MOTORCYCLE MODIFICATION

Harley Davidson Motorcycles Modifications

2010-11-22T06:43:00.000-08:00

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2011 Ducati Monster 796 First Ride - da62dbf0e08e4e13a86d45d948ec4ce4

2010-11-22T06:41:00.000-08:00

His insatiable thirst for life is only surpassed by his monthly fuel bill. Whether rocketing on land, flying through the air, or jumping the seas, our Associate Editor does it all and has the scars to prove it.

Italian motorcycle manufacturer, Ducati has released its first new model of the season: the 2011 Ducati Monster 796. This mid-range street bike fills the void between the entry-level personality of the Monster 696 and the advanced road performance of the Monster 1100. With a base price of $9995, the 796 is a sensible choice for motorcyclists looking for an amusing and easy-to-maneuver motorbike that’s ideal for jaunting in-or-around the city.

The beauty of the Monster line is that the basic architecture of the bikes, including the chassis, air/oil-cooled V-Twin engine configuration, and sleek minimalist body panels are shared between models. However a closer look reveals there are some key differences between this one and its siblings.

The primary difference that distinguishes the mid-level Monster is its use of a 4-valve, 803cc V-Twin, identical to the unit employed in the Hypermotard 796 street bike. Compared to the other Monsters this engine is in a higher state of tune, employing an 11.1:1 compression ratio (versus the Monster 696/1100’s 10.7:1 ratio) courtesy of pistons with a different crown shape. Fuel is received from a 3.8-gallon fuel tank through 45mm throttle bodies, each equipped with a single fuel-injector. Exhaust is piped through a 2-1-2 stainless-steel configuration that terminates with twin shorty-style under-tail mufflers. Each header pipe is fitted with an oxygen sensor which ensures optimum engine running conditions.

A six-speed transmission and a hydraulically-operated APTC clutch control the engine’s power through a chain drive. Furthermore the clutch is bathed within the engine’s oil supply enhancing reliability and reducing noise as compared to the racing-style ’dry’ clutches used on the 1198 Superbike. The clutch also incorporates a slipper/back torque limiting functionality which helps prevent the rear wheel instability during downshifts at high rpm.

The engine is cradled in a lipstick-red steel trellis frame. It attaches to a reworked subframe which is compatible with passenger grab handles that are available as a Ducati accessory ($129). The 796 also gets the same well-crafted single-sided aluminum swingarm as used on the more expensive 1100 model.

Suspension is comprised of a Showa inverted fork and an Sachs hydraulic shock that is mounted directly between the frame and swingarm without a linkage. Although the fork doesn’t offer any damping adjustment, the shock provides spring preload and rebound tuning abilities.

The 796 rolls on a pair of beautiful black 5-spoke cast-aluminum wheels featuring a small red pin stripe around the edge to draw attention to them when in motion. Attached to the front wheel is a pair of 320mm brake discs clamped by a radial-mount four-piston Brembo calipers. Rear brake consists of a solo 245mm disc pinched by a twin-piston caliper. Both brake systems are powered hydraulically through stainless-steel lines. Anti-lock brakes are also available as an option on the new machine however pricing is TBD. Lastly, the wheels are shod with Pirelli Diablo Rosso tires in sizes 120/70-17 front and 180/55-17 rear. Hop into the seat and the first thing you’ll notice is how similar it feels to the smaller 696 model. The bike feels short and skinny, which makes it easy to manhandle on the road. The seat height measures 31.5 in. above the ground which is 0.4 in. lower than the 1100, and 1.2 in. taller than the 696. Grabbing a hold of the aluminum handlebar isn’t as much of a stretch compared to other Monsters courtesy of the bar risers that elevate the bar position by nearly an inch.

Thumb the starter button and the new Ducati fires to life with deep, thumping exhaust note. Surprisingly, the 796 doesn’t get the same sleek slimline switch gear as used on some of the Italian manufacturer’s other new street bikes, including the Streetfighter. Instrumentation is comprised of a small, yet functional, white-backlit LCD display that is both easy to read and quickly operated via the switchgear on the left handlebar.Clutch lever pull is light and offers 4-way lever position adjustment to accommodate different sized hands. The clutch also delivers an ample level of feel for riders who might not have a lot of experience launching a motorcycle. The lower first gear ratio only adds to its user-friendly demeanor when pulling away from a stop. Switching between the remaining five gears was smooth and trouble-free, though we wish the gearbox felt tighter.

