Third Monster, first in the UK

[FrankenDesmo]

Hello :spin:

Joining up as I've just purchased Frankenstein's Monster (hence the username) - a '94 M600 fully converted to an M900, with a whole lot of custom bits and a silly airbrushed paint job. I suspect it may even have the motor from an SS in it, judging by how hard it pulls!

This is my third Monster, but my first since moving to the UK from NZ - previously I had a '99 M900, which was killed by an inattentive motorist, followed by an '05 S2R800. I liked the M900 better of the two.

After having ridden my new acquisition to work a few times this week, I discovered that the RR is toast after the battery finally lost its charge. Fortunately the bike was a bargain...

I'll get it charging again (dodgy £25 ebay special arrives later this week/early next week) and get as much riding in as possible before the weather closes in for winter (unless we have a repeat of last winter, which didn't really arrive in Scotland).

[Grumpy]

Welcome aboard!

[Jez900ie]

Hello :spin:

Joining up as I've just purchased Frankenstein's Monster (hence the username) - a '94 M600 fully converted to an M900, with a whole lot of custom bits and a silly airbrushed paint job. I suspect it may even have the motor from an SS in it, judging by how hard it pulls!

This is my third Monster, but my first since moving to the UK from NZ - previously I had a '99 M900, which was killed by an inattentive motorist, followed by an '05 S2R800. I liked the M900 better of the two.

After having ridden my new acquisition to work a few times this week, I discovered that the RR is toast after the battery finally lost its charge. Fortunately the bike was a bargain...

I'll get it charging again (dodgy £25 ebay special arrives later this week/early next week) and get as much riding in as possible before the weather closes in for winter (unless we have a repeat of last winter, which didn't really arrive in Scotland).

Where's the pics then? Use postimage.com

[FrankenDesmo]

Where's the pics then? Use postimage.com

Fair call.

https://i.postimg.cc/PrHz833G/IMG-20190914-153156.jpg


So I was thinking gloss black with the Ducati twin-line logo in gold (and a smaller twin-line Desmo on the rear of the seat cover). I cannot abide the current look. It even says 'Monsterio' on the tail - what the heck!? It's Il Mostro! Not Monsterio!

[Mr Gazza]

What Jez said about pictures... We love them.

Regarding the RR. Unfortunately it's a common problem on most bikes fitted with them. The frying syndrome is caused by poor connections in the three, or two yellow cables coming up from the alternator to the RR.
These cables demand a low resistance route all the way through or heat builds up, which kills the RR and often melts the cables too.

Make sure your yellow cables are not melted or degraded in any way, then make the best connections to the new RR that you can. Some folks hard wire them, others use superseal connectors. I use soldered on Gold bullet connectors available from model shops for radio controlled electric models, which I then protect with heatshrink.

I'm sure there will be plenty of suggestions for the best way to achieve a proper weather proof low resistance connection.. Take your pick but don't skimp on it.

[Mr Gazza]

Paint job is a bit marmite, but you're right about Il Mostro.

I like the wheels and there's an interesting modified exhaust system too.
Just look at the billet hoop though.. Very expensive!!

Nice find.. :thumbsup:

Congratulations on a four bin shot too..

[FrankenDesmo]

What Jez said about pictures... We love them.

Regarding the RR. Unfortunately it's a common problem on most bikes fitted with them. The frying syndrome is caused by poor connections in the three, or two yellow cables coming up from the alternator to the RR.
These cables demand a low resistance route all the way through or heat builds up, which kills the RR and often melts the cables too.

Make sure your yellow cables are not melted or degraded in any way, then make the best connections to the new RR that you can. Some folks hard wire them, others use superseal connectors. I use soldered on Gold bullet connectors available from model shops for radio controlled electric models, which I then protect with heatshrink.

I'm sure there will be plenty of suggestions for the best way to achieve a proper weather proof low resistance connection.. Take your pick but don't skimp on it.

Aye, I've had this problem before - I can't remember if it was my first M900 or the GSXR600K1 that came before it. Whichever it was, the shop put me on to the Shendengen unit as a replacement, which is what I intend to do long term but for now just need a replacement to get her going again (though I will be getting a hold of a multimeter and following Kato's excellent troubleshooting instructions).

