I appreciate all of the great information on this forum and am excited about learning more.
- Hello I'm Greg M from Nashville.
Will pick up my new 12 796 black next week, probably will only install the frame sliders as protection initially and will try to get a feel for all
the Ducati initial engineering before I make any modifications.
I've rode about 4 years on a HD Sportster Custom, but it's been a while.
Absolutely love being on a bike, but for family reasons I sold my bike back in 2003.
This was pre kids about 10 years ago, but can't forget the itch.
So now, I'm scratching it with the Monster, and couldn't be more excited.
I'm a bit nervous as it's been a while, but now that I'm above 40, hopefully a bit smarter.
Any and all advise is recommended, again appreciate all of this great information and advise herein. Best regards.
Welcome! Good taste too. ;)
Fit a 14T front sprocket before you even pick it up (we don't ride 100+ regularly over here and with a 14T you'll have a use for 6th gear ;)), and keep the revs over 4K as much as possible. They take a while to break in and its character is totally different than an H-D. Scrub the tires in (32-36 PSI) and find some twisties! Have the dealer set the rear sag / spring preload to match the front sag before you even leave the dealership. Thank me later. 8)
Hey, congrats on the purchase. I'm down in Greenville SC and I've recently purchased a 2008 S2R1000 which sits beside my 2011 Road Glide (no kids ;D). There's a lot of great advice out on these forums but since I'm new to I'll leave it to others to pass along.
Thanks in advance folks -
What's the 14T and rear sag adjustment do in English if I can ask humbly? I'll try to search the forum and get an education also.
Quote from: gmerri on March 07, 2012, 06:56:18 PM
What's the 14T and rear sag adjustment do in English if I can ask humbly? I'll try to search the forum and get an education also.
The bikes are geared tall from the factory to cheat the EC drive-by sound tests. The stock front sprocket is a 15 tooth and Ducati Performance offers a 14T as an accessory and there are several good aftermarket 14T's too. Mine is a Driven Racing which was $38- and your dealer probably has them on the shelf. Be nice to yourself and your engine and fit one.
The Marzocchi fork on a 796 isn't too bad but the Sachs rear shock/spring aren't brilliant and leave the factory set up for a light rider and lighter passenger. So..., if you don't weigh 225+, the dealer needs to back off the preload a bit so that the bike settles the same distance in the rear as it does in the front when you sit on it.
Then you won't be beaten to death and think it's the bike's fault! :o
So, my black model is still in route, but the dealer loaned me a used 11 red 796. My oh my does this thing have plenty of torque for me. I've got a ways to go to get my experience back, but felt like it went everywhere I looked with ease. Did a few twisties while the roads were dry but when it got wet, lost that desire. This model had the 14t sprocket as recommended. I stayed pretty much in 2 and 3 and maybe got to 5th a couple of times, but really didn't need it. Will the 15 tooth standard feel more groggy down low, is that the reason behind the recommendation. Also, this model had the small windscreen off and I had more wind than I was used too, but still liked it. I wonder if the stock windscreen will help a bit?
With the 15T you'll be bogging the bike a lot and never see 6th except maybe at 80 MPH on the Interstate. You are lucky the former owner fitted a 14T.
Yes, the bikini fairing and windshield cuts a lot more air than you'd think and combined with the stock mirrors is very quiet. Ducati obviously spent some time in the wind tunnel with the new bikes.
Hello. Welcome. I just picked mine up this week. I live in Clarksville.
It's at the dealership now. Will have it by Saturday! Yes Sir Curmudgeon, I asked again about the 14T, he said you'll probably like it, but wait 600 and labor is down as the chain guard will be off. So 15 and whatever for 600 miles here I come.
Sprocket cover? It's two screws. Couple of little bolts on the sprocket. Then he'd have to back off the adjustment on the rear axle. You are paying this guy for set-up? I'm mystified... 8) Extra labor indeed. You are paying MSRP for the bike?
IMO he should do that gratis. Lazy bum. ;) Make sure that he sets up the sag on the rear shock before you leave the place!
It was definitely decent of him to lend you his used 796 demo, but otherwise I don't understand this dealer..., and I was in the high-line car biz for 40 years...