Twist the throttle and this Monster delivers a much more robust spread of power compared to the smaller 696. Sure, it won’t win any drag races against a modern liquid-cooled sportbike, yet it will still surprise you with just how much torque it cranks out at low-to-mid rpm. The engine has plenty of juice to loft the front wheel in first gear and is capable of bursts of speed whenever it’s revved out to redline. While the engine delivers a bit of vibration, it never becomes annoying, even at freeway speeds.

In terms of handling the 796 feels every bit as nimble as its smaller sibling. Direction changes can be accomplished with a light touch of the handlebar. The center of gravity also feels low which aids in steering and railing around corners. Though suspension spring rates are calibrated for lighter riders, when pushed this Monster still delivers enough grin-inducing performance for even an experienced, sport-oriented pilot. The bike we rode came equipped with the optional ABS system. By default the system is always on, but you can disable it easily by navigating through the menu system on the instrument display. Braking power and feel is adequate and we appreciated the added confidence provided by the ABS. But we were more impressed by the fact that you can quickly turn it off with a few clicks of a button if you‘re feeling mischievous. We also appreciated that the position of the brake lever could be moved based on rider preference.

If you’re a motorcyclist who covers a lot of ground in the city then the $9995 Monster 796 is a bike you need to consider. It’s an easy machine to ride, looks awesome, and is compact enough to slice through any urban gridlock. Its peppy air-cooled engine not only delivers punchy acceleration but a level of charisma that is sadly missing from many other street bikes in this same price point segment.

NEW DUCATI MONSTER 796 ( 2011 ) REVEALED

2010-10-05T22:47:00.000-07:00

DUCATI MONSTER 796 ( 2011 ) PICTURE

The 2011 Ducati Monster 796 will be slotted into the calendar amid the 696 and 1100 models, both of which will still be produced. The new Monster is powered by an air-cooled Desmodue 796 engine, which aboriginal debuted in the Hypermotard 796 in backward 2009.

( 2011 ) DUCATI MONSTER 796

According to Ducati, the Monster 796 produces 87 hp at 8,250 rpm and has 58 ft-lb. of torque at 6,250 rpm, compared to the Hypermotard 796’s 81 hp at 8,000 rpm and 55.7 ft-lb. at 6,250 rpm.Like its beyond sibling, the M1100, the Monster 796 has a single-sided swingarm. The Ducati Monster 796 will be accessible in backward April as an aboriginal 2011 model.

The Ducati Monster 796 will be available in June at a price of $9,995. The Logomania Monster Art accessories are available for $599.99, but Ducati North America is offering a free kit with the purchase of a new 2009 or 2010 Monster 1100 or 1100S at participating dealers until June 30.

Suzuki SV Flat Tracker

2010-10-05T19:15:00.000-07:00

Ohhh Baby!

Beautiful Ducati Vintage Single Racer.

2010-10-05T19:03:00.000-07:00

Update 3: Wicked Little 2-Stroke Yamaha Tracker-Bobber

2010-10-05T08:57:00.000-07:00

Moving this to the top for a bit since so many folks had questions about it.

Update 3: Found the build thread! An alert reader over on ADV rider found the build thread on this bike. A lot of folks have been asking for more info so here you go!

http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=12857.0

From the comments (Thanks SakeRacer). More info Here: http://www.pipeburn.com/home/2010/9/9/1973-yamaha-rd250-street-tracker.html

Sorry to Pipeburn. I didn't realize it originated on their site. TONS of great stuff over there so check them out often.

My observant commentors make some good points about the classification of this bike. Tracker of Bobber? I see a lot of elements of both styles here and to be honest I'm not crazy about pigeon holing bikes all that much so lets call it a tracker-bobber. Whatever you call it it's still freaking cool!

That's got backroad fun written all over it.

Reader Submittal. Custom built Indian "Chout"

2010-10-05T03:44:00.000-07:00

Buck Pinkerton sends in this really cool old Indian! I would love to own something like this. Damm near one of a kind! Thanks!

Hi,
This is a friend's Indian Chout. It was built by her father before she was born, ostensibly a 1929 Scout frame holding a 1940 Bonneville Chief engine that he just happened to find in a crate at the southwest airbase where he was stationed. The forks look to be latter day chief. Some time in the 1980s the bike passed through the hands of a "restorer" who added the H-D front fender and odd looking instrument pod. At least he painted it right and stayed out of the engine. The bike is back in the family now, and from stories I've been told it was one fast machine.

Ride safe,
Buck Pilkenton

SR500 Cafe...

2010-10-04T11:08:00.000-07:00

Hot Damm!

Reader Ride. Sweet Parilla 250 Work In Progress.