Ducati Glasgow said it's either the generator or the RR but they can't tell if it's the generator if the RR is also fried, which now seems odd to me after seeing Kato's post (and the glowing reviews most people give to Ducati Glasgow), but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and go back for any other work I can't feasibly do myself (it helps that they're a very short walk from work).

Another part of the reason for leaving the final solution is that I'm fairly sure the starter circuit is exhibiting its common problem as well and needs a cable upgrade (possibly the terminals on the starter motor need replacing too, but I have yet to give it a good look). At the moment it's a lottery as to whether or not she'll crank when you press the button...

So my intention is to get the cash together over the part of the winter where I'm riding less and sort out the RR & Starter together.

[FrankenDesmo]

Paint job is a bit marmite, but you're right about Il Mostro.

I like the wheels and there's an interesting modified exhaust system too.
Just look at the billet hoop though.. Very expensive!!

Nice find.. :thumbsup:

Someone has spent a bucketload of cash on this bike - converting it to a 900 and then adding all the trick bits. Fairly sure the exhaust is titanium, there's also the rear sets, the brake master cylinder, all the brake/clutch/engine lines have been replaced with new braided ones, wavy rotors, tail chop - it's got all the mods done that I'd want and then some!

For it to be totally perfect for me, it really boils down to:
- Headlight
- Bar end mirrors
- Paint job (I'll get the CF bit's re-lacquered at the same time so its all shiny shiny)

This bike was a steal - had been up on ebay for 2800, then it was down to 2500, then 2200, then suddenly 1800! At that point I rented a van and drove down to Cheltenham last Saturday to pick her up - 12 hours of driving (back in Glasgow that night), 100% worth it!

[alan s4]

You can get decent beefed up starter and earth cables for Halfords in various lengths.

Have you got a painter in Glasgow? If not I can recommend a guy based out in Strathaven who did an excellent job on my tank recently.

[slob]

Welcome to the madhouse

[Uncle Bob]

Hello and welcome. I like the blue colour.

[mickj]

Welcome to the forum FrankenDesmo, I like the blue but not the grafix.

[Darkness]

Welcome to the forum FrankenDesmo, I like the blue but not the grafix.

Ditto, but welcome aboard Frank.

[Darren69]

As others have said nice blue colour but graphic too busy! I would go for black too though (black over metallic gold with gold stripe) and keep the design classic/simple.

[LVC]

Bonjour from the Froggy side of UKMOC :)

[FrankenDesmo]

You can get decent beefed up starter and earth cables for Halfords in various lengths.

Have you got a painter in Glasgow? If not I can recommend a guy based out in Strathaven who did an excellent job on my tank recently.

Once I've got the charging sorted I'll look into doing it myself from scratch rather than buying a kit - something to do in dec/jan when it's least likely I'll get any riding time in (and thus can have the electrics in pieces and take my time).

I will probably go and see Eoin at EDC Designs down in Ayr, particularly as he can do the custom decals. I was hoping to have it done over this winter but I may have been a bit optimistic around the affordability (gotta go skiing in winter as well!).

As others have said nice blue colour but graphic too busy! I would go for black too though (black over metallic gold with gold stripe) and keep the design classic/simple.

I'm in agreement as well - the blue is quite nice, but even if it were just the blue I'd still probably want to change it. To me there are only 2 colours for a Monster - Rosso Corsa or Black :biggrin:

I'm definitely set on the gold twinline logos, but I'm still thinking about whether or not I want and gold striping, and if so - what kind and where. Eoin does mock-ups on the PC with a photo of the bike (according to his website, I haven't gone to see him yet) so might be able to play around a bit.


