600 mile report on 796

[flarityj]

I was delighted to read the comparison of the little Italian motards in a recent “Motorcycle Consumer News” feature. I thought it was just me being a klutz with that snatchy clutch they complained about. My friends thought I was a showoff by doing a series of wheelies on every fast start.

Anyway, I agree with everything in the article and would still have bought the little Duc even though it was soundly beaten by Aprilia. I have the lightest, air cooled twin in the world that comes with a plate.

My biggest disappointment thus far is the suspension, which seems harsh and street bike like in bumpy turns. I will upgrade this before anything else get attention. I can’t complain about the cornering ability (provided smooth roads) or engine performance, which is plenty snappy for me.

The gas mileage bolted from 33 to 47 right at 250 miles, so the ECU must have a programmed break-in pattern. Pretty smart.

I have the little windscreen and Duc luggage rack and the bike makes a fine commuter. I still don’t like the end-of-bar mirrors and will replace them after my first crash (assuming I live to ride again). I also put on the Stubbel air cannon in place of the breather box and some skate wheels for sliders.

Even though this bike is low, I don’t think I will drag a peg. I am using all the tire and feel lots of G forces in the corners and I still have room-- perhaps a function of the harsh suspension?

The oil and filter were very clean and none of the usual silvery bits typical of break-in. BMW does not recommend synthetic until 10K miles, but I went ahead with 20W50 Royal Purple for the 796. BMW has a bigger problem with their engines sealing up and the Duc did not use a drop of oil. I am very impressed with the little engine, but have a lot of learning left to do in both maintenance and riding.

The Duc is a real attention grabber. I am pretty shocked. Even the Harley guys turn their heads as if I was riding naked. I have been stopped twice by cops, but no tickets. I think they were just checking out the new bike in the hood.

[hoveyh]

Nice post... congrats!..... I have a little over 1200 miles on my 796 and truly love it. Be nice to have the beans in her to lift the front wheel upon corner exit once in the while but there is serious performance there.. just not a monster. I am averaging 44mpg and like being in to the throttle. That is what I like about the 796 as I can "ride" this one and not feel intimidated by tons of power. And I just KNOW that 1100 would be trouble and tickets for me.

Can not disagree that the suspension is a little ruff on road bumps (and here in central lower MI the roads explode every spring) ... but I am ok

I am changing the seat asap (Sargent I think) and getting a LV cat elim kit as soon as they are evailable. Suspension mods will be costly I think on this one. ????

Brakes are completely up to the task for my needs.

Man that oil is heavy and I think others will chime in on that alone..... the sticker says 10w-50 or 10w-40 ... dealer told me DNA say 10w40 4T fully syn

Enjoy yours as I am mine.

H

[jryden]

Originally Posted by flarityj

My biggest disappointment thus far is the suspension, which seems harsh and street bike like in bumpy turns. I will upgrade this before anything else get attention.

Just curious: how much do you weigh?

[CDONA]

Any one run for top speed on a stock little bro yet?

[WakeDude]

Central Michigan, are you using TTM Ducati?

-Alex

[hyperdookie]

Not to start yet another oil thread but is that RoyalPurple a motorcycle specific oil? If not, it can certainly account for your wet clutch acting funny.

[CrimsonCloak]

The "adler" wet clutch with the light pull and the slipper always seems to have a jumpy engagement.

I have been riding for 25+ years and I don't think I could execute a smooth takeoff on anything equipped with that clutch (695, 696, etc). It's so damn touchy.

That said, 10W for wet clutch bikes is probably best.

Still gonna be a spastic clutch though. I wonder if stiffer springs would help?

[hoveyh]

My dealer is TTM in Mt Clemens MI ... treated me perfectly.

H