Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Tech => Topic started by: Ryanc7 on April 01, 2013, 03:48:55 PM

Title: 2012 Monster 696 flimsy on highway
Post by: Ryanc7 on April 01, 2013, 03:48:55 PM
Hi I find that my new monster is amazing everywhere but the highway, I find at speeds she does not inspire too much confidence the front end seems to wobble, Has anyone found a suspension adjustment or anything else to help this? Or am I just crazy?
Title: Re: 2012 Monster 696 flimsy on highway
Post by: Raux on April 01, 2013, 05:49:16 PM
Check tire pressures
check play on steering stem nut

besides those two things

bike's stable even at triple digits
Title: Re: 2012 Monster 696 flimsy on highway
Post by: the_Journeyman on April 01, 2013, 06:03:51 PM
Yea, check what Raux mentioned.  Never had a stability issue at high speed.

JM
Title: Re: 2012 Monster 696 flimsy on highway
Post by: ducwild on April 01, 2013, 08:27:03 PM
Hey Ryan, I used think think that same thing with my old harley sportster, anything 80 and above it felt loose.  No such feeling with the Monster, the wheels feel pinned to the ground.  Wish I could give you something concrete to check on, but I don't.  Hope you are able to resolve your issue.
Title: Re: 2012 Monster 696 flimsy on highway
Post by: ungeheuer on April 01, 2013, 08:55:20 PM
Quote from: Ryanc7 on April 01, 2013, 03:48:55 PM
Has anyone found a suspension adjustment or anything else to help this? Or am I just crazy?
Raux has found a front suspension adjustment on his 696 [thumbsup]
Title: Re: 2012 Monster 696 flimsy on highway
Post by: Ryanc7 on April 01, 2013, 08:56:27 PM
I am due for inspection in a few miles anyway, Ill have the dealer look at her
Title: Re: 2012 Monster 696 flimsy on highway
Post by: DAYS OF GLORY PAST on April 01, 2013, 09:10:14 PM
On the track flat out top speed does fine , in the turns its not a race bike but still nothing unexpected . tire pressure and steering head should be checked . 24,000 miles on mine
Title: Re: 2012 Monster 696 flimsy on highway
Post by: Howie on April 02, 2013, 12:37:42 AM
Check ride height and sag too.
Title: Re: 2012 Monster 696 flimsy on highway
Post by: Raux on April 02, 2013, 12:39:06 AM
true... how much do you weigh?
Title: Re: 2012 Monster 696 flimsy on highway
Post by: Ryanc7 on April 02, 2013, 06:03:28 AM
145
Title: Re: 2012 Monster 696 flimsy on highway
Post by: Raux on April 02, 2013, 07:41:05 AM
you could back off the rear spring rate a bit i suspect as well as dial down the dampening.

if it's set at stock it might be too hard for you and you're not getting enough movement on the rear suspension.

the front... you may need springs replaced. or carry 15pound backpack ;)
Title: Re: 2012 Monster 696 flimsy on highway
Post by: wiggsmeister on April 03, 2013, 01:16:56 AM
how long have you owned your monster? what else do you ride or did you ride?
Title: Re: 2012 Monster 696 flimsy on highway
Post by: ducpainter on April 03, 2013, 08:27:23 AM
Quote from: wiggsmeister on April 03, 2013, 01:16:56 AM
how long have you owned your monster? what else do you ride or did you ride?
Good question.

Most, not all, instability issues are due to rider input if the basics like tire pressure are within reason.

It can be something as simple as a loose fitting jacket causing bar input and the feeling of instability.

A good test is to remove one hand from the bars to see if things settle down.
Title: Re: 2012 Monster 696 flimsy on highway
Post by: SpikeC on April 03, 2013, 04:10:10 PM
 When I picked up my Monster I thought it felt a little twitchy going through the first couple of intersections, butt on my fairly fast blitz about Monday, with some in corner bumps involved, it was just dead nuts stable. It is a little surprising just how stable this bike is given it's light weight and short wheel base..
Title: Re: 2012 Monster 696 flimsy on highway
Post by: Greg on April 04, 2013, 08:41:44 AM
A lot of people have complained about Monsters coming from the factory very soft on the front end and too hard on the rear shock, mine was the same way.
Title: Re: 2012 Monster 696 flimsy on highway
Post by: Ryanc7 on April 04, 2013, 07:49:08 PM
Quote from: Greg on April 04, 2013, 08:41:44 AM
A lot of people have complained about Monsters coming from the factory very soft on the front end and too hard on the rear shock, mine was the same way.

How did you fix the problem? if it all