Hello everyone! My tag Mr. It describes me i am the It guy lol....I fell in love with bikes after i gazed upon a ducati monster classic sports edition and made it my goal to learn how to ride then get my hands on a ducati monster.I am 23years just finished the CHP (California Highway Patrol) safety course about a week ago.I purchased a 2004 Ducati Moster 620ie right after i finished the course and i love every minute i spent on the bike.I would really love it if you guys could tell me what mods or upgrades i can do to the bike to improve comfort and performance.Not like the bike needs it but it would be fun to get my hands dirty.Thanks for taking a look hope to see you on the rode!
Welcome! [clap]
There's an enormous amount that can be done to the bike. For now I'd focus on learning to ride it better - a track day school will make a much bigger difference than a few more hp.
Make sure you've already done the free stuff like set the sag properly, correct tire pressure etc., then the maintenance stuff like a good chain and sprocket, good tires, brake pads, brake and clutch bled/flushed with clean fluid, clean air filter, belts, valve adjustments etc.
Aftermarket cans are nice for more sound and (a tiny) bit more power. There's an assortment of different seats available - the stock seat from a bigger CC monster is a bit taller and gives more leg room, Sargent and Corbin make aftermarket seats and ducati offers a "touring" seat. Probably the most useful thing to upgrade when you get serious about modifying the bike is the suspension. Generally folks tend to go with either superbike forks or valve kits and springs for the stock forks and some sort of swapped in or aftermarket rear shock (penske does a nice rear shock that fits without major mods, most swaps will require that you cut off the coil mounting bracket, relocate the coil and do away with the oil collector).
I try to ride everyday and i would love to join a track course so i will look into to that right away.Sounds like i have to plan my upgrades very carefully and learn how to do them myself aswell.Any suggestions on where i can learn the ins and outs of a motorcycle? Thank You Bikepilot for your help. [thumbsup]
There's a ton of info on this site, and a lot of helpful folks. I'd suggest you look in the Tutorials section - there's a lot of pan monster info.
If you have more specific questions then it's time to haunt Tech or Accessories & Mods. I'd wager that 80-90% of the time your question will probably have been addressed already, and a search should reveal what you need. But if that's not the case, or you need more info just ask away.
There's also a Riding Techniques section which never hurts to look over. And while I'm on that soap box, I'd suggest Lee Parks book Total Control as something good to get and read.
As BP mentioned getting the suspension addressed is a good mod. From the factory, most ducati is set too soft for an 'Merican - usually for a 160 pound rider (remember that includes protective gear) - So for me at 230 in gear, it goes squish.
As far as comfort... that's really a personal issue. So I'd suggest you start a thread in Acc & Mods and describe your discomfort points.
And while I'm wasting my employers bucks - do you have service records for that bike? Ducati recommends the cam belts be replaced at 2 years of age or 12k miles. A number of folks push them further, but that's ones that are in regular use. Sitting a long time makes them brittle in spots. If you're not sure how old they are, I'd replace them.
Quote from: Mr. It on March 21, 2011, 10:30:24 PM
I would really love it if you guys could tell me what mods or upgrades i can do to the bike to improve comfort and performance.Not like the bike needs it but it would be fun to get my hands dirty.Thanks for taking a look hope to see you on the rode!
My advise: Take a good long time looking over your bike and making note of what you like about it and what you dont like about it. Then go through the "Official Bikes of the DMF" thread and see what mods other people have done. That thread is filled with TONS of incredible bikes with more unique ideas than you could imagine. It all depends on what direction you want to go with your bike, whether it be a minimalistic look, or a one with more bells and whistles so to speak. I try not to tell people what mods to do, but I will certainly try to offer an opinion if asked.
And I have a friend/coworker that just bought herself an almost identical bike to yours! Congrats!
