Ducati Monster Forum

Have a 2008 S2R 1000 with all stock suspension.  LOVE the bike, especially after the 14T front sprocket swap.

But I feel the suspension is the weak link now.  The forks, in particular seem spongy and dive too fast.  They also seem to "set" when at a light, and startup, they finally rise to original ride position.

Now this might be a matter of adjusting the rebound to be stiffer, and compression to be slower (harder).  Anyone else out there feel the forks seem to under perform from the factory?

Another facet to the topic here is that I have a '96 MOnster with Ohlins R/T forks, which are compliant and plush everywhere.  Is it possible to get the S2R forks close to this either with "proper" fork adjustments, or would I have to resort to revalving, or  swap altogether?

Advice, and any details is a big help.  The S2R is a spirited streetbike, not a track tool, so costs should be with that in mind.  Thanks.

Monster forks come from the factory overdamped for the springs they have.  Depending on your weight, you would probably be happier with a heavier spring.  Depending on your expectations, that may be all you need to make the front perfect for you.  What do you weigh?

You may be right.  I weigh about 180 with gear.  Maybe 185 with a full stomach.  I'll have to dink around with compression damping and rebound this weekend (of course saving a baseline record) to double check.

My 08 S2R 1K is the same way - fork springs feel "mushy" - I weigh 180 in my birthday suit.  I cranked up tyhe preload and it was an improvement, but the front end still dives too much under braking,  because the spring rate is too low. eventually I will re-spring front and rear of the bike..........or get another bike ;D