So, I'm getting the bug to upgrade my front suspension on the 695 since they feel like a pogo stick without the fun. these are the marzocchi non-adjustable variety. what i have gathered thusfar are the following options and i've got questions about them all. Muchos gracias for any and all input!
1. SBK upgrade. Moderately affordable. requires triple clamp since these are 53 mm forks all the way. i'd love to do a top triple and some clip ons. question i have is about the lower triple. it'll drive me nuts if that lower clamp doesn't match the top clamp. does this mean an entire triple assembly or can the lower be bought separately as well. the whole assembly can get pricey and i can snag a cycle cat top triple for like 90 bucks. Is all this correct and anybody have any advice/suggestions?
2. S4R forks direct bolt up, but hard to find and expensive when you do. I've found a ton of info on here regarding fork upgrades, but thought it might be nice to have folks chime in for the 620/695 crowd specifically. Any similar models that have been tried and worked for anyone else?
3. Now for the tough one. I've checked with race tech about springs for the 695 and they don't know what to do. I checked part numbers and found the 620 was the exact same spring. They still don't know what will work. Apparently, there are some critical dimensions of the springs that they need and they could get the right spring, but I'm kind of at a loss here. Has anyone done the spring upgrade from race tech on a 620/695 and have the right part numbers or dimensions of the springs?
thanks much!
Sounds like you've got it covered. Another option is a cartridge kit + springs, but it's not a cheap route. I think the S2R800 uses the same fork/spring as your M695, and if I recall someone posted all the racetech part numbers for that about 3-6 months ago. Anything will be a vast improvement - good luck, and don't forget to budget for a rear shock!
BK
What's your height/weight? Are you getting the new suspension to make it better or safe? I'm interested in the upgrade you're doing, keep posting on progress!
I have the same forks on my S2R 800 - they are not very good, especially the missing rebound makes them jump back up after the SOFT springs compression. It makes the bike much less safe than it should be, more so if you're a heavy and spirited rider.
The SBK/S4R conversion is probably the best, but can be difficult and expensive.
Re-valving isn't an option. The internals can't be replaced.
Cheapest option is new (linear) springs and heavier oil, but that won't (completely) take care of the rebound issue.
My way was medium expensive and includes a suspension shop with beyond normal skills. They were able to customize the stock valving to include good rebound.
Which leaves us with the best option, IMO, ......
Buy used, then serviced, S2R 1000 forks (or similar) including new (linear) springs.
I have had good experiences with Chris Saraceni at MotoredSports/Desmotion. I think his member name is Desmotion, but you are going to have to call him to get in contact. If you can't find his number, PM me.
He usually offers these forks, serviced, anodized black and with new springs for around $500. Direct bolt on for your bike.
This is what I would have done if I knew about it at the time of my suspension work.
As mentioned, you're going to need or want a new shock as well.
It adds up, but you're going to be amazed - I was told I wouldn't get a better bike, but a NEW bike. It's true [thumbsup]
One more option you didn't mention is forks off of a Suzuki GSXR 750 or 1000. Many years of this fork are direct bolt-up (the ones I used were from a 2005 GSXR 1000). It's pretty easy, but will require a wheel, brake calipers and axle off of the same bike as well. You can use the Brembo wheel that came with the 695 but then have to make spacers for the rotors, calipers and axle (you still need the GSXR axle and brake calipers)
If you're going to do the work yourself then just open the forks up and measure the springs, doesn't take long. You need to know the overall outside diameter and the length. I had the same problem with my Marzocchis on my 800 Dark, no part listed. Once I had the specs I got springs from RaceTech and they work great. Ducati seems to swap forks a lot on the low end Monsters so you never really know what you have until you open it up.
Also, you may not need heaiver oil. Stock is 7.5w in my bike and I went with 5w, a lighter oil. Once the spring rate is right you don't need to overcompensate with heavy oil. Monsters tend to be undersprung and overdamped on the front end.
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=22402.0 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=22402.0)
Scott
ST2/3/4 forks work well, and are a direct bolt in. Some are fully adjustable, some are preload adjustable only, but they are showas and are much better than the marzocchis that you have. You can also get a cartridge kit from Matris that replaces all the internals. I have no experience with them but understand that they work very well.