2010-10-04T11:01:00.000-07:00

Danilo writes in:

Love your site. Thought you'd get a kick out of my Parilla 250 project. Purchased it in Minneapolis last month, hadn't run in years. Cleaned up the points, new battery and swapped out the VHB Dellorto for the original SS1 with remote bowl that came in the parts box, gave it a couple of kicks and... Nothing. Took it out in the alley and it bump-started on the third try.

Put 50 miles on it this weekend, including a stop at Acetoberfest in Chicago. Still bumping it, but as soon as I get new points and condenser that'll be a thing of the past. When winter hits the frame goes out for checking/bracing, and then I'm going to give it the cosmetic treatment.

That's a heck of a find! Perfect starting point! Thank for the Pics!

What beautiful engine!

Modern Love.... BMW HP3 Lust.

2010-10-04T06:28:00.000-07:00

Man... some folks have great taste in bikes....

Nice Stable Mate...

UPDATE!! Tasty BMW Tracker

2010-10-03T07:07:00.000-07:00

Update! From our old friend Stuman! AKA Mike 'Stu' Stuhler. Check out his blog at http://stusshots.blogspot.com/

http://pwheelie.blogspot.com/2010_09_01_archive.html#6072330486351866165

This is one of Ron Woods' projects. Matt Weidman tried to make the mile at Arizona back on 5/1 with this but missed the field. He's supposed to run it again on Saturday 10/9 and try to get it in the National again after Ron got the bugs worked out of it.
Very sweet looking machine! With the rules being 'opened up' in AMA Flat Track this year it has made for some very interesting combinations, as 12 different manufacturers and their respective models are available to race in the Grand National Expert Twins Class. Earlier this year not only did a Ducati 1098 win--at Arizona with Joe Kopp--but Bill Werner, Jay Springsteen and Bryan Smith took a Kawasaki 650 Ninja-based parallel twin to the win here at Indy and at Springfield. Jeremy Higgins put a KTM in the main at Minnesota a couple of weeks ago, and Triumph put together a nice package based on the 865 Bonneville and has made four mains this year.
Very cool stuff, and as always Steve, you have kept things on the cutting edge here man! Keep up the great work!

Awesome! Thanks for that!

I think I posted something on this bike a long while back but I'm not positive. Really excellent build. Your eyes are not playing tricks. The front shock mount is in fact on the rear of the cylinder. Bold stuff.

Reader Ride. A Portland Oregon Custom Cafe.

2010-10-02T19:33:00.000-07:00

Phil Writes in:

Hi,
My name is Phil G. and i live in Portland Or. I would like to share some pics of my 71 cb750. This has been my project for the last 2 1/2 years. I would like to sit here and tell you that i did it all myself but i have to give credit were credit is due. While the over all concept and design of the bike was all me there are a few very important elements to it that would not have been possible without help from some very talented friends of mine so i have to say thanks to Sam Hill for welding the custom oil tank and the 5" stretch into the fuel tank, and to Sean Smith for laying down the beautiful black paint, Paul Burdette for the stage 3 port job and general engine building help, Ginger Mccabe of New Church Customs for the seat pad, and to Deon Staffelbach for the awesome photography,other than that i pretty much did everything myself.
here is a list of mods and custom parts
     engine bored out to 850
     stage three ported head
     super flow valves
     webcam 63a grind
     cyclex super rods
     balanced and lightened crank and rotor
     under cut tranny
     all new bearings and chains inside
     cr 29 carbs
     custom aluminum oil tank
     stock fuel tank stretched 5" with knee dents
     custom rear sets (modeled after dunstall rear sets from the 70's)
     custom s.s. muffler
          Anyway, thanks for looking
                  Phil

My pleasure Phil. Thanks for sharing!

Video. History of the Britten

2010-10-02T10:27:00.000-07:00

When I watch this it just makes me feel like such a lazy hack. I'm complaining about finding time to put in to my modest project and guys like this just build revolutionary, Daytona winning machines.... I'm such a freaking slackass.

Reader Ride. Sweet Honda Hawk GT.

2010-10-02T05:30:00.000-07:00

Jack Michaud Writes in:

Hi,
My dad turned me on to your blog. Nice stuff! Here's a pic of my 1989 Honda Hawk 650GT. Why Honda gifts this market segment to Suzuki I'll never know!

I couldn't agree more. This bike was years ahead of the SV and they gave just up on it too soon. Damm shame.

Nice BMW R100 I Saw At The Mall Yesterday...

2010-10-01T07:57:00.000-07:00

Grabbed a quick cell phone shot of this nice rider. I didn't get to meet the owner.

Interesting Reader Submittal. VF500 Magna Tracker.

2010-10-01T03:52:00.000-07:00

Paul Robinson sends in a pic of his interesting build.

