Ducati Monster Forum

I'm getting more and more dissatisfied with my nonadjustable forks. There's nobody home to answer my calls when I need some help while breaking, turning or both. Too much high speed compression and too little slow speed compression  [bang]

I'm having a front and rear rebuild when my bank gives me the green light, and it would be nice to add the feature of adjustability while the other work is done.

DP has at some point in time had adjuster parts for this mod says my tech, but he isn't sure if it's on the list anymore.
(-and no, I don't wish to replace my forks with S2R1000/SBK/Gixxer or whatever. Money/knowledge issues)

So, basically I'm looking for just the adjustable top part for my forks. Anyone?

Could try  the Matris replacement cartridges

http://departmentofsuspension.com/matris-forkkits.htm

The Matris kit is probably the way to go since its fairly priced between an ohlins front, and spring/valve upgrade.

I'll be checking in with those guys tomorrow, thanks.

Do you know if the cartridges are delivered with customized spring rates/valves?

Gradually I've understood that if my suspension will be firm it will also be worth while to have adjustable. Today it's so out of control that I just didn't think it mattered.

S2R800 are completely undersprung for anyone over 150lbs. Those matris kits will come with the right springs, you just need to tell them which springs you need. It wouldnt be too bad to do a SBK/GSXR/R6 fork conversion. Though it would be a lot more work (but not too much more difficult) te plus side is, you can get radial brakes along with the upgrade and still be under the cost of the matris kit. the fork conversion with the right springs will still be 10x better than your stock forks.

I went with the spring/valve route since my forks are already fully adjustable. But i'm going to probably end up selling them to pick up a GSXR set. I really want me some radials brakes!

Department of Suspension no longer sells Matris - too bad, because I liked the idea a lot. At slightly below 1k it would have been a good/better alternative than replacing parts.

I found a local distributor for Matris. You've heard me complain about Norwegian prices before, but come on  [bang] $1,750 for the basic cartridges kit and $2,650 for the high end kit. Oh well - back to my original plan (springs, valves, oil, shims, whatnot and maybe the adjuster cap if I can find it)

Does anybody have any idea about this part?

Have you looked here

http://www.carpimoto.it/content/prod/l_EN/s_129_Forks/br_8_Ducati/bi_794_Monster_S2R_800/fi_17_Matris/sp_1/pr_28217_Matris_Fork_Cartridge_Kit_for_Ducati_Monster_400_05__620__800_03_04_750_900ie_2002_S2R_800.htm

Wait, so even parts are jacked up in yoru country? Man, is there anyone state side that you trust enough with money? lol Springs valves  and oil shouldnt cost you more than $400 in parts in the US. $100 per a spring, and 100 per a valve.

what country is the op from?  I was thinking about going the matris route and had to go directly with the guys in Italy.  I decided to upgrade with some s2r1000 forks (i have 800)

With shipping and local VAT that's still $450 cheaper than locally - hmm - back to thinking again. Thanks [thumbsup]

That's about two thirds of prices here, but I need the knowledge of my guru to make this a complete and successful venture, also for future references. He must be allowed a small profit on the parts or he would have to charge me more for the labour. Realistically I think that's kind of fair. Wish I was able to do it all by myself, but I'm not.

BTW - I would trust a few DMFers, yourself included.  :o I'll get back to it if needed later on. Anyone in need of some easy cash made off
that naive Norwegian?  [laugh] [wine]

I'm from Norway. Matris are represented in quite a few European countries. The 1000 forks and other ideas have been considered, but I think I'll just work on the stock forks and upgrade the breaks with the DP four piston/320 mm rotors kit. For some reason that kit is rather affordable ($900 even at the price levels here).

That's too bad Jason doesn't carry the Matris kits anymore...I got him to install the kit on my forks. He also got my fork tubes anodized for me...they turned out sweet!
I haven't got a chance to test them out yet. Still putting everything back together and should be back on the road next week.

I need $ and i will help. lol Send $ i will buy it, and ship it to you. valves and springs arent hard. I think i need to correct one of my prices. Ractech valves come in pairs. i think i only paid $150 for both. Im not sure, but total cost was $600 to install springs valves and oil, with the forks on the bike + 1 part that i smashed inside the fork. Sounds like ud get raped in the ass over there.I know someone who has them on hand and in stock. ECS STEVE AND JAY, WOO!!!!1!1

How about some second hand forks off ebay, they come up all the time.

Thanks a lot, but I will have to follow my local route. There will be all sorts of shipping, insurance and custom paper work issues to work out - plus the warranty, need for a place to turn if anything goes wrong and for servicing in the future. I really appreciate the offer, but the money saved could easily get lost in the issues mentioned.
 

Oh well, the trick is to bend over and relax, don't fight it. Eventually we get used to it. :P

+1 Ebay a set of S2R1000 forks for $350 ish. Whats the policy of foreign packages to your country anyway?

Another option for you

http://www.traxxion.com/AxxionCartridges.shtml

With my limited how-to skills and very few good mechanics locally (small country/few Ducs) I need to cooperate with the chosen few to keep them happy. Sometimes this means paying a little bit more, but I usually get very good relationships with them and that will pay off sooner and/or later.
Buying something used and asking them to apply their skills for just parts of the profit could end up making them feel left out (kind of). At least that's how I see it.
There's also my cautiousness with used parts - which prohibits me to go that route.
As for the used S2R1000 forks in particular: I believe that would require new/used brakes as well - and there we go again with the sceptical StopInTime. I'm planning on the mysteriously low priced DP 4 piston 320 rotor upgrade kit for my rebuilt stock forks.

Foreign packages are charged with 25% local VAT plus a "small" custom clearance fee - about $30 to $60. "Gifts" are often charged as well if the customs officer on duty has the time to calculate the value and/or a bad day.

Tempting, very tempting, but also outside my price range. Thanks for the suggestion though [thumbsup]

I hate depending on other people to get what i want. Thats my best reason for doing my own work. I always make the beast with two backs up the first time around, or take a long ass time. But you learn as you go on. S2R1000 forks are a complete drop in. Putting in new springs is very easy as it too is a drop in. And as far as used parts go. I think the amount of people who buy used an buy new are almost equal. You just have to know who you are buying from. Eitherway, if you have the funds, and it makes you feel better to spend the money locally, then by all means do so. that 25% VAT is ridiculous though. Id be sneaking in a bike piece by piece lol

25 years ago I did most of the work on my cars, but with a high performance bike it's different. Very seldom have the time, don't have a place or the proper tools to do much more than bolt on mods. That's how things are today anyway, but I listen, watch and learn every day - hopefully somewhere down the road I will do more myself - because it is really satisfying to be able to - I know that much.

I agree on the VAT - if that wasn't bad enough, there is luxury and "green" taxes on vehicles = my bike cost about $10,000 plus 25% at the dealer, but if I want to have license plates and ride it there is another $12,500 added. (Goes into governmental spending, common good I hope)

Thank you very much for trying to kickstart my do-it-myself adventures, it actually helps - little by little.