Mini-Review - Rizoma Clipons
Product Info:
Product Info: Rizoma Clip-Ons
Reviewed on: February 2006
Reviewed by: Lisa Boyd, gtntahg@yahoo.com
Applies to Monster models:
- Monster 1000 i.e.
- Monster 900 00-
- Monster 800 i.e.
- Monster 750 00-
- Monster 620
- Monster 400
- Monster S2R
- Monster S4R
- Monster S4
Where purchased: PJs Parts, http://www.pjsparts.com/catalog/index.php
Reason product was purchased:
I prefer the look of clip-ons and also feel that with the removal of the BMX-style factory handle bars handling could be improved.
The "look" of the clip-ons, once installed, did what I thought they should as far as providing a sportier look. They also greatly improved the handling of the bike by positioning more of the rider's weight forward. While the "reach" was lengthened somewhat, overall comfort was not sacrificed. The new clip-ons didn't seem noticeable lower than stock, although they are by about an inch and a half or so. Overall, the steering "feel" was improved; much more precise with the clip-ons as opposed to the factory BMX-style handle bars originally fitted on the 620.
Features that worked well:
- Bolt-on compatibility for ease of installation with extremely well-crafted, high quality individual pieces and hardware
- No reservoir adapter is required for the rectangular, coffin-type brake and clutch fluid reservoirs
- Integrated fork adjustment knobs provide a stylish solution for bikes equipped with adjustable forks (adjustment knobs can still be fitted to bikes with non-adjustable forks)
- Aluminum "silver" finish on Triple Clamp is a close match to other factory-finished aluminum parts providing an integrated look to the cockpit area
- On the end of each bar there are tiny marks machined around the circumference at 1/4" intervals to help with any shortening of the bar that may be needed per rider preference (I ended up shortening the length of each bar by 1/2" used a die grinder although a hacksaw would probably work just as well).
- There is some adjustability of the bars for a more (or less) angled position on the horizontal plane via three easily accessible hex bolts on top of each bar assembly
- The Rizoma set is competitively priced and a stylish alternative to other clip-on product lines
Features or design that did not work well:
- Installation instructions were not as clear as they could have been (see Summary)
- The bars are not pre-drilled for controls location
- Finish/color of the actual bars themselves is somewhat "blue" or steel gray which is a color not found anywhere else on the bike (an aesthetic issue more than anything else).
- Aside from the limited bar adjustability mentioned above, there is no adjustability up and down on the fork tubes (like other products currently available) a fact best considered prior to purchase
Installation or compatibility issues:
There were two problems that we experienced with the installation of the Rizoma clip-ons;
For the most part, the installation itself was reasonably straight-forward and took roughly two hours of work with simple hand tools. However, the Instruction Sheet left a lot to be desired namely English.
The "instructions" consist of a series of five small black and white photos that show the assembly procedure. There is also a small CAD-illustrated exploded diagram of all the new parts and hardware down in a corner of this single sheet (8 1/2" x 11" printed on one side only). In my opinion, the photographs did not adequately indicate what needed to happen during each step of re-assembly. Accompanying text would have been helpful.
So just a word of advice - attention to detail when you disassemble the cockpit area position of cables and wires, etc. will pay dividends when it comes time to put everything back together since this aspect of the process is not covered at all in the instructions. (Basically, I think this mod like most Mods of Significance, would benefit from the company of good friends and large quantities of the beverage of your choice)
Lastly, with the exception of no pre-drilled holes in the bars for the location/alignment of the turn signal housing and the Master Kill Switch housing, there were no other compatibility issues worth mentioning the Rizoma clip-ons are a complete set-up that is well-engineered and of visibly high quality.
Summary:
Overall, this was a positive experience and I would recommend this clip-on set to anyone considering this sort of modification. The Rizomas affect a sportier look to the bike, and in my opinion, looks like the whole arrangement came from the Ducati factory that way. The quality of the individual pieces is flawless the triple clamp is a work of art.
And there's plenty of bling-per-buck at a competitive price roughly $370.00, delivered (February 2006). Turn around time from the date ordered was also reasonable less than ten days. And the folks at PJs Parts were friendly, knowledgeable, and very easy to work with. (Prior to purchase, my email questions were answered same-day).
2005 M620 Dark with Rizoma Clip-Ons
Special thanks to Alan Boyd, Tracy Martin, Aaron Monroe, and an Assist to Samuel Adams