Hmmm... There's a lo of potential here. I never thought of these bikes as tracker material. There's a million of them out there too at affordable prices. Just saying..

Growing and Growing and Growing!

2010-09-30T18:45:00.000-07:00

I continue to be amazed at how this casual little hobby of mine has grown.

More than ever I want to thank all of you for stopping by and more importantly for all your help in making this place grow. I haven't checked the numbers but I'm pretty sure that my single biggest source of material is now coming from reader submittals! So in a very real sense, this site is as much (or more) yours than mine. And for those of you that have asked I'm still having a ball. Sure there are days I get distracted with work and family and such but I'm a long way from burnt out. So please keep sending them in and Thanks!.

Two Good Sons And A Speechless Dad

2010-09-30T18:28:00.000-07:00

Some brothers surprise their dad with a special Christmas present. They sneak his basket case 69 Norton out of his basement and get it fully restored for a Christmas present all without him knowing it. A WIN all around!

Reader Ride From Spain! A Honda CM400T Street Tracker.

2010-09-29T23:46:00.000-07:00

This may be the nicest CM400T on the planet. Damm that is cool.

I've said it here many many times. You do NOT need big money or big engines to build fantastic bikes. And here we have another excellent example of that. This beauty was built by Mario Trigo Salorino wo writes in:

Hello, my name is Mario and I write from Spain. I'm a fan of your blog for a long time. Always show the style of bikes that I like. It is a daily appointment required.

I want to show a personal project I recently completed. It is a Honda CM400T, base uncommon, has been done by me and some friends. I do not define his style, bobber, track, brat ... is a modest project but I'm very happy with the result. Major changes are, handlebars, handlebar switch, repositioning of the electrical components and battery box, exhaust, rear set, clocks, modified original seat and paint job. Appear on your blog would be a reward for my work. I hope you like.

A greeting and continued with this great blog. Muchas gracias.

PS. Sorry for my English.

Your English is fine Mario It's an excellent build. I am labeling at a Street Tracker but you're right it has elements of other styles in it as well. ! Thank you very much for sending in these great picture!

We here at MPOTD do NOT condone this...

2010-09-29T06:57:00.000-07:00

...but holy crap it's mesmerizing. The second half of this video is just hair raising.

Damm... Onboard porn..

2010-09-28T20:09:00.000-07:00

Would have been so much better WITHOUT the music but still WAY cool. BMW SS1000 I think...

Cool Suzuki 750 2 Stroke Replica Build Pics. WithBonus Video!

2010-09-28T19:57:00.000-07:00

You can see more here. All in french though.

Saw this today on a popular message board. Classic!

2010-09-28T19:27:00.000-07:00

For Those of you who spend time on motorcycle message boards you'll get a kick out of this.

How many motorcycle forum members does it take to change a light bulb?

1 to change the light bulb and to post that the light bulb has been changed

14 to share similar experiences of changing light bulbs and how the light bulb could have been changed differently

7 to caution about the dangers of changing light bulbs

6 to argue over whether it’s “lightbulb” or “light bulb” …

another 6 to condemn those 6 as stupid

2 industry professionals to inform the group that the proper term is “lamp”

15 know-it-alls who claim they were in the industry, and that “light bulb” is perfectly correct

19 to post that this forum is not about light bulbs and to please take this discussion to a light bulb forum

11 to defend the posting to this forum saying that we all use light bulbs and therefore the posts are relevant to this forum

36 to debate which method of changing light bulbs is superior, where to buy the best light bulbs, what brand of light bulbs work best for this technique and what brands are faulty

5 People to post pics of their own light bulbs

15 People to post “I can’t see S$%^!” and their own light bulbs

7 to post URL’s where one can see examples of different light bulbs

4 to post that the URL’s were posted incorrectly and then post the corrected URL’s

13 to link all posts to date, quote them in their entirety including all headers and signatures, and add “Me too”

5 to post to the group that they will no longer post because they cannot handle the light bulb controversy

4 to say “didn’t we go through this already a short time ago?”

13 to say “do a search on light bulbs before posting questions about light bulbs”

1 to bring politics into the discussion by adding that George W. isn’t the brightest bulb.

4 more to get into personal attacks over their political views.

1 moderator to lock the light bulb thread.

1 forum lurker to respond to the original post 6 months from now and start it all over again.

Seeley Triumph Racer Oozing With Cool...

2010-09-28T14:16:00.000-07:00

The Cooley Crosby Suzuki endurance Racer.

2010-09-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

Old school racing cool. This is a bit of a repeat. I have an old post on this bike but it was only one side shot. These are much nicer.