Thank you all for your help. Sad Panda i dont have the service records for it but the bike only had 5k miles on it.I will make note to change the belt and possibly try that myself with the help of this wonderful forum and people like you guys who desire to help. I still dont know how to fully use the forum how do you use quotes? Lol i never joined a forum before, never had something to be passionate about. Freeclimbmtb i will take a look at that thnx for your feedback! Once again thnx guys [thumbsup]
The absolute most important mod ever is the Cars Suck sticker....just sayin
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2559/3853498905_80eb3ef953.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/33280520@N07/3853498905/)
after that then you can get around to all that silly learning to ride and junk! I kid I kid! Suspension first! Changes the whole motorsickle and makes it way more enjoyable. How you set as far as gear? Gravity sucks and often tries to test the new.
that is all
nothing follows (for now)
^
|
|
Use the "quote" button right here...ish------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote from: Mr. It on March 24, 2011, 03:54:15 PM
Thank you all for your help. Sad Panda i dont have the service records for it but the bike only had 5k miles on it.I will make note to change the belt and possibly try that myself with the help of this wonderful forum and people like you guys who desire to help. I still dont know how to fully use the forum how do you use quotes? Lol i never joined a forum before, never had something to be passionate about. Freeclimbmtb i will take a look at that thnx for your feedback! Once again thnx guys [thumbsup]
[/]
You can either just hit the quote button to the upper right on any post, and that will start a reply post with that quote in it. You can also hit 'reply' and then inject a quote later on after typing a bit like so:
Quote from: Mr. It on March 24, 2011, 03:54:15 PM
I still dont know how to fully use the forum how do you use quotes? Lol i never joined a forum before, never had something to be passionate about. Freeclimbmtb i will take a look at that thnx for your feedback! Once again thnx guys [thumbsup]
By just scrolling down to the post you want to quote and hit that same quote button and it'll dump that post quote into the editor field.
Quote from: Sad Panda on March 25, 2011, 09:30:41 AM
You can either just hit the quote button to the upper right on any post, and that will start a reply post with that quote in it. You can also hit 'reply' and then inject a quote later on after typing a bit like so:
By just scrolling down to the post you want to quote and hit that same quote button and it'll dump that post quote into the editor field.
Got it thnx since i sign on to the forum from my phone most of the time everything does not fit on the screen unless i flip it. Im set on gear Slow Guy assuming you are talking about riding gear.
Quote from: freeclimbmtb on March 24, 2011, 02:28:05 AM
My advise: Take a good long time looking over your bike and making note of what you like about it and what you dont like about it. Then go through the "Official Bikes of the DMF" thread and see what mods other people have done. That thread is filled with TONS of incredible bikes with more unique ideas than you could imagine. It all depends on what direction you want to go with your bike, whether it be a minimalistic look, or a one with more bells and whistles so to speak. I try not to tell people what mods to do, but I will certainly try to offer an opinion if asked.
And I have a friend/coworker that just bought herself an almost identical bike to yours! Congrats!
I could not find the thread. Please post the link or point the way! Thnx
Quote from: Mr. It on March 25, 2011, 03:31:17 PM
Please post the link or point the way! Thnx
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=205.0;topicseen (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=205.0;topicseen)
Thnx freeclimbmtb...i have another question, i have no knowledge of motorcycle mechanics or anythingvof that sort but i want to do my own oil change and maintnance. Should i do the oil change myself or just take it to a shop like pro italia?
We've got a pretty extensive tutorials section. I'm pretty sure oil changed have been covered. If not there , then tech. If not tech, you can always ask.
But if you have have any ounce if mechanical inclination, then an oil change should be no problem. I'd recommend you get a rear stand fir the job as it does make it easier. But it isn't necessary if you have a slim enough drain pan. But changing the oil on a Monster is one of the easiest tasks in all of bike maintenance.
I have never worked on a car or a bike so it will be my first time doin anything mechanic oriented, but i should be fine if i can just get some instructions. I will take a look in the sections you mentioned and will also look into purchasing a stand. Theres different types of stands from what i have seen online if i plan to use it for more then just changing the oil, say like changing the brakes or belts what kind of stand would be best? Also to change parts in the bike since i do plan to make modifications to it myself.
Quote from: Mr. It on March 26, 2011, 05:47:40 PM
I have never worked on a car or a bike so it will be my first time doin anything mechanic oriented, but i should be fine if i can just get some instructions. I will take a look in the sections you mentioned and will also look into purchasing a stand. Theres different types of stands from what i have seen online if i plan to use it for more then just changing the oil, say like changing the brakes or belts what kind of stand would be best? Also to change parts in the bike since i do plan to make modifications to it myself.
