Hi guys,
I just bought a S2R and I'm a little tall and would like to raise the seat height by a couple of inches or more. How is that possible?
I also wanted to raise the handlebars a bit. Because my body is longer, I have to lean more to grab the bars.
thanks!
How tall are you?
A Sargent seat is a little taller, more comfy.
You can get some bar risers.
I'm over 6'7. I fit on the bike fine, but when I'm stopped it looks and feels like i'm riding a bicycle hahaah. I'm so used to things not fitting me that it really doesn't bother me. As long as my legs fit around the tank I'm fine ;D
Most people raise the rear shock length by about 1/2 inch, this lifts the overall ride height by about 1 inch and quickens the steering, which you may or may not like, personally I do like it. A set of handlebar risers from one of our sponsors will lift the bar height too.
Some rearsets (if you're feeling rich) would also make things a bit more comfortable.
Quote from: brimo on August 05, 2009, 12:27:20 AM
Most people raise the rear shock length by about 1/2 inch, this lifts the overall ride height by about 1 inch and quickens the steering, which you may or may not like, personally I do like it. A set of handlebar risers from one of our sponsors will lift the bar height too.
Some rearsets (if you're feeling rich) would also make things a bit more comfortable.
How is this done? By turning the big screw below the strut or by turning the 2 big rings above the spring or a combination of both?
I'm not feeling rich now, so rearsets will come later :). I will get the bar risers though.
Maybe i should just chop my legs off a bit [thumbsup]
6'7" is about the tallest I've heard of on a Monster.
How much do you weigh?
You can raise the rear by adjusting the pushrod next to the shock.
It does steepen the head angle and reduce trail, so it will make the handling quicker.
You could try raising the rear ride height an inch or so and see how it feels.
Keep an eye on the upper chain guide, some folks will get accelerated wear.
IIRC, you may be able to drop the forks in the triple 1/2" - 3/4".
Quote from: speeddog on August 05, 2009, 10:44:33 AM
you can raise the rear by adjusting the pushrod next to the shock.
is that the big screw on the bottom of the shock? what about the 2 big rings above the shock? sorry about the questions. i'm totally new to ducatis.
i weigh 235/240...
You would definitely benefit from new springs that are appropriate to your weight.
The pushrod is attached by the same bolt as the shock, on the swingarm.
Which year and model of S2R do you have?
+1 on a new spring, maybe also in the forks.
I'm 6'4", 220 plus gear. I dug in deep on my MasterCard and got new suspension. New bike! Handles SOOO much better. When I got the correct springs it raised the front by about half an inch and the rear (with me on the bike) by about one inch. It really helps the Monster to turn more willingly.
To know how it feels to have a stiffer spring, you can tighten the two rings on top of the spring. It's called to increase preload. If you have the S2R 1000, you can do the same to the fork.
About the risers - being tall puts your torso more upright, not as you say with a longer reach. If you add risers, they will push your torso even higher, which is comfortable but bad for handling. Turning a Monster well and with confidence require as much weight as possible up front (lower torso, loose elbows). So, if handling is prioritized, forget the risers. At least until you get to know your bike.
guys with an S2R... how about posting a photo how to on this?
The pushrod/ride height adjuster is the long rod that runs parallel to the shock, it has a nut and a rose joint on each end. (The nut with the notches in it is a left hand thread so remember this when loosening it). Loosen both the nuts and turn the whole rod, you'll see it change length. A little bit goes a long way, so adjust it about 1/4 inch at a time and take it for a ride, as it makes a big difference to the steering, if you overdo it you'll risk tankslappers at speed and nobody enjoys that.
It is a real PITA to get the wrenches in there but persevere and you'll get there.
Bump up the preload a bit on the rear shock for your weight( the two big rings on top of the shock) this will reduce the rear end sag.
Her's a pic of what it looks like.(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm259/andrewb172/bike/S2R06.jpg)
Quote from: Raux on August 05, 2009, 12:49:42 PM
guys with an S2R... how about posting a photo how to on this?
Here is a link to the manual
http://www.wanwo.zoomshare.com/1.shtml (http://www.wanwo.zoomshare.com/1.shtml)
Push rod/ ride height is the purple arrow.
Preload rings are hidden in the picture, but are indicated by the orange arrow.