Here's a couple of photos of my previous two:

The '99 M900 that started it all. As far as I was concerned, the only bikes in existence were Japanese sports bikes - at the time I had a GSXR600K1 which needed a new front tyre, so I took it to the shop as usual. Next think I know they've lost the (only) key for it, tearing the shop apart last thing on Friday with no luck. Promising the replace the ignition if necessary, they needed to give me a bike for the night at least - enter the Monster. It had something like 78,000km on the clock and was the cheapest bike on the floor (NZ$6k). I didn't think much of it at first - until I got the Wainuiomata Hill, which is a fast windy 3/2 lane hill on the way home. I rode it 3 times before getting home that night. The next morning I told the shop to keep the GSXR because I was keeping the Monster and a deal was struck. Sadly she was written off by an inattentive driver changing lanes and plowing into me one Friday night on the way home.

https://i.postimg.cc/dQm5mCg5/IMG-20150119-150924.jpg
(This photo taken at the top of the Rimutaka Hill, Upper Hutt, NZ)

I needed a replacement, fast, and the same bike shop was about to receive an '05 S2R800 at a similar price, so I went for it. It was nice (much better with some cans but not as thunderous as the '99 due to the horrible cows udder cat), but it didn't live up to the enjoyment I got from the M900. She was sold not long before I left NZ for the UK in 2017.

https://i.postimg.cc/X7KXvjGG/IMG-20160614-181537.jpg

Frankenstein's Monster is my first bike since then, and it is much more like the '99 (better even!). I couldn't be happier, electrical gremlins and all.

[FrankenDesmo]

Bonjour from the Froggy side of UKMOC :)

One summer soon I will be bringing the bike over your way...

[Luddite]

To me there are only 2 colours for a Monster - Rosso Corsa or Black :biggrin:


Welcome home!

If you like the old 70s/80s black/gold designs, have you seen olivera's recently reborn 900 with his interpretation of the old SS scheme?

http://www.ukmonster.co.uk/monster/showthread.php?t=57760

https://i.postimg.cc/yY2wnnS8/20190903-113346.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

https://i.postimg.cc/NGCh2QsT/20190903-113406.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

If your painter does provide photoshop examples of various paint jobs, you could post the alternatives on here for a 'people's vote' (non-binding of course!). I see you've already got the gold wheels - and has the rear spring been painted gold too?

[FrankenDesmo]

Luddite, thanks for sharing that - it is pretty much what I had in mind, minus the stripes under the logo on the tank. Now I feel like a bit of a copycat - clearly I'm not the only one with good taste :mand:

At the moment I'm leaning towards no stripes at all, just the gold Ducati logo on the tank, a similar gold Desmo logo on the rear of the seat cover, and the original 'M 9 0 0' decals on the side panels. The Desmo & M900 decals will probaby have to be custom as I've only found them in white so far.

The spring _is_ gold, though whether it came like that or was painted, I couldn't tell you.

[Luddite]

Now I feel like a bit of a copycat - clearly I'm not the only one with good taste :biggrin:

Don't worry about that - as slob once said "no two identical Monsters are the same"!

At the moment I'm leaning towards no stripes at all, just the gold Ducati logo on the tank, a similar gold Desmo logo on the rear of the seat cover, and the original 'M 9 0 0' decals on the side panels. The Desmo & M900 decals will probaby have to be custom as I've only found them in white so far.

Have a look at this recent thread regarding side panel decals.

http://www.ukmonster.co.uk/monster/showthread.php?t=57673

[Moco1961]

Fair call.

https://i.postimg.cc/PrHz833G/IMG-20190914-153156.jpg


So I was thinking gloss black with the Ducati twin-line logo in gold (and a smaller twin-line Desmo on the rear of the seat cover). I cannot abide the current look. It even says 'Monsterio' on the tail - what the heck!? It's Il Mostro! Not Monsterio!

...aah ,I see the issue with the headlights Jase, I also note you are straight on it with the bins, brilliant!:mand:

[Flip]

Wow!! Blue bins to match the bike too!!

Welcome along by the way!

Colours are indeed a personal thing and if everyone knew the red ones were fastest we’d all be riding them :D

I’ve always liked the ‘80’s black and gold ever since working with a chap who had a 900ss - a thing of magic and mystery back in the days when I was still dashing about leaving trails of blue smoke from a pair of rasping Swarbricks.

Olivera’s is a nice take on the ‘80’s design with the lining a hark back to the ‘Ducati wing’ of the ‘60’s

So I wouldn’t worry too much about copying as it’s your own take on a homage to bikes in Ducati’s history- much like they did themselves a few years back.