Mr. C,
How should I break in those new tires? Probably won't have access to a pressure washer. I am confirmed in getting the bike in on Tuesday. I am taking the advance control course next Saturday and know I'll be leaning a bunch, my concern.
The demo which I've put more than 400 miles on has 6400 miles on it., your question. It's very very smooth.
I'm getting msrp less 3/4 of a G, no freight or fees, so i thought a pretty good deal and I've shopped around.
Never go anywhere NEAR a bike with a pressure washer! [thumbsdown]
GREAT deal, so go with the flow then. Take it easy on the tires and brakes for at least 250 miles. Hills and turns and keep the revs up. The manual is your friend. Read it here: http://www.ducati.com/services/maintenance/index.do (http://www.ducati.com/services/maintenance/index.do) You can download a 2011 796.
Old trick if you want to scuff the tires in quicker. Ride around a bit on some fine gravel..., but be CAREFUL! ;)
Advance control course? The throttle can be very abrupt before ~ 600 - 1,000 miles. Might be safer at low speeds with a 14T too. I know you're not a total newbie..., but...
Duh to me, when I read your previous recommendation, it said scrub the tires in 32-36 psi vs. what was mean as scrub by riding the tires in and ensure it is at 32 to 36 psi. Now that's funny. Actually it's the Lee Parks Total Control next weekend. About the only thing I'm thus far having trouble with is from say 0-15 mph. It just feels different, luggish. but from thereon, it's amazing.
Without a 14T and a new bike, you'll have a good bit more trouble. Don't be discouraged as you've seen from the demo what the bike is really like. There is a newbie here who dropped his 696 in a slow maneuver and broke his leg before he had a chance to fit the 14T. All healed now and happy with his 14T, BTW.
Since the bike is light, slow maneuvers are possible with a light throttle and one finger of clutch slip. Pretty easy for anyone who's ridden dirt bikes for a while. Just be sure to cover the rear brake and keep the bike vertical when you try this.
Okay, put 50 miles on the new bike tonight. At last! Okay, here's my first impression and also a request for advise. The bike is pure stock with the 15 sprocket. I noticed that it wasn't as snappy as the demo 14T but, it was smoother for sure and still had plenty of torque. Since, I'm in the break in I find this just fine at this point as I'm not pushing the bike. It has a luggy 1st gear to 10 mph just like the 14T. But, I do feel it is smoother.
The demo had no windscreen at all and this one has the clear for now. I much prefer this bikini screen at road speeds. It is a big difference, amazing as Mr. C says about the wind tunnel testing Ducati must have done.
I tried to get through all the gears and went on the Interstate for about 6 to 7 miles, but 6th gear seems useless below 80, so:
Is there a concern I should have about not going through all the gears during the break in? Go past 80 maybe? but I need some daylight to do that.
I hit maybe 6500 rpm very very slightly, the book says 5500 to 6000, any concern?
Trying to keep it between 4000 to 6000 rpm, easier to do, this feels right.
I went to Kix Brooks vineyard "Arrington Vineyards" nearby my house to pick up my quarterly wine on a back pack. The vineyard had a gravel entrance and I tested the ABS. Worked flawlessly. No lock up or out of control at all, even down hill. Absolutely, this is tremendous for control.
So, I'm trying to break in the tires and put 50 on - how many more miles should I need to ensure, I'm ready for the Parks Total Control class this weekend? I can probably put a 100 on Saturday, class is Sunday.
Only negative, the heat shield is a joke for keeping the paint on, my finger rubbed the paint off, still will be warrantied by the dealer, but that is really lame, get the carbon?
It's indeed setting up to be the perfect bike for me, smoother that I thought.
No idea why yours is smoother from the get-go than the used demo you rode. It's possible that the 2012 has a slightly richer map, the used bike needed a valve adjustment, had been run on crap gas, etc. etc... Not due to gearing for sure. Mine was fairly rough for the first 500ish miles, so maybe my valve adjustment was tighter than yours.
Unless you need to do 130 occasionally, fit the 14T and you'll be able to use all the gears more often. ;) When you've built more confidence, you'll also have a more responsive bike.
Those tires are pretty good. Ideally 250 miles will scuff them in but maybe less is fine.
