Ducati Monster Forum

Hey guys,

I'm thinking about doing some suspension tuning on my 620, and have some questions for you guys.  I won't be doing the work myself, as I'd be more confident in getting a properly setup rig through a suspension specialist (Piper Performance down in Fort Worth).

My plan is at the very least to upgrade the spring in my stock forks with some Racetechs and replace the oil with a matching weight.  What would I be missing by not going to adjustables?  Will i see a marked improvement just from the upgraded spring over the stock components?

Bike usage consists of 80% surface street commuting (no highway, 10 minutes from work), and 20% back country flogging.  I would like to do some trackdays in the Spring, but that would be maybe 1% of my riding time.

Any thoughts?  Upgraded Fixed vs Upgraded Adjustables?   

how much do you weigh?

adjustability itself isnt that important if you can get a correct spring/oil for you.

adjustable forks/cartridges however will have superior damping that you cannot get through springs and oil.

taking it further, the difference between a set of high end forks (like ohlins) and non adjustable forks with high end cartridge kits which has the exact same damping specs is the fork inner (the portion that slides) in the ohlins will be longer and not subject to stiction the way the done up stock forks will. that said, most of us will probably not be able to notice a significant difference between a high end cartridge kit and a set of ohlins.


bottom line, if you can afford cartridges or new forks do it. but if you can only afford springs and oil you will still be in a better place than you are now.

there's not a lot you can do with the Marzocchi forks (just the springs/oil you mentioned)

we had some non-adj showas rebuilt/gold-valved...and it made a noticable difference.

as mentioned...the springs are worth doing if the bike is undersprung for your weight...

I weigh 175.  My only complaint with the forks is it gets a little bouncy around the turns.  I'm basically looking for a way to get the bike more planted.  In the future, if I do go with adjustables, I may do the whole shibang and get superbikes and clipons.  For now though, I'm looking for an affordable improvement in the interim.  Anyone with first hand accounts of upgrading the stock Marzocchis?

having seen it done on many occasions, having the stocker's reworked will provide you much better bang for the buck then. If you would like, I know a guy in NC you can ship the forks to who is Penske and Ohlins certified and is amazingly good and cheap...you just got to be 100% upfront with him on usage so he can set them up for you so all you have to do is bolt them back in and go go go go....

I also have a 620 and I am eyeying the suspension for this winter mod.  So what parts do I need to replace if I can not afford the full adjustable forks?  The suspension items really intrigue me but also a part that I am really nervous about.  Thanks a lot for the advice guys.

Adam

I have a guy in NH that is a sponsor with similar credentials.

He did my non adjustable showas and made them near perfect for what they are.

www.clubhousemotorsports.com (http://)

Thanks guys for the suggestions and referrals on this.  What are the limits on the Marzzochis vs the Showas?     

Showas can be easily re-valved.  All that can be easily done on the Marzocchis is springs and oil.  There are kits for the Marzocchis, but, IMO too much money and work.  Springs and oil does make them much better.


Same guy did my Showas.  Night and day [thumbsup]

At 175# and OEM 620 forks, you would benefit from appropriate springs and oil to match.

Adjustable Showas from an M1000 or S2R would still need springs and oil.
They would be better than your forks if you just wanted to bolt them on.

Adjustable Showas from S4 or S4R would be sprung about right, but would need oil.
Same as above, better than your forks.

Above comparison is assuming the forks are still OEM internals.

The internals for Marzocchis are only available as a complete damper rod due to construction. I believe it's about 1K for a set of forks

The Showas have valves available for a fraction of the price.

i weigh 125 lbs... are the stock m800sie suspension bits sufficient?  or possibly over sprung for me?

Possibly over sprung.

It's easy to check sag.

how would one check to see if it's too much spring for me?  sit on the bike and how much should it sink?

You'll need some help.

First you lift the bike to extend the suspension fully and measure. Make some marks so your measurements are repeatable.

Then have a friend hold the bike upright. Climb on with all your gear and bounce the suspension to settle things. Sit as you normally ride.

Then have someone else take a measurement in the same place.

You're looking for 1 1/4 - 1 3/8 inches

Same thing in the rear.

Thanks Ducpainter for the breakdown.  That's the first I've read of an empirical length of play to shoot for.

Continuing on the subject of suspension and bang for your buck, there was a thread pertaining to upgrading a 695.  The poster replaced the forks with springs, and then the rear shock with a Penske unit (one-way adjustable, upgradable).  Should both forks and rear shock be upgraded as a unit?  If only one could be done at a time, which would give the most benefit?

Also, I fully grasp removing the front forks and either sending them off or doing the spring/oil change myself.  The rear shock, on the other hand, seems a little intimidating.  How difficult is the rear shock install?  Are these just bolt up and go pieces, or should I pay a professional to set it up?