this board is better, so I'll ask here :)

[debtman7]

I think the ducati forum is more stocked with people who would rather pay the dealer $600 than pick up a wrench, and most of them have fuel injected bikes it seems... Maybe the mechanical gurus here can give me an opinion

The monster I got is a beast at low speed. When cold, holy crap you cannot ride that sucker under 20 mph (3,000 RPMs). Jerky throttle, surging, horrible. My wife watched me take off and asked what was wrong with it... Once warmed up for a few minutes, it's much better. But still not great. For example, holding a steady throttle at 10-15 mph I can feel a very subtle rhythmic surging. On/Off throttle transitions at these speeds are nasty and it's really hard to be smooth.

The ducati folks seem to feel that's pretty normal and I basically just need to slip the clutch below 3,000 RPMs, which thanks to the tall gearing is around 20 mph. That's a lot of clutch slipping in traffic.

My thinking here is that it may be normal, but only because the factory tuning sucks and is geared to pass CA emissions. I can't believe that something about the engine would make this just a fact of life, other than a poorly set up carb. I'm thinking about getting a jet kit, replacing the needle jets, syncing the carbs and checking/setting the float height. Basically all of the fun tuning that factory pro recommends.

The question I have is, before I drop $150 on all of that, what would you guys say the odds are that doing that will improve things? I don't mind doing it if it's going to help, which I suspect it will, but I'd hate to drop all that money only to have the bike run no better or even worse. It's not horrible as it is, definately rideable, no issues with warmup or running once above 3,000 RPMs. But I keep thinking that it certainly could run better.

[bettingpython]

Surging or seeking at constant throttle on a bike is symptomatic of the jetting being too lean.

[debtman7]

Right, that's what I think, and it's definately worses when cold. However when warm it's VERY subtle and only noticeable at around 2500 RPMs or lower. So I'm thinking maybe the bike is just barely lean at low RPMs and fine elsewhere? I wonder if just adjusting the mixture screws would help, that'd be cheaper than a full on jet kit.

And for some odd reason if I try to quote the previous response I get an error trying to post a reply...

[Johnny5]

That can't be right.  That thing DEFINITELY needs a rejet, it sounds very lean running.  The carby 750's I rode definitely did not feel that way.  Granted I didn't ride them to much at slow speed except to take off from the lot for the rides, but I'm sure I would've noticed that.  From what I understand, Ducati is NOTORIOUS for bikes coming lean from factory because of tough European emissions... plus adding those cans on there I'd be surprised if it wasn't already rejetted... and based on what you're describing jetted incorrectly.  Is it still with the stock air filter?

[debtman7]

Air filter is stock as far as I can tell. I know they're probably lean, but I wouldn't think the pipes would make a huge difference in that. But it's hard to say, I don't want to overplay it because it's really not that bad, just the kind of thing that seems like it could be better. It runs absolutely great once it hits 3,000 RPMs. But at 2,000 RPM's (which on this bike is around 10-12 MPH, parking lot speeds) not so great. Anything below 20 the throttle is too touchy for my tastes. And the surging... I'm not even sure what to call it, if it's surging hunting seeking or what. Best I can explain it is with steady throttle at say 10-15 mph in a parking lot (assuming I can find a steady throttle to keep that speed with the on/off throttle response) I can just barely feel it speeding up and slowing down, speeding up and slowing down, but very very subtle. Like a rhythmic slight forward jerk a few times a second, rather than just a smooth forward travel.

I'm wondering if I should just try the mixture screw to start with since that wouldn't cost anything. But then again a lot of people report that the floats on these tend to be off from the factory and the needle jets tend to wear out quickly, so I should probably check those things, at which point I've got the carbs opened up I might as well rejet and be ready for any future intake changes...

By the way Johnny I found you a ducati: http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/sm-peg-perego-ducati-monster-motorcycle--pi-2369425.html

[Johnny5]

Haha, geez not even sure if I could afford that one now... LOL.  I literally got slammed with a big tax bill that I was not expecting, thanks to my crack accountant. 

It does sound lean... only other thing I can think of is maybe your chain is loose?  That definitely doesn't help as far as chugging... but it wouldn't make your bike surge so I would rule that out I guess.  I guess you could try going up a couple teeth in the rear as well, but again the surging bothers me... I don't know... the local dealer sales manager told me that almost EVERY Ducati wants to be tuned from stock to run it's best.  I would try the fuel mixture screw first... but I definitely think you have some carb work infront of you.  Don't be sad about it though, LOL you got that bike for a great price, if all you have to do is mess with the carbs a bit, no biggie.  I have heard that they are unhappy below 3000 rpms... but so is any bike I've ridden, LOL.  It's the surging part you mention that's bothering me, and a lean running bike runs hot, not good on an air cooled bike I would say...

**EDIT - I'm guessing you checked the obvious like dirty air filter, plugs etc.  I just called my bud at the local dealer for you and he only gave me 30 seconds but he said try the obvious stuff and work from there, but needles and jets can most definitely be warranted after an exhaust change.  He also mentioned that the jets may just need to be replaced since they are getting up there in age.  Hope this helps a little, I'm certainly no mechanic LOL... good luck!

[debtman7]

Ok I'm just going to rejet it. I don't know, I rejetted my GS and it's bone stock, no biggie. Unfortunately I can't find any info on the jets for it, and there are some other components in the jet kits (different needle shape and new slide springs) that you can't buy seperately. Plus, this is new to me, I apparently need to replace the needle jets since they tend to oval out after 5,000 miles or so. What's up with that? Anyway $150 to rejet, DOH. That's the only thing holding me back on it...