Although, ironically up until the 20th Anniversary Monster the one font they couldn’t use (I still wonder how much it cost them to use it then ‘coz they’ve never used it since) was the one the bike was born with:

https://i.postimg.cc/d0MZRRbZ/D7E1B3C4-C94E-4039-A3CE-46495204EB40.jpg (https://postimg.cc/hXrGcmPK)

[Darkness]

Although, ironically up until the 20th Anniversary Monster the one font they couldn’t use (I still wonder how much it cost them to use it then ‘coz they’ve never used it since) was the one the bike was born with:

Indeed, the Cagiva font hasn’t been used on the 25th anniversary Monster nor the V4 Foggy 916 Panigale.

They failed to match the original gold frame shade too.

[FrankenDesmo]

Full disclosure: That photo was not taken at my place, they're not my bins :chuckle:

I can't say I'm a fan of that original font, but it is interesting to learn that there is obviously some copyright with Cagiva and permission was not granted to use it after the company moved hands (again).

[Darkness]

Full disclosure: That photo was not taken at my place, they're not my bins :chuckle:

I can't say I'm a fan of that original font, but it is interesting to learn that there is obviously some copyright with Cagiva and permission was not granted to use it after the company moved hands (again).

The funny thing is that although Cagivas are not currently in production, they stopped using that font themselves several years ago.

https://www.motorcyclelogos.org/cagiva-3/

[Flip]

Indeed, the Cagiva font hasn’t been used on the 25th anniversary Monster nor the V4 Foggy 916 Panigale.

They failed to match the original gold frame shade too.

Yes I noticed they didn't use it on the Foggy Pani which I thought was a shame really almost making it a half hearted tribute- perhaps because he's now working for Triumph and CCM :D

As for the frame paint- I think even back in the day there were variations of it but certainly the 20th Anniversary bikes were nowhere near.

Full disclosure: That photo was not taken at my place, they're not my bins :chuckle:

I can't say I'm a fan of that original font, but it is interesting to learn that there is obviously some copyright with Cagiva and permission was not granted to use it after the company moved hands (again).

Just when we were getting all excited and about to elevate you into a new found Hallowed Bindom you (rubbish) sack us off!

'Tis funny as when I bought my '97 Monster at the end of 1999 (from a mate who bought it new) I was riding a '96 GSX-R750WT and to begin with the Monster felt antiquated to say the least but there was something about the way it rode that I instantly loved- the seemingly endless 'real world' torque but as I became more aware of Monster models the TPG takeover had refreshed the font, bought out the fuel injected model and generally modernised the look using the ST frame and it's rising rate rear suspension (as opposed to the 888 hoop) making my bike look and feel even older and I began to wish I had waited and bought a later model.

As time went on I bought an S4 along side the Monster (I still had the GSX-R too at this point) and on paper it was more powerful, better handling and enjoyed a more modern touch from the switchgear to fuel injection and water cooling but there was some old world charm with the 2v motor that was under my skin and so I waved bye bye to the S4 and set about making the old 900 truly 'mine'.

Today, almost twenty years and 35000 miles later I love it more than ever- it puts a smile on my face literally every time I ride it and now that even Ducati themselves can't use the Cagiva font I smile even more- that'll teach the Audi bastids to bring the old models' service parts prices 'in line' with current models.

[Luddite]

It's strange because the 20th anniversary editions of the 696/797/1100 Evo carried the old-style font so I can't see why they couldn't have done the same with the 25th anniversary models if they'd wanted to.

https://i.postimg.cc/GtywNxSr/Ducati-Monster-1100-EVO-13-2-20th.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[Flip]

It's strange because the 20th anniversary editions of the 696/797/1100 Evo carried the old-style font so I can't see why they couldn't have done the same with the 25th anniversary models if they'd wanted to.

Exactly what we're saying but presume because of the Cagiva/Castiglioni owned copyright of that font the cost of gaining permission to use it was deemed too high by Audi bosses.

Case in point that Ducati have also never marketed any clothing, wall plaques or other merchandise using that font therefore almost skipping their '90's history altogether choosing instead to use the twin line lettering of the '80's or the Meccanica fonts and logos of the 1960's and '70's for (think the 'wing' logo on modern Scramblers) when not using the (post TPG takeover) current font.