You'll need a tool to adjust those.
http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/ci-showatool/Maintenance/ci-showatool.html (http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/ci-showatool/Maintenance/ci-showatool.html)
http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/ci-sachstool/Maintenance/ci-sachstool.html (http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/ci-sachstool/Maintenance/ci-sachstool.html)
(http://i329.photobucket.com/albums/l394/stopintime/bomb/bomb016-1.jpg)
i'm going to take a look into the pushrood thingy. i really don't want the bike to be too unstable and tankslappers are horrible. i hope i'll never have to deal with one.
i was reading the owner's manual and it says something like you should have a professional mess with that since it is an important part of the bike and misadjusting could cause an accident. what do you guys think?
regarding, the spring preload, bumping up the preload means tightening the rings correct? i know that tightening the rings will make the bike stiffer and won't bounce as much, but wouldn't i lose height if i did that?
i will post my some pics of my bike soon. it's a 2005 S2R with 2500 miles. Excellent shape and looks like just came out of the shop. Ducati red with white stripe and rims. Arrow exhaust and power commander. I'm loving it.
i know this is a different thread, but what are your opinions about having the wheels painted or powdercoated in black?
Quote from: stopintime on August 05, 2009, 01:14:42 PM
Push rod/ ride height is the purple arrow.
Preload rings are hidden in the picture, but are indicated by the orange arrow.
You'll need a tool to adjust those.
very nice! thanks for the image and the links stopintime. is there another way to ajdust it without that tool and without having to hammer a screw driver for example?
i'm starting to like this forum!!! thanks for all the help! [thumbsup]
hey stopintime, i know this is listed as a chain adjuster tool, but it looks exactly the same as the one in the url you sent me. what are your thoughts? thanks
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ducati-chain-adjusting-tool-748-916-996-998-S4R-S2R_W0QQitemZ250474435114QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotorcycles_Parts_Accessories?hash=item3a5170922a&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ducati-chain-adjusting-tool-748-916-996-998-S4R-S2R_W0QQitemZ250474435114QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotorcycles_Parts_Accessories?hash=item3a5170922a&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245)
Quote from: jamanta on August 05, 2009, 01:35:12 PM
hey stopintime, i know this is listed as a chain adjuster tool, but it looks exactly the same as the one in the url you sent me. what are your thoughts? thanks
It looks very similar, but it's larger I think - fits around a bigger part than the shock rings.
Quote from: jamanta on August 05, 2009, 01:28:41 PM
very nice! thanks for the image and the links stopintime. is there another way to ajdust it without that tool and without having to hammer a screw driver for example?
i'm starting to like this forum!!! thanks for all the help! [thumbsup]
We're only glad to help (despite your avatar ;D)
I'm sure there is a way without the tool, but I wouldn't know how - sorry
Chain adjusting tool is too big for the shock.
But you should get one anyway, if you're planning on doing routine maintenance yourself.
Shock spring adjusting tool is about the only way other than with a punch and hammer.
It can be adjusted on the bike, but it's way easier if you remove the shock.
Ideally a stiffer spring, to get it in the ballpark for your weight.
Quote from: stopintime on August 05, 2009, 01:49:46 PM
We're only glad to help (despite your avatar ;D)
What? you didn't like my hair? Business in the front and party in the back hahah! I love when my mullet is flying around while I ride my monster :)
I'm going to change my avatar soon. I just had to put a ridiculous montage of myself [thumbsup]
since you guys are so nice and helpful, can you give me some help on this topic?
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=27773.msg483626#msg483626 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=27773.msg483626#msg483626)
;D
i'm going to take a look into the pushrood thingy. i really don't want the bike to be too unstable and tankslappers are horrible. i hope i'll never have to deal with one.
You won't have to if you get your weight forward and get new springs front and rear.
i was reading the owner's manual and it says something like you should have a professional mess with that since it is an important part of the bike and misadjusting could cause an accident. what do you guys think?
It's precaution from Ducati - it will change the handling of your bike, but in a good way since you're outweighing the stock suspension
regarding, the spring preload, bumping up the preload means tightening the rings correct? i know that tightening the rings will make the bike stiffer and won't bounce as much, but wouldn't i lose height if i did that?