Break-in? Hmmm... You will get a lot of argument here. I go by the book. You are not breaking in a new engine before a race which will be coming apart again during the season. IMO..., use as many gears as you can in the hills and in the bends. Keep it under 6,000 RPM, especially if you're under heavy load. A momentary 6,500 isn't going to break it as long as you weren't charging up a steep incline. Avoid the same RPM for extended periods during break-in. NOT good.
Agreed, the stock fairing and mirrors are quiet. You should ride my T-100. Maybe THAT'S the reason you thought your bike is smooth? 8) Did you notice how quiet your helmet became? ;)
Yes, 4,000 to 6,000 is GOOD. Learn to use that engine for braking into turns. Learn to match revs although that clutch is quite forgiving. This is the nature of a Ducati, i.e. lots of good engine braking. Will keep it running primo too.
Heat shield on the cans?! What was touching them? Passenger? Mine are fine. Maybe they used water color on yours? ;)
Did they set up the sag in the rear for you? How much do you weigh? If you find it stuttering back there, consider an Ohlins DU-737 sprung for your weight.
Yes, the ABS is non-obtrusive and one of the better examples. Only has to "work" once to pay for itself.
Thanks Mr. C -
Manufacture date was 1/12, so maybe some fine tuning. Might very well have been the windscreen, but don't think so, smooth indeed.
My plan is the 14T at 600 miles. Confidence is growing and I'll be ready for it then, indeed I think I know what your talking about now. I'M FRANKLY FEELING A BIT TOO COCKY AND KNOW BETTER.
I'll try some extra weaving on the tires and at least get to 200 MILES.
It came set for "2" on the brake and clutch levers, versus the demo was at "4". Didn't seem as harsh, so now I have something to compare to on the controls.
Helmet was quiet.
Yes, 4,000 to 6,000 is GOOD. Learn to use that engine for braking into turns. Learn to match revs although that clutch is quite forgiving. This is the nature of a Ducati, i.e. lots of good engine braking. Will keep it running primo too. - NOTED AND I'M STARTING TO GET A FEEL FOR THIS AND LOVE LOVE IT!
Heat shield on the cans?! - NOPE, ON THE PIPE ABOVE THE REAR BREAK, THE 4 INCH RECTANGLE ONE. What was touching them? Passenger? Mine are fine. Maybe they used water color on yours? - DUCATI USED SOMETHING WEAK ON THIS, VERY BAD.
Did they set up the sag in the rear for you? How much do you weigh? If you find it stuttering back there, consider an Ohlins DU-737 sprung for your weight. - NOT YET, I'M 180 AND IT SEEMED FINED SO FAR.
Yes, the ABS is non-obtrusive and one of the better examples. Only has to "work" once to pay for itself. ABS IS AWESOME.
THANKS AGAIN!
:)
Just remember..., "There are OLD pilots and there are BOLD pilots..., but there are NO OLD BOLD pilots". ;)
The Diablo Rossos are good. My 34-year-old son liked mine so well, he put an identical pair on his ST4s. The gravel you rode through might have helped too.
Ahhh... Heat shield on the flapper valve. Mine's fine. Not sure I touch it though. Maybe just water color on yours...
I'm 175 lbs. The stock shock I rode wasn't doing much. The forks were fine. Maybe I'm just very particular. Not just me though because Donnie Unger set mine up, rode the bike, and in his words, "that shock made all the difference". He's a man of few words. ;) You'd have to know him. An engineer. Most are non-verbal. ;D
Yes, by all means learn to use that engine for control. A light brake application is fine if you need it. If you find yourself going wide because you are moving too fast, tap the rear brake to get yourself over and tighten your line. See if that works for you. Smoother is always better. We old farts learned to ride smoothly because bikes HAD no brakes..., or much else, come to that. As you are learning, the 796 is a finesse machine. Hard work not required.
Have Fun!
After 200 + miles and a bit of gravel on my new bike and tires, I'm ready for Lee Parks Total Control course to get my sea legs back so to speak tomorrow. Might just tap a knee.
I've been through all the gears and have nothing but smiles, still breaking her in.
My only gripe is wind past 65 and the interstate is intimidating without a bigger screen. I wonder if there is a quick release screen to take on and off when you are thinking of touring.
So in this order, planned mods - 14t, carbon heat shield, rear removable bags, and some pipes ( but I'm just fine for now on pipes ).