I finally just broke down and bought a rearstand, previously I have just made do with the side stand for everything I had done on my monster... I dont know off hand (I'm sure someone will comment on this) if your bike has holes in the swingarm for threaded bobbins, if it does I would recomend getting that type of rearstand as it has a little more positive engagement with the swing arm. In my case, I had to get a stand that uses flat tabs that go under the bottom of the swingarm because I dont have those bobbin holes. Whatever you get, I recomend having a friend hold the bike steady the first time you put it on the stand just so you get a feel for how the weight shifts. I have a friend that dropped his REPSOL CBR1000R on the ground because he didnt have the stand lined up quite right. As for doing other maintanance, you can get a similar stand for the front of the bike to get the front wheel up as well (also not a bad way to store the bike) but I have seen plenty of people rig straps to the ceiling to hold the front up for pulling a wheel etc.
Oil change:
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=410.0 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=410.0)
- video even!
A basic rear stand is what you need first, and what you'll use most. There's also front stands which are needed for removing the front wheel and/or front suspension. But for the bulk of stuff a rear stand is all you'll need. Besides giving some more clearance for things like an oil drain pan. It also helps to stabilize the bike.
There's some cheaper option out there - but Pit Bull stands are top of the line
http://www.pit-bull.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PBMSA&Product_Code=F0002-000&Category_Code=rear_stands (http://www.pit-bull.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PBMSA&Product_Code=F0002-000&Category_Code=rear_stands)
- You'll see that it has L shaped supports to cup the swing arm.
OR there's this one which has the ability to support under the swingarm or with bobbins (should you install some)
http://www.pit-bull.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PBMSA&Product_Code=F0028-000&Category_Code=rear_stands (http://www.pit-bull.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PBMSA&Product_Code=F0028-000&Category_Code=rear_stands)
As mentioned bobbins can make thigns a little easier when getting a bike on a stand alone, and grip better - but your bike doesn't have them from the factory. They are not hard to install, but you do need to drill into the swing arm, then tap the holes for threads. I'm guessing you don't have the correct tools for the job - at least a tap set. But any shop worth half a shit could do it in about 30 min.
As freeclimb mentioned - what ever stand you get you might want a buddy around the first few times you put the bike on and off the stand. It's not hard, but it can be akward and if you're not comfortable holding the bike stable with one hand while levering the stand with the other.
Thnx guys for all the info and help! Really appreciate it. I am goin to ask around to see how much they will charge to drill the holes for the stand, what is a good price for that? Or should i just get the normal one? Also since i am goin to buy the pitbull stand should i include the extra options? Since the weather is ugly atm in los angeles i will have to wait a week or 2 so i can actually get to work on my bike. Thnx guys if you lived close by i would invite you to a round of beers on me! [beer]
I'd expect 30 min to do the job. You'd have to talk to a shop to get a price, all shops will be different.
I've gotten by with a stand that doesn't do bobbins so far. But if you want to be far sighted, I'd say get a model that can do both. It's not that much more, and it gives you options. Also if you ever would want to sell it, having the option would be a selling point.
um....i have just the regular stand for about 12 years now on my M900...just sayin they work fine. Just make sure the tabs are under the swingarm good and solid
Hey Mr. It... Welcome!
Where in LA are you?
A lot of guys just do their own thing as far as riding and maintenance goes. If ya need any help with anything, I'm (relatively) close by.
As far as the stand goes, on my Monster I used just a basic swingarm stand. (the swingarm just rests on the stand) My current bike came with swingarm sliders, so now I have a stand that has both options...
Check out the SoCal board. I post up rides all the time. Or just send a pm.
We'll take care of ya! [thumbsup]
[bacon]
Alright since today is my day off i will go check some shops out and see what i come across. Bacon i live near Gardena so i would say im located towards the southbay area. Thnx for offering your helping hand to a complete stranger i will check out the SoCal board and pm you aswell. If i ever do need help i will let you know which im sure i will lol but thnx really for your help guys! [thumbsup]
Anytime...
Speeddog runs Valley Ducati Service in Reseda. He's a moderator and a board sponsor... All around good guy, but very busy. A testament to his good work, I'd say. [thumbsup]
Also, in Santa Monica/Venice area there's Moto Club on Lincoln. Stefan is a good tech down there.
Out in Signal Hill there's Motoservizio, but you need to schedule way ahead of time due to demand. I here good things about them there.
[bacon]
Well i did not go to any shop, my mom got sick so i took her to the hospital, but i talked to her a minutes ago and she is back to her old self :)
So i will have to wait till next tuesday to go to shops. Bacon do you know how to modify parts? If so maybe you can teach me!
pm me...
[bacon]
Did you get the PM?
Yep, just been super busy the last coupla days.
Sorry.
I'll catch ya tomorrow... [thumbsup]
[bacon]
No problem!