Ducati Monster Forum

My advancing skills (no, not advanced, just better than when I got the Duc ;)) made me want better handling.
At 220lbs I was absolutely desperate for new springs, at least. The rear shock compression was wrong, there was close to NO hydraulic rebound in the forks, progressive and too soft fork springs, you name it - stock 800 suspension sucks.

My budget was about $ 1,500 and I wanted an expert to do all of it, as I wouldn't be able to piece this together by myself. Neither did I want to get used parts. When you evaluate value, keep in mind that labor is about 50% higher here and that we pay 25% taxes on top of everything.
The shop I chose for the job is highly recommended in my country. They do most of the local race bikes, build suspension for Dakar contenders and are one of few (only) certified Öhlins service shops. I believe my bike is in good hands.

I had a choice of Öhlins and WP - went with the WP almost just to do something different. Guru shop said the WP shock I got is at least as good as the basic Öhlins. Same price.

I can't tell you how it handles - bike in storage now, but I'm wondering if you have comments on the specifications below.
Sat on it though, it sags evenly front and rear, it's not possible for me to compress the front closer to the bottom than 13 mm (half inch).

FORKS
Linear 9.3 springs
Oil (WP) 10
Oil level 75mm/3 inches incl spacers
Trade secret modified stock valves. I now have good hydraulic function on both compression AND rebound

SHOCK
WP 4014 Emulsion
Spring 150N
Valves and oil to match my bike, riding and weight
Rebound set to 5 of 16 clicks available (5 from innermost, equals slowest?)

Free sag is at 12 mm, riders sag is at 36 mm

There are no pictures yet. I will report on the handling experience when spring comes [moto]
Well, you at least deserved the one picture I could find, if you followed my ramblings this far....


(http://i329.photobucket.com/albums/l394/stopintime/4014_emulsion.jpg)

cool, my next mod has gotta be replacing the rear shock in my s2r1000. our rear shock isnt all that great either

I remember you asking about this many moons ago.  Congrats on getting it done and from the looks done well.

Yes, it has been a long process. During the first month I didn't notice anything wrong. Then I joined a club group ride and experienced how unstable my bike (and I) was during spirited twisties. Accordingly I started paying attention to the suspension discussions on TOB and here - at first it was only a theoretical idea that I had to upgrade, much influenced by the online points of view. After another 5k miles or so, I was able to determine in which ways my riding was limited. Sometimes because of the lack of suspension, other times because I did something wrong.
My first track day confirmed my ideas and the decision was an easy one. Since then it was just a question about when and how serious. What I most probably have gained from this relatively straight forward mod is a huge leap from stock. It will keep me busy learning how to develop my skills for at least another season or two (10k miles a year) I hope. If by then I still want to move on to better handling - a 996/999/1098 might be the thing.
At the moment I'm not thinking too much about that. I have added fifteen hundred dollars worth of brand new smiles on my face and I will make the best of every single one - vroom vroom

You're going to love it.  Suspension is worth every penny.   [thumbsup]

What is the translation for a 150N spring?  I'm not familiar with that rating.

** edit:  figured it out,  150N/mm * 5.71 = 857lbs/inch **

BK

Thats awesome...Please update with pics.  Also your initial impressions.