Ducati Monster Forum

I tried a search but it's 4am and I'm too tired to look thoroughly (but obviously not too tired to ask).

I think I'm about ready to start upgrading the suspension on my '01 M750. What are my options for relatively inexpensive rear suspension upgrades?

Are there any compatible shocks from other Ducati's? Any and/or all compatibilities would be good so I can check on prices.

Should I just be looking for a new spring?

The current setup is completely stock with just over 16k on the clock. It's a hoop suspension link rear end.

I have an '01 750 (hooped suspension) as well and unfortunately shocks from non-hooped bikes will not fit. :'( This includes SBK (916 and later), ST and '02+ monsters. The shock is shorter and the external reservoir (where present) will have clearance issues with the vertical exhaust.

If you want an OK rear shock, then keep the one you have and just spring it for your weight (about $110).

If you want a slightly better rear shock, then keep the one you have and just spring it for your weight (about $110) and put in new valving (about $190).

If you want a very good rear shock, then look for an Ohlins with detached reservoir (about $800).

There are other options, some people have Penske shocks. I've also heard about Traxxion (http://www.traxxion.com/shocks-2.aspx) but I have no experience with them.

The $$$ numbers for the first two option come from the RaceTech (http://old.racetech.com/evalving/english/Srchpr.asp?bikeid=65&manufacture=Ducati&model=750+Monster&year=98-01&TABLEINFO=street&langname=english) site. The only problem I have with them is their spring rate calculator. The numbers for the rear shock are wrong, as in too soft: it suggests 8.5 for me with 9.4 is stock.

+1.

There's a how-to change the rear spring with a video in the tutorials section: www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=32414.0 (http://)

Thanks for the info Pepe'.

Figures that damned hoop would get in the way!!

I used Traxxion to get my Penske. It has the remote reservoir (required to be remote on the hooped generation to have additional reservoir volume). They were great to work with, came sprung for my weight, torrington bearing to adjust preload easily, etc.

They have lower cost options as well as the triple clicker high-end models.

Do you mind sharing what the cost of your shock was?
I'm looking to update the rear shock as well and I found an Ohlins with remote reservoir for $699. It's a bitter pill to swallow if that's the only option on the table. Bike will be used fir commuting and spirited riding only. Here's the link for the Ohlins.

http://store.hardracing.com/cart.php?target=product&product_id=16683&category_id= (http://store.hardracing.com/cart.php?target=product&product_id=16683&category_id=)

Penske is closer to 1k (under but close) - mine came from Traxxion - but I also had it put together with torrington bearing

What's a Torrington bearing?

A type of needle bearing originally from named after the manufacturer.  Timkin now own Torrington.  If you go to this web site   http://farnorthracing.com/autocross_secrets5.html (http://farnorthracing.com/autocross_secrets5.html)  and scroll down you will see an example.  They withstand very high loads for thier size.

i'm a large mammal, so i have a pretty heavy rear spring on my monster to have sag set for track riding - to make it easier to adjust preload, i wanted a bearing so moving those collars wasn't ridiculous hard because of friction.

I see. Thanks for the explanation.

SpeedDog can help you pick the right spring and get it for you.  He'd probably even install it for you if you sent him the shock.

Scott

I had already planned on taking the bike to Nick for that, he's done all the work on the bike since I got it.   ;)