Hi all,

I'm new to the Ducati brand, just picked up 2011 796 (private sale)couldn't be more thrilled with this Bike!!!  My past rides havebeen,

2008 Kaw. ZZR 600
1991  VFR 750  Great bike.
20 year break from riding
1989 CBR 600
1988 Kaw. EX 500  first street bike.

What a thrill it is to jump on this bike and ride, the 796 handles like no other I have rideden. I almost went for a New Triumph street triple R, but glad I went with the Monster.

Thanks, and I hope to find some riding buddies here.

Mike.

 

Obviously a man of rare good taste. If the previous owner didn't do it already, consider a 14T front sprocket. Goes where you think it, right?

Rubber side down!

Thanks, I have read a lot of posts regarding changing out that sprocket. Honestly that has been my only gripe about the bike, is the 2-4k rpm range, felt very weird on my first ride, but getting used to it.
Most likely will have the shop swap it out for me.

Just make sure that you get the 14T specifically for the 796. Part is from Driven Racing, #10 67 525 14T. If you can't find one from a sponsor, my dealer can pop one in UPS for you and he's quick! Several others have gotten theirs there after having hassles elsewhere.

The bike isn't very happy under 4K but will be a lot happier with the 14T. I never ride below 3K anyway as that's lugging it. In town 3K + 14T is possible. Consider some tech spec pads too. You can dig your knees into them around town for some back support. Scroll down. http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=55024.msg1022445#msg1022445

I hear you, I find myself riding around in third gear alot. How much should be parts and labor be on this?

After you change it, you may actually see 6th gear. 

Sprocket is ~ $38. Labor should be 1/2 hour if he's generous. At most an hour. You have a good dealer? Miles on the bike now?

Important that the chain is properly adjusted. This is the spec measured on the side stand. Too tight is a BIG no-no. From the 796 manual:

"Tensioning the drive chain

Turn the rear wheel slowly to find the position at which the chain is at its most taut. With the motorcycle on its sidestand, press with a finger in the centre of the bottom run of the chain and measure the distance between the centres of chain link pins and the aluminium swingarm. The distance should be within 60 to 62mm."

Yes, I have a great local dealer, Greatbay Motorcycles, Ducati /Triumph.  Bike had 700 miles when I picked it up, now has about 800 miles.