Tightening as in making them move downwards, yes. It means that you will be sitting higher because the bike/suspension isn't compressed as easily. The bouncing will be harder and shorter - that's where the rebound adjustment comes in. A small screw on the very bottom of the shock - it must be adjusted accordingly (by a proffesional?) to avoid sending you and the bike airbourne on bumps because of the stiffer preloaded spring.
i will post my some pics of my bike soon. it's a 2005 S2R with 2500 miles. Excellent shape and looks like just came out of the shop. Ducati red with white stripe and rims. Arrow exhaust and power commander. I'm loving it.
i know this is a different thread, but what are your opinions about having the wheels painted or powdercoated in black?
The white weels are great looking, but only if they are white. Black powdercoating will save you a lot of washing and polishing
Quote from: jamanta on August 05, 2009, 01:58:00 PM
since you guys are so nice and helpful, can you give me some help on this topic?
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=27773.msg483626#msg483626 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=27773.msg483626#msg483626)
;D
You mean help you to quiet down a Monster? I can help you, but I refuse [evil] ;D
Seriously, I don't know anything about Arrows. You should get answers soon though. Maybe better if you moved it to accessories & mods? You can do that yourself - a button on the bottom left side of the screen. [thumbsup]
Sorry about the avatar comment - no disrespect intended [bow_down]
Quote from: stopintime on August 05, 2009, 02:15:54 PM
Sorry about the avatar comment - no disrespect intended [bow_down]
haha, no disrespect at all. this is a funny picture of myself. there's no way in hell i would ever look like that haha.
about the springs: which one do you recommend? we weigh about the same. i'm not going to deal with the pushrod...
i don't want to quiet the monster :) i just know that my neighbors are going to complain about it. i had one neighbor next to me complain that open the garage door too much. hahah, ridiculous.
Quote
Tightening as in making them move downwards, yes. It means that you will be sitting higher because the bike/suspension isn't compressed as easily. The bouncing will be harder and shorter - that's where the rebound adjustment comes in. A small screw on the very bottom of the shock - it must be adjusted accordingly (by a proffesional?) to avoid sending you and the bike airbourne on bumps because of the stiffer preloaded spring.
i'm going to try that out and do some different combinations of the rebound adjustment and the spring preload
Quote from: jamanta on August 05, 2009, 02:28:36 PM
about the springs: which one do you recommend? we weigh about the same. i'm not going to deal with the pushrod...
i'm going to try that out and do some different combinations of the rebound adjustment and the spring preload
Ask Speeddog about recommended springs - he's a professional [thumbsup]
My spring is longer than normal and will perform more predictably/consistently over the full range, but it requires a high performance shock, which I have. It's very stiff and the whole package is set up for agressive riding and track days. I wouldn't recommend my stuff for normal riding. I think you will be happy with something in between. Why don't you go see a suspension shop - get their input/price and take it from there [thumbsup]
You can deal with the pushrod later if it's still needed/wanted.
When you play with settings, write down what you do and make comments on the result. It's easy to get lost.
Quote from: stopintime on August 05, 2009, 03:17:19 PM
Ask Speeddog about recommended springs - he's a professional [thumbsup]
speeddog, what would you recommend me for a good and affordable spring? thanks!
Also, don't forget the front suspension. If it's non-adjustable it's almost certainly too soft. You can spend lots to swap the whole thing out but just getting some springs appropriate to your weight make a huge difference and only cost about $130. I changed mine on my '03 800 Dark and it brought the front end up about 1/2". This will also help counter the raise in the rear using the pushrod and keep you away from the tank slappers. At the core, having the right spring rate on both ends makes the bike more comfortable and predictable to ride.
Scott
Quote from: jamanta on August 05, 2009, 03:21:57 PM
speeddog, what would you recommend me for a good and affordable spring? thanks!
You should be able to get a rear spring for ~$100.
A local suspension tuner would be a good starting point, whereabouts do you live?
I'd say something around a 12.0 kg/mm rear spring, and a set of 1.0 kg/mm springs for the front.
Quote from: Speeddog on August 08, 2009, 07:38:48 AM
You should be able to get a rear spring for ~$100.
A local suspension tuner would be a good starting point, whereabouts do you live?
I'd say something around a 12.0 kg/mm rear spring, and a set of 1.0 kg/mm springs for the front.
i'm right above you in oregon. i called the ducati place here (moto corsa) and they quoted me around $500 for a spring replacement and all adjustments, etc. i think it is too much. if i were to replace the spring at home, would i need special tools for it?
thanks [thumbsup]