People are following me staring at my black on red frame going " oh my that's one of the best bikes I've ever seen".
Tap a knee? Easy, boy! ;D No idea about Lee Parks, but if you get hooked, I see that Reg Pridmore has one of his CLASS schools at V.I.R. in July. No smoother rider than Reg. (He's not past his prime but I am! ;))
Not aware of anything but replacement screens for new-gen Monsters. You can see them at Monster Parts. Not a look I like but your mileage may vary. How tall are you? I'm 5' 8" and have no issue at 80 but wear a Schuberth Concept helmet. Is your helmet possibly the problem? Expensive, but the Schuberth C3 is even quieter than C2 and Concept if it fits your head.
Are you sure you want louder cans? [roll] I have tinnitus, so wear ear plugs anyway unless you want to end up like me with constant ringing in your ears... BTW, even the stock cans make noise. Haven't you noticed that people turn around when you ride past? They get louder with age too.
Have Fun!
I don't know how I didn't tap but there's nothing but rough tire on my best new monster friend. By the end of the day I'm fig 8 40 ft circles having a bladst.
That bike handles so well, it's amazing. This was a great course on vision, cornering, throttle control including trail braking that I feel real good about how to continuing refining my riding. They had suspension training and tweaking but I was drinking from a firehouse on that. What's VIR?
I'm 5'9 and have the shoei rf1100 which I'm told takes wind well. I had all the vents open, maybe a small culprit. But at 75, I'm not feeling fun.
What air pressure do you run? I took it to 30 on the rear and 27 on the front and had great traction. I think I need to bump it back up for everyday stuff, came pretty heavy from the factory.
http://virnow.com/ (http://virnow.com/) and http://www.classrides.com/_calendar/calendar.html (http://www.classrides.com/_calendar/calendar.html) See July.
Get your dealer to adjust your shock preload to match the sag of your forks at the 600 mile service if they didn't already.
If your helmet is quiet, the next thing is your gear. Jacket? Pants? Do they flap in the wind? If so, that needs attention.
For the 796, BOTH Ducati AND Pirelli recommend 2.25 bar and 2.5 bar front and rear = 32.5 PSI front and 36.5 PSI rear. (1 bar = 14.5037738 pounds per square inch) On the street do NOT run less unless you want to buy very expensive rims. Handles fine for me too. Get a very accurate gauge and check the pressures weekly.
Now, on the track you want to run a cold pressure which rises 3 PSI when hot. So, for example, 30 cold should be 33 hot. If it's 32, then you need 29 cold and if 34, then you need 31 cold. Understand?
Factory? That's for shipping after mounting? 40 PSI?! Didn't your dealer check? Mine, (ex racer), gave me 33 and 37. ;)
Quote from: Curmudgeon on March 31, 2012, 10:16:25 PM
Are you sure you want louder cans? [roll] I have tinnitus, so wear ear plugs anyway unless you want to end up like me with constant ringing in your ears... BTW, even the stock cans make noise. Haven't you noticed that people turn around when you ride past? They get louder with age too.
Have Fun!
Even without loud cans you should wear plugs. The wind noise can erode hearing as well, even with a quiet helmet. Also, there are studies, which I agree with from personal experience, showing that not wearing ear plugs in a high noise environment leads to a higher rate of fatigue.
I try to ride smart so ear plugs are coming. I checked out the VIR, that looks great. Around July 4th. Hmm. It looks like one day class and about 8 hours from me. Ordered the evo tech tail kit today by the way. The bike is running better all the time. Have 320 miles, so should get the first service out of the way in two to three weeks. Have used all gears and about every riding condition I could. No more than 20 minutes at a time on the interstate and lots of twisty roads. It's strange, off the interstate and with tree lined roads, 70 - 75 at wind speed feels very comfortable.
Quote from: gmerri on April 02, 2012, 06:28:22 PM
It's strange, off the interstate and with tree lined roads, 70 - 75 at wind speed feels very comfortable.
Not at all. On the slab the air is very turbulent from all the cars and trucks. Get away from that and the buffeting drops off a lot
That makes much sense, like the "slab" comparison.
Any experience with the evotech tail tuck out there. The folks at monsterparts generally recommend it?
Tail tidy looks incredible. Big improvement. About 4 beers. I need to read how to post a pic.