Ride to the coast

Rode out to the coast today on the monster taking some back roads, including a one and a half lane side road used mostly by ATV's and off-roaders (it was paved), but had to keep a look out for riders crossing the road at any point. 70 degree weather throughout and the bike, as expected, was fun to ride. I do need to remember to let it get to temp before taking off, however, as it does tend to spit and sputter when cold.

Pic for the day.

79.6

Yes that was the mileage on my trip meter today as I parked the bike at work :)



Even spiders like Monsters

Puma

I'm not big on stickers and decals on bikes, but the one I have on all my bikes is a Puma logo. Somehow I just like the look.



BTW, still waiting for the fender kit and the passenger handles, both have been on order for about a month now.

And just for fun, the other two cats....

848 today

After about a week of riding the monster, I took the 848 to work today and WOW!- the bike felt completely different. Guess I did not feel the difference when that was the only bike I was riding. Power; I can tell it is a superbike, even though the engine size is about 50 cc more, the water cooled, 4 valves and the 134hp vs. 87hp make an impact. Steering was super focused as well, slight adjustments, pressure on the handlebars and away it goes. I don't feel like I move around on the seat as much on the monster and I really need to on the 848. Anyway, it was cool to experience the different bikes.

Painted calipers

Similar to the 848 the 796 does not come with the painted Brembo calipers, so took out the touch up paint for my red vespa and here you go.

Before:


After:


And some more details:
Tank closeup



Headlight

Commuting

Have not commuted much on the Monster yet, but in traffic, the exhaust does get hot! - Hot enough that if you are not careful you could burn. Think somone needs to come up with better heat shields for it. Other option, getting ceramic coating on the pipes. Will see what comes on the market, otherwise this will make for a good winter project.

First 1000 miles

I have had my M796 for about two weeks now and am nearing 1000 miles (that included a ~700 mile trip up to Canada). As the miles have racked up, its running a bit smoother, even at the lower rpms, but again, it is happiest in its power range of 5-8k rpms, although I have not really pushed it too much at the higher end, given the break in period.

600 mile service (@about 800 miles) was done last week - included an oil/ filter change, cleaning of the oil screen, chain was way loose to tightened it up. That was about it. Cost $160.

In terms of mods, the mirrors have been replaced by bar ends. And waiting for the fender eliminator kit to get here. There are a few more mods I'd like to do, but at this point think this will be it.

Close ups

Pics of some of the details, from the instrument cluster to the detail stitching on the seat and the 796 decals.