[larsen]

Blue is the best colourhttps://i.postimg.cc/WhsXDPq3/20181215-103720.jpg (https://postimg.cc/WhsXDPq3)

[Luddite]

There's an interesting history of the Ducati logo from 1926 to the present here.

http://www.museodelmarchioitaliano.com/route1/ducati.php

[Bob.E]

Some really interesting font info.
Welcome to the true home of the Monster owner, FrankenDesmo.

[FrankenDesmo]

Have a look at this recent thread regarding side panel decals.

http://www.ukmonster.co.uk/monster/showthread.php?t=57673

I had come across the decals in that thread on ebay - I think it's only the twinline 'Desmo' decal that I'd need to go custom (assuming the 'Ducati' & 'M900' decals are of suitable quality to go on the paint work), as I've only found that in white online so far.


'Tis funny as when I bought my '97 Monster at the end of 1999 (from a mate who bought it new) I was riding a '96 GSX-R750WT and to begin with the Monster felt antiquated to say the least but there was something about the way it rode that I instantly loved- the seemingly endless 'real world' torque...

<snip>

...there was some old world charm with the 2v motor that was under my skin and so I waved bye bye to the S4 and set about making the old 900 truly 'mine'.

Today, almost twenty years and 35000 miles later I love it more than ever- it puts a smile on my face literally every time I ride it and now that even Ducati themselves can't use the Cagiva font I smile even more- that'll teach the Audi bastids to bring the old models' service parts prices 'in line' with current models.

You've more or less summed up my feelings on why I love the classic M900s - that 2v motor is so beautiful in its simplicity, produces a raw thunder, and I can pretty much roll the power on in any gear, especially the lump in mine - I really do suspect it's an SS motor, and one that is in very good repair as it really does go! I'm actually afraid to full throttle it as even at 3/4 I feel the weight coming off the front wheel! My two previous Monsters had nowhere near the pull that this one does.

Blue is the best colourhttps://i.postimg.cc/WhsXDPq3/20181215-103720.jpg (https://postimg.cc/WhsXDPq3)

Now that's how you do a tasteful blue paint job!


Welcome to the true home of the Monster owner, FrankenDesmo.

I've found my people.

[Luddite]

I had come across the decals in that thread on ebay - I think it's only the twinline 'Desmo' decal that I'd need to go custom (assuming the 'Ducati' & 'M900' decals are of suitable quality to go on the paint work), as I've only found that in white online so far.

Do the logos have to be decals? If you're having all new paintwork, have a word with your painter about painting them on. Many paintshops have the facility to laser-cut masks for even really complicated designs.

When I had my tailpiece painted, I wanted the 1100 Evo logo but there wasn't a decal available in the right colour combination. So I had it painted on and you can't tell it from factory (except it's completely smooth!).

https://i.postimg.cc/TYxJdX6v/WP-20190925-13-33-26-Pro-2.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[FrankenDesmo]

Good call Luddite, according to the EDC website he has indeed done painted on graphics/logos in previous jobs so it's certainly a possibility.

[Jez900ie]

Anu logo or art you want to add can be done using decals, and if you want good price top quality you might try Image Works in Derby. Great guys with great work. http://www.bike-stickers.com/homepage.htm

https://i.postimg.cc/rmZJXFvB/Bike-8.jpg (https://postimg.cc/ph88KxVC)

They will be attending to my Suzuki shortly too.

[Darkness]

......I really do suspect it's an SS motor, and one that is in very good repair as it really does go! I'm actually afraid to full throttle it as even at 3/4 I feel the weight coming off the front wheel! My two previous Monsters had nowhere near the pull that this one does.

Take a look at the head castings on the left of the cam bearing cap. If it says V2 it is one of the big valve engines which is the same as the SS. These were used as standard from ‘93 to about ‘96.

When the M750 was introduced they put their small valve head and cams on the M900 as well. The heads of these are marked W.

V2 heads came back with the M900s and the injection models.

[Darren69]

Take a look at the head castings on the left of the cam bearing cap. If it says V2 it is one of the big valve engines which is the same as the SS. These were used as standard from ‘93 to about ‘96.

