I've been reading all the reviews about the Monster 696, and so far, just about every review I've read has absolutely raved about the bike. However, I came across one thing that I didn't completely understand...
"The gearing is miles too high and when you buy this bike from your Ducati dealer absolutely insist on having a 14 tooth gearbox sprocket instead of the 15t which comes as standard. This is not Ducati's fault - merely a by-product of getting through Euro 3 emission regulations. Unless you intend on competing at Daytona, gear it down."
As a complete and utter newbie, I have no idea what it means. But do you agree with that statement? And should I ask my dealer to make said adjustment?
Additionally, I had previously expressed some concern over the heat produced by exhausts so close to the rider (and passenger), this same article was a source of concern...
"The other major design failure is the shields on the exhausts. The twin exhausts look gorgeous and somehow, despite legislation, sound well too. However, the pillion passenger's legs are protected by two tiny covers which simply do not work. If you have sold the idea of buying a Monster to your loved one so that you can both go for a ride into the mountains on a sunny Sunday, then get ready for the divorce letter from her lawyer because the shield fails to the point of being dangerous. It needs fixing now before the lawsuits start - it's that bad."
Here's a link to the article....
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_Page.aspx?ArticleID=6209 (http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_Page.aspx?ArticleID=6209)
Again, thanks in advance for your help :D
The stock gearing in the front is 15 tooth. Many people appreciate going down to 14 teeth to will give you more power at lower speeds at the expense of some of your top end speed. A number of people complain about surging at lower RPM/Speed as well as a lower than desired power for city riding. Going down to 14T helps on both counts.
I actually talked to my dealer today about this mod and they said that the part for the S2R was less than $40 and it constituted about 30 minutes worth of labor on top of the 6K service that I scheduled. I assume that any savvy wrencher could do it pretty easy.
The gearing is fine. As far as the exhaust heat, I have the termi carbon heat shields for the exhaust and with those I have not had a complaint from anyone Ihave taken for a spin (4 different people, a couple for all day rides). I bought the termi carbon dealies when I bought the bike, so I do not know if there is a difference between the AL and the carbon ones.
The 15T is just fine for the 696. As far as heat from the exhaust, you will feel some on your right leg when your stopped...i can't speak for passengers as i haven't taken any on my bike yet. If your a newb then I don't think you should be worring about exhaust heat being too hot for your passenger because you probably shouldn't be taking anyone for a ride for a while... Also, make sure you take an MSF course and save some money for good gear. [thumbsup]
Quote from: Roy on October 21, 2008, 08:01:19 PM
If your a newb then I don't think you should be worring about exhaust heat being too hot for your passenger because you probably shouldn't be taking anyone for a ride for a while... Also, make sure you take an MSF course and save some money for good gear. [thumbsup]
I don't plan on carrying passengers until I've developed enough skills that it would be appropriate to do so. Nonetheless, it's still something I can worry about as I do plan on carrying a passenger eventually.
I've taken the MSF course, and will be taking my licensing exam tomorrow morning, wish me luck!
Quote from: Rambler1982 on October 21, 2008, 08:36:29 PM
I don't plan on carrying passengers until I've developed enough skills that it would be appropriate to do so. Nonetheless, it's still something I can worry about as I do plan on carrying a passenger eventually.
I've taken the MSF course, and will be taking my licensing exam tomorrow morning, wish me luck!
Good luck! Keep us posted, I'm sure you'll do great. [thumbsup]
BTW, I started a FAQ about two-up riding: http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=3666.0
helmet banging... arrgggh (pirate smiley). [thumbsup] for having communication signals figured out before you ride with someone
Quote from: msincredible on October 21, 2008, 09:15:24 PM
BTW, I started a FAQ about two-up riding: http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=3666.0
Great read. Thanks, msincredible.
Quote from: msincredible on October 21, 2008, 09:15:24 PM
Good luck! Keep us posted, I'm sure you'll do great. [thumbsup]
I passed the exam with flying colors. Not a single point deducted!! ;D
Quote from: Rambler1982 on October 22, 2008, 09:59:07 AM
I passed the exam with flying colors. Not a single point deducted!! ;D
Nicely done! [beer]
Quote from: Rambler1982 on October 22, 2008, 09:59:07 AM
I passed the exam with flying colors. Not a single point deducted!! ;D
Great job Rambler!!
I have to agree about the heat issue. I still have stock cans and heat shields. My wife has rode several times now and hasn't complained about the heat at all.
Rode my m696 for 45 minutes today. When I got off of it I immediately put my bare hand on the heat shield. It wasn't even hot enough for me to have to pull it away. btw I have the stock shields. Had 14 tooth sprocket installed at dealership immediately after purchase, so can't speak to the performance w/o that.
The owners manual says USA models do not have catalytic converters, no cats = cooler mufflers.