Ducati Monster Forum

I recently purchased a used Penske shock for my s2r1000 but it came from an M900. All the mounting seems the same except I learned the Penske is about 1 inch longer than the stock Sachs shock. I know this will change the ride height but I'm wondering if it would be so much so that it will negatively affect the the stability and handling. Does anyone have any suggestions?

With most Ducatis I've ridden or been around, increased ride height is a welcomed enhancement.  It transfers a bit of weight to the front wheel (which in most Ducatis is beneficial) and increases ground clearance.

I don't know much about Monsters, but I'd say as long as the saddle height is still comfortable you ought to give it a try.

Which Penske is it?  Can the length be adjusted?  On all of their current models, seems like length is adjustable.  And if it's adjusted all the way in already, maybe you can get a different length eyelet from Penske.

It's the 8983 double clicker with the remote reservoir. I spoke to Penske and they told me that it's an inch longer and that to make it "right" for my bike it would cost $450. I think he said it would need a new body. It is adjustable from 12 1/8 to 12 9/16 eye to eye.

Well if it's got the same stroke as what's supposed to be on there, I'd be tempted to just use it. Are you flat-footing the ground now?  Only other limitation I can think of is exhaust clearance with the swingarm and I don't think 1" is gonna be a problem.

Also, to compensate for the longer shock, you could check the ride height adjuster to see if you can bring that in.

I'm tall enough so I'm not worried about reaching the ground but how does stroke affect the ride and handling? Also, does anyone know the dimensions of the stock Sachs unit from eye to eye?

Stock Sachs on the S2R is 305 mm = 12.007 in.  If you can adjust that Penske to 12 1/8, you're only 1/8 over the stock.  Shouldn't be a problem at all!

+1

OK, I'm starting to feel better about it. Now how about the stroke issue? What is it and what does it do?  ???

Also, the longer the stroke, the more room for damping. But seeing as it came from a Monster already, don't think there'll be a difference in stroke.

Many thanks, guys. I'll get it in and report back. Of course then it'll be the ominous task of setting the sag and dialing in the new shock. I think I'll leave that to a professional  ;)

Cheers

Being only an 1/8th off shouldn't be too bad.  Do be aware that it will raise the bike more than 1/8th.  You can use an adjustable link to put the height back to stock or set it as you need to (if your bike didn't come with an adjustable link as standard).  A link from a 748 should be about the same as your stocker, but adjustable with a little room to go higher or lower. a 749/999 link should be about 10mm shorter IIRC.