Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Tech => Topic started by: Skyshadow on March 23, 2012, 10:28:15 AM

Title: Why am i bottoming out...
Post by: Skyshadow on March 23, 2012, 10:28:15 AM
I have noticed I have been bottoming out a lot and I only weigh 170, this cant be right.

(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa310/huffster_2007/IMAG0061.jpg)
You can see my bump stop has gotten smashed

(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa310/huffster_2007/IMAG0063-1.jpg)
My license plate has gotten mangled

(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa310/huffster_2007/IMAG0062-1.jpg)
(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa310/huffster_2007/IMAG0065-1.jpg)
And my wrap has gotten cheese gradered off.

I thought it could possible be from popping a few wheelies but damn, I only weigh 170.
Title: Re: Why am i bottoming out...
Post by: rule62 on March 23, 2012, 10:39:52 AM
preload

Get a spanner wrench and adjust the collars that hold the spring in place. If you cannot find a spanner, a blunt screw-driver and a hammer will work to tighten the collars up.
Title: Re: Why am i bottoming out...
Post by: He Man on March 23, 2012, 11:00:44 AM
im pretty sure preload wont stop you from bottoming out.

your shock could be broken, or the spring might just be really worn.
Title: Re: Why am i bottoming out...
Post by: Slide Panda on March 23, 2012, 11:14:28 AM
This is an 01 bike with how many miles?

Ever service the shock?
Title: Re: Why am i bottoming out...
Post by: ducatiz on March 23, 2012, 12:12:43 PM
Quote from: NorDog on March 23, 2012, 11:44:01 AM
Who have you been giving rides to?

(http://www.hdforums.com/forum/attachments/off-topic/185287d1305340195-my-hot-ole-lady-posed-up-on-the-ride-fat_chick_on_motorcycle.jpg)

..and that's a dude.

Yeah, I would make sure the spring is good. Was the previous owner 120 lbs and resprung the rear?

You can crank the preload down, but that won't help completely solve it.  Shock original?  Have it checked out.
Title: Re: Why am i bottoming out...
Post by: Skyshadow on March 23, 2012, 06:13:17 PM
17000 miles on it, I put 5000 of them on myself. I think it was lowered by the previous owner cause i can sit flat footed on it at a stop light and I'm 5'9". Even if I have popped a few wheelies it shouldn't do all that should it? I actually had turned down my preload not too long cause it was hitting bump so hard my kidneys would hurt.
Title: Re: Why am i bottoming out...
Post by: ducpainter on March 23, 2012, 06:27:39 PM
Quote from: ducatiz on March 23, 2012, 12:12:43 PM
..and that's a dude.

Yeah, I would make sure the spring is good. Was the previous owner 120 lbs and resprung the rear?

You can crank the preload down, but that won't help completely solve it.  Shock original?  Have it checked out.
Quote from: NorDog on March 23, 2012, 11:44:01 AM
Who have you been giving rides to?

(http://www.hdforums.com/forum/attachments/off-topic/185287d1305340195-my-hot-ole-lady-posed-up-on-the-ride-fat_chick_on_motorcycle.jpg)
Norris,

Izaak...

take a day off guys.

I'm sick of the pics.
Title: Re: Why am i bottoming out...
Post by: Howie on March 23, 2012, 09:18:51 PM
Check sag and make sure the shock has gas and still has damping action.
Title: Re: Why am i bottoming out...
Post by: koko64 on March 23, 2012, 11:50:50 PM
+1
Don't rule out it needing a rebuild, back in the day, I had a brand new 1995 900 Monster that needed two shock replacements within 6 months under warranty. Had the same symptoms.
Title: Re: Why am i bottoming out...
Post by: Skyshadow on March 26, 2012, 01:35:48 PM
Ok so we agree probably the shock. how do I go about testing it? and how much you think it would cost to replace or repair?
Title: Re: Why am i bottoming out...
Post by: Raux on March 26, 2012, 01:39:12 PM
check ebay for a cheap used one
Title: Re: Why am i bottoming out...
Post by: Skyshadow on March 27, 2012, 03:24:10 PM
So any idea on what other models I can pull the shock off for a direct bolt up?
Title: Re: Why am i bottoming out...
Post by: Slide Panda on March 27, 2012, 04:35:35 PM
You don't have a hoop right? If not than any dss monster your year or newer. 600 620 695 750 800 900 1000. Not any of the S*R ones.

Target the 900 or 1000 take offs. Just make sure the 900 is as new as your bike
Title: Re: Why am i bottoming out...
Post by: Skyshadow on March 27, 2012, 05:31:06 PM
Hoop?
So this is a no go? http://www.ebay.com/itm/REAR-SHOCK-DUCATI-S4R-S4-MONSTER-M900-02-Y-/110823790259?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item19cd9cd6b3&vxp=mtr (http://www.ebay.com/itm/REAR-SHOCK-DUCATI-S4R-S4-MONSTER-M900-02-Y-/110823790259?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item19cd9cd6b3&vxp=mtr)

How come not SR?
Title: Re: Why am i bottoming out...
Post by: Slide Panda on March 27, 2012, 06:19:17 PM
Older monsters had a different rear suspension. They had a rocker at the top. One side connected to the shock top, pivot on the frame and the other was connected to the swing arm with a U piece referred to as the hoop

Yes an S4 shock would work. Just confirm that that is an S4 not an S4R shock. The S2R and S4R have a single sided swing arm and use a different shock size.

All double sided swing arm monsters after the hoop era share the same shock size
Title: Re: Why am i bottoming out...
Post by: Skyshadow on March 27, 2012, 06:40:12 PM
Ok, I have a hoop. I thought that's what that was... I confirmed it with the seller, said it will fit a '01 Monster 750. I guess I'll buy it but how do i know its not toast too??

Thanks for all the help by the way?
Title: Re: Why am i bottoming out...
Post by: Speeddog on March 27, 2012, 09:28:27 PM
He's got a hoop-style early suspension, so '01 S4 or all '02 and later will not work properly.

You don't know it's not toast.
Title: Re: Why am i bottoming out...
Post by: koko64 on March 27, 2012, 09:31:13 PM
How much for a basic rebuild up there?
Title: Re: Why am i bottoming out...
Post by: Skyshadow on March 28, 2012, 11:04:04 AM
How do I find out if its not toast and will it be cheaper then the 3 way adjustable S2r shock i found for $75?
Title: Re: Why am i bottoming out...
Post by: Slide Panda on March 28, 2012, 11:37:05 AM
As noted before, a shock from an S2R will not fit. Don't look at them.

You have to rely on the good will, knowledge and honesty of the seller. That's the inherent risk of buying used. if you want to be sure sure, your either need to send yours off to have it serviced or buy new.