New 796 owner with cuddly pic--mods - Ducati.ms

flarityj · Feb 3rd, 2010, 2:17 pm

Here is the new bike resting comfortably by the fire. I can watch football and explore Ducati's engineering--already impressed that every screw has Loc-Tite.

For those that don't read the welcome forum, I have a long post over there specific to HM and why I bought my first Ducati. I was shocked when Ducati first offered the HM, as it is pretty far from their other lines, (like Ferrari offering a 4x4). But I already had a 1200GS and I was not going to buy another huge machine pretending to be a dirt bike, so I passed on the 1100 and the KTM equivalent.

The 796 does really seem petite, lower, lighter and tackles the roughest twisties with gusto. I am still hoping to get much better than 33 mpg when I have it broken in. My wife can drive it and she also fits OK on back. I am amazed so far.

Mods:

I have removed the air can and replaced with an Stebbel monster horn. Not pretty, but I feel naked without it.

Nice of Ducati to tap holes for the rear hugger, but I don't understand why every bike didn't get at least a plastic one anyway. I have have the Shift Tech HM1100 unit on there and it fits perfectly.

Also added the rack and little shield. Custom sliders (from skate wheels) will be added during Superbowl and then I will be ready to continue break-in.

As I mentioned in my welcome piece, I am looking forward to giving the KLR650 types some Ducati exposure this summer (USA).