Bought my first bike!

[SteveO.]

Well, first street bike anyways. I've been riding dirt bikes my entire life but really wanted to ride on the road and bought a 2011 Monster 796 this week. I'm pretty nervous about it and am mainly concerned with safety and not dropping it and messing up the bike. I know it's heavier than a dirt bike and will ride a lot differently than the YZ250 I'm used to, but I'm hoping that by taking a course and spending some time on a few quiet roads I can get comfortable on it and not kill myself or wreck the bike.

I'm wondering what you'd guys would suggest to do right away, first to get comfortable on it, and then what I should be ordering to protect the bike when I inevitably drop it on my driveway.  I've read about "sliders" on here but I honestly don't know what I should be ordering to keep the bike looking good after a drop. I'm a small guy and although I can just get my feet down, I know from riding much lighter bikes that it's not always possible to keep it on its wheels.

Any and all suggestions are appreciated. ....Steve

[Curmudgeon]

Welcome!

14T front sprocket right away and adjust the preload so that the sag is even on both ends. Steering lock is limited, so be careful with slow maneuvers and keep it upright. Maybe drag the rear brake. Dirt guys know this anyway.

On the road you are invisible and your only defense is your right wrist.  Assume everyone is out to get you and you'll be fine. Mind the blind crests and turns too. Could be something rude blocking your path.

Good taste, BTW. 

[SteveO.]

I've done a bunch of reading but there's a ton of different options out there to protect the bike.

Anyone want to suggest the "best" set of sliders for keeping this gorgeous bike looking good?  I dot even want to ride it until I get the sliders on it. Should I get a full set of frame, axle, and fork sliders?  I haven't even picked the bike up yet so I can't visualize what I should order. Thanks. ...Steve

[Curmudgeon]

In that case have the dealer switch that front sprocket before you even pick it up. If he balks, find a REAL dealer. With a 14T you will have easier slow speed control and even 6th gear!  Thank me later...

Why so concerned about dropping? Do you drop your dirt bikes much? Others will have to advise about sliders. If I drop mine at my age, that will be the least of my problems! This bike only weighs 150 lbs more than your dirt bike. I last had a slow speed drop ~ 25+ years ago and that bike weighed 600+. I have the luxury of riding in very little traffic these days and on decent twisties. Where are you living now?

More importantly, do you know what ATTGAT means? Good riding gear is critical, just as it is in the dirt.

[SteveO.]

The 14T is a good idea, I'll get on that tomorrow for sure.

I'm concerned about dropping for a couple of reasons.  First, it's really expensive and I try to take really good care of my things and don't want it to end up all scratched up.  Second, my wife is really nervous about my transition from the dirt to the street and it's not going to win me any points if the bike takes a beating.  I've got 3 kids and I'm old enough and have enough respect for the bike to not do anything stupid (intentionally ) but I'm not naive in thinking I won't have a lapse when stopping or let the weight of the bike over power me if I get off balance when I stop, or when turning it around in the garage, etc.

As for dropping my dirt bike, I do drop it, probably on almost every time I ride it but I do mostly technical stuff, hill climbs, etc so I'm always trying to do something I couldn't and pushing my limits.  Dropping my dirtbike is inevitable though and when the bike stops moving forward on a steep hill, it's all you can do to get off and hang on so it doesn't slide back down.  I don't intend to bail on this bike though, but I'd be surprised if I don't put myself in a situation where the weight catches me off guard.  Ideally it won't happen but if it does, I want to increase the chances of keeping the bike looking new.  Thanks! ....Steve

[SteveO.]

Anyone have a suggestion on a good place to find a set of speedymoto sliders for a fair price?  I read about Monsterparts while searching the forum but they're out of stock.  Thanks!

[Nomad]

Steve, if you PM Jeff H here on the board, he will usually restock stuff quick like, he's the owner of monsterparts

[SteveO.]

Steve, if you PM Jeff H here on the board, he will usually restock stuff quick like, he's the owner of monsterparts

Thanks, I called and left a message today so I hope to hear back from him and get an order placed soon. I'd like a full set of sliders, 14t sprocket and the Evotech tail tidy. May as well get this thing done up right from the start. 

[Slide Panda]

yeah monsters don't drop as well as dirt bikes, or even my StupidMoto (KTM 690 Enduro w/17"s). KTM has already flopped, 0 mph, twice sicne I got it. Aside from some rash on the foot peg it cost me $25 as the handguard got bent.

Well it really didn't even as I 'fixed' it with a mallot. But I'm replacing the guard bar as I can see some stress lines on it. But the one time I dropped my monster after to fully accounting for post surgery leg weakness to cost a lot more... and I had frame sliders. Granted some of the cost was from clipping the edge of another bike that cracked my seat cover, and the rest from having a bar end mirror that ate it in the process. But yeah, dropping a dirt bike and a Monster a a bit different

As far as brands for the sliders - I vote SpeedyMoto. Good quality, sturdy and a know player in the aftermarket for ducs.

or if your pockets are feeling deep - there's the Rizoma sliders
http://www.rizoma.com/universal/engine-fairing-guards/pm-shape/en?MOTO=50412177-50462984-R

[JoeP]

Yeah, careful with that thing. I dropped my monster in the garage the first month I had it. I was taking it off the rear stand and it got away from me. Good thing my wife's car caught it. It's been 6 months and I haven't told her because she hasn't asked. 

[SteveO.]

Spoke with Jeff at Monsterparts.com and he's taking care of me with a full set of sliders, tail tidy and 14t front sprocket. Looking forward to picking the bike up tomorrow!

[SteveO.]

Thought I'd post an update as I've got all my parts on from Monsterparts (thanks Jeff!!) and I've put a few thousand KM's on it.  Love the bike and am really happy with it.  I think I'll leave it the way it is now for a couple years and then upgrade to the 1100 Evo.  Great bike though, and thanks for the parts advice.  I did the Evo tail tidy, Rizoma mirrors, sliders all the way around and am waiting to put on the 14t front sprocket. 

I also picked up a Kriega R25 backpack which is the greatest bag ever, and the US30L Kriega combo for longer rides.   

[BerettaMato]

She looks great. That's the same one I want. Hopefully I will get her the winter.