1 primary drive.  it would have had 15/38 originally i think, maybe 15/37.  i would run 15/39 on the early motors.  i had 14/39 and 15/39 on mine and preferred the 15 on the front.  if you are replacing all i'd go with 15 front and a larger rear.  14/41 will be very short.

check what it has now and go from there.

[dragonworld.]

My 98 750 had 15/41 and the change to 14/41 really sparked it up and helped mask some of the fluffy characteristics of the carbs, particularly in commuter mode! 

primary drive a bees whatsit less than 2 to 1, and of course a fairly well spaced 5 speed!.