Ducati Monster Forum

On the otherwise sufficient S2R800 I'm missing the adjustable front suspension. I'm having the "fully adjustable" rear set up for me, at 230, and I'm wondering if there are limits to what can be done - not to interfere with the soft front. What will be the problem riding with a firm rear and a soft front, if any?

I'm definitely not a specialist, but when I turned a couple of clicks for more rebound damping I noticed that  the back tire lost traction under heavy braking. I guess too much damping made it impossible for the back tire to keep in contact with the road because the front end compresses very quickly when braking. I'm not sure if the firmness of the shock has an equaly drastic effect, but the handling won't be optimal if there's a lot of difference in firmness between back and front. I'm thinking jump/dive effect when going over bumps, like I felt when I had too much preload.

I had the preload adjusted two turns and the rebound two clicks. Nice and confidence building, although my softer front is reminding me to keep a loose grip and letting the bike work for me through the twisties. The front is probably too soft, but I will have to live with that until I decide on another bike or going to work on my fork.

If you are doing your rear shock you will be doing the front soon enough.  ;)
The front is undersprung and overdampened as the back was. You will find the rear to be much better.

As to geometry changes you will load the nose of the bike more due to the fact the new shock will not collapse when you get on the gas. This will put more weight on the front and it will turn quick due to the nose down attitude.

Thanks, that puts it together.