When the M750 was introduced they put their small valve head and cams on the M900 as well. The heads of these are marked W.

V2 heads came back with the M900s and the injection models.

What he said. The SS and Monster engines are essentially the same with the above exceptions, 750 head 900 monsters were about 10bhp down on the S versions for a few years (would have to look up the years) which had the normal V2 heads.

Maybe yours has been breathed on a bit; hi comp pistons, head work or maybe it is the non-standard exhaust manifold? A good exhaust will let the engine perform loads better than the standard restrictive 40mm header version. 45 or 50mm headers with a tuned length (spaghetti system) and big 50mm link pipes and open cans is the way to go.

[FrankenDesmo]

Yeah it's got the V2 heads, and it possibly could have been cracked open for some work, who knows. Good point about the full exhaust, too.

It has had the airbox lid chop done, though the filter looks like it could do with replacing. I'd usually go straight for a K&N, but I've got the faint glimmer of a memory suggesting paper filters were ultimately better in the long run - can anyone else corroborate that thought?

[Darren69]

1997 was the year the Monster had the small valve (750 head) fitted and different cams, smaller carbs etc. Down to a paltry 68 bhp unless you had the S version which still had the 900SS lump and presumably the other original SS bits.

They did eventually change it back again around when the 900 S model was discontinued. Around '00 to '01 But the whole S saga is another story and I'm sure Gazza will fill in the hazy details around that or I will need to look it up. Essentially there were some S models with old spec and some with the new spec when the Mk1b model came out.

I suppose they were using up whatever stock they had available?

[FrankenDesmo]

Hmm I might need to double check what carbs I had as there is a chap in California who makes tougher needle valves for the 38mm (from memory) mikunis, which is what I had on my original '99 M900 (which I suspect was small valve as the power was nowhere near this one's). I figured I'd do the same mod so maybe I have bigger carbs. I'll wait and see if it starts fouling plugs from an ovaled needle jet valve/emulsion tube though...

[FrankenDesmo]

Ahh my el cheapo £25 RR has arrived:

https://i.postimg.cc/hjBZP8RJ/IMG-20190925-215221.jpg

A bit chunkier than the stock unit, but as long as it works (for the winter, ideally), then I'm not too concerned. Hopefully I'll get it fitted tomorrow.

[Darren69]

If i were you then i would find someone who knows Ducati and has a dyno and run it on there which should tell you what you got and what you need to do. Before you mess about with the carbs.

[Darkness]

1997 was the year the Monster had the small valve (750 head) fitted and different cams, smaller carbs etc. Down to a paltry 68 bhp unless you had the S version which still had the 900SS lump and presumably the other original SS bits.

They did eventually change it back again around when the 900 S model was discontinued. Around '00 to '01 But the whole S saga is another story and I'm sure Gazza will fill in the hazy details around that or I will need to look it up. Essentially there were some S models with old spec and some with the new spec when the Mk1b model came out.

I suppose they were using up whatever stock they had available?

But this bike started out as an M600, so the engine may be modded. All we know at the moment is that it’s got the better heads.

Depending when it was made, some 900 motors have been opened up to change the cylinder head studs: an early spec. tended to snap.

[FrankenDesmo]

If i were you then i would find someone who knows Ducati and has a dyno and run it on there which should tell you what you got and what you need to do. Before you mess about with the carbs.

But this bike started out as an M600, so the engine may be modded. All we know at the moment is that it’s got the better heads.

Depending when it was made, some 900 motors have been opened up to change the cylinder head studs: an early spec. tended to snap.

Darren, cheers for the tip, I'd be doing a bit more looking at the bike before I started to do anything to it (I've been totally flat out at work so it's just been sitting in my mates back yard until I move into a flat with a garage tomorrow). A dyno run makes sense though.

Darkness, yep, we don't know if this is an early or late v2 motor, although I guess some inference can probably be made from its serial number. It seems like whoever did the conversion knew what they were doing, unless they fluked the motor - but the rest of the bikes mods are quite well done. Just a shame they didn't take care of the electrics, but I guess I need to have _some_ work to do :biggrin: